Ferries are one of the most overlooked travel options for cat owners — and on the right route, they're genuinely one of the most cat-friendly. No altitude, no cargo hold, often more space than a plane, and some ferries even have dedicated pet areas.
The catch: ferry pet policies vary more than almost any other form of transport. Some operators welcome cats in the cabin. Others require them to stay in the car deck. A few don't allow pets at all.
Important: Ferry pet policies change frequently and vary by route, season, and vessel. Always verify directly with the ferry operator before booking.
Do Ferries Allow Cats?
Most do — but the conditions vary significantly:
- Some allow cats in the passenger cabin in a carrier, same as a plane
- Some require cats to stay in your vehicle on the car deck for the duration of the crossing
- Some have dedicated pet lounges or kennels on board
- A few don't allow pets at all — especially smaller or high-speed ferries
Major Ferry Lines: Cat Policy Overview
| Ferry Operator | Region | Cats Allowed | Where | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State Ferries | Pacific Northwest | Yes | Passenger cabin (in carrier) | Free |
| BC Ferries | British Columbia | Yes | Vehicle deck or pet area | Small fee |
| Alaska Marine Highway | Alaska | Yes | Kennel on board | Fee applies |
| Cape May-Lewes Ferry | Delaware/NJ | Yes | Pet-friendly deck area | Free |
| Block Island Ferry | Rhode Island | Yes | Passenger deck (in carrier) | Free |
| Brittany Ferries | UK/Europe | Yes | Pet cabin or vehicle deck | Fee applies |
| DFDS | UK/Europe | Yes | Pet-friendly cabins available | Fee applies |
| Stena Line | UK/Europe | Yes | Pet lounges on most vessels | Fee applies |
Policies, fees, and availability change. Verify directly with each operator before booking.
Washington State Ferries — Best for US Cat Owners
If you're in the Pacific Northwest, Washington State Ferries is the gold standard for cat travel. Cats in carriers are allowed in the passenger cabin at no extra charge. The crossings are short (20–60 minutes on most routes), the boats are large and stable, and the experience is genuinely low-stress for most cats.
Atlas made his first ferry crossing on the Bainbridge Island route. He was alert for the first 10 minutes — new sounds, new smells, the vibration of the engines — then settled into the carrier and watched the water through the window. By the return crossing he was asleep before we left the dock.
European Ferries — Best Options for International Travel
European ferry operators are generally more cat-friendly than US operators on longer crossings. Brittany Ferries, DFDS, and Stena Line all offer pet-friendly cabins on overnight crossings — your cat stays in the cabin with you rather than in a kennel or vehicle. This is significantly less stressful for both cat and owner.
For UK-to-Europe crossings post-Brexit, cats also need to meet EU pet travel requirements (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate). See: How to Travel Internationally With a Cat
What to Expect: The Ferry Experience for Cats
Most cats handle ferries better than cars or planes. The reasons:
- No altitude change — no pressure on ears or sinuses
- Smooth motion on calm water — less jarring than road travel
- Consistent engine hum — white noise effect that many cats find calming
- No sudden stops or acceleration
The main stressor is the boarding process — vehicle decks are loud, smell of exhaust, and have lots of movement. Get your cat settled in the carrier before you drive on, and move to the passenger cabin as quickly as possible.
What If My Cat Has to Stay in the Car?
Some ferries require pets to remain in the vehicle on the car deck. This is the least ideal scenario — car decks are loud, dark, and you can't check on your cat during the crossing. If this is your only option:
- Leave windows cracked for ventilation (check if the operator allows this)
- Make sure the carrier is secure and can't slide
- Leave familiar bedding and a worn t-shirt in the carrier
- Keep the crossing as short as possible — avoid long car-deck-only crossings with cats
- Use a pet camera if you can get a signal to check in remotely
- Talk to your vet about gabapentin for the crossing. See: Best Sedatives and Calming Aids for Cat Travel
How to Prepare Your Cat for a Ferry Trip
- Carrier train in advance. Your cat needs to be comfortable in the carrier for the duration of the crossing. See: How to Get a Cat Used to a Carrier
- Fast 3–4 hours before boarding. Reduces motion sickness risk on rougher crossings.
- Spray the carrier with Feliway 30 minutes before loading.
- Harness on before you open the car door. Ferry terminals are busy and a spooked cat can bolt fast.
- Bring water and a collapsible bowl for longer crossings.
Motion Sickness on Ferries
Rough water crossings can cause motion sickness in cats. Signs: excessive drooling, lethargy, vomiting. If your route is known for rough conditions (open ocean crossings, winter crossings), talk to your vet about anti-nausea medication in advance. Maropitant (Cerenia) is commonly prescribed for motion sickness in cats.
Ferry Travel Gear
- Soft-sided carrier — comfortable for longer crossings, easy to carry on board
- GPS tracker — especially important if your cat must stay in the vehicle
- Escape-proof harness — wear it during boarding and disembarkation
- Feliway spray — spray carrier before boarding
- Collapsible water bowl — for longer crossings