Cat Academy

How Can I Ship a Cat to Another State: A Safe, Smooth Guide

Your cat scuttles around partially filled boxes, its whiskers twitching at the sound of packing paper rustling. You’ve booked your flight and rented your moving van. Still, you have a bigger question: how can I ship a cat to another state without making the process stressful for you and your fur baby? Lucky for you, we’re about to discuss a clear, step-by-step guide to meet your pet’s needs, your legal needs, and your peace of mind.

Assess Your Cat’s Travel Readiness

Check if your cat is mentally and physically ready to travel before looking for shipping options. If you skip this step, it could result in stress, health problems, or even postponing your moving day.

Assess Your Cat’s Behavior

Check your cat’s temperament by taking short car rides or going for walks with a stroller. Does your cat ride calmly in the car or scratch at the door? Also, watch for their hiding behavior. Cats that run under a bed at the slightest noise might require additional desensitization.

Lastly, test your cat’s adaptability. Take your whiskered buddy to a friend’s quiet living room or a safe porch to see how well they adapt to their environment.

Consider Age and Health

Take your kitty’s age and health into account. Kittens younger than 8 to 10 weeks old frequently haven’t finished their vaccination series and may not be allowed in many states. Older cats with arthritis might find it difficult to climb into a crate. Low-entry carriers or ramps can help.

If your cat has diabetes, asthma, or heart problems, visit a vet clinic before traveling. Getting their thumbs up will help your trip go smoothly and keep your cat healthy.

Know When to Hold Off

If your cat is seriously ill or has undergone surgery, wait until your vet says your pet is fully recovered to avoid complications. Also, if your cat exhibits signs of severe anxiety—like spraying, pacing, or aggressive behavior—give at least two weeks of crate training and calming techniques before scheduling transportation. When it comes to pregnant cats, they should only travel if their veterinarian gives the okay. It’s best to do this before they reach the last part of their pregnancy to prevent any stress that could lead to early labor.

Know the Health and Legal Requirements

Taking a cat across state lines requires more paperwork than you might think. If you don’t fill out a form, your pet could end up in quarantine or pay a hefty fine. Here are some tips to help you keep up with the regulations.

State-to-State Regulations

Rules vary from state to state. Even so, you need to have the following documents at hand:

Health certificate: A USDA-approved document issued within 10 days of travel. It must include information about vaccinations, a microchip ID, and the animal’s overall health status.
Proof of vaccination: Rabies vaccination is practically mandatory. Some places require extra vaccines, such as Bordetella or feline leukemia.
Breed restrictions: Breeds deemed “dangerous” are prohibited or subject to regulations in some states. Check local rules at your destination to prevent last-minute rejections.

USDA vs. Airline Guidelines

You might think one form is enough, but you often need two. These are:

USDA Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI): This is the federal form that proves your cat is healthy enough to travel between states.
Airline Forms: Every carrier has sets of documents, which may include a separate health declaration, maximum weight, and crate dimensions.
Emotional support and service animals: If your cat qualifies as an emotional support or service animal, provide more affidavits or letters of diagnosis based on the airline’s rules.

Schedule a Vet Visit

To allow time for any missed vaccinations or lab tests, schedule the veterinary visit seven to ten days before your move. Request at least two certified copies of each document: one for you, one for the transporter, and one to keep on your phone.

At the clinic, scan your cat to confirm the chip ID matches the information on the documents. If it doesn’t, they may not let you get on.

How Can I Ship My Cat Most Efficiently?

Now that you know the requirements, you might wonder how to ship your cat easily. You have three shipping options to pick from: land transport, air cargo, and commercial pet transport. Your choice lies in your priorities—cost, speed, or stress level. Compare these three main choices to find the one that works best for you.

Ground Transport

Cost: Ranging between $200 and $800, depending on the distance and the company’s reputation.
Timing: For most moves under 1,500 miles, expect transit in 1–3 days.
Service method: Climate-controlled vans, door-to-door pickup and delivery.
Stress level: Low to medium if your cat can handle steady vehicle motion and doesn’t mind loud airport noises.

Air Cargo

Cost: $150 to $600, depending on fuel or seasonal surcharges.
Timing: The fastest choice; most domestic flights get you to your destination on the same day or the next day.
Crate requirements: Must be IATA-approved, made of rigid plastic with locks that work and ventilation on at least three sides.
Stress Level: Medium to high due to crew handling and noise at the airport. This option is ideal for quick trips or when you need to move something urgently.

Commercial Pet Transport

Cost: The best prices start at $500 and can go up to $2,000 for service from coast to coast.
Timing: Usually 1–3 days, with customized routes and rest stops.
Included Services: Pre-trip vet checks, door-to-door pickup, vehicles with climate control, and sometimes even video updates.
Stress Level: Low; professional caregivers handle everything, reducing your involvement.

Method	Cost Range	Transit Speed	Stress Level
Ground Transport	$200–$800	1–3 days	Low to Medium
Air Cargo	$150–$600	Same day–24h	Medium to High
Commercial Pet Transport	$500–$2,000+	1–3 days	Low

Prepare Your Cat for the Journey

A scared cat can become a calm traveler with proper preparation. Start planning a few weeks before your travel day to feel more confident and reduce stress on the trip.

Carrier Familiarization

Leave the carrier open in their favorite room as if it were a cozy nook. Put treats, dried bonito flakes, or catnip toys inside the crate on different days so your cat learns that the crate is a great place to be. Once your cat is comfortable using the crate, put it in your car for five minutes at a time, then slowly increase the duration to 30 to 45 minutes.

