by Alice Cat Expert | Monday, October 2, 2017 | Cat Tips, The Travelling Cat Project
Every year, hundreds of cats are being left behind when people relocate to another country. The Travelling Cat Project is a collective effort to demystify international cat travel.
Hopefully, by sharing our stories, it will encourage people to relocate with their cat(s).
We believe if you manage to move your personal belongings to a new country, you SHOULD BE able to move your cat(s) with you.
For a full of list of information and stories, please click here.
Destination
Frankfurt
Year
28, February 2014
Human
RF
Cat
Rafale and Dante
Rafale
Raffle again…
Dante
Dante again…
Preparation
1. Did you use an agent?
No
Vet
2. What kind of work did you have to do with vet before your cat is clear for travelling?
Before we went to the vet, we had a call and explained our situation. On that call we also booked all appointments we needed for our kitties to avoid surprises.
So… now the kitties:
Rafale: He was up to date with shots and he was already micro chipped. The only thing I needed to do for Rafale was to give him a Rabies Shot, a health check, to see if he is fit for flying. He also got a Pet Passport which was required for Germany.
Dante: He was more of a challenge, since we lost his papers during our move from Dublin to Malahide so we had to start all over again. So he got all his shots, Rabies, his health check, Got micro chipped and all of this within 2 months, and of Course, also the Pet Passport
Paperwork
3. Is there other paperwork you need to do?
Not really, we did a lot of investigation ourselves on the internet. Germany is not difficult as long as your pets have had their shots, are micro chipped, have their passport
Transport
4. How did you travel to your destination?
We travelled by Plane to Frankfurt. We flew Lufthansa since they allow Pets as hand luggage
5. How do you book your cat? Any specific requirement?
I booked my cats by calling the Lufthansa service center in Dublin. During the call I booked my flight for 2 persons and 2 cats. I could pay the tickets for me and my wife via my credit card. I was told that when arriving at the airport I had to go to the check-in counter to check in, and I also had to pay the fair of 80 Euro per cat as extra hand luggage. The only requirement Lufthansa had is that the Cats should be vaccinated, and should have a passport, of course the carrier should have the dimensions as stated on their website.
Cat Box
6. How did you prepare your cat box?
I purchased two Trixie Cat carriers for the flight since they had the dimensions stated by Lufthansa. When they arrived I Left both carriers in their room where they could investigate it, sleep in it, get used to it. I did put some treats in it to make it more attractive for them. I also used these carriers to bring them to the vet. These carriers are not big, for Dante is was OK, but the Huge Bengal … yeah.. poor baby. But they both got used to it, so it was not a problem to get them in on the day of travel.
Travel day
7. What is the logistics on travel day?
A Lot, the Day before I got some tablets from the vet to sedate them a little (The vet said to give them a half only, if not sufficient, administer the other half). I was really afraid that Rafale, the Bengal who is verrrrry vocal, would scream during our flight. And we really wanted to avoid those “cat haters” during departure and flight. Before we left to the airport, we administered both of them half a tablet let’s say, 30 minutes before we got into the taxi. I checked them regularly if they were OK.
I also got some baby wipes just to be prepared if something might happen during the flight.
Since we booked the 1st flight from Dublin to Frankfurt on that day, we were already at the airport really early (3 hours in advance) to avoid stress with the kitties. We really wanted to avoid long waiting times, queues just to keep the stress as low as possible during check in etc. Check in went well.
And then….. Security check, I still cannot believe it when that guy said “ we need to scan the carrier, get the cat out”. This cannot be true, really…. ? Luckily we were travelling with two people, so what we did was that I got first through the scanner, got back. In the meantime my wife opened the carrier, I got the cat out of the carrier, my wife handed over the carrier to get scanned, in the meantime I walked slowly back through the scanner with a cat on my arm. Ok, the guys at security were cooperative (was it luck??) but they opened the carrier for me so I could put back the cat in his carrier. And back to do the same drill for the other cat.
