We are moving to the UK from SA with our cat Moss

Question

Thanks guys, we really don't want to do the unthinkable, if she will handle it we would do it, first choice. She's young and fit and healthy, but as I said, a little special, there are not too many people who will take a neurotic, brain damaged cat :) especially in SA where people are leaving all the time and there is a bit of resentment at the number of pets that are left behind.

Answer 1

sorry

Answer 2

Try....www.defra.gov.uk.

This website telles you what you need to know about quarantine for pets.

Maybe you do not have to put your animal through this they have a fact sheet which looks useful.

Seems to horrible to put your cat down.

Try the above and good luck.

Answer 3

I have friends who moved two cats from the UK to New Zealand - the fat fluffy one probably slept all the way.  The flighty one was sedated for the trip and both arrived safe and well.

Airport staff are well accustomed to caring for pets.  Personally, I would "go for it"

Think of the 6-months quarantine as being no different from Moss being left in SA to be cared for by friends and there is every chance that the cattery carers will think that she is extra special and spoil her to bits if she is neurotic.  Personally, I love neurotic cats!  I've had experience of several over our cat-owning lives and they are real characters.  You will be able to visit her.

Answer 4

At the moment the PETS travel scheme does not include South Africa. This means that Moss will need to be licensed into quarantine. This should still be for SIX months and not seven (though DEFRA have a habit of changing their minds) It sounds scary but its not! It should be like a lengthy stay in a posh kitty hotel.

There is a voluntary welfare code for quarantine premises, and you can choose which one you would like to use. Some are truly luxurious, like my nearest quarantine facility in the south of England. The DEFRA website has lots of advice- http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quaranti...

I would recommend that you read it thoroughly as it has links to lots of useful checklists and the import licence form as well as phone numbers.

Good quarantine facilities are used to anxious pets and owners, and will probably have lots of good advice about how to make the journey as easy as possible for your Moss. It is surprising how well animals cope, sometimes better than their humans!

Please try to be positive, and consider euthanasia as a last resort. Please consider all your options- if she is young, fit and healthy, and your vet agrees that the journey will not seriously compromise her welfare then I think there is every possibility you could start planning her trip.

Answer 5

Please give her a chance or at least try and find a good home for her.  I've moved my cats across the US many times.  It's not always easy, but the cats handled it far better than I did.  Check with your vet and see if he/she has any advice.

Good Luck and hope you are happy in your new home!

Answer 6

If you think Moss is not up to the trip, leave her with family or a friend. Don't put her to sleep, its not her fault you are moving. Ps good luck in the UK. PPs Wales is the nicest place.