Hawaii Cat Quarantine Guide

Written by Tina Haines who has made this move both directions.

We moved to Oahu in 2022 and a major part of our planning was prepping our cat’s move to the island as well. The import requirements for cats is nearly identical to Hawaii dog quarantine requirements. There are a few cat-specific details that need to be met such as tick treatment timing and there are breed restrictions. The goal of this guide is to cover what is different about cat quarantine and how the 5 Day or Less program works which is also covered on the site.

Our fear was having our cat fall into any of the quarantine programs. In order to meet the requirements, I wasn’t able to fly to Hawaii at the same time as my wife. I stayed back an extra two months or so to ensure all of the requirements were met. If we had flown together, our cat would have for sure been put into quarantine.

Quick Answer

Moving cats to Hawaii has the similar process as moving dogs. Your cat will need a microchip, two rabies vaccinations 30 days apart, a passing OIE-FAVN blood test, and a 30-day waiting period. The major cat-specific issue is breed restriction. Cats that are Bengal or Savannah are prohibited with no permit or other workarounds available.

Key Takeaways

• Cats follow the same core requirements as dogs: microchip first, two rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart, a passing OIE-FAVN blood test, and a 30-day waiting period before arrival
• Bengal cats (domestic x Asian leopard cat) and Savannah cats (domestic x African serval) are prohibited entirely under Hawaii’s Plant Quarantine law, with no exceptions for any generation removed from the wild ancestor
• Every cat must be treated for ticks with a long-acting product within 14 days of arrival — Revolution is specifically not accepted for this requirement
• Kittens under 6 months old generally cannot complete the timeline required for Direct Airport Release or the 5 Day or Less program and will face full 120-day quarantine instead
• Fees are identical to dogs: $185 for Direct Airport Release, $244 for the 5 Day or Less program, $1,080 for full 120-day quarantine

What’s the Same as Dog Quarantine

What is the same for cats and dogs entering Hawaii include:

• A microchip (first step before anything else)
• Two rabies vaccinations (30 days apart)
• OIE-FAVN titer test
• Health certificate
• AQS-279 import form

The fees are the same for all three programs as well: $185 for Direct Airport Release, $244 for the 5 Day or Less program, and $1,080 for the full 120-day quarantine.

You can download the AQS-279 import form and the appropriate checklist to follow on the Animal Quarantine Information page.

What’s Different for Cats

Hawaii Cat Breed Restrictions

While the Hawaii quarantine requirements are similar to dog quarantine requirements, the one big difference are cat breed restrictions. The two cat breeds that are prohibited from entering Hawaii include Bengal cats and Savannah cats. It doesn’t matter how many generations removed from their wild ancestor or what documentation a breeder provides.

The issue is that both breeds retain a strong predatory instinct and physical abilities. There is a risk to Hawaii’s native, ground-nesting bird species if a prohibited breed cat escapes or interbreeds with feral populations. Only standard domestic shorthair and longhair cats are allowed to enter Hawaii.

Required Tick Treatment Before Arriving

Another requirement we weren’t aware of when we started the process was the tick treatment requirement. Before you arrive, your cat must complete a health exam and be treated for ticks with a long-acting tick treatment product within 14 days of arrival. This is something your veterinarian can help you with as they will know the type of tick treatment that meets Hawaii’s requirements.

You’ll also want to check with your vet for the correct tick treatment as Revolution (selamectin) is not accepted. Many pet owners assume what they’re already using as a tick treatment will qualify and it doesn’t.

Timing Problems with Kittens

If you’re moving to Hawaii with kittens, there is a timing issue you should be aware of. Since the two rabies vaccinations need to be 30 days apart, plus the 30-day post test waiting period, a kitten cannot complete the full timeline until it’s around 5 months old. A kitten that is younger than that won’t meet the requirements for the Direct Airport Release of 5 Day or Less programs. That means the kitten will be placed into the 120-day quarantine program no matter how early you’ve started the paperwork process.

Indoor Cats and Flying In-Cabin

It’s always a good idea to check with the airline you’ll be flying with to ensure that your cat can fly in-cabin with you. Some Hawaii-bound flights have strict pet policies and flying in-cabin may not always be available. Confirm with the airline you’re choosing ahead of time as there are also carrier size and weight limit rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Moving with pets to Hawaii can feel overwhelming during the planning process. When we planned our move to Oahu back in 2022, we had no idea what the process entailed. I downloaded the dog/cat import form and the checklist from the Animal Quarantine information page and followed the steps.

I read the checklist almost daily to make sure that I understood what I had to do and when. Our number one priority was to not have our cat end up in any of the quarantine programs. Preparation is key. Since you have to start with having your cat microchipped, you’ll have to visit your vet.

The vet will likely be familiar with the process of moving a pet to Hawaii. They will help to ensure that you meet all of the requirements and stay to track with timelines. Start this process well in advance of your travel date (at least 4 to 5 months before).

By staying on top of the details, submitting documents on time, and meeting all of the requirements, we were able to take our cat home with us the same day we arrived in Hawaii.