Before we boarded we noticed that half a tablet was not sufficient enough so we gave them the other half. You could really see that both of them were fighting against the sedation.
We tried to be the first ones to board the airplane where we could put them on the floor under the seats in front of us and we were quite lucky 🙂
8. Was it easy? Was it difficult?
It was easy, but only because of a few things;
• We were prepared
• We were on time
• We were in control
• The Kitties were lightly sedated, which kept the stress level in overall low
(Alice’s reminder to you: Please check with your vet regarding to sedation. Every cat is different and it might not be suitable for your cat.)
The Journey
9. How is your cat behave during the journey?
As they were lightly sedated, they behaved perfectly, no stress, no sound, no “accidents” it was just perfect.
When we arrived in Frankfurt, we decided to disembark when all other passengers had left, again, to keep the stress down for all.
Arrival
10. Any further inspection or procedure on arrival before you can take your cat home with you?
None, when we arrived, we got our suitcases, and walked out 🙂
After travel
11. How did your cat react to the journey?
In general, they reacted very well to the journey. But in this case we were also prepared. Since we moved to Germany to a new house AND close to our daughters place she was able to prepare our house for the kitties. When we arrived in our new home, the litter box was prepared with the litter they know, their food was there, there was a water bowl and in our suitcases we carried their cat beds which we unpacked on arrival. What I also did is that I rushed to the local pet store to buy them some toys and small pillows with Baldrian in it (yes, the smelly feet stuff, but they go crazy on it). Since our furniture was on its way, the house was empty, so they were able to explore all rooms in the house on their own pace.
We had NO Problems at all, two days later they were running, playing and doing all that stuff that 2 cats can do when they have fun. We had no pee or poo issues. All that because we gave them their space and time, and were not stressed at all (they got extra TLC though)
12. How much did it cost in total?
• Vet: about 400 Euro
• Flight Carriers: 60 Euro
• Flight: 160 Euro
• Prepare new home: 150 Euro
• Seeing them play and have fun in your new place: Priceless !
Other tips
13. Any other information or tips you think other cat people should know if they want to do the same journey?
• Be prepared. There is a lot on the internet but….
- Ask the company you are flying with if they have regulations, really, ask !
- Ask your vet when in doubt when it comes to shots, regulations in the country of destination etc. Make also sure that all shots are done in time and on time. You cannot vaccinate a cat today and leave the day after.
• If you are Emigrating, try to find someone who can prepare your new home for your kitties, this will really help the transition
• Get the same stuff in your new home so they recognize it
• Make appointments early, when you are too late / are not compliant with regulations, there is no flight !!!!
• Make your bookings / reservations on time.
• Stay cool, keep relaxed. It will also help your kitties 🙂
Thank you RF for sharing your story with us. I am sure other cat people will the information useful!
Have you travelled with your cat internationally? If you have, talk to me! Share your story with us! It will help other cat people and their cats!
by Alice Cat Expert | Friday, February 17, 2017 | Cat Tips, The Travelling Cat Project
Every year, hundreds of cats are being left behind when people relocate to another country. The Travelling Cat Project is a collective effort to demystify international cat travel.
Hopefully, by sharing our stories, it will encourage people to relocate with their cat(s).
We believe if you manage to move your personal belongings to a new country, you SHOULD BE able to move your cat(s) with you.
For a full of list of information and stories, please click here.
Today we are going to hear the first story of travelling by road! Tigruta and Negruta travelled across Continental Europe, cross the Channel and then cross the Irish sea, finally arrived to Dublin.
Let’s have a look at their story…
Tigruta (left) and Negruta (right)
Destination
Cluj-Napoca, Romania to Lucan, Co. Dublin, route was probably: Biharkeresztes Hungary trough Austria, then Germany, Belgium, England and from England to Ireland
Year
October 2012
Human
Adriana and Alin
Cat
Tigruta and Negruta
Preparation
1. Did you use an agent?
Yes
2. Which agent did you use?
http://www.moveandparcel.eu/
Vet
3. What kind of work did you have to do with vet before your cat is clear for travelling?
Micro chipping, rabies vaccination and parasite treatment
Paperwork
4. Is there other paperwork you need to do?
Passport
Transport
5. How did you travel to your destination?
We transported the cats from Cluj-Napoca Romania in the first Hungarian town after the border where Moveandparcel took them. We used this crate to transport our 2 baby cats (7 months old at the time).
