Travelling can be a stressful experience for us, and it can be just as stressful for your cat! It’s essential to make sure you’ve prepared your cat for a safe and stress-free journey. This goes for a quick trip up the road in the car or a plane journey for a cat-friendly holiday abroad.

We’ve put together some handy hints and tips, as well as a few important rules and regulations for travelling with your cat. So you and your intrepid companion are one step ahead of the game.

How to Travel With a Cat

Firstly, and most importantly, make sure your cat has a comfy, well-fitted collar and tag with your contact details on. If your cat decides to make a run for it at any point, you’re more likely to be reunited quickly if they’re wearing a collar and tag.

Your cat should also be microchipped, but make sure your details on the chip are up to date before you head off on your travels.

You’ll need the following to ensure your cat feels happy and stress-free while travelling:

• Plastic or fibreglass cat travel carrier.
• Newspaper for the bottom of the carrier to absorb any urine or spilt water.
• Familiar-smelling blanket or old piece of clothing for bedding.
• Food bowl for dry food.
• Plenty of fresh water and a water container.
• Your cat’s favourite toy.

Other things to think about:

• Pet insurance policy
• Microchipping
• Vaccinations
• Animal Health Certificate
• Any other relevant travel documentation
• Travel litter box if your accommodation doesn’t have one

Can You Travel With Cats Internationally?

You may have heard of The Pet Travel Scheme; this used to allow limited movement of pets between UK and EU countries. The UK left the EU in 2021, so it is no longer a member of the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Therefore, the rules no longer apply.

Requirements for travelling with a cat can differ between countries. Check the Government website for up-to-date government pet travel guidelines before you travel.

Travelling to an EU Country

If you have a Pet Passport, this won’t be valid if it was issued in Great Britain. You’ll now need an Export Health Certificate (EHC) if you’re planning on travelling to Northern Ireland or a country in the EU. EHCs can be obtained from your vet. This checks your cat meets all the health requirements for the country you’re planning on travelling to.

You’ll need to apply for a new EHC each time your cat travels, and it shouldn’t be prepared more than 10 days before you travel. Make sure you plan ahead so your cat’s certificate is ready well in advance of your travel date.

Travelling to a Non-EU Country

Travel with a cat outside the EU is slightly different. If you’re from England, Scotland or Wales, as well as an EHC, you’ll also need to fill in an export application form (EXA). To make sure you’ve covered everything, check the laws of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or paperwork you may need for your cat.

Cat Travel Vaccinations

Cats must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before they travel. If your cat doesn’t already have a microchip, this should be implanted before they’re vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies vaccinations can be given from 12 weeks old. Your cat will also need to undergo a blood test 30 days later to confirm that the vaccination has taken effect. After a positive blood test, you’ll have to wait at least 3 months before your cat can travel.

For further information about what vaccines your cat will need for the country you’re travelling to, check with your vet.

How to Travel With a Cat On a Train

To safely travel with your cat in a car or on the train, it’s a good idea to make sure your cat is happy travelling in a cat carrier. They’re secure and easy to clean, and as long as they’re big enough for your cat to stand up and turn around in, they’ll be nice and comfy! It may take a little bit of getting used to, but if you introduce your cat to one slowly, they’ll soon get the idea.

The best place to put the carrying box when road tripping with your cat is either on the floor or on the seat, secured with a seatbelt. Your cat needs plenty of ventilation, so don’t put them in the boot. If you’re on a train, keep hold of the box or store it safely by your feet. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to put them on a seat next to you without having to buy an extra train ticket.

Can Cat Get Travel Sick

Your cat may be anxious on their first journey, but most cats soon settle down and go to sleep. To avoid motion sickness in cats, try not to feed them just before setting off. Instead, feed them at least an hour beforehand.

If you’re travelling in a car on a hot day, make sure you have sun blinds at the windows. Open a window or turn on the air conditioning. And if you need to take any breaks while on a car ride, don’t leave your cat alone in the car.

What is Needed For Overseas Journeys?

Make sure your cat has had their vaccinations and you have a valid health certificate, as well as any other paperwork, ready to go.

There are various ways of travelling with your cat abroad. You could get the Eurotunnel, catch a ferry or go flying with your cat! Whichever you choose, get in touch with the company you’re planning to travel with to find out what their rules and regulations are for travelling with a cat.

The Eurotunnel is an easy option! You can stay in the car with your cat for the duration of the journey, so they’re unlikely to get worried or stressed about hopping on the train.

If you need to get on a ferry, you usually have the choice of your pet travelling in the car with you, in a kennel or in a pet-friendly cabin. Some ferry companies even have a ‘pet lounge’, but this usually costs more! However, not every ferry company allow cats on board, so check with them before making any firm travel plans.

Some airlines allow pets to travel in the plane cabin, while most require pets to travel in the ‘hold’ for safety reasons. You’ll need to arrive in plenty of time to get your cat embarked and settled before you board the plane. Your cat’s travelling box will need to have your contact details on them along with a sign to say it contains a live animal.

How to Travel With an Anxious Cat

Car travel, even short journeys, can be stressful for a cat. Keep an eye out for the following signs of anxious behaviour:

• Wide eyes
• Blinking fast
• Staring
• Eyes tightly shut
• Ears lowered, rotated or flattened against their head
• Tense or tight muzzle and jaw
• Whiskers fanned, pointing forwards
• Exaggerated swallowing
• Licking their nose
• Flicking their tongue
• Body close to the floor with their paws under their body
• Tense muscles
• Head drawn into their body
• Tail wrapped around their body
• Crouched or tucked up
• Pretending they’re asleep
• Trembling
• Standing completely still (freezing)
• Running away.

When to Consider a Cat Sedative For Travel

If you notice any of these signs when attempting to travel with your cat, it’s worth chatting with your vet about using a sedative. Cat sedatives are given about an hour and a half before a journey. Most sedatives last around 8 hours.

Sedatives shouldn’t be used when pets travel in the hold of an aeroplane. If they’re drowsy on a turbulent flight, they could be thrown around and injure themselves. There is also evidence to show that because aircraft hold air pressure, sedatives work differently and can be dangerous.

Travelling with your cat can be a stressful experience for both of you. Make sure you ease the stress by being prepared and planning your journey well in advance. Make sure your cat is as comfy as possible no matter what mode of transport you’re travelling in. And don’t forget to check the latest rules, regulations and what documents you need if you’re travelling abroad. Preparation is the name of the game!

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