How to transport a cat on a train: detailed instructions, rules and tips

I encountered the need to transport my cat Mars when moving. There was a trip on a long-distance train (RZD) lasting 25 hours (departure in the morning and arrival the next morning).
Some friends suggested that I give the cat into good hands so as not to bother with him, but I categorically refused such recommendations, since I consider it a betrayal of the animal to give it to strangers (even not strangers). Honestly, I don’t understand people who can so easily get rid of their pet because of some inconvenience.

In this article I will share my practical recommendations for transporting cats on a Russian Railways train and my impressions of the first trip with a cat on the train.

Veterinary certificate

Back in 2021, every cat owner who wanted to place their animal on the train had to visit a veterinary station and purchase a health certificate for their pet. The validity period of the certificate was limited, so those people who came for it in advance risked being left on the day of the trip with a useless, invalid piece of paper. This document was valid for only five days, which meant that literally a couple of days before the trip the owner had to visit the veterinary station.

Required documents

Not so long ago, all cats were required to obtain a special certificate from a veterinarian to travel on trains, and many still think that this is necessary. But as of 2021, this requirement has been abolished; a pet will need a veterinary document only if its transportation is directly related to business (for example, if a cat is being transported for sale). In this case, you cannot do without a veterinary passport, which will contain notes about the vaccinations given.

Condition of the cat after transportation

After the move, the animal, of course, continues to experience stress. This happens not only because of the transportation itself, but also because the animal ends up in a completely new place for it, in a new apartment.

Basically, the behavior of the animal is as follows:

refusal to eat for several days (1-3 days);
refusal to go to the toilet (up to 24 hours after moving);
the animal does not make contact with the owner, hides under the sofa or in another secluded place.

After 2-3 days, this condition passes and the cat begins to behave as usual. After a week, Mars had already completely settled down - his appetite returned, he began to go to the litter box and behave like the master of the house.

What to take with you on the road

It is absolutely clear that your cat needs to take food and water on the road. What else does a cat need on a train?

Convenient packaging for transportation (the cat cannot be carried in your arms).

First aid kit.

Just in case, it is better to take on the road antiemetics, painkillers and antidiarrheals, adsorbent, antiseptic, bandage and cotton wool (it is better to ask your doctor about the contents of the first aid kit);

Tray and some filler.

If the owner and the cat will be traveling together in a compartment, you can take the cat litter from home;

Disposable dry diapers in a container for transportation.

During the trip, the pet will probably want to relieve itself, but going to the litter box may cause the animal to go to the litter box. So it is better to line the bottom of the container with a clean absorbent diaper in advance;

Pack of wet wipes

It will also not be superfluous to clean up after your pet (the functions of railway company employees do not include caring for animals);

Small bowls for food and water

or double bowl;

Toy.

It is not necessary, but it is advisable to give the cat a small and not too noisy toy. With her, the pet will feel more confident;

Leash and collar or harness

to take your pet outside during train stops. Carrying a cat in your arms is dangerous: an animal in an unusual environment can easily run away, and in the best case, severely scratch or bite the owner;

A small warm blanket.
Usually the trains are quite warm, but a blanket may be needed when the animal breathes the air outside if the weather outside is frosty.

By the way, if we talk about water, it will be convenient to take several bottles of clean still water on the road in plastic containers with screw caps. As for food, it is best to take a reasonable amount of dry food, which will be convenient for transportation in a railway carriage due to its light weight and consistency. There is no need to take any boiled meat or sausages on the road. It was also not enough for the pet to be poisoned by food that would be stored outside the refrigerator for several hours (or even days).

Reform 2021

If after all these frightening descriptions you go to unload your suitcases, then don’t rush. In January 2021, another amendment was adopted, this time transforming all preparations for the trip beyond recognition. Pet health certificates were abolished. Abolition, however, does not mean a complete lack of control over the pet’s condition on the part of Russian Railways employees.

Don't be confused if you meet an ignorant guide and explain the situation clearly to him

Possible problems and advice from experienced travelers

When planning your trip, you should think about the trip in advance, especially if it will take place with your beloved pet. Forethought will help people and cats endure the road comfortably. The main requirement of any trip is to ensure the safety of all participants - the animal itself, the owner, and other passengers.