6. How do you book your cat with your agent? Any specific requirement?
We requested a quotation on the website. After we received the quotation we spoke with the agent through e-mail and phone.
Cat Box
7. How did you prepare your cat box?
We had a medium litter, food and water. Also their favourite blanket and some toys.
Travel day
8. What is the logistics on travel day?
We had to transport the cats to the Hungarian border to meet the carrier. There we had to give the carrier all the documents and the pills for cats to be given 24 hours prior entering Ireland.
9. Was it easy? Was it difficult?
It was piece of cake 🙂
The Journey
10. How is your cat behave during the journey?
The journey was 2 days long. Being together they were fine and not so stressed.
Arrival
11. Any further inspection or procedure on arrival before you can take your cat home with you?
No. They brought the cats to our door in Ireland.
After travel
12. How did your cat react to the journey?
They were fine. A little stressed but fine. The carrier took care of them very well (food, fresh water, clean litter).
13. How much did it cost in total?
The price for one cat it was 400 euro, but because we transported both of them in the same cage, we only paid 550 euro. The costs for chipping and vaccination was insignificant.
Other tips
14. Any other information or tips you think other cat people should know if they want to do the same journey?
Once they get to Ireland to asap register their pet chip into Irish database.
Thank you Adriana and Alin for sharing your story with us. I am sure other cat people will the information useful!
Have you travelled with your cat internationally? If you have, talk to me! Share your story with us! It will help other cat people and their cats!
by Alice Cat Expert | Wednesday, January 18, 2017 | Cat Tips, The Travelling Cat Project
While travelling with your cat internationally, sometimes it might not be possible to finish your journey in one day. You and your cat might need to look for lodging during transit. Plus, it is a good idea to break the car trip into session so that your cat can get rest. It is incredibly difficult to find pet friendly lodging in Ireland but situation has improved greatly in the past decade, a quick search on Booking.com gives us 38 options for Dublin. Not too bad in comparison to a few years ago, right?
And Europe Pet Net has some tips on their website on pet friendly lodging, let’s have a look!
Pet Friendly Lodging Guide
Most hotels in Continental Europe and Scandinavia are pet-friendly, but this is not always the case. When you are searching for a pet-friendly hotel or B&B – take the time to read the fine print before booking a room. Keep in mind that a published pet policy may be lacking and you must first call the hostel or hotel for clarification.
Some hotels will specifically list out the types of pets that are welcome. Small B&Bs may even require that your pet is crated while you are not with your pet in the room. Others may require a “pet deposit” upon check-in, to cover any damages if your pet makes a mess or chews up the curtains. Renting an apartment for holiday is becoming a very popular alternative to the standard hotel room and many of these are pet-friendly.
How can I find a pet friendly room?
There are several ways to search for a pet-friendly hotel online. Some are more efficient and user-friendly than others. Here are our recommendations for a quick, easy search:
Booking.com – On their home page, type in your destination, dates and how many guests. Click “search” and then look for the tabs on the left side of the page. Click on “Facility” and you can filter your search for ‘Pet Friendly’ places.
Tripadvisor.com – Trip Advisor is not just for hotel and restaurant reviews anymore. They have recently added a filter to their hotel and rentals search engine, allowing pet owners to select pet-friendly options easily.
Google Hotel Finder – Don’t just rely on your basic Google search for finding the best pet-friendly lodging. Google has developed a specific search engine just for this need. Put in your destination, dates and then search for the best prices. Google then allows you to filter for pets under “Amenities.”
