Top-Rated American Shorthair Cat Shipping Services

An American Shorthair with white paws and chest is lying on a checkered fabric surface, gazing out of a window.

Ensure your American Shorthair's comfort and safety. Choose experienced shippers.

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2,500+ drivers

Actively competing for your business.

90% of listings

Receive a quote in less than 10 min.

100,000,000+

Miles driven by qualified transporters.

14+ years experience

Shipping what matters most.

How much does it cost to transport your cats

Your cat is so much more than four legs and a tail — they’re members of your family and best friends for life. We’re proud to be the nation’s top-rated and leading service for cat transportation.

Our unique process matches you with a fleet of pre-screened drivers with prior experience at transporting cats, with strong emphasis on your pet's comfort and safety.

Successful American Shorthair transports from our marketplace

Shipment	Location	Distance	Cost
Sarah shipped Max	Bridge City, TX → Burbank, CA	1,662 mi	$600.00
Julie shipped Julie	Columbus, OH → Des Moines, IA	660 mi	$350.00
Buford M. shipped Suiku	Canton, PA → Gypsum, CO	1,770 mi	$700.00
Cathy P. shipped Bowie	Bradenton, FL → Webster, NY	1,331 mi	$500.00
Juan R. shipped Raven	Los Fresnos, TX → San Antonio, TX	282 mi	$280.00
Alexi W. shipped Ike	Chicago, IL → Atlanta, GA	716 mi	$400.00
Stephen J. M. shipped Piper, Guinness	Mt Pocono, PA → Houston, TX	1,582 mi	$850.00
Ste shipped Emery	North Port, FL → West Covina, CA	2,587 mi	$700.00
Bayan Z. shipped Leo, Milo, Shade	Coppell, TX → Sacramento, CA	1,699 mi	$650.00

We are committed to building a safe, caring environment for people and animals on the road

Top American Shorthair transporters

TopShelf Transport

5/5

Pawsome Adventures W/ Auntie Laci

5/5

Frana Express LLC

5/5

Family First Drivers

5/5

VTA pets transportation LLC

5/5

Powers Echoing Transport

5/5

We carefully background check all drivers.
We verify transporter addresses and contact information for additional protection.
Photos of drivers and their vehicles help confirm who and what to expect.
Detailed customer reviews provide insight and transparency to your selection process.
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What determines the cost of American Shorthair shipping

Here's what you need to know about safely transporting your American Shorthair.

Mode of transportation

Ground travel

Cost $$$

Time ⏱⏱⏱

Air travel

Cost $$$

Time ⏱⏱⏱

Ground and air travel have different associated costs. Flying is typically the fastest option, but also the most expensive and taxing on your pet.

Travel distance

The further you need to transport your pet, the more it'll cost. If you're using ground transportation, you'll have to factor in fuel costs, lodging, meals on the road and wear-and-tear on your vehicle. These costs are applicable whether you drive the pet yourself or you hire a transporter through CitizenShipper. Airlines charge more for longer plane rides as well. This is due to the cost of fuel and the need compensate pilots and flight attendants.

Pet size

Smaller pets are easier – and less expensive – to transport. If you’re flying your American Shorthair, they’ll need to travel in the cargo hold if they’re over 20 pounds. You’ll also need to buy a USDA-approved crate, which can cost around $200. With ground transport, it’s easier for drivers to accommodate small pets.

Health clearance and travel equipment

The first step to transporting your American Shorthair is ensuring they’re healthy enough to travel. Most species require a vet-issued health certificate to cross state lines. This will cost $50 to $300. You’ll likely need to purchase some equipment too – such as a crate and travel supplies.

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Transporting Your American Shorthair: Feline Friends on the Move

Breed Characteristics

The American Shorthair cat is renowned for its adaptive behavior and robust health, making it a popular choice among feline enthusiasts. Known for their sociable and affectionate nature, these cats often handle transportation with ease, provided their comfort and safety are prioritized. Their curious and playful attitude can be an advantage during travel, as they might find the experience more intriguing than stressful if approached correctly.

Understanding the American Shorthair's temperament is crucial for a smooth travel experience. Generally calm and easygoing, these cats can quickly adapt to new situations, including moving vehicles. However, their strong hunting instincts mean that they should be kept entertained and engaged throughout the journey to prevent restlessness.

Size and Care Requirements

American Shorthairs are medium to large cats, with males typically weighing between 11-15 pounds and females 6-12 pounds. Their sturdy build and dense coat require regular grooming to reduce shedding and prevent matting, especially during long trips. When transporting an American Shorthair, it's important to provide a carrier that is spacious enough for them to move around comfortably and to maintain a grooming routine to keep them feeling secure and cared for.

These cats are also known for their hearty appetite. Planning travel meals and water breaks are essential to keep them hydrated and satisfied. The compact and low-maintenance nature of their coat also means that they can cope well with varying temperatures, but always ensure the vehicle is well-ventilated and neither too hot nor too cold for their comfort.

Health and Safety Protocols

Before embarking on a journey, it's crucial to ensure that your American Shorthair is up to date with all necessary vaccinations and health checks. A thorough health examination by a veterinarian can identify any potential issues that might be exacerbated by travel. Furthermore, ensuring your cat is free of parasites and has undergone a recent flea treatment will contribute to a more comfortable journey for everyone involved.

