What to Pack when Moving Overseas with Your Cat

Moving overseas involves a number of life-changing experiences. If you are taking Fluffy the cat with you, she will also undergo many new experiences and will need to adapt to her new home. What should you pack when you are getting ready to move overseas with your cat?

The Cat’s Medical Records

When it is time to pack up and leave make sure you obtain copies of the cat’s medical records if you do not already have them. The medical records will be required when you register the cat with a veterinarian in your new destination. Hand carry your cat’s medical records just in case they also need to be seen at the port of entry.

Pet Passport/ Official Third Country Veterinary Certificate

Shipping regulations for pets never remain the same; they change over time. That is why you need to be well informed of the most up to date rules and regulations before you attempt to take your cat overseas. Depending on where your cat is coming from and going to, the animal may require an EU pet passport or an official third country veterinary certificate.

For example, cats coming to the UK from the USA need to have an official third country veterinary certificate, which shows that they have been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and that they are in good health. Handy carry the cat’s pet passport or the official third country veterinary certificate so that your cat can be instantly identified when their microchip is scanned and read.

Food and Water Bowls

In the run-up to your move, set aside a spare food and water bowl for your cat. These can be either packed in your checked luggage or hand carried onboard the plane so that you can give Fluffy a drink and a meal after you reach your destination. It is important to plan in advance, especially if you still have several hours of waiting or travel time ahead of you after your plane lands.

Pack a Small Bag of Food

When your cat has been in the air for 11 hours or more, she will likely be hungry when you pick her up at the other end. Check with your airline and the country’s regulations to find out if you can pack a small bag of cat food. Some countries have strict guidelines about importing meat products (even pet food) into the country.

If you are planning to ship your cat with you as you prepare to move overseas, you will need to follow the correct guidelines. When it comes to packing for your cat’s journey, you should hand carry necessary medical and entry records, as well as a food and water bowl. If the country and airline regulations allow you to do so, pack a small bag of cat food.

More from this contributor:

How to Keep Your Cat Calm During a Move.

How to Overcome the Stress of Shipping Cats During an International Move.

Should You Rehome Elderly Pets Prior to an International Move?


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