Passenger Fined €110 on French Train Because Her Cat Was Meowing

A Cat Named Monet, and a Costly Train Ride

On Thursday, August 21, 2025, Camille and Pierre boarded a midday Paris–Vannes train with their cat Monet. As required by SNCF regulations, they had purchased a €7 pet ticket and placed the cat in a proper travel carrier.

But Monet, unused to the noise of the train, meowed during the early part of the trip. According to Camille, “He meowed a little at the beginning, and after one passenger complained, the controller fined us.”

The fine: €110, cited for “disturbance to public order.”

Complaints From Other Travelers

The official contravention stated that the cat “would not stop meowing” and that “several passengers” had lodged complaints. The controller asked Camille to move to another carriage, but she refused, explaining that she was already in her assigned place with an appropriate ticket for her cat.

The situation escalated into what SNCF described as a matter of “tension between passengers.” For the young couple, however, the punishment felt like a serious overreach.

“It’s really unfortunate that SNCF can penalize people who travel with their pets, while being fully in order and taking every precaution,” Camille said.

SNCF’s Response

Contacted by French media, SNCF defended its staff. The company clarified that the fine was “not simply because the cat meowed” but because of passenger complaints and the refusal to move to another carriage despite available seats.

“Our train managers proposed a seat in the next carriage, which was nearly empty,” an SNCF spokesperson said. “This simple solution could have resolved tensions with other travelers.”

The company added that it would contact Camille to “clear up any misunderstanding” and would re-examine the fine as part of the formal contestation process.

A Case That Strikes a Nerve

The story sparked wide debate online, with many questioning whether an animal’s natural behavior should justify a fine when the owner had followed all the rules. Camille has formally contested the penalty and says she will not board another train until SNCF responds.

The incident highlights the often complex relationship between transport companies, pets, and fellow passengers—especially when stress, noise, and differing levels of tolerance come into play.