Microchip implantation

To move a cat across the country, microchipping is not a requirement. This procedure must be done before rabies vaccination. This is regulated by current EU regulations. The chip itself looks like a small grain, the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted under the skin on the animal’s withers so as not to create discomfort.

A barcode is entered into the veterinary passport, which is also entered into the electronic database. It first appeared in the European Union, then moved to the USA and Canada. In these countries this procedure is mandatory. Owners who fail to do this face a heavy fine.

The main idea of chipping is to make it easier to find “lost items” so that if found, they can be returned to the owner. Also, all information about a given belly is recorded on the chip, including its vaccinations, diseases and other data.

If during the trip the cat opens its mouth and breathes rapidly during transportation, this indicates that it is motion sick. In this case, you can give medications for motion sickness, if possible, provide a flow of clean air, and give water. It is not advisable to feed a cat in this condition.

What does a cat need on the road?

In order for your pet to survive a long trip, you need to have some items with you. Be sure to stock up on the following:

Possible problems

Carrying cats on trains rarely goes smoothly. The difficulties begin with the conductor. It is possible to extort money due to an alleged violation of transportation rules; however, if you have all the listed documents, it is unnecessary to pay the “stewardess”. However, one can understand the conductor: he is afraid of dirt, noise and problems with other passengers. You can reassure him at least about the mess - they say, if anything happens, you will clean up after the cat yourself.

The following problems may arise if you encounter scandalous travel companions. Here you will simply have to calmly explain that the animal has received all permits, is not sick, and its transportation has been paid for. To reduce the intensity of passions, try to calm the cat so as not to irritate the neighbors with his plaintive cries.

In general, the trip will be a challenge for both you and your pet, at least for the first time. In the future, if trips (for example, to exhibitions) are frequent, the cat will get used to them and will react much calmer.

Preparing for the trip

Before setting off on a long journey with your pet, it is advisable to do a number of simple manipulations that will make the trip easier for both the cat and you in the future:

Implant a chip into an animal. Despite the fact that this advice sounds somewhat threatening, many owners resort to this procedure. When transporting a cat, the likelihood of its loss increases, and no one can be 100 percent insured. The chip will allow you to determine the location of the cat using a special program in case of its escape and will save you from tedious searches;
The miniature chip does not harm the animal’s body and is not felt by it in any way.
Give your pet worm prevention three months before the departure date. The absence of the need to have a veterinary certificate should not entail a special lack of responsibility for your pet. This way you will protect yourself and your possible travel companions from possible infection;
Dirofen in the form of a suspension is literally created for pets who cannot tolerate tablets
Make sure you have all your cat's required vaccinations throughout the year.

Point two: mandatory certificate and travel document

Preparing for a trip with an animal is a long process and even more difficult than preparing for a trip with a small child, so it is better to start it at least a month before the planned trip. Since transporting a cat legally on a train is psychologically easier than hiding it under a bench, first of all take care of an examination by a veterinarian.

If you are being seen in a private clinic, ask if it is licensed to issue the relevant documents. But it’s easier and cheaper to go to a state veterinary clinic or a health station (department for combating animal diseases). Rabies vaccinations are provided free of charge, but transporting a cat on a train requires mandatory vaccination.

There is nothing to do with an animal in your arms on the train. A cage or carrying bag is required. Usually cat owners have some kind of basket in which they carry cats to the same clinic. However, if the journey is long, it is better to evaluate whether the basket is suitable for travel. It is not difficult to carry an animal two blocks, while transporting a cat on a train is much more difficult:

stress and fear can prompt her to destroy a not very reliable shelter. It’s better to buy a container with a metal side door and a reliable latch, not too small so that the cat doesn’t feel cramped, and not too big so that he doesn’t start rushing around inside when he’s frightened. Fabric carrier bags are not very suitable for long journeys: they are stuffy, the walls can be torn by an exhausted animal, and it will certainly not be difficult for him to break the zipper.

Carrying bag

I will dwell in more detail on the carrying bag. You can purchase either a hard carrier (plastic or metal) or a soft one. I have a soft fabric one with a rigid frame.

