Traveling with a cat?

[Purpledragon]

Is it a terrible idea?

We have never had any pets because we live overseas and move every 3 to 4 years. In all likelihood I think this is likely the best plan. But I would love to hear from anyone about moving around with a cat in terms of difficulties, organization, cost and effect on the cat.

With thanks.

Depends which countries - so e it is trivial, some have quarantine requirements. We took out cats to Japan and back to the uk because Japan is on the list of countries that you can come into without quarantine. When I say "trivial" think very very expensive. Cats were unfazed and just slept for the journey, came out the other end without appearing to really notice.

Organisation-wise, you need to accumulate vet certificates and stuff. I'd have struggled to do it alone but that was a language issue, but we had a relocation agency to help.

Mmm, thanks barry good to know. I think this is the big issue, we can never say for sure which countries but pretty much based in the 'third world' so I imagine it would get very tricky. We are never in the UK, aside from short visits so it's more non-UK country to non-UK country. I think I would be setting myself up for many headaches. Shame though, I've always avoided it but after 15 years and no return to Europe plans I'm revisiting some of those things that those based in one place do without too many issues and wondering what might be possible. Thanks again for the reply.

That actually might make it easier - if they at countries with rabies then there may not be any quarantine requirements so you could move easily from one to the other.

Oh I see. I'll have to find someone who moves in a similar way to us with pets (its not common which says something in itself perhaps) and check that out. Of course cats can live a long time so I want to make sure I have some kind of idea about Europe as well in case that happens (we are a family of three, I'm the only Brit). May I ask, do you remember were you found the list of countries you mention for the UK?

Oh actually I just found some updated rules (January 2012)

www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/