Airbnb.com – AirBnB has become a go-to for people travelling on the cheap or for those seeking luxurious apartment rentals. Sometimes you can book a night on someone’s couch and save Fluffy a spot too! When you find a place within your budget, click on “Amenities” and it will tell you if the room is pet-friendly or not. While this method of searching isn’t as efficient as the others on this list, you can still find some great deals very easily.
If you use another website, you may not be able to easily search for pet friendly rooms. Often you have to find a place to stay within your budget and then find out if the place is pet friendly. If you book through a major hotel such as Radisson Blu, Hilton, Choice Hotels, Ibis, etc., their website should provide all details of pet policies before you book.
Other Pet-Friendly Accommodation Search Engines:
For USA/Canada:
Petswelcome.com
Europe:
Bringfido.com
via Europetnet – Pet Friendly Lodging Guide
by Alice Cat Expert | Monday, January 16, 2017 | Cat Tips, The Travelling Cat Project
If you have been reading my blog, you should know I have started a project called – The Travelling Cat. The aim of the project is to get as much information and as many cat travelling stories as possible all in one place for the ease of cat parents around the world.
I have travelled over 10,000km with my own cat, I know how confusing it is. Information often contradicts each other and a lot of airline staff, for example, don’t seem to be very informed on the protocol.
I have written a post before on some of my personal travelling tips, and today, I will refer you to another article from Europe Pet Net which will give you some more tips. I hope you find it helpful. You can read the full article by clicking to the link below.
Planes, Trains, Automobiles…and more!
Your journey throughout Europe may involve one or many methods of transport. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with each unique travel situation and how it may affect your pet. Of course, before you set off, make sure that you have all legal documents in order and reference our Check List. Never hesitate to contact the transport company for specific pet policies.
Air Travel
With the emergence of many ‘budget airlines’ throughout Europe, more people are able to travel and sometimes with their pets. Pet travel policies vary widely between airlines, so be sure to check with the airline before you book a ticket. Cats and small dogs often can travel within the cabin under your seat while larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold. If you need to travel with your Service or Guide Dog, let the airline know at booking, as these animals are allowed to travel in the cabin.
During certain times of the year your pet may not be allowed to travel in the cargo hold. The cargo hold is temperature and pressure controlled while in flight, but it is not while the aircraft is on the ground. This may mean that your pet is exposed to extreme temperatures. Some airlines, such as United, have a special pet service which holds the animals in a climate-controlled vehicle by the aircraft and loads them right before the doors are closed. This type of service prevents exposure to extreme temperatures once your pet is checked in, helping to prevent travel-related illness. However, this service does not help when there are gate delays after landing. The most common health problems encountered while flying include hyperthermia, hypothermia and dehydration. With proper preparation, these complications are rare.
Some airlines prohibit transport of certain breeds for the sake of the animal’s health. Brachycephalic breeds (those with “smushed faces” or very short noses, such as Persian cats, Pugs and Boston Terriers) are more likely to suffer from travel complications due to their unique anatomy. These dogs are more likely to suffer from hyperthermia or airway compromise. They also cannot cool themselves adequately when exposed to high temperatures or even when they are very excited. It is best for these breeds to travel on the ground or in the aircraft cabin.
Certain breeds may be banned by airlines or must travel in a special, extra-secure type of metal crate. These include fighting breeds and bulldogs such as Pit Bulls, Mastiffs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. This is not necessarily because the airline views these breeds as dangerous to people; it is because these dogs have especially strong jaws. There have been cases in the past where Pit Bull-type dogs have chewed their way through a plastic crate and damaged the interior of the aircraft cargo hold while in flight!
To minimize stress while flying:
Pick a direct flight to your destination. Lay-overs increase the amount of time your pet is stressed and can contribute to dehydration.
Travel during the coolest time of the day if possible.
Get your pet used to the travel crate in advance. Most crate-trained dogs are very bonded with their ‘den’ and this may make travel less stressful for them.
If your dog is prone to chewing on fabric, don’t place a blanket in the crate. While soft padding may seem comfortable, some dogs decide to ingest it when they are bored – potentially leading to an intestinal obstruction.
