How Much Will It Cost to Ship My Cat? (2026 Update)
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When planning to move to a distant town or take a cat home from a breeder or rescue in another state, shipping your cat may be the only way to go. You have a few choices when it comes to shipping a cat since it can be done via air, land, or a pet shipping company. In most cases, you’ll need to find someone to transport your cat to the airport or pick your pet up at a specific location.
Depending on what way you decide to go, shipping a cat can cost anywhere from $150 to thousands of dollars. Continue reading to learn more about shipping costs for a cat, as well as some other pertinent information on the topic.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Cat?
As stated earlier, the cost you’ll have to pay to transport your cat will vary depending on the mode of transportation you decide to use. The cost will also vary according to how long the trip will be and the length of time it will take for your cat to arrive at your destination of choice. Below, we’ll break down the different modes of transportation you can choose from and the cost associated with each.
All the cost estimates below are based on domestic shipping within the continental US. Naturally, shipping a cat internationally is much more expensive and complicated.
Shipping a Cat by Air
Most of the major airlines have similar pet transportation policies and costs. Cats are welcome onboard with most airlines and can be transported in an airline-approved cat carrier that fits under the seat in the cabin. This is a more affordable option for shipping a cat on an airline, but you may have to pay someone to travel with your cat. Flying with a cat in the cabin will cost at least $125–$150, depending on the airline you use. However, you'll also have to pay for the passenger’s airline ticket.
The more expensive option is shipping your cat in the plane's cargo area. Depending on your airline, the cost can be anywhere from $200–$300. On top of that, you may also have to hire someone to pick your cat up at the airport at the final destination.
Shipping a Cat by Ground
Nowadays, it’s easy to find companies in the United States that provide ground transportation services for pets like dogs and cats. These animals are typically transported in a climate-controlled vehicle to ensure their comfort during transport.
It can cost as little as $2,200 for a shorter day trip and as much as $6,400 for a cross-country journey. If you choose ground transportation for a cross-country trip for your cat, you may be charged extra for a few overnight stays in pet hotels.
While ground transportation isn’t the cheapest option, it is a viable choice if you can’t find anyone to fly with your cat or simply don’t want your cat traveling on a jet. The price of ground transportation can vary depending on the fuel costs, the distance of the trip, and administration fees.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
It costs around $100 to pay for a vet checkup and a cat health certificate. If you don’t have a cat carrier, you'll pay around $50–$200 for a new one, and disposable pee pads cost about $15 for a pack of 50.
The Importance of Shipping Your Cat Safely
The entire process of shipping a cat must go as smoothly as possible from the minute you drop them off until they're picked up at the end of the journey. It’s perfectly natural to feel anxious about shipping your cat because you want the trip to go quickly, comfortably, and as stress-free as possible.
The key to making the whole shipping process unfold is to plan ahead. You should ensure you have plenty of food and water on hand, pee pads for your cat, and all the paperwork required for the trip.
Having your cat checked over by a veterinarian to ensure they're up for the trip is a good idea. Inform the vet that your cat is about to embark on a big journey and ask for travel tips.
Your vet may suggest following a specific diet before the trip to ensure your cat doesn’t get an upset stomach while traveling. It’s also possible that your vet may prescribe a sedative or suggest you use a calming spray to help your cat cope with the travel.
While you’re at the vet, ask for a pet health certificate that may be needed to ship your cat across state lines. This certificate indicates that your cat is fit for travel and shows no signs of diseases that can be passed on to other animals or people.
How Far Can a Cat Be Shipped?
You want to get your cat from point A to point B as quickly and comfortably as possible. If you are shipping your cat by air, most airlines cap the length of time pets can travel on their flights at around 12 hours.
If you will be using ground transport, you’ll have to work directly with the company you choose to ensure your cat makes it to your destination as quickly and comfortably as possible. If you are transporting your cat by ground across the country, use a roomy and comfy pet carrier with plenty of food, treats, pee pads, or a litter box.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Shipments?
Most pet insurance companies don’t cover cat shipments in their policies. However, if you’re using a pet transportation service that transports cats in vans or pet taxis, the company will likely include travel insurance in the shipment quote or cost $20–$100 per month.
Even if that amount seems high, it’s worth it as you’ll have insurance in case something happens. Some issues that could occur with a cat during travel include unexpected injuries, heat stroke, hypothermia, and motion sickness. If you have trip insurance coverage for your cat, the costs of treating your pet will be covered in full.
What to Do to Make the Trip Comfortable for Your Cat
Cats don’t like to travel, unlike most dogs. Your cat is likely to feel stressed during the upcoming trip. In addition to buying a comfortable carrier, make sure your cat has their favorite food, special treats, and a favorite toy or blanket to cuddle with.
Don’t neglect to take your cat to the vet for a checkup and health certificate. Even if you think your cat is healthy and fit for travel, they may suffer from something you can’t see, such as a urinary tract problem that makes it hard to pee.
Conclusion
Even though cats aren’t fond of travel, sometimes you are left with no options other than shipping your cat from one location to another. While it's expensive to ship a cat by airline or ground transportation, it’s a cost you’ll have to incur, so plan ahead. If all goes as planned, your beloved cat will travel like a pro and do just fine when they arrive at the final destination!
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Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
