Pet cats (live) 🇦🇺 Australia
Cats may only enter Australia from approved countries and must undergo mandatory quarantine of at least 10 days.
Can I bring Pet cats (live) into Australia?
Cats may only enter Australia from approved countries and must undergo mandatory quarantine of at least 10 days.
Maximum 2 cats per import permit for personal travel
- Import permit (DAFF)
- ISO microchip certificate
- Rabies vaccination records
- Rabies neutralising antibody titre test (FAVN/RFFIT) result
- Parasite treatment certificates
- Veterinary health certificate
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Australia's Biosecurity Act 2015 and DAFF import conditions impose among the world's strictest pet import rules. Cats must come from an approved country (e.g. UK, US, NZ), have a microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination, rabies titre test (blood test) at least 180 days before arrival, internal/external parasite treatments, and an import permit issued by DAFF. Cats arriving from non-approved countries face additional conditions or may not be eligible. A mandatory quarantine period of minimum 10 days is served at the Mickleham facility in Victoria at the owner's expense.
Start the process at least 6 months before travel — the titre test must be done 180+ days before arrival. Apply for the import permit through DAFF well in advance and book quarantine accommodation early as spaces are limited.
Maximum 2 cats per import permit for personal travel
- Import permit (DAFF)
- ISO microchip certificate
- Rabies vaccination records
- Rabies neutralising antibody titre test (FAVN/RFFIT) result
- Parasite treatment certificates
- Veterinary health certificate
Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth); Biosecurity (Cat and Dog) Determination 2016
This page covers destination customs rules in Australia. Whether you can carry pet cats (live) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Pet cats (live) rules in other countries
Pet cats (live)
🇺🇸 United States
Cats may enter the US with proof of rabies vaccination if arriving from a country where canine rabies exists; additional CDC requirements apply.
Pet cats (live)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Cats entering the UK must be microchipped, rabies vaccinated, and accompanied by a valid Animal Health Certificate or GB Pet Passport.