The day before travel, freeze water in a container for your pet. Before setting off for the airport, attach this container to the interior of the crate or the door. The ice will slowly melt and help prevent spillage. Many dogs enjoy licking ice!
For other information, please see our Quick Travel Tips pages for Dogs and Cats.
Travel by Train
Train travel can still be stressful for your pet. The new sights, sounds and even the movement of the train itself can be unnerving. If it is possible, take your pet on a few short train trips before the big day. This can help him or her get used to the process.
Most trains throughout Europe are “pet friendly” but contact the rail company for pet policy details before booking.
While travelling by train, remember:
Keep your pet secure. Cats and small dogs should travel within a carrier at all times. Larger dogs should be kept on a short leash and on a secure collar or harness.
A water source should be accessible to your pet at all times. Carry a water bottle with you, as some trains may not offer opportunities to purchase water while aboard or the water in the bathrooms is non-potable.
Travel during the coolest part of the day. In some countries, trains are not climate controlled. If there is a delay, the cabins can become quite hot – exposing your pet to additional stress.
The movement of the train can sometimes cause motion sickness. For helpful tips about prevention of motion sickness in pets, click here.
For more tips on what you should take with you on the train, see our Quick Travel Tips pages for Dogs and Cats and Check List.
continues on Europetnet – Planes, Trains, Automobiles…and more!
by Alice Cat Expert | Wednesday, November 5, 2014 | The Travelling Cat Project
Every year, hundreds of cats are being left behind when people relocate to another country. The Travelling Cat Project is a collective effort to demystify international cat travel.
Hopefully, by sharing our stories, it will encourage people to relocate with their cat(s).
We believe if you manage to move your personal belongings to a new country, you SHOULD BE able to move your cat(s) with you.
For a full of list of information and stories, please click here.
Today, we will hear the fascinating story of Petal and Omar. They travelled from Doha, Qatar to London and then on to Ireland.
It is apparently a bit of a complicated procedure, but their humans Kirsty and Bob were very determined to relocate to Ireland with their feline family members.
I chatted with Kirsty by email and she said,
“Sadly it was all too common to see notices up in the vets’ office and supermarkets in Qatar saying ‘We’re leaving and can’t take our pets, please give them a home’. It made us all the more determined to bring ours back with us. As soon as I could, I started saving a cat-relocation fund in cash, in case our bank accounts got frozen!”
This is inspirational! Only if more humans take the welfare of their cats so seriously!
Let’s have a look at their story…
Petal
Omar
Destination
Doha to London Heathrow, then onward to Ireland by road and ferry a few weeks later
Year
02/07/2012
Human
Kirsty and Bob
Cats
Petal and Omar
Preparation
1. Did you use an agent?
Yes.
In Qatar: The Veterinary Surgery, Bin Mahmoud, Doha (for paperwork only)
In UK: Ladyhaye International Pet Travel, Blindley Heath, Surrey
Vet and Paperwork
2. What kind of work did you have to do with vet before your cat was cleared for travelling?
We had to have a rabies serology test done on both cats to ensure they had the right amount of rabies antibodies in their system (they were already vaccinated against rabies as part of their yearly vaccinations). This had to be done at least a month after the vaccination was administered.
We were lucky that the quarantine rules for Britain and Ireland changed in January 2012. Had the cats travelled before that date, they would have needed 6 months’ quarantine. We had plans in place to send them to live with a friend in Belgium for 6 months instead, had it been necessary.
Transport
4. How did you travel to your destination? Which carrier did you use?
Qatar Airways
5. How did you book your cat with your carrier? Any specific requirements?
My husband was leaving employment with Qatar Airways so he booked the cats’ flight directly with the airline instead of through our agent. We took the cats in their boxes to the cargo offices a couple of days before the date of travel so they could be weighed and measured. The staff created the air waybill and checklist, and we paid for the flight.
