anyone have any experience taking pets to/from the US to
Europe (France or Holland, to be specific)? I might be
traveling to europe and staying for a couple of months at a
time and was thinking of bringing my cats, but is it even
possible? is it a bad headache? quarantines?
i would very much like to hear everyone's experiences!
thanks!
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They have cats in Europe as well... actually, they have LOTS
of cats! It might be less of a headache to pick a couple up
when you're in Europe (perhaps a couple of strays from the
Roman Forum) and leave your ones at home. Besides, cats
aren't to keen on long distance plane travel.
Your cats say LEAVE US AT HOME. with someone nice to look
after us. Honestly think about a house sitter. Don't
leave them with someone just to come and feed them.
Perhaps a cattery. But my boys have never left their home
unless it is a trip to the vet. It will stress them out
totally to take them.
But I must confess if you were moving permanent basis then
I myself would investigate and probably transfer the cats
and the dog (my dog) with me.
House sitter is the way to go. But I stress it must be
someone who likes cats. (give a weekend test run with a
sitter and the cats will soon let you know if they were
treated right!)
Hey, listen up...
I've been here for over a year, and for me there was never
even a doubt as to whether or not my cat should come with
me. Here's my advice:
Buy what they call a soft-kennel. It's basically like a
tote bag but with breathing holes for your cat. It's much
better and more comfortable to carry than the traditional
box kennel, and most airlines accept it. They are tailored
to fit right under the seat in front of you.
Be sure to inform the airline that you'll be taking your
cat. They're much more willing to take cats than dogs, but
you just have to let them know ahead of time. It works
like this, most airlines only allow one pet per cabin,
obviously this makes common sense. Whoever first calls,
gets the reservation. If there's already a cat in the
cabin, you could try to change seats to another cabin,
especially if it's a 747, there are usually about 3 economy
cabins. If that doesn't work, your only other option is to
store the cat in the cargo hold. I'd never do this,
because I've heard that the temperature could be very cold,
but to be fair to the airlines, I've also heard that
nowadays the cargo hold's temperature's regulated. I still
couldn't do it, my mind would just imagine all the worst
horrors.
Usually the airline will require that you have Vet
certificates showing that your cat has had all it's latest
shots. They might also ask that the vet declare your cat
healthy enough to fly.....insurance reasons you know...
Find out the destination country's requirements for pets.
I never had any problems coming to Europe, and my cat has
crossed the Atlantic 3 times now, and flown over 9 times.
When we went to France, the immigration official either
didn't know that I had a cat (because the soft-kennel looks
like a regular travelling bag) or didn't care. I'm sure he
could have seen the pet information on my ticket. Also
when I came to Austria, again not even a question. Maybe
they just have better things to worry about. But be
warned, this will not work in Britain. There the cat has
to be quarantined for 6 months, the poor thing might not
even recognize you after then! So avoid even connecting in
London, there are no exceptions!
It's been my experience, so I can't say it's the same for
everyone, that once I put my cat under the seat in front of
me, he immediately goes to sleep. He's over 2 years old, so
I don't know if it has to do with his age. We once
travelled from San Francisco to Paris, an 11 hour flight,
and there was absolutely no problem. Every now and then he
moves around, and if he squirms a lot, then I simply put
the bag on my lap, that usually does the trick. If you're
wondering about what everyone else thinks, I usually sit in
the back of the plane where it's empty. But most people
will think it's cute, but don't ever open the bag.
You don't need to feed the cat during the flight, no matter
how long it is, even if you have connections. Feed it the
night before and cut down on breakfast. My vet told me
cats can go almost 14 days without food and 3 days without
water, so even a 12 hour flight does them no harm. My cat
just sleeps the entire trip. Maybe when we get to the
airport he starts mouthing off, but he usually shuts up by
the time we get to the immigration officers. But always
make sure to have litter and water waiting for him when he
arrives. Once while in Paris, we missed our connecting
flight and had to be in a hotel for the night. The staff
was nice enough to prepare a little box with sand from a
tropical display they had. The cat was intelligent to know
that that was his temporary litter box and everyone lived
happily ever after.
Any other questions? You can email me at 1084@usa.net
Have fun!
I can't believe you are thinking of taking your cats away
with you. Have you thought about:
a) the cost of feeding them
b) their discomfort on the flights
c) restraining their freedom while you are away
d) having to change their surroundings frequently - they
aren't going to know what's happening
e) what if you lose them!!!!!!!!!
Men don't have cats. Real men have dogs. Dude what are you
thinking?
Ditch the feminity and leave your felines at home.
Hi i am from holland, and there is this tv show about the
airport. They are very strict. The show was about a man
bringing in dryed fish to eat. And the customs just trough
it away. So forget about it. It is not allowed withhout a
six months quirenteen.
questions? email bye