Donate

Foreign travel and cats

Looking to travel abroad with your cat or bring your cat to the UK? Find out about international travel rules for cats.

Foreign travel and cats

Looking to travel abroad with your cat or bring your cat to the UK? Find out about international travel rules for cats.

Topics covered:

Need more cat advice?

Get free cat care tips and inspiring cat stories straight to your inbox.

Subscribe to our emails

Should I travel abroad with my cat?

While it’s possible to travel abroad with your cat and return to the UK, it’s important to consider whether the journey is really necessary. 

Cats are territorial animals, and many find travelling and unfamiliar environments stressful. Being away from their usual home and routine can be stressful for them, and some cats may become disorientated or go missing in a new area. For this reason, taking a cat abroad for a holiday is not a good idea. Instead, take a look at our advice for what to do with your cat when you go on holiday.  

But there are circumstances where travelling with your cat may be unavoidable, such as moving abroad. If this is the case, careful planning can help ensure your cat travels as safely and comfortably as possible.

tabby-and-white cat sat on windowsill looking out of window with raindrops on the glass

Preparing your cat for travelling abroad  

If you intend to travel with your cat, speak to your vet well in advance of your travel date. Ideally, three to four months before your trip, especially if it’s the first time your cat has travelled abroad. 

Your vet can give advice on: 

  • vaccination requirements 
  • microchipping 
  • parasite prevention 
  • travel documentation 
  • any health or welfare considerations specific to your cat 

Cats travelling abroad may also be exposed to diseases and parasites that are uncommon or not present in the UK. UK cats may have little or no natural immunity to these infections, so they can be particularly vulnerable if exposed while travelling. If your cat becomes unwell during or after travel, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. 

Not all veterinary practices are able to issue the travel documentation required for international pet travel. If certification is needed, you may need an appointment with an Official Veterinarian (OV). Speak to your vet about whether they have Official Veterinarian status or how you can find an Official Veterinarian to certify your cat for travel. Allow plenty of time before your planned travel date to get your cat’s travel documents sorted. 

Taking your cat abroad 

Pet travel requirements help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and parasites between countries, protecting both animal and public health. Travel requirements vary depending on your destination and can change over time. Always check the latest requirements before travelling and ensure all necessary preparations are completed in advance. 

For the latest information on travelling from the UK with your cat, including identification, vaccination and documentation requirements, check the UK Government’s advice for taking your cat abroad.

Taking your cat to Northern Ireland 

Requirements for travelling with pets between Great Britain and Northern Ireland may differ from those for travelling to other destinations and can change over time. 

For the latest information, check the UK Government’s advice for travelling to Northern Ireland with your cat.

Bringing a cat into Great Britain 

If you’re bringing a cat into Great Britain, you must ensure you meet the current entry requirements before travelling. These requirements help prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases and parasites, protecting both animal and public health. 

Requirements vary depending on where your cat is travelling from and can change over time. If the relevant requirements are not met, your cat could be refused entry or placed in quarantine. Quarantine can be extremely stressful for cats, so it’s important to ensure all requirements are met before travel. 

For the latest information, check the UK Government’s advice for bringing your cat to Great Britain.

Remember to update your cat's microchip details 

Before travelling, make sure your cat's microchip details are up to date. Also check that the contact information linked to the microchip can be used while you’re away. 

This can help reunite you with your cat more quickly if they become lost during travel or while abroad. 

Microchipping your cat

Settling your cat into a new home 

If you’re moving abroad with your cat, remember that adjusting to a new environment can be challenging. Cats can find unfamiliar surroundings stressful and may take time to settle into a new home. 

Careful planning can help reduce stress and support your cat as they adapt to their new environment.  

Moving home with your cat
a black cat lying on the floor next to a plastic cat carrier. Another black cat is blurred in the background
Find out more

Travelling with your cat

Need to take your cat on a trip by car, taxi or train? Read our guide on making travelling as stress-free as possible for you and your cat.

5 minutes
A long-haired ginger-and-white cat sat on a vet table with a vet wearing personal protective equipment standing behind them
Find out more

Vaccinations

Vaccinating your cat is important to protect them against certain illnesses, such as cat flu. Read more about vaccinations in our free guide.

5 minutes
A brown tabby cat peering into an open, beige, plastic cat carrier being held by a person wearing a blue jumper
Find out more

How to choose and use a cat carrier

Looking for advice on cat carrier training? Read our expert guide to find out everything from which one to buy to how to train your cat to use one.

5 minutes
Find a Cat
Donate
About us