Relocating a Cat Internationally: A Practical Guide for 2026
Cats are adaptable travellers, but they also have specific anxieties that make the process slightly different from moving a dog. Here’s what you need to know.
In-cabin vs cargo
Cats are more likely than dogs to qualify for cabin travel on international flights, simply because they’re smaller. Many cats and their carriers fall within the 7-8kg combined limit that most airlines use for in-cabin pets. If your cat is eligible for cabin travel on your route, this is usually preferable to cargo - less noise, less temperature variation, and less isolation.
However, not all routes allow cabin pets, and not all airlines have the same policies. Confirm with your specific airline, your specific route, and your specific booking class. Some airlines only allow cabin pets in economy, not business or premium economy.
Crate training for cats
Cats that have never been in a carrier will find travel far more stressful than cats that are comfortable in one. Introduce the carrier weeks before travel. Leave it out in a familiar room with bedding inside. Feed the cat near the carrier and then inside it. Most cats will voluntarily enter and rest in a carrier they associate with comfort.
Documentation
Cats need the same documentation as dogs for most destinations (microchip, vaccination records, health certificate, government endorsement), with a few exceptions:
- Tapeworm treatment (1-5 days before EU entry) applies to dogs only - not cats
- Some countries’ health certificates have cat-specific formats vs dog-specific formats - check which your vet uses
Quarantine countries
Cats in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan face the same quarantine processes as dogs. The documentation timeline is identical. In Australia, cats and dogs use the same quarantine facility (Mickleham). In Singapore, separate approved quarantine facilities handle cats.
Settling in at the destination
Cats can take several weeks to feel settled in a new home. Set up a single room initially with the familiar carrier, bedding, food, and litter tray. Let the cat explore from this base rather than releasing into an unfamiliar entire house immediately. Gradual expansion of the territory over days or weeks reduces stress.