(NB I think the rules changed just afterwards so cargo flights had to be booked by a recognised cargo agent, rather than by individuals)
Cat Box
6. How did you prepare your cat box?
We bought IATA-approved carriers and made sure they fit the requirement for the cats to stand, sit and turn through 360 degrees, which is more space than humans travelling in economy class get.
We put a thick towel and an old t-shirt that smelled of us into each box. We also attached hamster-style drinking bottles to each box door (the kind with a spout and valve) – less likely to spill than a bowl.
Travel day
7. What were the logistics on travel day?
We were required to bring the cats in their boxes to the Qatar Airways Cargo offices at the old Doha airport, four hours before the flight.
Once there, the cats and boxes were weighed and measured, checked in, and whisked off to the DOH airside animal facility where they would stay until the flight was loading.
8. Was it easy? Was it difficult?
I used to run the animal facility at DOH so I knew the people working there and in the cargo offices, and consequently wasn’t too worried about the procedure. It took a lot of time, and of course we were nervous about seeing the cats off on their journey, but on the whole it was relatively hassle-free (nothing in Qatar was ever 100% free of hassle). But our history of working at the airport and for the airline meant our cats had VIP treatment at both ends.
The Journey
9. How is your cat behave during the journey?
No idea! They meowed a lot in the car on the way to the airport but that was normal for them. They were quieter once out of the car. When they reached their final destination, their bedding had been changed, so they both must have peed, pooed or spewed at some point in the journey. That’s not surprising, as it was a seven-hour flight and they were in their boxes for several hours before takeoff.
Arrival
10. Any further inspection or procedure on arrival before you could take your cat home with you?
Our UK agents had to get the relevant paperwork before the cats could be released to them. That meant checking their rabies blood test results and the customs forms.
Our agents collected the cats from LHR and took them to my mum’s house in Sussex. She showed them to us on Skype (we were still in Qatar at that point), then took them to the Alpine Hotel for Cats in Ashurst Wood, UK. The cats stayed there for about seven weeks while we moved out of Qatar and found somewhere to live in Ireland.
Once we had a house in Ireland, I rented a Transit and took the ferry to the UK, where I picked up a load of furniture and the cats. They were stuck in their boxes for another nine or ten hours. They had to stay in their boxes in the back of the van during the three-and-a-half hour ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin, but that was probably less stressful for them than being taken into the unfamiliar environment of the passenger lounge.
After travel
11. How did your cat react to the journey?
On arrival at LHR, our agent emailed saying ‘They are both curled up together in a cattery, a little shell shocked, but they are all ok.’
They soon settled in at the Alpine Hotel for Cats. It was their first time seeing grass, trees and rain.
They were fine after the van and ferry journey to Ireland. We let them out of their boxes and confined them to one room overnight. Within an hour or two they were their usual selves and having a good sniff around their new home.
12. How much did it cost in total? Can you provide a break down if you don’t mind?
Agent’s fees Qatar: no record, sorry.
Agent’s fees UK: £450 (paperwork, clearance and delivery to Sussex)
Flight: QAR1873.00 (about €385)
Boarding in UK: no record, sorry, but we did get a reduced long-stay rate
Van rental and ferry crossing: about €1300
13. Any other information you think other cat people should know if they want to do the same journey?
It’s counter-intuitive, but it’s much better to send animals as cargo rather than excess baggage. Cargo staff are more likely to have had special training in handling animals than baggage staff. Also, never sedate a pet for travel. Some airlines won’t accept sedated animals, and it’s against the IATA Live Animal Regulations.
Thank you very much Kirsty for sharing your amazing story with us today. If she can get two cats out of Qatar I think we can travel with a cat ANYWHERE!
Have you made similar journey? Have you travelled with your cat(s) internationally? We need to hear from you. Your stories might give helpful insight to other cat people who are making the same journey. Altogether, we can make effort to make sure less cat(s) left behind. Knowledge is power. You don’t have to worry about the writing. We will send you a questionnaire like the one above, you just need to answer them. Please be in touch!
