The Ultimate Guide to Ensuring a Smooth Journey for Your Cat
Relocating is an enormously stressful event, so when your feline friend joins the journey, extra consideration and care are required. Cats’ sensitive natures and dislike of change require special consideration during relocation to ensure a stress-free journey. Domestic or pet relocation international can present unique challenges, which is why meticulous preparation is key. This guide offers insights and practical tips designed to ensure that their move goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
Selecting an Appropriate Cat Shipping Service
The initial step should be selecting an efficient cat shipping service provider to ensure a smooth journey for your cat. Companies specializing in international relocation may have more expertise and knowledge needed for this.
Included as key factors of consideration:
Experience and Reputation: Before choosing any pet relocation company, carefully evaluate its credentials by reading reviews from other pet owners & seeking recommendations from them.
Certifications: When hiring an animal transportation service provider, ensure they have been approved by relevant bodies such as IPATA.
Services Offered: When considering services offered for pet transport and care, look for ones offering door-to-door transport, veterinary checks, and assistance with paperwork/customs processes.
Preparing Your Cat for Travel
Planning for travel with your cat can reduce stress levels and ensure their well-being during their trip.
Conduct a Health Exam: Schedule an appointment with the veterinarian to ensure your cat is healthy enough and fit to travel, obtain its Health Certificate, and receive any necessary vaccinations or treatments.
Acclimatization: Make life easier for your cat by placing her travel crate in an easily accessible part of the home and encouraging her to investigate it by offering treats or toys with positive associations with it.
Documents for International Travel: Before traveling internationally, ensure you possess all of the required paperwork, such as health certificates, vaccination records, and any permits necessary.
Pack Essential Items for Travel
Prepare a travel kit containing everything your cat may require during his/her trip, such as food and litter for emergency use only; essentials could also include items such as:
Travel Crate: To reduce anxiety during travel, ensure your pet has access to comfortable bedding, toys, and apparel that has your scent.
Food & Water: Bring enough food and water along with collapsible bowls, so he or she has everything needed during his or her journey.
Medication: If your cat requires medications, ensure an ample supply is on hand with clear instructions for usage.
Tips for the Travel Days
Try keeping their routine similar to usual on a travel day – remember, cats tend to pick up on our stress more easily! Keep yourself calm, as cats will pick up on it, too.
Preflight Preparations: Feed your cat a light meal just before their flight to prevent discomfort from overeating or drinking too much fluids or food during travel.
At the Airport: To ensure smooth operations and no surprises along the way, plan your arrival early enough to allow time for security checks and any necessary paperwork. Throughout your flight, keep your cat secure in its travel crate at all times.
In-Flight Care: Most cat shipping services will offer in-flight care; however, it is still essential that any special requirements your cat may require be communicated to both their airline and shipping service prior to travel.
Arrival and Settling In
On arrival, your cat may appear disoriented or distressed; give it the necessary time and space to adjust.
Steps you can take to help your cat settle in more easily:
Quiet Space: Create an inviting place where your cat can relax in peace, complete with familiar items from its travel kit.
Routine: Establish and adhere to a regular feeding and care schedule so your cat feels secure and has a routine.
Conduct a Post-arrival Veterinary Check: It is recommended that you conduct post-arrival veterinary checks on your cat to ensure its well-being in its new environment and an effortless transition process.
Conclusion
Relocating an international cat requires careful and thoughtful preparation and planning. By selecting a reputable shipping service and prepping your feline friend before they travel, you can guarantee an effortless transition experience and soon have them settled happily into their new home! Taking time and care when planning the move of a furry companion makes all the difference—be it work-related, familial, or explorative in nature.
