Our best tips for going on vacation with your cat

To best prepare your holiday plans, you need to consider an important factor: your little companion! Can you bring them with you, is it better to leave them at a boarding facility, or to have a trusted person come by?

To ensure your stay (and theirs) is full of relaxation and good vibes, here are our best tips for taking your cat on vacation.

Should I take my cat on vacation with me or not?

Our cats are very attached to their territory, but some cats, usually those accustomed to traveling from a young age, have no trouble traveling with their human. However, whether you decide to take your cat on vacation or leave them in care, avoid changing their diet. This could add stress and upset their digestive system.

To decide if it’s wise to bring your kitty on vacation, consider these points:

• How long am I going away?
• Will the trip be long?
• Are pets allowed at the destination?
• Will my cat be safe?

First important point: make sure in advance that the rental, campsite, or hotel accepts cats. Also, if you have to take a plane, train, or bus, check with the company beforehand about their policies.

Going on vacation without my cat: how to arrange care?

Having a trusted person come by

If for some reason your vacation might be stressful for your furry friend, it may be better to leave your cat at home and have a trusted person come once or twice a day to refresh their food and water and play a little.

This could be a friend, family member, or neighbor happy to help (in exchange for a small thank-you gift).

Many cat sitters also offer their services for about ten euros per visit.

Boarding facility or cat hotel

If you’re away for more than a week or have no one to ask to come by, you can choose a boarding facility or cat hotel where your kitty will be safe.

A boarding facility is a regulated establishment; the owner must hold a diploma certifying their skills and knowledge about animals.

To be accepted in a boarding facility, your cat must be identified, vaccinated, and have their health record.

Aristide Hotel in Paris

At Aristide Hotel, no cages or grills, but rooms with soft cushions, huts, perches, and zen music.

Address: 11 rue Ambroise Thomas, 75009 Paris

Price: Cool Cat stay, shared room with a playmate, €25-30 per day

ChaperlipoPet in Lyon

A boarding facility where you can leave your cat without worry! Calm, bright, and secure, it welcomes your cat during business trips, weekends, or holidays.

Address: 83 rue Duguesclin, 69006 Lyon

Price: all-inclusive rate for one cat, €15-17 per day

Harmonie Chat in Bordeaux

Individual rooms, a playroom, and a secure outdoor courtyard — that’s what Harmonie Chat offers. Your furry friend won’t have time to get bored!

Address: 122 rue de la Benauge, 33100 Bordeaux

Price: €24 per day for one cat in a single room, including kibble and litter

Preparing to go on vacation with your cat

Getting them used to their carrier

To prepare your cat for the trip, place their carrier in your living room so they can get used to it. On the day of departure, it will be less stressful and easier to get them inside!

Help them relax

Try to relax them by massaging, play a playlist of music designed specifically for cats, or consider valerian root. These natural methods will help your cat feel calmer before the trip.

Car trips with your cat

Before a long trip, take your companion on short drives first. This helps you gauge how well they handle travel and whether they get anxious or carsick. If needed, ask your vet for medication.

Even if your cat is used to car rides, we recommend keeping them in their carrier and not letting them roam freely inside the vehicle—for their safety and yours!

Secure your cat safely in the car

Place them in their bag or carrier and, if possible, on the floor between the front passenger seat and the back seat. Avoid putting them in the trunk—they need to breathe and not get too hot.

Long car trips with your cat: breaks and wet food

Make sure to schedule breaks where your cat can drink and eat. Cats rarely drink while the car is moving, so stopping regularly is important. Offer them wet food, which helps keep them hydrated even if they drink little water. However, some cats get carsick, so avoid feeding them during the trip but ensure they drink enough.

Of course, during breaks and before letting your cat out of the car, don’t forget to put on their harness!

In case of heatwave, bring a damp cloth or towel to cool your cat during breaks.

Also, bring wipes or absorbent paper to clean your cat’s carrier if it gets soiled.

Once you arrive

At first, set up your cat in a reasonably small room, like a bedroom. Provide litter and a water bowl. Keep them in that room for 2 to 3 days to see how they adapt before letting them explore the rest of the place.

Check the environment to make sure there are no escape routes before letting them roam freely.

Flying with your cat: how to do it?

You want to fly with your cat? This is totally possible. Most airlines allow cats under 8 kg (with a carrier) to travel in the cabin. The carrier must be approved, soft, and well-ventilated. Unfortunately, your kitty cannot leave the carrier during the flight. If you have a large cat, like a Maine Coon over 8 kg, they must travel in the cargo hold in an approved rigid cage.

Note that some airlines simply do not allow pets. Check beforehand.

Traveling abroad with your cat: what to prepare?

Within the European Union

Each country has its own rules regarding pet movement. If you travel within the EU, your cat must be identified with a microchip, as tattoos alone are no longer valid.

Your cat must also have its own European passport. This official document, issued by your vet, contains all necessary information (ID, vaccinations, medical history, etc.).

Vaccinations must be up to date, especially rabies, which is mandatory in some countries and protects your cat from rabies. Also, don’t forget to deworm your cat 1 to 5 days before the trip, following your vet’s advice.

Outside the EU

As with travel within the EU, your cat must have a microchip and be vaccinated against rabies. Note the vaccine only becomes effective 21 days later. For the vaccination to be valid, it must be done after the chip is implanted.

For specific rules depending on the country, check with the foreign embassy or consulate in France.

If you plan to bring back a cat from abroad, it’s important to know that bringing back an animal is only authorized after 4 months of age and only by adults. Your cat must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued by a vet in the country of origin.