I recommend placing a pet diaper (available in pet stores) at the bottom in case the animal goes to the toilet directly in the bag (which is most often excluded). Also, bedding will not hurt if the cat has a plastic carrier. The animal will be more comfortable on a soft diaper or blanket.

Absorbent animal bedding

Mars traveled in such a soft carrier

Sedatives for cats during transport

If your cat has never traveled by train or been outside (that is, indoor-only living), she will likely experience considerable stress from such sudden changes.

My cat is an indoor cat, I don’t let him outside. But a month before leaving, I started going to the park with him 2-3 times a week so that he could get used to it a little. She carried it in her bag, sometimes let it out, carried it in her arms, or carried it on a harness for a very short time. Mars didn’t really like these walks, but he didn’t have much trouble during the move.

Calming agent for cats - Stop Stress drops

The use of sedatives during transportation is not prohibited. I bought the cat the drug “Stop-stress” in drops. According to the instructions, they need to be given 4 days before departure, but I decided that the drug would be enough for him only during the trip. During the day I gave it 3 times according to the instructions, the drug worked. The cat became calmer for some time, and there were no side effects or strong sedation.

Rules for transporting animals

There are also rules on how to transport a cat on a train, based on issues of preliminary preparation of the pet.

Here they highlight:

It is required to be vaccinated against rabies, upon which veterinarians issue a certificate. Its validity does not exceed 30 days.
It is recommended to clean the animal of parasites. 1-2 weeks before vaccination, a deworming remedy is given.
If the cat has not been vaccinated for several years in a row, a double vaccination is required 20 days apart.

Vaccination will be required if the question arises of how to transport a cat on a train abroad. While a vaccination passport may not be required within the territory of Russia, you will have to obtain one to travel abroad. A vaccination passport is required to transport an animal in business class and high-speed trains across Russia.

Travel registration

Nowadays, tickets are purchased in two ways, which determine the specifics of further actions:

Order a ticket via the Internet. As a rule, on the websites of railway companies, when purchasing a ticket, you can select all the additional functions, which include transporting a pet, which will increase the cost of the ticket. Upon arrival at the station, you just need to show your passport and present the ticket printed from the website;
Read also: Cat breed with red eyes - reality or fiction
When ordering a ticket through the website, pay attention to the carriages marked with the letter Z - these are the ones you need
Purchasing a ticket through the station ticket office. When purchasing a ticket directly, you inform the cashier about the presence of the animal and discuss the package of necessary documents and the final cost of the ticket, after which you redeem it.

It is advisable to notify Russian Railways employees of your intention to transport the animal in advance (two to three days before the day of departure). You can do this by calling the toll-free number 8-800-222-07-66.

The simplest procedure for transporting a cat applies to all trains

Please note that commuter trains do not require containers. It is enough to pay an additional fee for the animal, and entry into the carriage is open.

Which wagons are suitable for transportation?

The possibility of transporting pets in reserved seat or compartment carriages depends on the carrier. Therefore, when planning a trip, check with the seller in advance which carriage you should buy a ticket for in order to be able to travel with your tailed friend. Otherwise, your pet will have to stay home.

The rules for transporting cats on trains clearly regulate where you can take them with you and where you can’t. So, soft cars (increased comfort, no more than two people in a compartment) and SV are absolutely not suitable for you. Similarly, you will not be allowed into the children's carriage - however, when purchasing tickets, this issue should be regulated by railway employees.

They must make sure that you don’t get a seat in a carriage where there are just a lot of children. The basket with the cat should be located in the baggage area; it is, in fact, considered luggage. However, no one has the right to forbid you to place the cage on your shelf or buy another place where the cat in a basket or on a leash will feel calmer than under a seat or on a third shelf.

We suggest you read: How long after sterilization can you feed a cat?

How to transport on an airplane?

Is it possible to transport a cat on an airplane? Yes, if you collect all the necessary documents and prepare for the trip, following the airline's rules and customs requirements.

Airlines usually offer two options for transporting a cat - you can either take it into the cabin or transport it in the luggage compartment. Check in advance what maximum weight animals can be taken on board the plane. Typically this weight is 8 kg. If your cat weighs more, she will have to travel in the luggage compartment.

