Taking Cats To China » Fly Your Cat to China from UK
Planning to bring your cat to China? Here’s what you need to know.
China has specific requirements for cats entering the country, including a 30 day pre export isolation period at your UK home before departure. We’ve been helping people transport their cats to China for over 30 years, so we know exactly what the authorities need and how to make sure everything’s documented properly.
The process takes some planning, particularly around the isolation period, but that’s what we’re here for. We are here to guide you through each step.
Give us a ring on 01206 330332 if you’d like to talk it through.
Flying Cats To China From The UK
Cats travelling to China must fly as cargo, in line with airline rules and IATA Live Animals Regulations. This means your cat travels in a pressurised, temperature controlled part of the aircraft that is designed specifically for live animals.
Your cat will travel in an IATA compliant travel crate that allows them to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. We can supply plastic airline approved crates or build bespoke wooden crates in our own workshops, depending on what suits your cat best.
We can collect your cat from your home or breeder anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales. If you prefer, you can deliver your cat to us directly, or we can meet you at Heathrow Airport on the day of departure.
What China Requires For Cat Travel
China has strict and very specific import rules for cats, and these are checked carefully on arrival.
- Only one pet per passport is permitted entry into the People’s Republic of China. The person collecting the cat at the airport must be the same person named on the import paperwork, and their name must match exactly across the passport, flight booking and veterinary documents.
- Your cat must be microchipped before any vaccinations are given. The microchip number must appear on all veterinary certificates so your cat can be correctly identified throughout the process.
- A current rabies vaccination is required, with the most recent vaccination given at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before the date of travel.
- Cats must also be vaccinated against feline infectious rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and feline enteritis. These vaccinations are commonly given as a combined RCP vaccine and must be administered within the same 30 day to 12 month window before travel.
- An Import Permit from the Chinese authorities is required before travel. We can assist with this and guide you through what is needed, as the paperwork must be completed precisely.
- China also requires a pre export home isolation period. In practice, this means your cat must remain at your UK home for 30 days before travel and must not come into contact with other animals that are not similarly certified. A declaration is signed to confirm your cat has shown no signs of illness during this period.
- Fetchapet will guide you through the isolation process and coordinate the required veterinary visits, which typically involve several checks at your home during the isolation period.
- A DEFRA Export Health Certificate must be issued by an Official Veterinarian within the required timeframe before departure. We provide clear guidance and templates to help your vet complete this correctly.
Approved Entry Airports In China
Cats can only enter China through specific international airports. These currently include Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Guangzhou.
When all import requirements are met correctly, cats from the UK are normally released to their owners on arrival. While Chinese regulations reference quarantine as a default measure, cats that arrive fully compliant with vaccination, documentation and inspection requirements are typically not subject to extended quarantine.
Your cat must arrive in China within 14 days of the arrival of the owner listed on the paperwork. This timing is important and needs to be planned carefully.
How Much Does It Cost To Fly A Cat To China?
The cost of flying a cat from the UK to China usually falls between £1,400 and £1,650. The final price depends on factors such as crate size, airline routing and destination airport.
We are happy to provide a personalised quotation once we have a few details about your cat and your travel plans.
We Are Here To Help
We know that handing your cat over for an international flight is not easy. They are part of your family, and we treat them that way.
Whether you need full support from start to finish or help with specific parts of the process, our service is tailored to you and your cat. Our focus is always on welfare, accuracy and clear communication.
You can call us on 01206 330332 or email info@fetchapet.co.uk. We are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, and we usually reply to emails outside those hours too.
FAQs About Flying Cats To China
When all requirements are met correctly, including vaccinations, home isolation and documentation, cats arriving from the UK are usually released to their owners without extended quarantine. The key is getting everything right before travel.
Your cat must arrive in China within 14 days of your arrival, and the person collecting the cat must be the same person named on all the paperwork. Planning the timing carefully is very important.
Most cats cope better than owners expect. Once loaded, the environment is calm, dark and quiet. The cargo hold is pressurised and temperature controlled, and the crate setup allows your cat to settle and rest during the journey.
