Shipping and Delivery

Overview

This Shipping & Delivery page explains how delivery works for South African customers purchasing a kitten from Licia Kitties Home. It covers available delivery options, timelines, pricing factors, what you must prepare before arrival, and what happens if there are delays. Our priority is safe, low stress transport and clear communication, so you know exactly what to expect.

1) Where We Deliver in South Africa

We arrange delivery to most major cities and surrounding areas across South Africa, including (but not limited to):

  • Johannesburg and surrounding suburbs
  • Pretoria and Centurion
  • Durban and Umhlanga
  • Cape Town and surrounding suburbs
  • Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
  • East London
  • Bloemfontein
  • Polokwane
  • Nelspruit (Mbombela)
  • Kimberley
  • George and the Garden Route
  • Rustenburg, Klerksdorp, Witbank (eMalahleni), and many regional routes

If you are in a smaller town or rural area, we can often deliver to the nearest major hub or arrange a meet point.

2) Delivery Options

Availability depends on your location, current routes, weather, and the kitten’s age.

A) Collection (Pickup)

You may collect your kitten by appointment. Pickup is usually the simplest option and reduces travel time for the kitten.

What you need for pickup:

  • A secure carrier suitable for kittens
  • A soft blanket or towel
  • Payment balance settled (if applicable)
  • Your ID or proof of purchase (if requested)

B) Ground Courier (Road Transport)

For many customers, road transport is the preferred option because it can be planned carefully and allows controlled handling.

Typical features:

  • Planned routes and scheduled drop offs
  • Regular welfare checks (water breaks and observation)
  • Climate conscious handling (avoiding extreme heat windows)

C) Pet Flight Delivery (Where Available)

Flights may be considered for longer distances or when road delivery is not ideal. Flight arrangements depend on airline requirements, route availability, and seasonal restrictions.

Important note: Some airlines have changing policies regarding pet transport. If flight delivery is requested, we will confirm the safest compliant option at the time of booking.

3) When Your Kitten Can Travel

Kittens travel only when they are:

  • Old enough for safe transition, and
  • Eating well, using the litter tray consistently, and
  • In stable condition with normal energy and hydration

We do not ship kittens that appear unwell or not ready, even if a date was discussed. Safety comes first.

4) Scheduling and Timelines

How scheduling works

Once your reservation is confirmed, we will:

  1. Provide an estimated readiness window based on age and development.
  2. Offer possible delivery dates (based on routes and availability).
  3. Confirm the delivery once final balance (and any shipping fees) are paid and travel is approved.

Typical timelines (guidance only)

  • Pickup: earliest available appointment once kitten is ready
  • Road delivery: typically arranged within a planned route window
  • Flight delivery: depends on flight schedules, crate rules, and booking lead time

Because conditions can change, timelines are estimates until the delivery is officially confirmed.

5) Shipping Fees and What Affects the Cost

Shipping fees vary based on:

  • Your city and suburb (distance and route complexity)
  • Delivery method (road versus flight)
  • Weekend or peak travel periods
  • Urgent or custom delivery requests
  • Crate or carrier requirements
  • Any required documentation or handling costs

What shipping fees generally include

  • Transport planning and coordination
  • Basic welfare checks during transit
  • Delivery to the agreed address or meeting point

What shipping fees generally do not include

  • Routine vet care
  • Post arrival vet visits
  • Food, litter, and home setup supplies
  • Any extra requirements requested by airlines or third party couriers

A final shipping quote will be confirmed in writing before travel.

6) Carrier and Travel Setup

If you are collecting

Bring a secure kitten carrier with:

  • A solid base
  • Good ventilation
  • A clean, absorbent lining (puppy pad or towel)

If we are delivering

We will confirm what carrier will be used:

  • In some cases, we may supply an approved travel crate (fee may apply).
  • In other cases, we may request that you purchase an approved crate depending on the delivery method.

For the kitten’s comfort, we use familiar scent items when possible (a soft blanket or cloth).

7) Arrival Day: What You Must Prepare

To reduce stress and help your kitten settle quickly, please have the following ready before delivery:

A) A quiet “settling room”

  • Closed door, warm and calm
  • Litter tray, food, and water in separate areas
  • A safe hiding spot (covered bed or box)

B) Food and water

  • Have the same food (or a recommended equivalent) ready if possible.
  • Use clean bowls and fresh water.

C) Litter

  • Use a low dust litter and keep the tray accessible.

D) Pet introductions

If you have other pets:

  • Keep them separated at first.
  • Do scent swapping and gradual introductions over several days.

8) Delivery Day Process

Before delivery

  • We confirm your address and contact number.
  • You will receive a delivery window estimate.
  • Keep your phone available in case the driver needs directions.

At delivery

  • Please inspect the kitten calmly.
  • Do not introduce other pets immediately.
  • Move the kitten directly into the settling room.

After delivery

  • Offer water first, then a small meal.
  • Allow quiet rest and limited handling for the first hours.
  • Schedule your veterinary wellness exam according to your Health Guarantee terms.

9) Delays, Changes, and Cancellations

Possible reasons for delay

  • Extreme heat, storms, or unsafe road conditions
  • Airline schedule changes (if flying)
  • The kitten not being ready to travel (appetite, hydration, stress)
  • Route disruptions beyond our control

If a delay happens, we will communicate promptly and reschedule as soon as it is safe.

If you request a reschedule

We can often accommodate changes with notice. Last minute changes may require:

  • A new delivery window, and
  • Additional costs if routes or bookings must be rearranged

10) Health and Safety During Transport

We plan transport to reduce stress and risk:

  • Travel occurs during safer temperature windows where possible
  • Handling is kept calm and minimal
  • The kitten is monitored for signs of stress
  • We avoid unnecessary stops and busy environments

If a kitten shows signs that travel is not going well, we may pause or adjust the plan to protect the kitten’s welfare.

11) Customer Responsibilities and Acceptance

By accepting delivery, you agree that:

  • You have prepared a safe indoor environment.
  • You will not allow immediate high stress situations (large gatherings, rough handling, outdoor roaming).
  • You will arrange a prompt veterinary check after arrival.
  • You will contact us quickly if there are concerns.

12) What to Do If There Is a Problem on Arrival

If your kitten arrives and you notice concerns such as:

  • Extreme lethargy
  • Laboured breathing
  • Ongoing vomiting
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Refusal to drink

Contact a veterinarian immediately and notify us as soon as possible with documentation.

13) Contact

For delivery questions, please message us with:

  • Your full name
  • City and suburb
  • Preferred delivery method (pickup, road, flight)
  • A date range you can receive delivery
  • Any pets in the home (so we can advise on introductions)

Ready to Welcome a Kitten?

Contact Licia Kitties Home today to check availability, request photos, and reserve your British Shorthair, Burmese, Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, Savannah, Siamese, or Siberian kitten in South Africa.