Cats in France: rules and travel

Cats must be recorded in the I-CAD national file when identified. The identification is done by a vet.[1]

Cats over 7 months old must be identified by microchip or tattoo, and any cat must be identified before it is transferred. Keeping an unidentified cat is a EUR 750 fine under decree 2020-1625.[1]

The certificate of commitment with a 7 day wait and the ban on pet shop sales also apply to cats.[2]

The pet travels with its owner and needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older and valid from 21 days after the primary vaccination, and an EU pet passport. Maximum 5 pets per vehicle.[3]

The pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (12 weeks or older, valid from 21 days after the primary vaccination), an animal health certificate valid 10 days for the entry checks, and a signed non-commercial declaration. It must enter through a travellers' point of entry. Maximum 5 pets per vehicle. The French ministry also says the blood test, where needed, must be certified by an official vet of the country of departure.[4]

Needed for pets from non-EU countries that are not on the EU list. Blood sample at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before the certificate is issued, tested at a designated laboratory, result 0.5 IU/ml or more. Not needed when travelling between EU countries.[4]

The EU entry conditions list no quarantine for pets that meet them.[4]