When purchasing a plane ticket, indicate in advance that you will be traveling with an animal. The fact is that a limited number of animals can travel in the cabin of an airplane on one flight, so you need to communicate your desire to transport a cat in advance. Also check whether you need to pay extra for transporting animals.

Before transporting a cat on a plane in Russia, you need to obtain a certificate from a veterinary clinic, as is the case with train travel.

When buying a plane ticket, immediately order a reservation that allows you to transport animals. Each air carrier has its own rules, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with them in advance.

The fact is that some companies allow pets to be transported in the cabin, others require reservations, and still others prohibit it altogether (the cat is placed in the luggage compartment).

Each airport has a veterinary control post. There you need to put the strain on form No. 1. Upon arrival at your destination, another stamp is placed. If there are transplants, everyone needs to undergo this procedure.

Next, the cat and the container are weighed and the overload is paid. Paying extra money is, of course, unpleasant, but nothing can be done, these are the rules today.

To transport a cat on a plane abroad, you need to do the same as in Russia, but you must have an international veterinary passport.

What should you take with you?

Any trip should be carefully planned, especially if it will be carried out together with your favorite cat. To avoid problems when purchasing a ticket and the road itself, you should take care of all the nuances in advance. In addition to the basic documents (veterinary certificate and vaccinations), you need to find out what is necessary to take your pet abroad. In this case, an international veterinary certificate is also required; for the European Union it must be an EU certificate.

In some cases, the owner is required to microchip the cat before traveling, which can be done in private or city veterinary clinics. If you are planning a trip to the USA, then you should know that at the station you will need to fill out a declaration about the import of a pet into the country. In order not to encounter unexpected obstacles, it is worth studying the regulatory framework regarding the import of animals into the country where you are planning a trip.

When the preparation of documents is completed, it is worth thinking about what exactly you need to take with you on the road so that your pet is comfortable along the entire route. The most important things will be food and water. If the cat has not previously traveled far, then it is unlikely that there is a suitable container for it, and without it they will not be allowed on the train. Such containers must be durable, well-ventilated, and have a secure lock.

We transport it in a car

If you have to transport your cat or kitten long distance by car or just go to the vet, you will need to prepare for this in advance. How to transport a cat and what will you need for this? Even for the shortest trip, you will need a special carrier - after all, always carrying your pet in your arms is impractical and unreliable. There are different types of carriers, and each has its own features and advantages.

There are no requirements as such for transporting a pet in a car, but there are recommendations that are highly advisable to follow.

Before transporting your cat in a car, make sure you have it under control. You can put her in a container or soft carrier, or just keep her on a leash. The main thing is that it cannot move around the inside of the car. This is fraught with the fact that the fluffy will have the opportunity to jump out of the window (on a busy highway this can cause an accident) or interfere with the driver, creating an emergency situation.

General recommendations for transporting a cat on a train

Having decided to go on a long journey with his furry companion, the owner should know what is needed to transport a cat on a train in addition to official documents.

To transport your pet comfortably and safely on long-distance trains, you will need the following things:

Carrying. For long-distance transportation, you cannot do without a special carrying bag or cage. The best option for traveling would be a container cage with a lattice door. The dimensions of such a box should be optimal. In a small carrier the cat will be uncomfortable and stuffy, but in a spacious carrier the animal will rush around in fear. Fabric bags are not suitable for long trips, especially in summer. They make the cat feel stuffy and can cause heat stroke.
Harness. If the animal is used to walking on a harness, then it may come in handy on a long journey. The presence of a harness will allow you to safely remove the cat from the carrier or cage without fear that the pet will run around the carriage in a panic.
A small tray or special absorbent wipes to ensure hygiene on the train.
Food, bottled water, food bowl. Animals rarely eat when under stress. The owner can limit himself to a small amount of dry food. But the animal must have water.
Express first aid kit. You should put cotton pads, disinfectant, activated carbon, and herbal soothing drops in it.

Useful tips

A change of scenery, a shaking carriage, lack of a stable surface underfoot, noise from moving trains, and a huge number of new smells contribute to the development of a stressful state even in the most resilient pets. In this regard, pet owners often ask veterinary specialists how to transport a cat on a train and reduce the stress load on the animal. To reduce the animal’s agitation and anxiety, you can give herbal sedatives, for example, “Kot-Bayun”, “Fitex”, etc. You can take these drops with you to your first aid kit.

