Travelling abroad with your cat

Are you going on holiday and not sure what to do with your cat? Maybe you’re thinking of getting a cat sitter or sending your cat to a cattery/boarding house. Or maybe you’re considering bringing your cat on your travels with you…

There’s lots of different options to choose from. We’ll look at each, and what to consider before committing to them:

1. Taking your cat abroad
2. Taking care of your cat at the resort
3. Taking your cat on a road trip
4. Leaving your cat at home with a sitter
5. Taking your cat to a boarding house

1. Taking your cat abroad with you

When you’re planning on taking your pet abroad with you, it’s always best to research the rules in the country you’re planning to travel to. For example, if you’re travelling to the EU, you should:

• Make sure your cat is microchipped. You should do this before they get their rabies vaccination.
• Get your cat vaccinated against rabies. Your cat needs to be at least 12 weeks old before you can vaccinate them against rabies. You’ll need to wait until 21 days after their vaccination before travelling.  If your cat is already vaccinated, you should check whether they need a booster vaccination
• Get your pet travel documents in order. Your cat will need an animal health certificate if you’re planning to travel to the EU or Northern Ireland. They may also need a valid pet passport – although pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer accepted in the EU.
• Check your return journey. The rules for returning to Great Britain with your pet coming depend on what country you’re coming from.

Read GOV.UK’s official advice for travelling abroad with your pets - to ensure you’re well informed before you go. Remember, there are different rules that apply if you’re planning on visiting a non-EU country.

2. Taking care of the cat at the resort

Before you travel, consider how a new location will impact your cat. Are there other cats at the destination that could pose a problem for your cat? Are there children or other animals that could put your cat at any risk? Have you considered whether any of your travel companions – or other people you encounter – are allergic to cats? It might be safer to leave your cat at home if there are a lot of risks to their wellbeing or safety.

If you’ve weighed up the risks and have concluded that your cat can travel safely and comfortably with you, it’s good to try to imitate your cat’s home environment at the resort or room you’re staying in abroad. For example, you could bring blankets from home that have a familiar smell. Pheromones that can be bought at pharmacies or at the vet can also give the cat a sense of security.

Try to also place food and water bowls in a similar place to where they would be at home. And bring some used cat litter from the box at home.

Lastly, don’t forget that stressed cats in a new environment are more likely to go and get lost given the chance. Make sure your cat is microchipped and is wearing a collar with your contact details on it. Read up on recognising anxiety and stress in cats.

3. Taking your coat on a road trip - or a short drive

If you’re taking your cat on abroad trip, remember that cats can easily get motion sickness.

You can help prevent this by not feeding your cat too close to the start of your car journey. Your vet can also help provide you with medication to prevent motion sickness.

4. If you're leaving your cat at home

Having a good cat sitter is a must if you’re planning on leaving your cat at home while you’re away. Make sure that your cat sitter:

• Visits your cat at least twice a day. And spends time socialising with your cat.
• Gives your cat food and water. Don’t forget to tell your sitter which cat your food likes and how much to feed them.
• Cleans your cat’s litter box
• If you’re away for more than a week, you should consider letting someone stay in your home with your cat instead. Although cats are independent individuals, they are also social creatures who need companionship.

5. Taking your cat to a cat boarding house

If you can’t find a cat sitter, you can book your cat into a cat boarding house. Keep in mind that good cat boarding houses are often fully booked for the summer well in advance.

Contact a cat club if you’re not sure about good cat boarding houses. They can give you tips on reputable cat boarding houses that have a high standard both in terms of accommodation and the care of the cats.

Things to consider when choosing a boarding house for your cat:

• What the resting and grooming routines are
• If any vaccinations are required for their stay there. Make sure your cat has all the necessary vaccinations – at least 2 weeks in advance of their stay at a boarding house.
• What liability and insurance does the cat boarding house have?
• Do the staff have appropriate training?

Written by Amanda Andersson, June 2024. Approved by licensed veterinary specialist Catarina Eliasson.