Long Term Travel With Cats: A Guide for 2025

So many people have a dream to travel long term. After all, who doesn't want to experience the excitement of fully immersing yourself in a new culture and way of life?

It truly is incredible.

However, what if you have a cat? Or more than one cat? Is it possible to travel with them? What about abroad?

This guide is written with more than 14 years of experience in the travel sector and by someone who has moved abroad (from the US to France) with not one but two cats!

In this guide, we will give you a solid foundation when it comes to traveling long-term with cats. From entry requirements and luggage to tips for the journey, you'll have a well-rounded idea of the process, empowering you to make the best decision when it comes to you and your kitties.

Let's go.

Understand the local laws and regulations

The two most important things to consider are the entry requirements for traveling with animals and whether or not it makes sense for your cat to travel with you (we will discuss the latter later).

First, the regulations and requirements.

Traveling internationally with cats is 100% possible, and many people do it. Is it the easiest experience? Probably not. Is it manageable? Absolutely.

Different countries will have different entry requirements for both you and your pet(s). How easy it is to meet these requirements depends on the specific country.

The best thing that you can do is make sure that you're able to "import" live animals into your destination. You can do this by Googling phrases like:

bringing your cat from the US to France

bringing your cat from the UK to Spain

etc.

You should always look at official sites to get the most accurate information, as regulations and requirements can and do change from time to time. The embassy website of your country of residence and/or your destination will be able to give you the exact requirements when it comes to bringing your cat into a new country.

Let's take the US to France as an example.

To bring a cat from the US to France, there are a few requirements that your pet will need to meet, including:

• Your cat must be microchipped with an international chip (ISO-compliant).
• After being chipped, your cat must get a rabies vaccination.
• Your cat will need a physical exam to deem that they are in good health and can travel.
• An international or military veterinarian must create a health certificate for your cat.
• The USDA must officially endorse this health certificate. Depending on the type of form that is filled out, they may either need endorsement within 48 hours of travel or within 10 days of your arrival in France (or the EU in general).
• There may be other criteria associated with the airline you are flying with. For example, they may require specific form(s) to be filled out, have carrier requirements, or something else.

As you can see, there is a defined process for bringing cats into another country. This is just an example of one country. Make sure you look at the specific requirements for wherever it is you're going to.

Be aware of costs

When traveling with pets internationally, costs can creep up on you. There are a few specific things that you will need to take into consideration.

Veterinary costs. If physical veterinary exams are required to travel with your pet internationally, there will be associated fees, especially if your kitty needs treatment of any kind.

International veterinary costs. On top of that, it may cost more to get an appointment with an accredited veterinarian. They may also charge a specific fee or flat rate for assisting you with international paperwork and signing the medical certificate.

Legal endorsements. If you require a government endorsement, such as is true for cats going from the US to France, there may be a fee to receive an endorsement. On top of that, you may need to purchase first-class overnight postage to and from.

Treatments or medication. You may not have any medication for your cat, but in some cases, you might find out that you need treatment during your vet visit. If this is the case, you may have to pay for tests, medication, and then additional tests/follow-ups to ensure your cat is healthy before they receive their medical certificate.

On top of that, your vet may suggest a medication to help calm your cat during travel.

Cat carriers and supplies. If you're flying with your cat, you will need to get a cat carrier that fits the requirements of your country and the airline you're flying. Some airlines have very specific dimension maximums or even material requirements. For example, airlines can require that all pet carriers in cabin be made of soft material. Always check with your airline about any weight, size, and material restrictions when it comes to your cat's carrier - whether you'll be putting your cat in the cabin or in the animal stowaway.

Airline tickets. There will be a cost for flying your pet, whether they're in-cabin or underneat the plane.

Additional transportation. If you need to get a taxi or take public transportation from the airport to your foreign accommodations, you may need to pay extra for transporting an animal.

All in all, the costs can add up quickly when traveling with pets abroad, so just be prepared for this ahead of time.

Ensure it makes sense for your cat to travel with you

A sensitive topic because, of course, we want our furry friends with us through the entire journey, but it is an important one nonetheless. Make sure it makes sense for your cat to travel abroad with you.

A trip abroad is a huge journey for humans, let alone cats.

It's important to think about whether or not a significant journey is right for your cat based on their personality, age, and health, and how long you will be gone.

Check the pet-friendliness

...of everything.

When traveling with cats, it's important to make sure that your cat is going to be permitted into the spaces you are in. It's also important to know whether or not your lifestyle abroad will be ideal for your cat.

Unless your cat is a frequent flyer and/or has traveled regularly, this will be a huge adjustment for them.

Vacation rentals, hotels, and apartments

Before booking your accommodations, it's important to make sure that they are cat-friendly. It's possible to find pet-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and leases, especially in some places that are known for being more pet-friendly (like France!).

