A Comprehensive Guide to Moving Abroad with Cats: Our 22-Hour Journey

Introduction: Our Feline Moving Adventure

Moving abroad is a challenging experience, but when you add pets to the equation, it becomes even more complex. We recently completed a 22-hour journey with our three beloved cats, flying from Hong Kong to Canada. This blog post aims to share our experiences and provide valuable insights for those planning to relocate with their feline friends.

Our journey involved a 15-hour flight on Air Canada, with our cats traveling in-cabin with us. From the moment we left our old home to arriving at our new one, the entire process took 22 hours. Here’s what we learned and how we prepared for this significant life change.

Meet Our Feline Travelers

Before diving into the details, let’s introduce our feline companions:

• Pipi (Yellow cat): Extremely timid with a history of stress-induced cystitis and hematuria. Unfortunately, she had an episode just six days before our departure.
• Fei Mui (Calico cat): Curious but somewhat timid.
• Jiu Jiu (Brown cat): The bravest of the bunch.

Our Top 5 Concerns Before the Journey

As we prepared for our international move, these were our primary worries:

1. The cats’ emotional state during the long confinement in carriers.
2. Managing bathroom needs during the journey.
3. Concerns about the cats refusing to eat or drink due to stress.
4. Their ability to adapt to the new environment upon arrival.
5. Pipi’s health, given her recent cystitis episode and the potential stress of travel.

Our Preparation Strategy

To address these concerns, we implemented the following strategies:

1. Managing Cats’ Emotional State

Preparation began months in advance. We purchased travel carriers and placed them in our living room six months before the move. This allowed our cats to become familiar with the carriers, reducing stress on travel day.

We also invested in Feliway pheromone spray from TVMall. We sprayed this in the carriers before departure and again once we boarded the plane. Feliway mimics cats’ natural facial pheromones, creating a sense of familiarity and calm in new environments.

2. Bathroom Preparation

We packed absorbent pee pads in our carry-on luggage. While cats often avoid eliminating when stressed, the long journey meant we needed to be prepared for emergencies. As it turned out, one of our three cats did use the pee pad during the flight.

3. Food and Water During Travel

Despite hearing from friends that stressed cats often refuse food and water during travel, we packed a small amount of dry food and meat paste. To our surprise, even our most timid cat, Pipi, ate some meat paste during the flight.

4. Easing the Transition to a New Home

To help our cats adjust quickly to their new environment, we brought familiar items from home. This included their litter boxes, water fountains, and toys. We even packed small bags of used litter from each cat’s box, which took up valuable luggage space but proved worthwhile.

Upon arrival, we immediately set up these familiar items. Two of our cats ate and used the litter box on the first day, while our more timid cat joined in by the second evening. This quick adjustment was a relief and validated our preparation efforts.

5. Special Care for Our Anxious Cat

Given Pipi’s recent health scare and timid nature, we paid extra attention to her throughout the journey. We frequently took her out of the carrier to sit on our laps for comfort (we did this with all cats, but more often with Pipi). Before departure, we consulted our vet and obtained a two-week supply of medication to manage her condition during the transition period.

The Importance of Mental Preparation

Beyond physical preparations, we found that mental readiness was crucial. As pet owners, we needed to maintain our composure throughout the journey. If we became stressed or anxious, our cats would likely pick up on these emotions, exacerbating their own stress.

We also learned the importance of having faith in our cats’ resilience. Despite their typically homebody nature and anxiety around travel, they managed the journey remarkably well. This experience taught us not to underestimate our feline companions’ ability to adapt to new situations.

The Journey Itself

The actual travel day was a mix of anxiety and relief. Here’s a breakdown of our experience:

At the Airport

We arrived at the airport early to allow plenty of time for check-in and security procedures. The airline staff were understanding and helpful, guiding us through the process of traveling with pets.

During security checks, we had to remove the cats from their carriers. This was perhaps the most stressful part of the airport experience, but we managed it by staying calm and moving efficiently.

On the Plane

Once on board, we placed the carriers under the seats in front of us. Throughout the 15-hour flight, we periodically checked on each cat, offering water and food, and providing comfort as needed.

To our surprise, the cats were generally calm during the flight. The cabin noise and movement seemed to have a somewhat soothing effect, and they spent most of the time sleeping.

Arrival and Customs

Upon landing, we had to go through customs with our cats. We had all necessary documentation prepared, including health certificates and vaccination records, which made this process smoother.

Setting Up in Our New Home

After the long journey, we finally arrived at our new home. Here’s how we managed the transition:

1. Before opening the carriers, we set up a quiet room with familiar items – litter boxes, water fountains, and food bowls.
2. We opened the carriers and allowed the cats to explore at their own pace, staying nearby to offer reassurance.
3. We maintained their regular feeding schedule as much as possible to provide a sense of normalcy.
4. We spent extra time with each cat, offering comfort and playtime to help them adjust.

To our delight, two of our cats began eating and using the litter box on the first day. Our more timid cat, Pipi, took an extra day but soon joined in, indicating a successful transition.

Lessons Learned and Tips for Fellow Pet Owners

Reflecting on our experience, here are some key takeaways for others planning to move internationally with cats:

1. Start preparations early. Familiarizing your cats with carriers months in advance can significantly reduce stress.
2. Bring familiar items from home to ease the transition to a new environment.
3. Consider using pheromone products like Feliway to create a sense of calm.
4. Prepare for potential health issues, especially if your cat has pre-existing conditions.
5. Stay calm and composed throughout the journey. Your cats will pick up on your emotions.
6. Have faith in your cats’ ability to adapt. They may surprise you with their resilience.
7. Be prepared for bathroom emergencies with pee pads and cleaning supplies.
8. Offer food and water during the journey, even if your cats may not partake.
9. Set up a quiet, familiar space immediately upon arrival at your new home.
10. Be patient during the adjustment period and offer plenty of reassurance and attention.

Conclusion: A Journey of Growth for Pets and Owners

Moving internationally with cats is undoubtedly challenging, but with proper preparation and a positive attitude, it’s entirely manageable. Our experience taught us that our feline companions are more adaptable than we often give them credit for.

This journey was not just about relocating our pets; it was a testament to the bond we share with them and our commitment to their well-being. The challenges we faced and overcame together have only strengthened our relationship with our cats.

For those embarking on a similar journey, remember that preparation is key, but flexibility and patience are equally important. Trust in your ability to care for your pets, and have faith in their resilience. With love, care, and proper planning, you and your feline friends can successfully navigate the challenges of international relocation.

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