Yesterday, we received our British Shorthair kitten from GB Cattery. The cattery handled all the transportation arrangements for our kitten. Additionally, we were offered a discount on the delivery, or rather, we were able to use the fixed delivery price set by the cattery. We are extremely satisfied with the process and delighted to welcome the new member of our family. In this article, I would like to outline the key points regarding animal transportation. This is an independent perspective on a very important issue.
Cat transportation is a crucial process that requires special attention and careful preparation. Whether the pet is traveling short or long distances, it is essential to follow a set of general guidelines to ensure the animal’s safety and comfort. In this article, we will discuss the key rules and recommendations for transporting cats, including minimum age, types of transport, and specific features of the transportation process.
General Guidelines for Cat Transportation
Transporting cats requires strict adherence to rules aimed at minimizing stress for the animal and preventing potential issues during the journey. Here are the main aspects to consider:
1.Cat’s Health: Before sending a pet for transportation, it is essential to ensure that the animal is healthy. This includes a visit to the veterinarian for an examination, obtaining certificates, and necessary vaccinations. The animal should be treated for parasites and must have all required documents confirming its health.
2.Documentation: Depending on the destination country and mode of transportation, different documents may be required. The essential document package includes:
•A veterinary passport with vaccination records.
•A health certificate issued by a veterinarian a few days before departure.
•In some cases, an export certificate issued by governmental authorities may be required.
3.Transport Carrier: The cat should be placed in a special carrier designed for transporting animals. The carrier should be spacious enough for the animal to move freely and well-ventilated. It is crucial that the carrier is securely closed to prevent the cat from accidentally escaping during transport.
4.Comfort and Safety: During transportation, the cat should be provided with maximum comfort. A soft bed and a favorite toy can be placed in the carrier to make the animal feel more at ease. It’s also important to avoid sudden temperature changes and loud noises, which can cause stress for the cat.
Minimum Age for Transporting Cats
Special attention should be paid to the age at which a cat can be transported. According to veterinarians’ recommendations and international standards, the minimum age for transporting a kitten is 12 weeks. However, there are certain nuances to consider:
1.Age and Vaccinations: A kitten’s immune system is fully developed by 12 weeks of age, so until this age, the kitten’s immune system is not strong enough to resist infections. Moreover, during transportation, the kitten experiences significant stress, which further reduces its ability to fight infections. Therefore, separating a kitten from its mother before 12 weeks, and especially transporting it, poses a serious threat to the pet’s life. For cargo transportation, the recommended minimum age is 18 weeks. By the time of transportation, the kitten should have received all necessary vaccinations, including rabies, FVRCP or combo vaccine, and parasite treatments.
2.Carrier Adaptation: Young kittens may experience significant stress during transportation. Therefore, it is important to prepare the kitten for the journey by gradually introducing it to the carrier. This will help reduce stress levels during the actual trip.
3.Breed Exceptions: For some cat breeds, particularly those prone to respiratory conditions, the minimum age for transport may be increased. This is due to the need for full development of the respiratory system and adaptation to changing conditions.
Ground Transportation
Ground transportation is one of the most common ways to transport cats over short and medium distances. This method includes transport by car, train, or bus.
1.Car Transport:
•Car Preparation: Before the trip, the car should be prepared to ensure a comfortable temperature and ventilation. The carrier with the cat must be securely fastened to prevent movement during the journey.
•Frequent Stops: During long trips, it is recommended to make stops every 2-3 hours to allow the cat to drink water and relax a bit. It is important not to let the animal out of the carrier outdoors to prevent it from running away.
2.Train Transport:
•Transportation Rules: Trains usually allow the transport of cats in special carriers. It is important to check the rules for animal transportation with the railway company in advance and prepare all necessary documents.
•Animal Comfort: On the train, it is important to ensure that the cat has peace and quiet. It is better to choose seats in quiet cars or compartments with fewer people and noise.
3.Bus Transport:
•Restrictions: Not all bus companies allow the transportation of animals. Therefore, it is important to clarify this information in advance and prepare all necessary documents.
•Temperature Control: Buses may not have adequate ventilation, so it is important to monitor the temperature inside the carrier and use cooling gels or pads if necessary.
Air Transportation
Air transportation of cats is a more complex process that requires additional preparation and strict compliance with rules. This method is most often used for international transportation or long-distance delivery.
1.Choosing an Airline: Not all airlines accept animals on board, so it is important to check this information in advance. Attention should also be paid to the transport conditions, which may include requirements for the carrier, the maximum weight of the animal, and documents.
2.Transport in the Cabin:
•Animal Weight: Most airlines allow the transportation of cats in the cabin if their weight, along with the carrier, does not exceed 8-10 kg. The carrier should be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.
•Cat’s Comfort: In the airplane cabin, it is important to ensure peace and quiet for the cat. Special calming sprays or pheromones can be used to help reduce the animal’s stress levels.
3.Transport in the Cargo Hold:
•Carrier Preparation: If the cat is to be transported in the cargo hold, the carrier must be particularly sturdy and well-ventilated. It is also important to consider the temperature in the cargo hold, especially during cold seasons.
•Documents and Marking: The carrier must be properly labeled, and all necessary documents must be attached. It is also recommended to attach a tag with the owner’s contact information to the carrier.
Features of International Cat Transportation
International transportation of cats is a complex process that requires compliance with additional rules and requirements. Each country has its own regulations regarding the import and export of animals, so it is important to study them in advance and prepare all necessary documents.
1.Quarantine Requirements: Some countries require quarantine for animals arriving from abroad. This can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the country and the animal’s health.
2.Certification and Microchipping: Most countries require that the cat has a microchip registered in an international database, as well as health certification issued by a licensed veterinarian.
3.Customs Procedures: When crossing borders, additional customs procedures may arise, such as payment of duties or document checks. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of the destination country in advance.
Conclusion
Transporting cats is a responsible process that requires a careful approach and thorough preparation. Regardless of the chosen method of transportation, it is important to provide the animal with maximum comfort and safety. By following the recommendations and rules, you can avoid stressful situations for your pet and ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Choose your breeder carefully if they provide a delivery service. We received our kitten from GB Cattery. They are very responsible in handling all issues, with the health and happiness of their pets being a top priority.
