Delivery Option
Shipping Options — Getting Your Kitten Home Safely
Distance is just a number. Your kitten can find you wherever you are.
One of the most common questions we receive from families across the country is: “We love your kittens, but we’re not nearby — can you still make it work?” The answer, in most cases, is absolutely yes. Over the years, we’ve shipped kittens to families in nearly every corner of the United States, and we’ve developed a shipping process that we’re genuinely proud of — one that prioritizes the safety, comfort, and wellbeing of our kittens above all else.
Shipping a kitten is not something we take lightly. We think carefully about every step of the journey, from the moment a kitten is placed in their travel carrier to the moment they arrive in your arms. Here’s everything you need to know.
Option 1: In-Person Pickup (Always Our First Preference)
Whenever possible, we love for families to come to us. In-person pickup gives you the opportunity to meet your kitten in person before committing, to see our home and our cats, and to start building that bond from the very first moment. There’s something irreplaceable about carrying your kitten out the door yourself.
We welcome visits from serious prospective families and are happy to schedule a time that works for everyone. Our home is clean, welcoming, and exactly as we describe it — open for you to see. We’ll send your kitten home with a starter kit including food samples, a scented item of ours (to ease the transition), and all relevant paperwork.
If you’re within reasonable driving distance of our location, we strongly encourage you to make the trip. Many of our families have told us it was one of their favorite parts of the whole experience.
Option 2: Ground Transport (Available in Select Regions)
For families within a reasonable driving range who prefer not to make the trip themselves, we occasionally work with reputable, experienced pet nanny services that can transport kittens by car. Ground transport is generally gentler on kittens than air travel — no altitude changes, no airport noise, and consistent climate control throughout the journey.
Ground transport availability depends on your location and scheduling. Please contact us to discuss whether this is a viable option for your family. Additional fees apply and will be communicated clearly upfront.
Option 3: Nanny/In-Cabin Flight (Our Preferred Shipping Method)
When air travel is necessary, we use what is called a “pet nanny” or in-cabin flight service. This means a professional, experienced pet transporter physically accompanies your kitten on the airplane, with the kitten carried in an airline-approved soft carrier placed under the seat in front of them — never in cargo.
We do not ship kittens as cargo. This is a firm policy. Cargo shipping subjects animals to conditions — temperature extremes, rough handling, extended isolation — that we are not willing to accept for our kittens. In-cabin travel means your kitten is in the cabin, with a human who is keeping an eye on them for the entire flight.
Our pet nannies are professionals who are experienced with animals and specifically with the needs of kittens during travel. We select our nannies carefully and work only with people we trust.
How it works:
- Once your kitten is reserved and a transport date is scheduled, we will coordinate with our pet nanny to book an appropriate flight.
- We will communicate the flight details with you so you know exactly when your kitten departs and when they’re expected to arrive.
- You will meet the nanny at the destination airport upon arrival. The handoff takes place in person, and you’ll be able to see exactly how your kitten traveled and in what condition they arrive.
- From there, your kitten goes straight home with you to begin settling in.
Cost: In-cabin pet nanny shipping typically ranges from $200 to $300, depending on your location, flight availability, and the nanny’s rates. We will provide an exact quote for your specific situation. This fee is separate from the kitten purchase price and is payable directly to the transport service.
Preparing for Your Kitten’s Arrival
Whether your kitten is coming home by car or plane, there are a few things we recommend having ready before they arrive:
A cozy, quiet space: Prepare a small, safe room where your kitten can decompress for the first 24–48 hours. This should include a litter box, food and water, a comfortable bed, and a few toys. Avoid overwhelming a newly arrived kitten with too much space or too many people at once.
High-quality kitten food: We will let you know what we’ve been feeding your kitten, and we recommend continuing with the same food for at least the first couple of weeks to avoid digestive disruption.
A scheduled vet appointment: As noted in our Health Guarantee, a vet visit within 72 hours of arrival is required. Please have this booked in advance.
Warmth: Remember that Sphynx cats run warm but can also get cold more easily than furred cats. Make sure your home is at a comfortable temperature and consider having a soft blanket or heated bed available.
What We Send With Your Kitten
Every kitten that leaves Harry Sphynx Home travels with:
- A small blanket or toy with familiar scents from our home to provide comfort during the transition
- A portion of their current food to avoid immediate dietary changes
- A copy of their vaccination and health records
- Their registration paperwork
- Our personal contact information and an open invitation to reach out at any time
A Note on Timing and Availability
Kittens are typically ready to go home between 12 and 14 weeks of age, after they have been weaned, vaccinated, and given sufficient time to develop socially with their littermates and with us. We do not place kittens early, even when families are eager. That early socialization period is too important to rush.
If you’re interested in a specific kitten or upcoming litter, we encourage you to reach out and get on our waiting list early. Popular kittens are often reserved well before they’re ready to go home.
We’ve sent kittens to families from coast to coast, and every single one of them arrived safely, ready to love and be loved. We’ll make sure yours does too.
