Cats in United Kingdom: rules and travel

In England a cat's microchip must be registered on an approved database. Registration is optional in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.[1]

Compulsory in England only: cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old, including indoor cats. Voluntary in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.[1]

No cat outdoor curfew, neutering duty, or ban on cat types was found on the pages checked.[1]

Use an approved route (not needed from Ireland). The pet must be microchipped before its rabies vaccination, then wait at least 21 full days after the vaccination. A travel document from your vet is needed, and the type depends on the country you travel from. Dogs need tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival. Banned breeds need an exemption certificate.[2]

Same rules as from the EU: approved route, chip before rabies vaccination, 21 day wait, travel document and tapeworm treatment for dogs. Pets from non-EU countries that are not on the list also need a rabies blood test and a 3 month wait after it.[3]

A rabies blood test is needed only for pets from countries that are neither in the EU nor on the GB list. You must wait 3 months after the sample date before travel. No wait if the pet was vaccinated, tested and given a passport or certificate in the EU first.[3]

Pets that do not meet the rules may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months, or refused entry if arriving by sea, at the owner's cost. More than 5 pets triggers extra commercial rules, except for shows and competitions.[4]