Feeding and Hydration Schedule

Feed your cat a small meal about 4 to 6 hours before departure. This way, they won’t get too hungry, but you also won’t overfill their stomach. You should also remove the food from the crate before shipping to lower the risk of motion sickness and prevent mishaps.

Don’t forget to bring a small water dispenser that connects to crate bars for journeys longer than six hours. That way, they still have fresh water until loading time.

Calming Tools and Techniques

Use pheromone sprays. You can get them as plug-ins or mists. Spray a light mist inside the crate about 15 minutes before putting your pet in. You may also use a compression shirt. Try wrapping your cat in a snug, breathable fabric, just like a “thunder shirt” designed for pets. It will keep them at ease during travel.

Finally, consider giving your pet some natural supplements. Before you do, consult your veterinarian about options like L-theanine chews or melatonin. They can help you determine the right amount to start with and see if these might help your cat calm down.

Choose and Prepare the Carrier

The carrier is your cat’s temporary home. Choose one that follows the rules and feels like a safe place.

IATA Compliance

To ensure you get the perfect carrier and comply with IATA, check the following:

Inside dimensions: Your cat should be able to stand, turn 360 degrees, and lie flat without touching the borders.
Ventilation: There should be openings on at least three sides to allow air in; mesh panels aren’t enough for air cargo.
Security: Each side should have two interlocking feature points, and the best ones are metal fasteners that can handle rough handling.

Comfort Touches

Since the carrier will be your cat’s home for the next few hours or days, your fur baby should be comfortable while in it. Throw in these extra touches to keep them comfy:

Bedding: Use a thin, washable pad or towel to keep your cat from getting stuck in it.
Familiar Scent: Place something your cat sleeps with, like a small blanket or a plush toy, in its bed to help it feel at home.
Accident Protection: Put absorbent puppy pads on the bottom to catch any surprises. If the trip lasts more than eight hours, add another layer.

Proper Labeling

You’ve done your job as a cat parent to keep them comfy in the carrier, but your task isn’t over. Do the following to make sure your kitty won’t be missing:

“Live Animal” stickers: Place on all four sides, along with bright “This Way Up” arrows.
Contact information: Write your name, cell phone number, and destination address on the top and sides of the carrier.
Emergency instructions: Place a sleeve inside the crate with your vet’s name, phone number, and any special instructions for handling the cat (for example, “Quiet cat—minimize loud noises”).

Tips for a Smooth Travel Day

It can feel like running a marathon in slow motion on travel day. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you keep things running smoothly.

Morning Routine

In the morning, spend 10 to 15 minutes of interactive playtime on the day of your trip. Use a feather wand or a laser toy to use up nervous energy.

After that, get the cat to use the potty box. Place it near the carrier so they can easily get to it and use it one last time before leaving. Also, give your feline a small bowl of water up to 30 minutes before loading, then take it away to stop spills.

At Check-In (Airport or Ground Terminal)

To avoid rushing through inspections, plan to arrive one hour before ground pickup or 90 minutes before flight check-in. Place all the vet forms, health certificates, and booking confirmations in one clear folder. Before sealing the crate, verify if the microchip number matches the paperwork by using a scanner or asking staff to do so.

Preventing Delays

Choose off-peak travel windows. There are usually fewer flights and less traffic on mid-week mornings, which lowers the chance of missing connections.

Also, prepare a go-bag. Pack treats, a refillable water bowl, extra puppy pads, and digital copies of all your documents on your phone. Lastly, text or email pickup and delivery contacts two hours before arrival to confirm windows and make sure there are no missed transfers.

Tracking and After-Arrival Care

Shipping your cat doesn’t stop when the crate doors open. To make sure the move is calm and healthy, do the following:

Keep an Eye on Your Cat’s Health

Most airlines and shipping companies let you track your package online. Check for updates every few hours. You may request visual proof at key checkpoints. Make sure to save the contact information for the transportation company that’s available 24/7, your veterinarian’s phone number, and the contact for your destination in your phone so you can reach them quickly if needed.

Help Your Cat Settle in Your New Home

Set up a quiet recovery room for your whiskered buddy. To help them get used to their new home, put their carrier, litter box, food, water, and favorite toys nearby.

Let your cat come out by itself. Don’t force and pull it out. Open the carrier door and step back until it is ready. To help your cat feel secure in your new home, stick to regular meal times, play sessions, and cuddles.

When to Call the Vet

If your pet hasn’t eaten or drunk anything in 24 hours, it could be a sign of severe stress or other issues. Another indication is when your cat vomits or poops more often than they used to. It could mean motion sickness or dehydration. The last sign is when your cat hides, pants, or hisses excessively. Take them to a vet to stop minor stress from turning into a health crisis.

Final Thoughts

It may seem challenging to learn how to ship a cat to another state, but having a clear plan can help you feel more at ease and secure. Prepare your cat, complete the necessary medical and legal paperwork, and hire the best transportation method to ensure your move goes smoothly. The key is to prepare well. It means training your cat to feel comfortable in their carrier, making sure they are relaxed during travel, and keeping their usual routines in mind to help them feel at ease on the day of the move. A quiet, familiar space and a regular schedule will help your cat settle in quickly and happily once you get there.

If you follow these steps, sending your cat will be a fun and stress-free experience for both of you. Ready for the easiest move you will ever make? Look at our selection of high-quality bed mats and travel-ready carriers to keep your cat purring all the way.