Can You Ship a Siberian Kitten Safely? How It Works
"Can you ship a kitten to me?" is a common question from families outside Washington. The honest answer is yes, safely, but not in the way most people imagine. At Siberian Legacy Cats I have flown many kittens across the country and I handle the whole process for you.
What "shipping" really means
The route, the date and the paperwork are arranged with you in advance, and your kitten's safety and comfort come first.
I do the whole process for you. All you have to do is pick up your precious kitten.
Your options
- Pickup at our home. You are welcome to come to Ferndale, Washington. It lets you meet the mother and see where your kitten was raised.
- Personal delivery. Depending on where you live, I can often deliver your kitten to your home personally.
- Flying door to door. For families further away, I arrange the flight and the handover with you.
I have also had kittens delivered across the country from other cattery connections and arranged door-to-door transport.
How old is the kitten?
Kittens leave between 9 and 12 weeks, depending on where you live. By then they have had their first vaccinations and deworming, and are eating solid food confidently.
Paperwork
When your kitten flies, a health certificate signed by an examining veterinarian is provided to the airline at the time of travel. You also receive:
- The kitten's vet and health records
- The kitten contract
- Feeding instructions and a care package
TICA registration papers come later, after you send proof of spay or neuter.
International and Canada
We spend time in both Washington and Victoria, BC, and have placed kittens with Canadian families. Rules differ by province and country, so contact me early and I will explain the paperwork and costs.
Preparing for the trip
- Choose a family member who can collect the kitten on time.
- Bring a secure carrier with a soft blanket for the ride home.
- Set up the sanctuary room before you leave, with food, water and a litter box.
- Plan a quiet, direct drive home. Do not let the kitten roam the car.
What about stress?
Kittens are generally adaptable, and ours are used to household noise and handling from birth. Travel is tiring, so expect a quiet first day. Keep the first evening calm, and let the kitten rest.
What does it cost?
Travel is quoted separately from the kitten, based on distance and the airline. I will give you a figure before you reserve. See our pricing guide for what the kitten price includes.
Is it worth it?
Many of my families are far from any Siberian breeder, and tell me the process was easier than they expected. Reid, one of our customers, wrote that he was unsure about having a kitten shipped, but after speaking with me and reading through the website, he decided to go ahead.
How to start
- Join the waitlist and send your deposit
- Tell me where you live
- I plan the route, the date and the paperwork
- I send updates and photos before your kitten leaves
Questions? Contact us, or read about our process.
Common worries about travel
Will my kitten be frightened?
Some kittens meow a little, but ours are used to household noise and handling, and most travel quietly. A soft blanket that smells like home helps.
What if the flight is delayed?
I plan with plenty of time and stay in touch with the person travelling with the kitten. I will keep you updated at every step.
Do I need to be home?
Plan to be reachable on the day, and to have your sanctuary room ready. I will explain how the handover works.
What documents should I keep?
Keep the vet and health records, the contract and the health certificate. Bring them to your first vet appointment.
After arrival
Take your kitten straight home and into the quiet room. Offer food and water, show the litter box and let it rest. Send me a photo, since I love to know they have arrived safely. Our first week checklist covers what comes next.
Quick answers
Can I choose the day my kitten travels?
We agree the date together, based on the kitten's age, vaccinations and the flight options.
Can I see my kitten before it travels?
Yes. I send photos and can video chat so you can meet your kitten before the trip.
Can someone else collect the kitten for me?
Please tell me in advance who it will be, and I will explain how the handover works.
Is it safe to travel in winter or summer?
I plan around extreme weather and choose flights carefully, so the kitten stays comfortable.
Ready to talk?
Visit our kitten adoption page, join the waitlist or contact us.