The Cat Clinic’s Pre-Holiday Checklist for Cats

Travelling with a cat is still pretty rare in the UK — but for those who do it canbe a great adventure. So you've got the essentials covered, from food and treats to hygiene items and a first aid kit. But Jenny Divitt-Smith at The Cat Clinic advises that preparing your cat for travel goes far beyond packing. It's important to ensure their vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and grooming needs are all up to date ahead of your trip, as well as considering how to help your cat cope with the stress of the journey and with settling into a new environment.

Summer is a busy period for vet practices in Edinburgh so remember to book early before you go away to ensure you and your companion are travel ready.

Getting a pre-travel pet health check

Foreign travel with your cat brings a list of requirements unique to each country but even for travel within the UK, our vets at The Cat Clinic, recommend scheduling a health check appointment in advance to make sure your cat is fit to travel and any potential issues are identified early. This is especially important if your plans involve long journeys, warmer weather, or changes in routine. Here is Jenny's check-up checklist.

• General health check: weight, heart, mobility, and overall condition
• Vaccinations: ensuring core vaccines are up to date
• Microchip: ensure that your cat's microchip is reading and that all owner details are up to date
• Parasite prevention: flea, tick, and worming treatments reviewed
• Skin, coat, and paws: checking for matting, irritation, or overgrown nails
• Medication review: ensuring you have enough for your trip
• Travel advice: tailored guidance and plans on managing any potential travel anxiety or stress associated with being in a new environment

What vaccinations does my cat need to travel

Before travelling, it's important to make sure your cat is fully protected against common infectious diseases. Our vets at The Cat Clinic recommend ensuring all core vaccinations are up to date, as these protect against serious illnesses your cat could be exposed to while away.

For cats, core vaccinations protect against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus (cat flu), as well as feline panleukopenia (enteritis). If your cat will be spending time outdoors, vaccination against feline leukaemia virus is likely to also be required.

If you're travelling abroad, rabies vaccination is a legal requirement, and your cat will also need a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC) (or Export Health Certificate (EHC) if travelling outside of the EU) — requirements can vary depending on your destination, so it's always best to check in advance.

If you're unsure which vaccinations your cat needs or when to book, our team in Edinburgh are here to help. Arrange a pre-travel health check today to ensure everything is in place before you set off.