Taking your Cat to
Australia from the UK
Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Moving your cat from the UK to Australia is a complex but achievable process, that requires a minimum six-month preparation timeline of mandatory vet procedures, blood tests, and documentation to protect Australia’s unique ecosystem.
Because the process is detailed, time-sensitive, and unforgiving, we recommend starting the process 9–10 months before your planned flight date. A single error can result in extended quarantine or, worse, refusal of entry.
Whether you're relocating with a British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Persian, or domestic mixed-breed cat, this comprehensive guide covers all Australian import requirements for felines traveling from the UK.
At AHC London we have partnered with PetsAbroad, to offer a complete solution so that you won’t have to deal with the complexity of the process and ensure your pet meets every Australian Government (DAFF) requirement for a safe and timely arrival.
**📅 Last Updated: February 2026** | *All information verified with current DAFF regulations*
Phase 1: Critical First Steps & The 180-Day Countdown
This phase must be started at least 6 months (180 days) before the earliest possible export date.
1. Check Eligibility: Banned Breeds & Mandatory Microchip
Prohibited Breeds: The Australian Government strictly prohibits the import of domestic / non-domestic animal hybrids, such as:
Serval cats (Felis serval)
Savannah cats (Felis serval x Felis catus)
Safari cats (Oncifelis geoffroyi x)
Chausie (Felis chaus x)
Bengal cats (Felis catus x Prionailurus bengalensis) unless it’s proven that the cat is five generations or more removed from the pure-bred Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
ISO Microchip Implantation: Your cat must have an ISO-compliant microchip or transponder (15 digits). This must be implanted before any other preparations (vaccinations, blood samples) begin. The chip must be scanned at every single vet appointment and recorded on all documentation.
2. Rabies Vaccination & The RNATT Test
Since the UK is a Category 3 country, a current rabies vaccination is mandatory.
Vaccination: Your cat must be vaccinated against rabies by a vet (any vet can vaccinate your pet against Rabies - no special qualifications are required).
RNATT Blood Sample: 3–4 weeks after vaccination, a blood sample must be taken for the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT). This test checks for protective antibodies and it’s valid for one year. The test sample must be sent to an approved laboratory (APHA Weybridge, Biobest or IDEXX in Germany).
The Waiting Period: Australia requires a mandatory 180-day waiting period starting from the date the successful RNATT blood sample is received by the laboratory. Your cat cannot travel until this period is complete.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you are planning to get your pet vaccinated, please note that Rabies and routine vaccinations should not be given on the same day, as they may invalidate each other.
⭐ How to Reduce Quarantine from 30 Days to 10 Days ⭐
The official minimum quarantine stay is 30 days at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. However, you can reduce this to a minimum of 10 days by completing a critical step, called OV66 ID Check.
During this process, your cat’s identity has to be verified twice by two independent Government Approved Veterinarians (OV66) BEFORE the blood sample for the RNATT is taken. This check proves the microchipped cat is the one undergoing the entire preparation process.
More information about this process can be found on our dedicated page.
Phase 2: Documentation & Logistics
Once your RNATT results have returned successful, you can move forward with the next steps: applying for the Import Permit (IP) and booking your quarantine accommodation.
If you’ve chosen our Complete Package, we’ll handle both applications on your behalf.
3. Apply for the Import Permit
You must apply for an Import Permit from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
When to Apply: Apply after you have confirmation of the successful RNATT results, but ensure the permit is valid for your travel date. Processing times can take several weeks (up to 12 weeks during peak season).
4. Book Quarantine Accommodation
All cats entering Australia must serve their quarantine period at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne, Victoria.
Spaces are limited and must be booked well in advance, immediately after your Import Permit is issued, to secure your desired travel dates.
Phase 3: Final Pre-Export Preparations (Within 45 Days)
These time-critical procedures must be performed by a UK Government Approved Veterinarian (OV).
External Parasite Treatment (Ticks/Fleas)
Treatment started at least 21 days before export and maintained until departure, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Must use an approved product effective against ticks and fleas.
Internal Parasite Treatment (Worming)
Two treatments required:
1st treatment within 45 days of export.
2nd treatment within 5 days of export.
The two treatments must be spaced at least 14 days apart.
Phase 4: The Final Countdown (Within 5 Days of Flight)
5. Final Veterinary Health Check + Export Health Certificate (DEFRA Official Travel Document)
An OV Vet must perform a final clinical examination within 5 days of the cat’s export date to confirm the dog is fit to travel and free of parasites or infectious disease.
This is the best time to administer the second mandatory Internal Parasite (worming) treatment.
At the end of the visit, the vet will complete the Export Health Certificate (EHC). This is the official sign-off confirming all legal requirements have been met, and your cat is now ready to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Cats cannot be more than 40 days pregnant at the time of export. Nursing cats with kittens cannot travel. If your cat is pregnant or nursing, you'll need to delay travel until after weaning.
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The absolute minimum time is 180 days (6 months), which begins on the day your cat’s successful RNATT blood sample arrives at the lab. However, accounting for vet scheduling, permit application processing, and quarantine booking, we recommend starting 8 to 10 months in advance.
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Your cat requires a current rabies vaccination followed by the RNATT blood test (3-4 weeks after vaccination). Unlike dogs, cats do NOT require Leptospira vaccination or Brucella canis testing. However, cats must be up to date with routine feline vaccinations (e.g., FVRCP) for travel fitness.
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Yes. All cats from the UK (Group 3 country) must complete a mandatory stay at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. The minimum duration is 10 days if the pre-RNATT Identity Checks (OV66) are completed, or 30 days if these checks are missed. Cats stay in climate-controlled enclosures with daily monitoring.
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The UK government agency responsible for endorsing the final Veterinary Health Certificate (EHC) and all supporting documents is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This endorsement must be completed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 5 days of export. All of our vets are OV and OV66 certified, and handle feline exports to Australia regularly.
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For cats, external parasite treatment (ticks and fleas) must begin at least 21 days before export (not 30 days like dogs). The treatment must be maintained until departure using an approved product effective against both ticks and fleas.
Why Choosing Us for Your Australia Cat Relocation?
The process of taking a cat to Australia is detailed and the Australian government enforces its rules strictly. We at AHC Specialists have joined forces with PetsAbroadUK, to offer you a Complete Solution, for your peace of mind 🧘🏻
✅ Compliance Guarantee: We handle all paperwork and logistics, ensuring every test, vaccination, and treatment is done on the correct day, by the correct type of veterinarian, and within the required timeframes.
📆 10-Day Quarantine Eligibility: We guide you through the critical OV66 ID Check required to minimise your cat's quarantine stay to the shortest possible time.
🧑🏻⚖️ OV Certification: Our Official Veterinarians (OVs) will can care of all the veterinary requirements, from taking the Rabies Blood sample, to the RNATT declaration, and the final process to obtain and provide you with the Export Health Certificate from DEFRA.
😌 Stress-Free Journey: From IATA crate selection to flight booking and liaising with the Mickleham facility, we manage the entire process so you can focus on your move.