Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
Hybrid cats (serval, savannah, bengal) are prohibited from import into many countries and are banned from carriage by a number of airlines.
What you need to transport a cat to another country:
1. Pet passport
2. Chip (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
3. Vaccinations:
- Rabies
- Complex against panleukopenia, calicivirus and viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus infection) of cats.
After vaccination with both the rabies vaccine and the complex vaccine, at least 21 days must pass before you can get a certificate for leaving from your veterinarian (if this is a revaccination before the expiration of the previous vaccination, then quarantine is not required, including if revaccinated due to the installation of a chip).
4. Some countries require an additional rabies titer test to confirm that the cat has developed all the necessary antibodies after the rabies vaccination and to confirm that the cat will not become infected with rabies if in contact with an infected animal. This test is done 30 days, not including the day of vaccination, after the last rabies vaccination in an accredited laboratory.
Check in advance the rules for importing animals to your destination country so that you can have time to do this serological test if necessary.
5. 5-7 days before the trip, the cat must obtain a veterinary certificate for exit. To do this, visit a veterinary clinic.
There, your cat will be examined, its chip will be scanned, all necessary documents and vaccinations will be checked, and a certificate will be issued stating that the animal is ready to travel.
With all these documents and your cat, you must pass veterinary control at the land border: at the airport, seaport, or international train station.
How to prepare for travel
Find a comfortable carrier that is approved by your airline
If you are carrying a cat in the cabin of an airplane, then the carrier can be soft with ventilation holes (or mesh) on three sides. It should not have a rigid frame, so that if something happens, it can be pressed to the size of the calibrator, but it should not be completely shapeless.
Put an absorbent diaper in the carrier, and do not forget to take a few spare ones in your hand luggage.
According to the transportation rules that most airlines have, you must secure the carrier with ties. It is worth putting an absorbent diaper on the bottom, it is advisable to secure it.
Put a favorite toy in the carrier. Show the carrier to the cat in advance and play together so that the cat gets used to the “temporary home”.
Take a harness with you
To simplify the transfer of the cat within the airport or at the veterinary control, we recommend purchasing an anatomical harness. It should not contain any metal elements, otherwise you may be asked to remove it when passing through the security checkpoints.
What to feed and water a cat during transportation
It is not recommended to feed your cat before the flight, the last meal should be at least 3 hours before departure.
Feeding during the trip can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but you should not completely refuse food to avoid problems with the digestive tract. It is advisable for the cat to eat at least once every 12 hours.
Wet cat treats in long packages are good as food, they are easy to transport and easy to feed the cat if necessary.
For water, you should buy a collapsible bowl for the trip and carefully water the cat from it during stops. Travel drinking bowls in the form of bottles with a cup are good for dogs, but in the case of cats they are extremely ineffective, when stressed, they refuse to drink from them.
Cat litter box while traveling
When stressed, a cat may not go to the toilet for a long time and often prefers to hold it in and not soil the diaper in the carrier.
The toilet problem can be solved by buying a collapsible tray and taking some filler with you. It is worth using it in quiet, calm places where you can be alone from other people and where no one will disturb the cat.
Some airports have special toilets for cats and dogs, which have trays and fillers for the trays, and the toilets themselves are regularly disinfected.
If you are traveling with a cat by plane, please check the airline regulations here.
Sedatives
Sedatives can be given to your pet strictly as prescribed by a veterinarian. But please note that many airlines do not accept animals under sedation on board, because this can be dangerous to their health and life.
To reduce stress, it is better to accustom the cat to the carrier in advance, and on the day of the trip, put an item of clothing with your scent or a favorite old toy in there.
And remember, the best calming agent for a cat is your peace of mind!
