Bringing a Cat to Australia: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Get your cat microchipped

The very first step is to have your cat implanted with an ISO-standard 15-digit microchip. This must happen before the rabies vaccination. The chip will be scanned throughout the process—at every vet visit, during the blood test, on arrival at the quarantine facility, and by Australian customs. Have your vet implant the chip and record the microchip number for all your paperwork.

Step 2: Rabies vaccination

After the microchip is in place, your vet will give your cat a rabies vaccination. This must be done after the microchip implantation. Keep the original vaccination certificate—you'll need it for the import permit application.

Step 3: The RNATT blood test and 180-day waiting period

Your vet will draw blood for a rabies neutralising antibody titre (RNATT) test. The blood must be sent to an approved laboratory. The 180-day waiting period starts from the date the laboratory receives the sample, not when you submit it. Your cat cannot enter Australia until at least 180 days have passed since that date. This is why the import process takes so long. Plan your travel date around this window.

Step 4: Apply for your import permit via BICON

Before your cat can enter Australia, you must apply for an import permit through BICON (the Biosecurity Import Conditions system). The permit takes time to process, so apply as soon as possible—ideally before or early in the RNATT waiting period. You'll need your cat's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and RNATT results (once available). Confirm the current DAFF fees, which typically range from about AUD $480 to $1,200 depending on the animal and complexity.

Step 5: Pre-travel vet treatments and health certificate

As you approach your travel date, your vet will carry out treatments for internal and external parasites according to the timing required by Australian biosecurity. Your vet will also issue a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate specific to your country of export. This certificate must be completed only a short time before travel. Keep all original documents together.

Step 6: Book quarantine and arrange travel

All cats from approved countries (except Group 1 countries like New Zealand) must complete at least 10 days in the post-entry quarantine facility at Mickleham, Victoria. Book this space as soon as you know your travel date—spaces can be limited. Arrange your cat's flight to Melbourne. You'll need an IATA-compliant travel crate and may wish to use a professional pet-transport service (many people do, though you'll want to research and compare options independently).

Step 7: Arrival and quarantine

Your cat will fly into Melbourne. Upon arrival, you or the transport service will take your cat to the Mickleham quarantine facility, where it will stay for a minimum of 10 days. During quarantine, your cat is inspected and monitored to ensure no signs of disease appear. Once the quarantine period is complete, you can collect your cat and take it to your new Australian home.

Important: Bengal cats are now banned

As of 1 March 2026, Bengal cats are no longer permitted for import. The exemption that allowed later-generation Bengals was revoked following a biosecurity review. If you have a Bengal or a wild-cat hybrid (such as a Savannah), importation is not possible. Only domestic cats and dogs can be imported through this process.

Total timeline and costs

Expect the entire process to take 6–7 months minimum, mainly because of the 180-day RNATT waiting period. Beyond that, plan for government fees (quarantine from about AUD $1,877 for the 10-day minimum, plus the import permit), veterinary costs, the rabies vaccination and blood test, an IATA travel crate, and international flights. If you use a professional pet-transport service, add those costs too. Total expenses commonly run into several thousand dollars.

How long does it take to bring a cat to Australia?

Expect a minimum of 6–7 months. The main factor is the 180-day waiting period that begins after the RNATT blood test arrives at the laboratory. Plan accordingly and start the process as early as possible.

Can I bring a Bengal cat to Australia?

No. As of 1 March 2026, Bengal cats are no longer permitted for import. If you have a Bengal or a wild-cat hybrid (such as a Savannah), you cannot import it. Only domestic cats can be brought to Australia through this process.

What is the RNATT test?

The RNATT (rabies neutralising antibody titre) is a blood test that confirms your cat has immunity to rabies. It is required for all cats from Group 3 countries and must pass a minimum level. The 180-day waiting period begins from the date the laboratory receives the blood sample.

Will my cat need quarantine?

Yes. All cats from approved countries (except New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Cocos Islands) must complete a minimum of 10 days at the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility in Victoria. During this time, your cat is monitored to ensure it shows no signs of disease.

What happens if I bring a cat without following these steps?

Biosecurity is enforced strictly. A cat brought without proper permits or quarantine can be quarantined indefinitely, returned to the country of origin at your expense, or (in extreme cases) euthanised. Always follow the official process.

Are biosecurity rules the same for cats and dogs?

The steps are similar—microchip, rabies vaccination, RNATT, import permit, vet treatments, and quarantine. However, specific timings and treatments vary by species. Always check the DAFF step-by-step guide for cats specifically before you begin.