Cats moving to Australia- what would you do?

beckysbobbles1

I wouldn't kill the cats just because it's an inconvience to relocate them!

I'd try my damn hardest to rehome them beforehand. If you just gave them to a rescue centre then yes it will be difficult to rehome them but have you thought if putting an ad in the local paper or on Gumtree offering them up to a good home?

They would be ideal for a retired person who has some time on their hands and wants some company.

I would never consider killing them.

beckysbobbles1

~Beanie~ wrote: »

As much as I love my cat, I couldn't put him through it. My BIL emigrated to Aus a couple of years ago and took his dog (a Westie).

It was collected from home and had a 3 hour car/van journey to Heathrow. Then it spent some hours at the airport before the flight to Australia. Upon arrival it went into quarantine in Sydney for a month. Sadly she didn't survive the journey and died 3 weeks into the quarantine period

I just couldn't live with myself if that happened to my pet.

That's really awful. I think any ideas of me moving abroad are banished. Not without my little Beagle boy.

SnowyOwl_2

The kindest thing would be to find a new home for your cats. You have 12 months before you go so that's 12 months to find somewhere for them. You may have to be prepared to split them up as it'll be harder to find one home for them together.
The second best option is to take them with you. It sounds like you have investigated this option already, so you can start making arrangements and ensure you have the cash ready. If you do happen to find homes for them then I expect you'll be able to cancel their transportation.
As for your third choice.... is that really something someone who loves their cats would actually do???

morg_monster

With 12 months to go I would start looking for a new home now or soon. I reckon you might be surprised and find someone - if you get the word out to friends and colleagues you might find someone looking for a couple of relaxed older cats over that time period. However you might have to be willing to give them up before the 12 months is up; if you found a perfect home for them in a few months time would the person really want to wait? Also if you offered to cover any vet treatment that would be necessary that might encourage someone who'd otherwise be put off by the unknown potentially high vet costs of older cats.

I agree that they are our children etc etc... but you just don't know someone else's life. Plus the age of the cats is really the key here I think. If the cats were a few years younger I bet the OP wouldn't have this conundrum. I can't imagine leaving my cats; but various aspects of our life that are a bit subpar... lets just say that in a few years, if they have worsened or not improved, then leaving the country for a couple of years may be the only thing that seems bearable. If our cats were elderly by then it would be a really tough decision - but we have a few family who I think would take them, so we would have other options.

Honestly I'd think carefully before putting even younger cats through such a long flight let alone older ones, with existing conditions. I have heard too many stories of cats dying in the luggage hold of a plane due to extreme cold or heat; or carelessness / neglect of staff - is the £4000 to have them in the main cabin either with you or on another flight? That is the only way I would transport them, the things I've read online.

gettingready

I would take my cats or if not possible - simply stay put myself.

Those are the only 2 options I would ever consider.

olias

Are you moving to rural or urban australia.

Having lived there previously I know that in ruaral areas they HATE cats due to them killing wildlife etc, this would include semi rural areas and they are banned I believe in national parks. In urban regions - Sydney, Brisbane, perth , Adelaide, Melbourne etc etc, they are more acceptable and usual to own as pets.

If you are moving to an urban area, or they are house cats, then I would definately take them as as far as I am concerned they are family. I took two dogs to Oz and although it cost a small fortune, I wouldn't do anything else.

Also bare in mind that depending on the part of Oz, there are lots of nasties, from poisonous spiders, to paralysis tics, pythons, venemous snakes, cane toads, etc etc etc though they are obviously rarer in urban areas......

Olias

con1888

I would take them. Don't want this to sound nasty but when I buy a pet I look at the rest of it's life and think ' can I provide for it for 10-20 years or so' if the answer is no then I do not buy that pet. If they don't go - I don't go.

Carmen

I adopted two cats (9yrs old)from a lady that emigrated to Australia.
The lady was distraught over leaving her 'boys' but, the plus side is I send her regular updates and photo's and have made a wonderful pen friend for myself:)
Being a lady of mature age I decided it was time to not make too long a commitment to any future adoptee's. We have had pets live up to twenty yrs (cats) and 15 yrs (dogs) I'm sure there must be many many people out there that would prefer to have older cats.
As someone mentioned, start to find a future home now! It will also give you time to vet future adopter's.
Good luck
Carmen x

Carmen

Carmen wrote: »

I adopted two cats (9yrs old)from a lady that emigrated to Australia.
The lady was distraught over leaving her 'boys' but, the plus side is I send her regular updates and photo's and have made a wonderful pen friend for myself:)
Being a lady of mature age I decided it was time to not make too long a commitment to any future adoptee's. We have had pets live up to twenty yrs (cats) and 15 yrs (dogs) I'm sure there must be many many people out there that would prefer to have older cats.
As someone mentioned, start to find a future home now! It will also give you time to vet future adopter's.
Good luck
Carmen x

PS. While I believe I could never part with a pet, I also believe in never say never. One never knows what life can throw at you, adjustment with care & consideration to all is paramount.

tango

catkins wrote: »

What I am trying to get at is if someone moves abroad they take their children but a lot don't take their pets even though they say they love their pets, they are like family etc. If you would not leave your child behind why would you leave your cat or dog?

If I could not take my pet I would not be going

Really ?? Lets not over react ..