Official Import Rules
France follows standard EU pet regulations. EU cats need an EU Pet Passport with microchip and current rabies vaccination.
Non-EU cats from listed countries need a health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination. Non-listed countries additionally require a FAVN titer test with 3-month wait.
France also requires that cats be identified (microchipped or tattooed) and registered in the I-CAD national database after arrival.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant.
Rabies vaccination
At least 21 days before travel.
EU Pet Passport
Issued by authorised vet. Covers microchip and vaccination records.
Health certificate
Required for non-EU arrivals. Issued within 10 days of travel.
Travel
No quarantine for compliant cats.
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for compliant cats.
City & Housing Tips
Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, and Toulouse are cat-friendly cities. France is famously cat-loving — cats appear in café culture, literature, and daily life. Finding pet-friendly rentals is generally easy, especially outside Paris. Use Le Bon Coin and Se Loger for apartment searches. French law protects tenants' right to have pets — landlords cannot include a blanket pet ban in rental agreements (Loi du 9 juillet 1970).
Vets & Common Parasites
France has excellent veterinary care. All vets must be registered with the Ordre National des Vétérinaires. Emergency vet services (urgences vétérinaires) operate 24/7 in major cities. Common parasites: fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Southern France has risks from sandflies (leishmaniasis in dogs, less common in cats). Regular parasite prevention is recommended.
Find Vets in FranceExit Rules — Leaving France
For EU destinations, your EU Pet Passport is sufficient. For non-EU destinations, obtain an Animal Health Certificate from an Official Veterinarian. France requires I-CAD registration — ensure your cat is registered before attempting to leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. French law (Loi du 9 juillet 1970) prohibits blanket pet bans in rental agreements, though landlords can require you to prevent nuisance.
Yes. All cats in France must be identified (microchip or tattoo) and registered in the I-CAD national database.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to France with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.