If you are thinking of having your new kitten shipped to your of if you're a breeder thinking of shipping kittens, there are a few things to consider.
Finding The Right Pet and Breeder
You’ve decided on the perfect breed of cat for your family, but when you begin to search for a breeder, there are none close to you. The great thing about the Internet is that it’s made your dream cat and the perfect breeder much more accessible to you, though it may mean travel or shipping.
Shipping Regulations
Today, airlines are much more knowledgeable and experienced where our pets are concerned. There are regulations on shipping animals, and the kitten must receive a vet check, have their health care up to date, and receive a travel certificate from the vet.
There are rules regarding what type of carrier your pet can be shipped in, as well as making sure there is plenty of food and water in case of delays. Also, pilots are made aware when there are animals in the cargo area so that they can regulate the temperature to an appropriate pet setting.
Price of Shipping Pets
Because of everything required from the breeder to ship the pet, as well as the price of the flight itself, shipping can be expensive. Breeders’ average price this summer is around $300 in the US.
Are There Alternatives to Shipping by Airline?
Many breeders and perspective kitten parents choose to use courier services or private transport to deliver their kittens. This is a wonderful option as far as safety for your kitty and hand’s on attention from your courier. It isn’t always any more cost effective than shipping by airline, however. A good price for courier service is around $.68 per mile. Some breeders will meet you halfway.
Risks of Shipping Cats
There are things to think about before you request shipping or delivery for your new kitten.
- You Miss Out on Inspecting the Cattery – Seeing where your kitten is raised is very important. It gives you a chance to check cleanliness, see the sire and dam, and to see how your kitten was raised.
- Disease, Illness, and Parasites Can be Spread in-Flight – A kitten can leave the breeder’s hands in perfect health, but if he is in a carrier next to a sick kitten, your kitten can become sick, too. Some diseases (like FIP) can live outside the body for up to 7 days, so your kitten could travel alone and still contract a disease.
- Cats Do Not Like Noise or Strange Surroundings – A kitten can be traumatized by noise or fear during their flight. Some are not bothered a bit, but it is a risk.
Should I Have My Kitten Shipped?
If seeing the cattery isn’t important to you, then no big deal. Your kitten could catch something from another kitten during flight, but this can also happen at the vet’s office. Your breeder should also know which kittens in a litter have the temperament to make a flight and which might be traumatized.
Though it is always best to travel to your breeder’s place and pick up your kitten in person, sometimes there is no alternative except for shipping. Shipping is much safer than it used to be, and there are rarely casualties these days. Know what your options are and what “can” happen, and you will at least be able to make an informed decision.
Related Articles:
Buying Kittens on the Internet
Where to Find a New Cat or Kitten
And as always, if you have any questions at all, please feel free to drop by our kitty discussion area!
