Can You Travel with a Cat in Europe?
The short answer is yes — but preparation is essential. Cats are legal to move between EU member states under the same framework that applies to dogs and ferrets: Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals. This regulation sets out the minimum requirements for cats crossing EU internal borders and entering the EU from third countries. Meeting these requirements is non-negotiable, and some member states impose additional conditions on top.
The EU Pet Passport
The EU pet passport is a standardised document issued by an authorised veterinarian. It records your cat's microchip number, rabies vaccination history, and any other treatments required for specific destinations. Without it, your cat cannot legally enter another EU member state. The passport must be issued by a vet in an EU country; if you are travelling from the UK (post-Brexit), you will need a GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead, issued within ten days of each trip.
Keep the passport in good condition and carry it whenever you travel. Border checks for pets do occur, particularly at ferry and rail entry points, and an incomplete or damaged document can result in your cat being refused entry or quarantined.
Microchipping: Non-Negotiable
Your cat must be identified by a microchip compliant with ISO standards 11784 and 11785 — a 15-digit transponder readable by any standard scanner. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered, or simultaneously. If the chip was implanted after vaccination, the vaccination sequence may need to be restarted, as the vaccination record cannot be tied to the chip. Verify the chip is correctly recorded in your cat's EU pet passport and that the number matches what a scanner reads.
Rabies Vaccination Requirements
A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory for all cats travelling between EU member states. The vaccination must have been administered at least 21 days before travel if it is the first rabies vaccination the cat has received. Boosters given within the validity period of the previous vaccination do not require the 21-day wait. Check the expiry date on the passport well in advance of any trip — an expired vaccination means your cat cannot travel until a booster is given and, if it was the cat's first, 21 days have elapsed.
Tapeworm Treatment: Additional Requirements for Some Countries
Certain EU and associated countries require cats (and dogs) to be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis before entry. This applies to:
- Ireland
- Finland
- Malta
- Norway (not an EU member but part of the Schengen area for some purposes)
The treatment must be carried out by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days before entry and recorded in the pet passport. If you are visiting any of these destinations, plan your vet appointment accordingly — it cannot be done at the border itself.
Carrier Requirements for Travel
Regardless of whether you are travelling by car, train or plane, your cat will need an appropriate carrier. A well-ventilated, secure carrier that is large enough for your cat to stand, turn and lie down is the standard requirement across all modes of transport. IATA (International Air Transport Association) sets specific size and construction standards for airline-approved carriers.
Zooplus offers a wide range of IATA-compliant cat carriers and travel accessories, including carriers suitable for cabin and hold travel, as well as car-seat-compatible options for road trips. Buying the right carrier early gives your cat time to get used to it before travelling.
Travelling by Car
Car travel is often the most flexible option for cats. Keep the carrier secured in the rear of the vehicle — never allow a cat to roam freely in a moving car. Cover the carrier with a light cloth to reduce visual stimulation, and plan regular stops every two to three hours in warm weather to check on your cat and offer water. Never leave your cat unattended in a parked car, particularly in summer months, as temperatures can reach dangerous levels within minutes.
Travelling by Train
Train policies for cats vary significantly by rail operator. Within the EU, many national operators (SNCF in France, Renfe in Spain, Deutsche Bahn in Germany) permit cats in carriers in passenger carriages, usually for a small fee and subject to the carrier fitting under the seat. Always book in advance and confirm the operator's current pet policy, as rules change.
Eurostar, which connects London with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, does not currently permit cats or other pets (with the exception of assistance dogs) in its passenger carriages. This applies regardless of how well-behaved or contained the animal is. UK owners wishing to travel to mainland Europe with their cat must use an alternative route — typically a ferry crossing that allows pet vehicles or dedicated pet cabins.
Travelling by Plane
Airline policies for cats fall into two main categories: cabin travel (the cat travels in a carrier under the seat in front of you) and hold travel (the cat travels in a pressurised, temperature-controlled cargo hold). Policies differ significantly between airlines:
- Many European airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France and KLM, permit small cats in the cabin subject to weight and carrier size limits.
- Budget carriers often have more restrictive or variable policies — always confirm directly with the airline before booking.
- Cats travelling in the hold must be in an IATA-compliant hard-sided carrier with water provision.
- Some airlines do not accept French Bulldog, Pug & Bulldog Guide">brachycephalic (flat-faced) cats such as Persians in the hold due to breathing risks.
Book your pet's place at the same time as your own ticket, as airlines limit the number of pets per flight.
Reducing Travel Stress for Your Cat
Cats are creatures of habit and can find travel deeply unsettling. The following measures can make a significant difference:
- Feliway spray: Apply to the inside of the carrier 30 minutes before placing your cat inside. Feliway mimics natural feline facial pheromones and has been shown to reduce anxiety-related behaviours. Zooplus stocks Feliway spray and diffusers.
- Familiar bedding: Place a piece of unwashed clothing or your cat's usual blanket in the carrier. The familiar scent is calming.
- Carrier acclimatisation: Leave the carrier open at home for several weeks before travel so your cat can explore it voluntarily and associate it with safety rather than the vet.
- Withhold food for four to six hours before travel to reduce the likelihood of travel sickness, but ensure water is available.
- Speak to your vet about short-term anxiolytic medication if your cat has a history of severe travel anxiety.
Pre-Travel Vet Check
Book a veterinary appointment at least four to six weeks before any international trip. Your vet can verify the microchip is functional, check vaccination dates, administer any required tapeworm treatment (timed correctly for your travel dates), update the pet passport, and assess your cat's general health for travel fitness. Older cats or cats with chronic conditions may need additional assessment before a long journey.
A Final Note on UK Travel Post-Brexit
UK-based cat owners no longer benefit from the EU pet passport system. Each trip to an EU country requires a new GB Animal Health Certificate, issued by an Official Veterinarian within ten days of departure. The certificate covers a single trip (outward journey only), so a return journey requires a new certificate. This adds cost and planning time compared to the pre-Brexit situation, and owners should factor this into any travel arrangements.