Updated: 10/12/24
Taking your cat on holiday with you means you don’t have to be parted with your much-loved pet while you’re away, and it can avoid the worry of deciding who is going to care for them during your break.
Cats suffer stress easily, and unlike dogs, they don’t usually enjoy new experiences. For this reason, you need to assess your cat’s temperament and how well they will tolerate being confined in a carrier and during your holiday. Only a few cats will cope well with the travel and being in a new place. If you’re unsure, discuss this with your vet. Many cats will be better off in a cattery, where they will have unchanging, safe surroundings..
To ensure you have a smooth, stress-free trip, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you have all the correct paperwork in place for your cat by the time you’re due to travel.
It’s also a great idea to do some research so you’re up to speed on any relevant laws affecting cats in the country you’re going to and are aware of any potential health risks your cat may be exposed to while abroad.
On this page:
- Travelling within the EU with your cat
- Animal Health Certificates for cats
- Travelling outside of the EU with your cat
- 7 top tips for cat travel
Travelling within the EU with your Cat
If you are travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your cat will need:
- An Animal Health Certificate, unless you have a pet passport that was issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland with an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
- A microchip
- Up-to-date rabies vaccinations, started at least 21 days before the vet issues your travel documents.
- We also recommend researching where you’re going and what diseases you may need extra protection for.
Animal Health Certificates for Cats
Since Brexit, you are no longer able to use pet passports issued in England, Wales or Scotland to travel to EU countries or Northern Ireland and instead your cat will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
UK vets are not allowed to enter the details of rabies vaccinations into EU pet passports, so these vaccinations must be done by EU vets if using one.
How long is an AHC valid for?
AHCs can only be used for one trip into the EU and are then valid for up to four months of travel within the EU, and for your return to the UK within that time limit. To apply for an AHC, you must arrange for your cat to be examined by a vet who has been approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to issue the certificates.
They are known as an Official Veterinarian (OV) and you should check that the vet practice you use has an OV – if not, they may be able to suggest one.
The AHC takes time to complete, and most practices need to let them know a minimum of a month before you travel to ensure timings and appointments are correct. The OV must examine your cat no more than 10 days before you travel, so contact your vet practice well in advance so you can be sure an appointment will be available. An AHC is at least an 11-page document, so please allow time for your vet to complete it. Your cat must be up-to-date with their rabies vaccination before an AHC can be issued.
Vaccinations must have been started at least 21 days prior to completion of the AHC. Pets must be over 12 weeks old when vaccinated for rabies for an AHC. Up to five pets can be added to an AHC.
Paperwork for travel
It is very important to have all the correct paperwork in place, with all the relevant information correctly filled out, otherwise your cat will not be able to travel. It can be a complicated process, but your veterinary practice should be able to help. The government also offers guidance and has phone and email helplines that you can contact.
Travelling outside of the EU with your Cat
Different countries around the world have their own rules on whether you can take your cat there, and some require a set of comprehensive tests and export health certificates.
They are not usually recommended for a holiday, and you must check the requirements and timings for coming back into the UK. You can request export health certificates through the government’s website.
7 top tips for cat travel:
1. Plan at least six months in advance and research carefully.
2. Check weather conditions before you decide on your destination as high temperatures can pose serious health risks to cats. Seek advice from your vet if your cat has any health conditions that may be impacted by travel.
3. Look into different travel options to minimise how much time your cat has to be in a car. For example, some ferry crossings have cat-friendly areas or cabins.
4. Check your insurance details or speak to your provider to make sure your policy will cover your cat abroad.
5. If your cat is on any long-term medications or prone to certain ailments, discuss ways to plan for this with your vet.
6. Research a local vet close to where you’ll be staying, in case of emergencies.
7. Ask your vet about the risks of diseases and parasites in the geographical region you’ll be visiting, and how to prevent or reduce them.