It's best to be sure of this beforehand, as it could be a nightmare showing up to your hotel after a multi-plane trip only to be told your cat isn't allowed.

Cars and local transportation

Depending on where you go, pets may not be allowed on public transportation or in ride-shares. Or there could be an additional charge.

This is another thing you should check beforehand, just so you're ready for whatever comes your (and your cat's!) way.

The weather at your destination

Another thing to consider is the weather where you are going. If you're going to be somewhere very hot, is there air conditioning? Or, is it going to be very cold?

Additionally, what are the windows of your building like? Is there an outdoor section?

It's important to take all of this into consideration, both for the comfort of your cat and for their safety.

How to prepare your cat for longterm travel

Apart from the regulations, requirements, and costs, there's the actual process of traveling with your cat. Coming from experience, the entire process can feel extremely overwhelming, but know that you're probably going to imagine it way worse than the trip actually is.

It can help you to read real testimonials about traveling with cats. There are online groups and forums you can read or join that will give you examples of how people handled the journey, what worked for them, what didn't, and some words of encouragement before you embark.

Here are some tips from someone who has brought two cats from the US to France.

Your cat's unique personality

As mentioned above, the travel experience is different for every single cat as cats are famous for having distinct personalities. Some cats may not mind traveling so much. Others might really dislike it. Either way, it's important to remember that your cat will be ok!

Knowing your cat and predicting their response to travel, especially through airports and busy places, is important.

Your cat's health

While you should be made aware of any health issues when your kitty gets their medical certificate, it's important to think about your cat's health in general. Do they have a chronic condition? Will they need medication while you are in another country? Or specific types of care?

This should be a top priority to you to make sure that your cat is comfortable and healthy during the entire trip.

Medication for nerves or anxiety

As mentioned above, it is possible to get medications that can help keep your pet calm while traveling. While tranquilizers are not recommended (and often aren't even allowed), some mild medications can help to relax your kitty.

You should ask your vet if you're considering this option for your cat. It's not a bad idea to look at your choices, especially if your cat has anxiety or is a true scaredy-cat.

If you and your veterinarian do decide to give your cat an anxiety medication for the trip, it's a good idea to do a "practice run" before you travel if it's a medication your cat has never had before.

Cats, like people, can always experience adverse reactions to new medications. It's better to learn this while in the comfort of your home, rather than in the middle of a busy airport.

Luggage acclimation

It can help your kitty to do a little bit of acclimation training before you head out on your journey, especially if their carrier is new.

Leave their carrier out, ideally in a room they like and feel happy in. Putting a few of their toys or a treat in it and letting them explore it on their own timeline will help the carrier feel less foreign to them.

Additionally, keeping it in their environment will make it smell like home. Cats have a keen sense of smell and this can be comforting to them.

While it sounds a little bizarre, it can also help to put something small that belongs to their favorite human in the carrier (even during the trip). This could be a hair scrunchie or sock - something soft. This can help your kitty feel calmer as they will recognize your scent in the carrier with them.

What to pack for your cat when traveling & some extra tips

It's easier to pack light, so keep that in mind. With that said, here are some things you want to make sure you have on hand with you, particularly if you're flying:

• Your cat's food. Changing your cat's food all at once can cause an upset tummy.
• Medications. If your cat takes any medications, oral or topical, don't forget them. You may also want to bring a little extra, just in case.
• Paperwork. Do not forget your cat's paperwork! Without it, you may not be allowed to board your flight, or you may be denied entry at your destination, depending on the local rules.
• A couple of small cat toys. They will be happy to have something familiar in a brand new place.
• A small, collapsible water dish. While in the airport, on the plane, or during transit in general, you need to offer your kitty water. They might not take it if they're really stressed, but don't worry. While it isn't ideal, according to Purina, cats can go 2-4 days without water - so a few hours on an airplane will be ok.
• Vet-recommended items. If your vet has recommended specific items for your cat, it's a good idea to get them.

Additional tips

These tips are from an American who drove from Phoenix to Los Angeles with two cats, then flew from Los Angeles to Paris with them in-cabin!

• If you're flying from America abroad, if possible, get a flight without any layovers. Each time you pass through security/TSA, you will have to take your cat out of the carrier so the carrier can be scanned. It will be less stressful for you and your kitty if you only have to do this once.
• At least in America, you can request a private room at security, so you don't have to hold your cat in the open airport. You will be able to enter a private room, close the door, and hold your cat there while an agent scans your bag.
• Know that your cat might meow. A lot. It's ok.
• When traveling with cats, many people will smile at you and help you. People, in general, love pets and are willing to offer a helping hand.
• Don't underestimate how heavy your pet is. Getting a roller cart at the airport can be helpful.
• Overcommunicate with your airline about the rules and regulations for pets.