Relocating a cat to France

[nicky]

Any advice out there about the best way to relocate a cat from UK to France (Chamonix).  Dont like the idea of flying him out there alone and having no control over the process.  However, cant imagine him putting up with a 12 hour drive in the back of a van without going mad and leaving home the minute we get there!          

[Rose (& Greyman)]

Nicky, I wouldn't recommend flying at all. It's not a pleasant experience for cats and if they are sedated it can result in a fatality.

We moved last August with 2 cats and we drove down. We left home in Devon at about 5am, both cats in separate travel boxes in the boot, but next to each other so they could communicate. They had blankets to lie on. We took litter tray, litter, water and dry food (what they were used to). Initially there was a lot of mewling, but they soon quietened down.

We left them in the boxes in the car for the Fast Ferry crossing. No problems. On arrival in Cherbourg we dropped one of the rear seats and let them out to roam (in the car !), drink, eat or do the necessary. They crawled all over the car but showed no interest in anything else, so we put them back and set off.

After about 4 hours we stopped in a service station and repeated the exercise. Still no interest, so we set off again.

By now the weather was appalling and time was dragging - we had to meet our removal lorry - so we decided to press on. They were now totally silent and appeared to be asleep. I eventually got so concerned I stopped again but they were not interested in moving out at all, so we carried on.

We arrived at 7.30pm, a 14 hour trip. We took them out and into the house. I was really worried as they had been so quiet and not eaten, drunk or used the tray. However to our toal suprise the next day they were back to their usual inquisitive selves, eating etc. and within 2 days we let them into the garden and they loved it.

They have now settled really well and apart from the usual cat problems both are well integrated into the local community and I believe even learning French as I hear them shouting at the locals at night.[:D]

You should be fine. Just go prepared and keep an eye on him and don't be suprised if your cat appears to sleep through the whole experience.

 

[suein56]

[quote user="greyman"]

We arrived at 7.30pm, a 14 hour trip. We took them out and into the house. I was really worried as they had been so quiet and not eaten, drunk or used the tray. However to our toal suprise the next day they were back to their usual inquisitive selves, eating etc. and within 2 days we let them into the garden and they loved it.

[/quote]

We found exactly the same thing with our cats when we brought them over nearly 3 years ago. They slept or lay quietly the whole time and were not at all bothered by the crossing either. It took us 15 1/2 hours door to door and was -8.5°C when we arrived at 22h30 at night, but the cats were all fine.

Sue

[Catalpa]

There have been previous discussions. Have a look at:

http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/1098200/ShowPost.aspx

9th post might help. [:)]

[Gardian]

This is a regular enquiry and everyone will have their own view.  Depends on the cat(s) I suppose, and you will know your own best.

However, for us, moving house (with all that entails) is traumatic for humans, let alone felines.  We had ours taken away by professionals on the morning that the removers arrived, kept in their cattery for a week, then flown down to be picked up at the local airport.  They were extremely pissed off (of course), but safe and well.  We then had time to acclimatise them properly to their new surroundings.  Not cheap though.

PM me if you want details of the people we used. 

[Ian]

Our cat flew down. She was the first out on the baggage carousel at Toulouse airport.  She's an old lady now but still going strong.

[newbiee]

My cat is a huge beast who would take your eye out as soon as look at you!

I was dreading the car journey .... but there wasn't a peep from her.  She was relaxed and quiet the whole way.  I had to return with her to the UK and she was just a quiet for the journey there and back.

Same applied when I adopted a relative's cat and brought her over. 

You expect the worse and then find out they are fine.  I wouldn't put an animal in the back of a van though as you won't be able to see if she is distressed, or something could topple on her.

 

Good luck!