Travelling Internationally with Older Cats

[ZaraW]

We were supposed to move back to the UK two years ago but I had to postpone as I needed major surgery and treatment. Then we couldn't get the cat back to the UK because of Covid flight restrictions.

We are now set to leave end of December. She will be nearly 14. It's a 6 hour flight. Vet has said as long as she's in good health it won't be a problem. She still runs around and likes to play and has plenty of energy when not sleeping.

I'm taking her for blood tests in a few weeks just to check everything is OK. I've also got the crate out she will be travelling in and she's sleeping in there just to get used to it.

Is there anything else I should be doing? We are using an agency that has a good reputation for taking care of pets.

Just concerned as she's getting old. TIA.

I travelled with my fairly old cats, 14 & 15'ish, several times. Not on flights, but by ferry. They always had health checks and coped well. They didn't love it, but they didn't get ill or suffer lasting damage It sounds like you're doing all the right things. I'd say she'll be fine. Leaving the create out for her is a good idea. Put something of yours in the crate when she's travelling, if permitted, and that'll bring her a bit of comfort.

Thanks that's really helpful. Can you remember what the health check involves? The agencies info say they do a more in depth one for pets aged 10+.

Good idea re putting something of hers in the crate.

It wasn't a comprehensive test. Vets just gave them a general check when giving them the jabs for travel. No blood tests.

Thank you, that's good to know.