Official Import Rules
The US has no federal quarantine for cats. Cats must appear healthy on arrival. Hawaii and Guam impose their own quarantine requirements for all cats, even from the US mainland.
Unlike dogs, there is currently no federal rabies vaccination requirement for cats, though individual states and airlines may require it. USDA APHIS Veterinary Services has no animal health import requirements for pet cats entering the United States from a foreign country. All cats entering by air are subject to CDC and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) inspection at the port of entry — CDC is the primary federal authority governing animal health at the border.
The CDC updated dog import rules in August 2024, but cat rules remain comparatively simple. A veterinary health certificate is not a federal requirement — the CDC does not require a general certificate of health for cats entering the US — but most airlines and some states require one. If your airline requires it, it must be issued within 10 days of travel.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. Not a federal requirement for cats entering the US — may be required by your airline or destination state. Confirm with your carrier before travel.
Rabies vaccination
Not federally required for US entry — CDC does not require proof of rabies vaccination for cat importation. Vaccination is recommended and may be required by your airline or destination state. Confirm requirements with your carrier and destination before travel.
Health certificate
Not required by US federal law — CDC does not require a general certificate of health for cats entering the US. However, most airlines and some states require one. If required by your airline, it must be issued within 10 days of travel by an accredited vet.
Travel
Arrive at designated port with all original documentation. Cats are subject to CDC and CBP inspection at the port of entry.
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
The mainland US does not quarantine cats from any country provided they appear healthy on arrival. However, Hawaii and Guam impose their own quarantine requirements for all cats, regardless of origin — including cats arriving from the US mainland. If you are travelling to Hawaii or Guam, research those requirements well in advance of your trip.
City & Housing Tips
New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland are among the most cat-friendly US cities with abundant pet-friendly apartments (most landlords accept cats with a deposit), excellent veterinary care, and numerous pet supply stores. Many US apartments charge a pet deposit ($200–500) and monthly pet rent ($25–50). Websites like Apartments.com and Zillow allow filtering for pet-friendly rentals.
Vets & Common Parasites
The US has world-class veterinary care available in every major city. For international travel health certificates, you need a USDA-accredited veterinarian (find one at the USDA APHIS website). Emergency 24-hour clinics are available in most metro areas. Common parasites include fleas, ticks (particularly in the Southeast), heartworm, and roundworm. Year-round flea/tick prevention is recommended.
Find Vets in United StatesExit Rules — Leaving United States
Exit requirements depend entirely on the destination country, not the US. The USDA APHIS must endorse health certificates for most international destinations. Schedule an appointment with a USDA-accredited vet 10 days before departure, then submit documents to your local USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office for endorsement. Processing takes 2-7 business days. Some countries require the USDA endorsement to be followed by consular legalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no federal requirement for rabies vaccination for cats entering the US. The CDC does not require proof of rabies vaccination for cat importation. However, most airlines and some states require it. Always check with your airline and destination state to confirm their requirements.
Yes, most US airlines allow cats in-cabin on domestic and international flights for a fee of $125–200.
Not required by US federal law — the CDC does not require a general certificate of health for cats entering the US. However, most airlines and some states require one. If your airline requires it, it must be issued within 10 days of travel by an accredited veterinarian.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to United States 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.