Cats on Trains: A Guide to Bringing Your Feline Friend on Amtrak

Can You Bring Your Cat on Amtrak?

If you’re planning to travel by train with your feline friend, you may be wondering whether Amtrak allows cats onboard and what rules and restrictions apply. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of Amtrak’s pet policies as well as answers to other common questions about traveling with cats by rail.

Amtrak’s Official Pet Policy

The good news is that Amtrak does permit cats to ride in the passenger areas of most trains as long as they meet certain requirements. Specifically:

1. Cats must remain in an enclosed, leak-proof carrier at all times when onboard trains and in stations.
2. Only one cat is allowed per passenger.
3. Cats must remain with the ticketed passenger for the entire trip and cannot be left unattended.
4. Carriers must be stored safely under seats or in the overhead storage bin and cannot block aisles or exits.

From my experience traveling with cats on Amtrak, these rules make a lot of sense to maintain safety, order, and sanitation. Being confined prevents fretful felines from accidentally escaping or disturbing other travelers.

What Types of Carriers Are Allowed?

Amtrak stipulates that carriers must be entirely enclosed on all six sides (top, bottom, and all around). Acceptable carrier options include:

• Hard- or soft-sided pet carriers and kennels
• Backpack-style pet carriers
• Collapsible plastic or fabric carriers

The carrier should be appropriately sized for the cat – not too big nor too small. Some additional tips: Make sure zippers, latches, and doors are securely fastened. Consider adding colorful contact info on the outside in case of an emergency separation. And don’t forget basic supplies like food, water, litter, and toys!

What About Emotional Support or Service Animals?

If your cat is trained and licensed as an emotional support or service animal to assist with a disability, Amtrak has slightly different rules that allow it to accompanied you on the train and even in the cafe car or lounge. However, the animal must still remain harnessed, leashed, or in a carrier when not providing assistance.

Amtrak requires proper medical documentation for these designated animals at least 48 hours prior to travel. Without verified credentials, they are considered pets subject to the regular baggage fees and carrier rules mentioned above.

Are There Any Trains That Don’t Allow Cats?

Nearly all Amtrak routes permit pets in enclosed carriers. However, a small number of long-distance trains have limited pet policies or restrictions due to dining car configurations that make proper animal containment challenging. Be sure to double check the rules for any trains making overnight journeys through remote areas with minimal stops.

What About Fees and Reservations?

Amtrak charges a $25 carrier fee per one-way trip for pets traveling in the passenger areas. While advance reservations are not required, they are highly recommended during busy travel times to ensure your cat’s carrier will fit onboard. Most trains have limited pet-carrying capacity.

An exception is the Auto Train, which transports passengers and vehicles between Virginia and Florida. Cats are not permitted in the main passenger cabin and must instead travel in a kennel within the cargo baggage cars, which does require a prepaid pet reservation too. The rates are higher since pets ride unsupervised.

What to Expect on Game Day?

From my experience, most cats remain calm and quiet during the journey, taking it all in stride once they adjust to the new experiences – from departure to arrival. However, noises from passing tracks, braking trains or crowds in stations may startle some cats despite their carriers.

Come prepared with coping mechanisms like calming treats, toys, or nail caps. Sitting in quiet cars away from loud conversation helps too. And don’t forget to factor in rest breaks for stretching, snacks, and litterbox visits at station stops!

Some Final Tips for a Fuss-Free Feline Trip:

To reduce stress for you and your cat, here are a few more things I’d recommend:

1. Acclimate your cat to the carrier well in advance through positive reinforcement training.
2. Bring along familiar items that smell like home for comfort, like a worn t-shirt.
3. Consider pet-friendly hotels or motels if continuing the journey requires an overnight layover.
4. Seat yourself near other pets for company and monitor their behavior for cues.
5. Have vet records available just in case they’re requested at security.

With a little planning and the right carrier, most cats can ride along on Amtrak without any major issues. Just be attentive to their needs and remember they depend on you to make the whole trip as stress-free as fur-ribly possible!

I hope this overview helped address any concerns about taking your fuzzy friend by rail. Please feel free to reach out if you have additional questions before embarking on cat-cations by train. Safe travels to both of you!

Cat Travel By Amtrak

Car Type	Seating Capacity	Ticket Price	Amenities
Coach	Up to 60 passengers	$35-$150	Standard seating, luggage storage
Business Class	Up to 48 passengers	$100-$300	Extra legroom, food service, electrical outlets
First Class	Up to 24 passengers	$150-$500	Private cabins, meals included, priority boarding
Accessible Seating	Wheelchair accessible	Similar to Coach fare	Extra space for service animals or mobility devices
Train Changes	N/A	Additional $10-$50	Fee for changing trains along the route

FAQ

1. Can I bring my cat on Amtrak?

   While Amtrak does not allow pets in the passenger seating areas, you can bring your cat in a carrier during your trip. However, only cats and small dogs are permitted. Larger pets are not allowed.

2. Where can I put my cat’s carrier on the train?

   Cat carriers must be stored either under your seat or in the overhead bin. You cannot hold your cat on your lap during the journey. At the same time, make sure the carrier is secured safely and will not fall in case of sudden stops or turns. Think about bringing a blanket to make the carrier into a cozy space for your feline friend.

3. Is it safe for cats on trains?

   Provided the cat is in a secure carrier and you take proper precautions, train travel can basically be safe for cats. Nevertheless, you need to prepare them well for the trip. Get your cat used to the carrier before the big day. Pack favorite toys and treats. White noise apps or calming music may help keep them calm during the ride. Check on them regularly. With a little effort, trains can be a viable option to transport cats.

4. What do I do if my cat is stressed during the trip?

   If your cat appears agitated or freaked out, you can try gently petting or talking to them through the carrier. Perhaps play some calming cat music. Distressing them more will only make things worse. Do not forcibly remove them from the carrier mid-journey. Wait till stopping points to let them stretch their legs if needed. Consulting animal experts or experienced travelers may offer tips to reduce cat stress when traveling by rail.

   

5. Isn’t flying safer and faster than the train?

   While flying gets you to your destination quicker, it can be riskier and more unpleasant for cats due to challenges like loud noises, lack of space, and pressure changes. Most veterinarians recommend surface transportation like trains or cars if possible. Trains provide a slower but calmer environment comparable to a car ride. So taking your cat on Amtrak may be a better choice than stuffing them in the cargo hold of a plane.

6. What items should I pack for my cat’s train ride?

   Be sure to bring along essentials like food, water, litter, and plastic bags for waste cleanup. Toy favorites, some treats, and her favorite blanket can help your cat feel comfy. You may also want medication in case of emergencies. Don’t forget proper ID tags with your contact info in case you get separated! Proper prep will make a huge difference to your cat’s travel experience.

7. Is it true some trains have cat lounges?

   While this sounds amazing, the claim that some trains contain special “cat lounges” appears false according to my research. However, European trains apparently allow pre-booked pets in sleeping compartments versus cages. Perhaps someday, thanks to strides in animal welfare, train operators may offer calmer quarters just for our furred friends. For now, the cozy carrier under your seat will need to do!