Official Import Rules
Qatar requires cats to be over 7 months old at the time of arrival. This is a formal eligibility condition for the import permit, reflecting the time needed to complete rabies vaccination, the mandatory post-vaccination wait, and the 90-day post-blood-draw period.
An ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before the titer blood draw, and not more than 12 months old at travel), and a rabies titer test (RNATT/RSNT, ≥0.5 IU/ml) are required. After the blood draw, the animal must wait a mandatory 90 days before traveling. The total preparation timeline from first rabies vaccination to entry is approximately 4–5 months minimum.
Required vaccinations are rabies plus the FVRCP series (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia). Feline leukemia vaccination is recommended for your cat's safety but is not a mandatory entry requirement.
An import permit from the Ministry of Municipality's Department of Animal Resources must be obtained before travel. A government-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is also required. Documents may need to be authenticated by the Qatari embassy. Arrival must be through Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Minimum Age Requirement
Cats must be over 7 months old at the time of arrival in Qatar. This is a formal eligibility condition for obtaining an import permit from the Ministry of Municipality's Department of Animal Resources.
The 7-month minimum reflects the time required to complete the full pre-travel medical process:
- Rabies vaccination at 3 months of age (earliest)
- Wait 30+ days after vaccination before the rabies titer blood draw
- Wait a mandatory 90 days after the blood draw before travel
Kittens younger than 7 months cannot have completed this sequence and are therefore ineligible for an import permit.
Medical Roadmap
Confirm cat is over 7 months old at time of arrival
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination — wait 30+ days before titer blood draw
Rabies titer test (RNATT/RSNT, ≥0.5 IU/ml) — then wait mandatory 90 days before travel
Apply for import permit from Ministry of Municipality (after titer test, during 90-day wait)
Health certificate within 10 days of travel
Government endorsement of health certificate
Arrive at Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Preparation Checklist
5+ months before (start here)
4 months before (after 30-day post-vaccine wait)
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Tips
Doha is the primary destination. Qatar has excellent vet facilities with several international-standard clinics. The expat community is very large and pet ownership is common in compounds and apartments. Indoor cats recommended due to extreme heat.
Vets & Common Parasites
Good veterinary care in Doha with several modern clinics. The Qatar Veterinary Center is government-run. Private clinics offer high-quality care. Summer heat is extreme — AC essential. Hamad International Airport has animal handling facilities.
Find Vets in QatarExit Rules — Leaving Qatar
Exit requires a health certificate from a licensed Qatari vet and an export permit from the Ministry of Municipality. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Qatar Airways only transports animals as cargo through their Doha Animal Reception Centre. Plan accordingly — this adds cost.
Yes. Qatar's expat community is large and pet ownership is common. Many compounds and villas welcome cats. Doha has several excellent vet clinics.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C. Cats must be indoor-only with reliable AC. Winter months (Nov–Mar) are pleasant and cats can enjoy enclosed balconies.
Community Tips
The full Qatar preparation timeline is 4–5 months minimum. The rabies vaccination must be given 30+ days before the titer blood draw, and after the blood draw you must wait a mandatory 90 days before your cat can travel. Start this process as early as possible — do not leave it to the last few weeks.
Have you moved to Qatar with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.