Are you planning to go live in another country but are you worried that your cat will have a bad time during the trip? It is normal. Taking an animal like this out of what has been its refuge and taking it to a new place can be very stressful, especially if we take into account that its tolerance to stress is very low. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to avoid problems.
If you want you know how should international travel with cats be, do not stop reading. 🙂
Before the trip
Two or three months before traveling it is very important to book the plane or boat ticket so that our cat can be with you during the journey. Unfortunately, not all companies accept pets and, in those that do, they only accept a maximum number (usually 4). In addition, it is necessary to speak with them to find out what the carrier should be like and to answer questions.
Another thing you have to do is take him to the vet to get the microchip and the vaccine he needs, being mandatory that of rabies. By the way, you can take advantage of it to have a check-up to, more than anything, make sure that you are in good health and that you can travel without problems. In the event that this is not the case, that is, in the event that the professional tells you that he is ill, it is best to wait for him to recover.
Later, about 5-6 hours before leaving, you have to remove the food so that later it does not feel bad. When the time comes, grab his passport and vaccination record, and put him in the carrier with his favorite blanket so that he is as comfortable as possible.
During the trip
While the trip lasts, you should try to stay calm at all times otherwise your cat will notice it and will also get nervous. It is also highly recommended to talk to him from time to time, in a cheerful and calm tone of voice. Listening to you will help to distract him, forgetting a bit about where he is.
After the trip
When you have finally arrived at your new home, it is very important to leave the cat in a room until you have finished putting things in their place. This will help you not get so overwhelmed, thus getting you to adapt faster to what will be your new refuge. If you see that he is going to get very nervous, you can buy Feliway in diffuserhere for example) that will help you relax.
In that temporary den you have to put his bed, feeder, drinking fountain, toys and the sandbox. In this way, although it will feel strange at first, little by little you will understand the situation. Once the move is finished, you can take it out so that it can start its new life.
Have a good trip!