[Paul and Linda]

Hi, It's me again,

We've been to-ing and fro-ing for the last 2-3weeks about our cats.

All the different thoughts about their age (both 9) and the fact that they used to cry constantly just on a 4 hour car journey, also the logistics of moving to my parents (where we can't take the cats) once we sell the house and while I am working my 4 weeks notice alongside etc.

Anyway, for our benefit and for thiers we think in the long run it is better if we take them.

We were wondering if anyone had any experience of difficulties finding decent rentals where they would accept cats (I know that we have had problems in the past before we bought our own place).


PS any other info on cats and tramsportation etc would be greatly appreciated (i have read a few of the other threads on this).

[kiwidebs]

Hi Paul and Linda

Well, we've been umming and arhhing about our boys (Frodo and Gandalf, two pampered Devon Rexes) and I actually think we've come down on the other side of the fence and are thinking of rehoming them. A quote of £1600 to move them to NZ, not to mention the distress of the travelling and all the time they'll need to spend in catteries (yet more £££) all helped in the decision. We'll miss them like crazy but I'm pretty sure they'll be happy if they have a warm house, a bit of human company and some food now and then. We're going thru the Rex club to see if they can rehome them with people familiar with Devons (Devons are cheeky/naughty/amusing cats but can be hard work). If that doesn't pan out then we'll take them with us - I'm not going to leave them with the RSPCA or Cat Rescue. Anyway, alot of the moving companies offer pet moving and there are also specialist pet moving companies - such as Airpets (they do have a website but not sure of the URL). Others on here have taken cats with them and I'm sure will have loads of info for you.

Look forward to hearing what you find out.

Debs

[Paul and Linda]

Hi Debs, thanks for your reply. Our cats are on the other end of the spectrum they are long haired persians.

We had decided much as you have, based on the hassle that the cats would have to go through. Then each time Linda went to phone the lady to organise rehoming I said....just leave it another week.

Anyway on Saturday she went for the phone again and when it came to the crunch we both decided to take them with us.

Then came all the real plans and timings and like you we realised that they could end up staying 2 to 3 months in catteries.

So, we decided to rehome them.

The next day after Linda (shes the brave one if you haven't guessed) phoned up and organised to drop them off next weekend, we crumbled under the reality of the situation and have decided that we will take them no matter how awkward or costly it becomes for us (we are also concerned about getting good accomodation in the wellington area), and that in the end even if the cats need to do some "cattery time" they will be happy to be back with us and it will have been worth it.

Who's to know what decisions tomorrow will bring!!

Paul

[neilw71]

We are definately taking our 2 moggies. They're tough lads and I am sure, although they will not enjoy the process, they will just sleep through most of the trip.

I don't think we could do it if we had to leave them :no I just keep telling them that there will be a fresh batch of lady cats waiting for them when they get there and they will def score...as they have cool Englich accents!

We are using Golden Arrow - so far an excellent service and many recommendations if you do a search for them on the forums!

Neil

[sarahw]

If you love your cats & want to bring them then do so & don't worry - it may limit the choice of properties a little but you can rent houses that are pet friendly.

We live in a lovely house - OK I'm having trouble at the moment to attach a picture - will try later. We're not allowed dogs but we are allowed a cat (so we're off to the SPCA (RSPCA) on Friday to get one!) - this was the 2nd house we looked at & by far the best! Great for cats too (already has a cat-flap in the kitchen & a huge garden to explore as well as a large park running the whole way through Whitby at the back of the house! Purrrrfect! (sorry corny pun there!)
:mrgreen:

(My sister-in-law has just shipped her 2 moggies to Aussie & they're happy as anything out there exploring their new garden she's really pleased she spent the money & shipped them!)

[Mike & Nicola]

There's no way our cat ISNT coming with us, but the only problem is that he'll probably have to come via LA due to their excess baggage allowance of 64kgs :mrgreen:

[blue]

I am bringing Spice my persian with me as well as my two hounds. I consider them as part of my family. Spice has only been with me for the last 5 weeks and I took him on after loosing my terrier just before x.mas. He came from a rescue and was up for re homing as the owners were emigrating to Oz! :P I am using Golden Arrow for them and have been in touch with a really good cattery in Napier if unable to take him into the provided accomadation. The hounds will have to be kennelled whilst i look round for a property but it is only for a short period and they all have the rest of their lives with me to get over it!

[veronica]

Its really got to be a personal decision as to whether or not people take their pets with them. there is no right or wrong with it.
We brought the dogs over and were really worried how they would react to the journey, especially as the older one is 12 1/2. He travelled fine and jumped out of the cage as happy as larry, the younger one was petrified. We didn't bring the cat over as he is also 12 ish and very much an outdoor cat and we can't even get him in a catbox to take him to the vets, we have to use a small dog harness and lead. Imagine him in a crate for 30 odd hours. Where we are living is on a main road and he would have probably been squished within a week.

[Hannah-NL]

We have two well behaved doggies and a cat, we are planning on taking them. We might leave the cat behind (at my sisters) until we have found our own house, because we expect to live in a few (rental) houses till we find our own spot to live in permanently. That is because cats usually don't do well on moving, I would be afraid he would escape/run off or indeed get squashed (shiver). Have been thinking how we would feel if we left them behind, but then we started: the older doggy will be 11 this year, she sure wont be left behind! Well the other doggy is 6 and hubby trains with her with the sheep, his hobby and they are both doing great, so nope she won't stay behind either. The cat... we all love him in our own way, we got him from the shelter and we dont plan on sending him back there. It will cost us a bundle, but hey we're selling the house and would feel really bad if we left them behind.
But I say, this is our story, I can imagine reasons you decide you have to leave them behind and find them another good home...

[Hannah-NL]

Well just heard from my sister, we can't let our cat stay back home at their place until we have found a permanent home in NZ. Her BF has two old cats and he thinks they might go crazy when another cat enters the premises, also one of them is afraid of other (darker) cats, so I'll have to find another solution :uhoh
Maybe just transport him over and let him stay in boarding (is that the right expression?) till we have found a more or less permanent adress?
Anyone have any experiences with cats and moving from house to house in the beginning of their stay in NZ?