Getting a cat into the UK

[Mothgirl]

Hello all I am going to be moving back to the UK with my cat from the EU, and it looks like the best bet will be to go via Calais.

I am very nervous as my cat is a real scaredy cat. Shes an outdoor cat and I know being in her cage is going to freak her out, and I'm especially freaking out and need to hear about what happens exactly!

I don't drive so either a friend will need to help me or I'll need to use a pet taxi company, there seem to be quite a few that let you ride with them. Any experiences?

What happens during the process from Calais, does anyone have any experience? Sorry to sound completely ignorant but is this a tunnel you drive down or are you on a train or...?

Presumably all the paperwork is checked, but do they need to take the cat out of her cage to check her? I'm terrified of losing her!

Finally, the UK requires a rabies shot for cats, so I got that sorted last year, but where I am they give cats rabies shots that last 3 years. Are customs going to make a fuss that the vaccination isnt dated this year?

Please feel free to share your experiences :)

By the way, I bought some Feliway spray to try it out on her and the smell doesnt seem to relax her, she runs away when I offer her a towel with it sprayed on.

I haven't been via Calais with my cats, so I haven't got a clue about the layout there. I've been via Santander where the checks for cats are outside and exactly where the cars queue to board the ferry. I had to take them into the hut for their microchips to be checked, and yes, I had to open their travel boxes for their chips to be swiped by the scanner. They reached into the box and I didn't have to take them out. It was safe in there, but I was very careful as well.

As your cat's very nervous, so is one of mine, and I'm assuming she's not used to being in a confined space, I'd suggest leaving the travel box out now where she can see it and can pop in and out of it, so that she gets used to it. Put something familiar in their for her, blanket, toy, etc.

Make sure you have paperwork relevant for entering the UK. If the rabies jab must be for the current year then do that, as they won't let you travel otherwise. Double-check on the DEFRA site for the current rules. Transport companies will know the rules. Check with the ferry company as well.

I haven't travelled with mine for a few years now, so not familiar with current travel rules and haven't used a pet carrier service. Hope all goes well. It is quite stressful, but worth it to have them with you.

Omg your cat paperwork has to be 100% exactly correct for UK customs. Read the .gov.uk website on it and make sure it is all perfect. I wouldn't be scared of them physically losing the cat. Just impounding it if your papers are not correct. There is no leeway!