These are the requirements for entering USA with a cat, based on a departure from Germany/the EU. Requirements can change — always confirm with the relevant authority before you travel.
Not required by US authorities; however, nearly all airlines require a health certificate (veterinary certificate, often valid max. 10 days before departure). Please check with your airline.
No permit; no CDC form for cats
Not federally required (recommended)
Not federally required
Cats: no CDC minimum age; valid rabies vaccination (~12 weeks).
No
None
Not required
None
Standard
These apply on the ground in the destination country — to everyone, not as an entry condition — and depend on the breed and situation (e.g. public transport, listed breeds).
No federal breed bans
None (cat)
Cat must appear healthy; check destination-state rules; Official source: cdc.gov/importation
Some states add requirements of their own on arrival. We have checked these 15; for the others we have not, and we say so rather than imply there is nothing.
Alaska · Arizona · California · Colorado · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Illinois · Michigan · North Carolina · New Jersey · New York State · Pennsylvania · Texas · Virginia
Authority: USDA APHIS (CDC-Hunderegel gilt nicht für Katzen)
🗓️ Read at the responsible authority on 20/07/2026.
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.