I am moving home to Australia in about 3 weeks. When the original decision was made I checked out the quarantine regulations about taking my cat back and came out with the general impression that she needed a rabies booster shot 8 weeks before we fly and then she would have to stay in quarantine for only 30 days, so on this basis I decided to take her back. I had thought that if the quarantine was too long then I would find her a new home - and even lined up a couple of options.
Anyway, so today I find out that I must have read the stuff in a complete haze and that she has to have the shot (which she already had on 12 May) and then be tested for antibodies 8 weeks later (round about now) and then stay here in germany for another 60 days before she can leave and then when she gets to Australia she has to stay in quarantine for a further 110 days.
I love her dearly and she has been through thick and thin by my side providing all the unconditional love at her disposal. She is 15 years old and has dropped quite a bit of weight since we came to germany but the vet thought she would survive the flight ok. She has always been a fairly high strung cat and does fret when I am not around. She is great with DS, although finds him a bit more annoying now that he is walking.
I want to do the right thing by her as well as taking into account my feelings.
So I have 2 choices. Give her to a friend of mine who has 2 children and a small garden and wish her a good life with them OR
Give her to my BIL's mum and dad, who have a big house (that she wouldn't be allowed into) and yard but ask that she stays with them for about 150 days (by the end of that it could be getting pretty cold in the yard) and then send her over to Oz where she will spend 30 days in quarantine before rejoining us.
I feel like I can't really get an impartial view from my DH who is not her biggest fan, especially as the flight alone costs €1,250, plus vets fees, plus daily rate in quarantine.
Congratulations to anyone who is still with me. I look forward to hearing what you think.