Stronger sedatives should only be used after consultation with a veterinarian. Vetranquil is most often used to relieve anxiety when transporting animals. The drug can only be prescribed by a veterinarian; independent use can be fatal. You can train your pet to travel in advance. To do this, you can come to the railway station with your cat in a carrier a couple of times a week. Brave animals can even be walked on a harness along the platform. 3-4 such training outings with your pet are enough, and the animal will get used to the sound of a moving train, and the trip in the carriage will be more calm.

Is it necessary to buy the entire compartment if you are traveling with a pet?

This restriction is established only for SV carriages and luxury cabins. To travel with a cat in a classic coupe, you do not need to buy all the shelves. All you need is a ticket for yourself and a receipt for the transportation of your tailed friend. It does not hurt to clarify detailed information on this issue with the carrier.

"Allegro" - transportation on a paid basis in the places provided for this.
"Sapsan" - carriage on a paid basis in economy, business and first class carriages in designated seats. At the same time, only one animal or bird can be issued for one ticket. Placing more than two pets in one place is also prohibited. In a negotiation compartment, you are allowed to carry no more than one pet per seat and no more than four animals per compartment.
"Strizh" - transportation is paid in a "2B" type carriage.
"Swallow" - travel is paid in special places. No more than one pet per ticket and no more than two per seat.

Not all carriages of JSC FPC allow pets, so before purchasing a ticket, you should make sure that such a service is provided in the carriage. If the train belongs to another carrier, you should clarify in advance exactly how the process is carried out.

If, in the opinion of Russian Railways employees, a large animal poses a potential threat and may be dangerous for passengers, their owners may be denied transportation.

As for larger dogs, they should be transported in a vestibule, kept on a leash and muzzled. However, the presence of more than two large dogs in one carriage is not allowed. You will also need to pay additional transportation fees.

Video about transporting animals

The travel of pets on trains with their owners is subject to strict rules. It is not possible to carry out transportation in all types of wagons. Before buying a ticket, you should check with the cashier whether transporting animals is allowed and how much it will cost.

Food and drink during the trip

It is unlikely that your cat will want to eat or drink during the trip, as transport is a stressful event for the animal.

I took with me some dry food and 2 cat sausages as treats. The cat ate the treat, and even then in several passes, but did not touch the food.

It's the same with drinking. You can completely refuse water, since nothing will happen to the animal during the day, and an extra trip to the toilet in a carriage will be uncomfortable.

And finally, my review of traveling with a cat.

I thought that everything would be more complicated, because my cat is an indoor cat, he practically doesn’t know the street except for rare trips to the veterinary hospital and infrequent walks in the park in a carrier bag.

In fact, Mars behaved quite well. Periodically, he meowed loudly and complained, especially at the very beginning of the journey, but then fell silent and simply lay in the carrier, periodically breathing with his mouth open (an indicator of stress). It is possible and even necessary to take the animal out of the bag, because it is difficult to spend the whole day in a lying or semi-lying position. By evening, the cat had already become a little bolder and even walked around the train a little under my supervision, trying to jump on the shelves.

Mars bravely endured transportation

Our neighbors in the carriage were understanding, so there was no negativity from the passengers. And my cat did not cause any inconvenience. I think more than half of the passengers had no idea that an animal was carried in the carriage. By the way, I was the only one in the animal carriage with animals, although I expected to see about a dozen pets there.

There were some minor difficulties at night. Mars was nervous and did not want to sleep in the bag. I couldn’t take it out of the bag for safety reasons, because the cat would start jumping on the shelves, disturbing the peace of passengers, or would hide somewhere out of fear.

So I slept with him on the top bunk, opening the bag slightly and covering it with the cat with the duvet cover. Periodically, he woke up and meowed, complained, but overall, the night passed peacefully. Mars sometimes looked out the window with interest. None of the passengers complained about us at night.

Conclusion: in general, transporting a cat by train to another city is quite possible and not that difficult, and it’s also inexpensive. Of course, animals have different personalities, and some may find such an undertaking more troublesome, especially if longer journeys are expected.