Can someone explain the pet passport system to me?

[MrsFogi]

I am getting awfully confused about how this works looking online. Can someone tell me if this is right:

• I go to a registered vet, get a rabies vaccine for the FogiCats (and any other vaccines needed etc - they are up to date with the usual vaccines/worming/fleaing);
• FogiCats then get a passport (or is there a waiting period/need for another appointment);
• do I then need to do anything to keep it valid?

If the FogiCats then travel to an EU country do I need to see a vet before returning (I think it is needed for dogs but am confused about cats) or can they travel out and back again with just the passport.

I am totally lost so if someone could explain I would be very grateful (hopefully going to take them to France at Christmas because the FogiDCs think it would be cruel to leave them to celebrate alone ).

I'm afraid I don't know. Maybe ask a vet that issues the pet passports.

However ....

It sounds like a dreadful idea to take them to France for a holiday. Any change of environment is extremely stressful for cats. Travelling is extremely stressful for cats. And then, when you get there, you would need to be incredibly vigilant about where you keep them to make sure they have no access to any open windows or doors. Essentially they would need to be kept in one room.

And what if one accidentally gets out? It's hard enough to find a missing cat when they go missing from your house. If you lose one on holiday that's essentially that.

Don't leave decisions on cats' welfare to children. As an adult, look at the options and ramifications and make a decision based on what is best for the cats. In this case it would be leaving them in their home environment, preferably with a neighbour or cat sitter feeding them. Failing that then a cattery.

Only if your trip will be for more than two months should you even consider taking them with you - and even then I still probably would advise against it.

I agree have you tried flatcats? Put in your post code and pay someone to go in twice a day. Have you got a cat flap? They will hate being locked up in one room. Can you imagine if they escaped in France it would be very upsetting for you all having to return without them.

I think you have to wait 6 months between administering the rabies vaccination and getting the blood checked for antibodies as sometimes it doesn't take, especially in younger animals. My info is a couple of years old and might be outdated though. I would be conscious of rules possibly being altered as Brexit takes hold.

Ok, my experience is with dogs, but the same rules apply for cats and ferrets randomly
1/ get pet microchipped
2/ have your pet vaccinated against rabies
3/ the vet issues your passport.
4/ wait a month then travel.

On your return, book into a vet at least 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before check in for your ferry/plane.
The vet will give your pet a worm treatment (it's a drontal tablet for my golden retriever) fill in the passport to say your pet is fit to travel, what treatment it's had and VERY IMPORTANT fill in the date and time, sign and stamp with the official stamp.

I travel to and fro across the channel several times a year, so have done this lots of times. DDog is on her second passport as the first was full.

www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
Official rules.

For a holiday I think it's best the cats stay in the UK whether it be a cattery, cat sitter or neighbour popping in. Travelling is very stressful for cats and am sure a cattery would be less stressful than a journey then a new environment then journey back again.
Vets are generally knowledgeable on pet passports.