Do the same rules apply to cats as to dogs?

Broadly yes — microchip, EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination apply to both. The most important difference is that cats are not covered by the fox tapeworm treatment required of dogs entering countries such as Norway and Finland.

When is the rabies vaccination valid for a cat?

As with dogs, the vaccine is only counted as valid for travel twenty-one days after it is given. Plan well ahead if the cat is being vaccinated for the first time.

Is travelling stressful for a cat?

Many cats are more sensitive to a change of surroundings than dogs are. Think about the carrier, keeping the journey short, and possibly a conversation with your vet about reducing stress along the way.

Do kittens have to be the same age as puppies before they can travel?

Yes. The general rule of at least twelve weeks of age plus twenty-one days after the rabies vaccination applies to cats too. Check the rules of the specific country if you are travelling with a kitten.

Travelling with a cat — passport, rabies and what differs

Fewer people travel with a cat than with a dog, but the rules are largely the same — with a couple of important exceptions. Here is the overview, including what differs from dogs.

A long-haired cat lies in an open carrier on the floor, looking out.

The basic requirements are the same

Like a dog, the cat must be microchipped, hold an EU pet passport issued by an authorised vet, and be vaccinated against rabies at least twenty-one days before departure. The passport must be carried and records the cat's identity and vaccination history.

The main difference: worming

Entering countries that are free of the fox tapeworm, such as Norway and Finland, requires preventive treatment for dogs only — not cats. It is worth knowing the difference if you are travelling with both, so you do not spend time on a treatment the cat does not need.

Kittens follow the same age rule as puppies

A kitten must be at least twelve weeks old before it can be vaccinated against rabies, and the vaccine must have been in effect for twenty-one days before the kitten can travel. In practice that means at least fifteen weeks. Some countries allow exceptions for younger animals under specific conditions, so check the rules for that country in good time.

Practicalities: cats and travel stress

Many cats are more sensitive to changes in their surroundings than dogs, and a journey can be harder on the cat than on the owner. A sturdy carrier, the shortest practical travel time and a conversation with your vet about calming measures can make a real difference if your cat is easily stressed.

Documentation worth having ready

Beyond the passport itself, it is sensible to have the cat's identification details and any medication to hand, and to know where the nearest vet is at your destination in case something happens along the way.

How Trofast keeps track of it

Trofast is built for cats on equal terms with dogs. You can record the cat's rabies date and the rest of its health history in the health calendar, and use the travel checklist to confirm the essentials before you leave — without needing insurance or any payment at all.

Frequently asked questions

Do the same rules apply to cats as to dogs?: Broadly yes — microchip, EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination apply to both. The most important difference is that cats are not covered by the fox tapeworm treatment required of dogs entering countries such as Norway and Finland.
When is the rabies vaccination valid for a cat?: As with dogs, the vaccine is only counted as valid for travel twenty-one days after it is given. Plan well ahead if the cat is being vaccinated for the first time.
Is travelling stressful for a cat?: Many cats are more sensitive to a change of surroundings than dogs are. Think about the carrier, keeping the journey short, and possibly a conversation with your vet about reducing stress along the way.
Do kittens have to be the same age as puppies before they can travel?: Yes. The general rule of at least twelve weeks of age plus twenty-one days after the rabies vaccination applies to cats too. Check the rules of the specific country if you are travelling with a kitten.