Safety during transit is paramount. A secure, escape-proof carrier that allows your American Shorthair enough space to stand and turn around is essential. For added security, consider a carrier that can be securely fastened with a seatbelt in the vehicle. This prevents any unwanted movement and ensures your pet's safety in case of a sudden stop.

How to prepare your American Shorthair for transport

At CitizenShipper, we pride ourselves on making pet transportation a breeze. However, there are things you can do ahead of time to make your best friend’s trip safer and more comfortable.

Talk to your veterinarian

Your pet’s safety is number one – that’s why checking in with your vet before finalizing any travel plans is essential.

Can’t make it to the vet’s office in time? Conveniently video chat with a qualified veterinarian at FirstVet – one of our amazing partners.

Here are the questions you’ll want to ask your vet:

Is my pet healthy enough for transport?
Is my pet up to date on their vaccines?
Is my pet’s microchip still in place and scannable?

Medical Records and Vaccinations

Compiling a comprehensive list of your American Shorthair's medical records and vaccinations is a critical step in preparation for travel. Ensure all shots, especially routine vaccinations for rabies, feline calicivirus, and feline viral rhinotracheitis, are current. Having these documents readily accessible can be greatly beneficial, especially if you're traveling across state lines or to destinations that require proof of vaccination.

It's also advisable to have your cat undergo a wellness checkup close to the departure date. This ensures that any recent health developments are documented and mitigates the risk of travel-related complications.

Identification and Security

Proper identification is crucial for the security of your American Shorthair during transit. A breakaway collar with an ID tag containing your contact information can increase the likelihood of reunion should your cat escape. Moreover, microchipping offers an additional layer of security, providing permanent identification that can't be lost or removed like a collar.

Ensure that all identification information is up-to-date, including a recent photo of your cat, to assist in identification if they become lost.

Travel Comforts for American Shorthair

To make the journey as stress-free as possible for your American Shorthair, include familiar items in their travel carrier, such as bedding, toys, or even a piece of your clothing. These familiar scents can offer comfort and reassurance in an unfamiliar environment. Additionally, investing in a high-quality, soft-lined carrier can enhance their comfort, especially during extended travel periods.

Consider also bringing along treats and puzzle toys to keep them engaged and distracted during the journey. The goal is to create a calm, comforting travel environment that mimics the safety of their home as closely as possible.

Essential pet transport travel supplies include:

Food, bowls and fresh water
Collars and leashes
Waste bags
Medication
First-aid supplies
Any travel documents
A secure, USDA-approved travel crate

Traveling to a new place is exciting but stressful for your pet. Pack their favorite toys, a bed or a comfy blanket to help them enjoy their journey. Familiar items remind them of home and will soothe their anxiety.

Customized Travel Advice for American Shorthair Cats

Stress Reduction Strategies

To minimize stress for your American Shorthair, start by introducing them to their carrier well in advance of the trip. Allow them to explore and spend time inside the carrier with the door open, associating it with positive experiences. On travel days, using a synthetic feline facial pheromone spray inside the carrier can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of familiarity.

Maintaining a calm demeanor yourself can also help reassure your cat. Cats are highly attuned to their owners' emotions and can pick up on stress and anxiety, which may, in turn, heighten their own.

Feeding and Litter Box Solutions

When traveling with an American Shorthair, maintaining their regular feeding schedule as much as possible is beneficial. However, to avoid travel sickness, feed them a light meal a few hours before departure. Portable litter solutions, like disposable litter boxes or compact, foldable options, can also make managing litter needs on the go more convenient.

Hydration is crucial, so always have fresh water available, and encourage your cat to drink regularly throughout the journey. Avoid making abrupt changes to their diet during travel to prevent digestive upset.

Climate and Comfort

Ensuring a comfortable travel climate for your American Shorthair involves monitoring the vehicle's temperature, making sure it's neither too hot nor too cold. Their dense coat provides a good level of insulation, but ventilation is key to preventing overheating. A stable, comfortable temperature and good air circulation will help keep your cat relaxed and comfortable, reducing the risk of heat stress during warmer periods.

Equally important is ensuring the vehicle is properly ventilated without causing drafts directly onto the carrier. The placement of the carrier should allow your cat to experience the journey without being exposed to direct sunlight or strong air conditioning flows for prolonged periods.

After the Journey: Settling In Your American Shorthair

Acclimating to New Spaces

Upon reaching your destination, give your American Shorthair time to adjust to their new surroundings. Start by confining them to a quiet, isolated room with their familiar bedding, toys, and a litter box. Gradually introduce them to more areas of the home as they become more comfortable. Patience and gentle encouragement can help ease the transition and reduce anxiety.

Continuing to provide familiar scents and objects can also facilitate a smoother adjustment process for your American Shorthair. Observing their comfort levels and letting them explore at their own pace is key to a successful acclimation.

Post-Travel Health Check

After concluding your journey, monitor your American Shorthair closely for any signs of distress or illness, such as excessive hiding, lack of appetite, or changes in elimination habits. Stress from travel can sometimes manifest in physical symptoms, so it's important to be vigilant. A follow-up visit to the vet for a check-up can ensure that your cat has not suffered any ill effects from the trip and is adjusting well to their new environment.

Maintaining Well-being

Maintaining a consistent routine in the new environment is essential for your American Shorthair's well-being. Consistent feeding times, play sessions, and cuddles can help reinforce a sense of security and normalcy. Over time, your cat will adapt to their new surroundings, but maintaining the routine they've known can significantly ease their transition and promote overall happiness and health.

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