[lanely]

Hi,

We are moving from Tokyo to HK in the coming months. We have two tabby cats:confused, they are very timid and shy and I just wonder if anyone knows which is the best way to relocate the cats. I have already taken the cats to the vet to get the necessary vaccinations and microchipped. But now I am stuck.......Help please.

Lanely

[hello_there]

Hong Kong Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department web site will have details on required permits, any potential quarentines, health requirements, etc. - http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quara...a_ie_ipab.html

Pet relocation agent (can help with import permit, pickup from airport and getting cats through customs, booking flights if needed, etc. -
http://www.export-a-pet.com

A quick chat with your vet will provide good details on the safest and most comfortable way to actually transport the cats on the plane. I think they will have to go in the cargo area, but check with individual airlines for their policies on international pet travel (there is a special area for animals down there). Generally, animals should be shipped in a travel crate large enough for them to stand up and turn around in, but not much bigger (don't want them to move and jump about or get tossed around by the plane, which can cause injury). Each cat should go in a separate crate. Line the bottom of the crate with an absorbant material (like shredded newspaper or a couple blankets/towels), put in a water bottle (tested beforehand to make sure its not leaky), and don't feed the cats on the flight or 12-24 hours before (check with your vet on the feeding requirements though). Generally I don't think vets recommend sedation during the flight, but again, check with your regular vet.

Good luck.

[lanely]

Thank you for your advice. So if I go through the shipping comapny, will they provide the crates and the rest for the cats?

[hello_there]

Originally Posted by lanely

Thank you for your advice. So if I go through the shipping comapny, will they provide the crates and the rest for the cats?

Depends on the shipping service you use and the services you contract from them. Many can provide the crate, at a fee. Most hard sided cat crates from a pet shop are airline approved and you can get them yourself. Then you decide with the pet relo company whether they will pick up the cats and take them and their paperwork to the airport or whether you will take them to the airport yourself and just have the company pick them up on the other end.