another airplane question

I'm taking my kitty on an airplane in about a week. I have the carrier and have gotten some good tips. My question now is about needing a health certificate.
The airline web site said that while the airline itself does not require any kind of health certification, the state traveled to might. I asked my vet about it today, who said that I'd have to bring my cat in for a full exam in order to get the health certificate. Since my cat has already gotten two exams in the past three months (that both said she was perfectly health), I really don't want to pay for another one if it's not necessary. So for those that have flown with their kitties before, is getting the health certificates really necessary?

How long are you planning to be in the other state? Unfortunatly you would have to pay for another exam because it has to be within 10 days of flying - no later - so the other exams could not be counted.

I know, its a PITB!

I'll be in the other state for 3 months. I know the exam has to be within 10 days of travel. But what I'm wondering is whether states REALLY require a health certificate and check for it. I don't quite understand at what point someone at the airport would be checking for that.

It would apply to states like Hawaii cause you HAVE to have all shots, especially the rabies and the cats would be quarentined for 6 months too.

If its still in the US, then you probably don't need it (since the cat is riding with you) - it would be required if the cat was travelling alone (in cargo). So just be sure your cat is update on all shots including rabies and have the papers to prove it.

Thanks! That's what I suspected but wasn't sure.