Summer is when many New Zealanders head across the Tasman or further to see family. Three or four weeks in Australia or the UK is a long time, and the cat cannot simply come along.
Here is how to plan so your cat has a good summer too.
1. Why the cat usually stays
Taking a cat overseas for a holiday sounds nice, but in practice it is rarely worth it:
- Most countries need an import permit, vet certificates and specific tests before arrival, which take weeks or months to arrange.
- Coming back into New Zealand has its own rules. The MPI guide to taking cats overseas explains what is involved.
- Flights are stressful for cats, and a strange house full of visiting relatives is not much better.
For a trip of a few weeks, a stable routine at home or in a cattery is kinder for most cats.
2. Book early
Christmas and January are the busiest weeks of the year for catteries. Small catteries fill up first, often by October or November.
As soon as your flights are booked, book your cat's stay too. If your dates may still change, say so when you book.
3. Check vaccinations now
Catteries ask for a current vaccination certificate, and the booster needs to be done at least a couple of weeks before the stay. Vet clinics also get busy before Christmas. Our vaccination guide explains what is needed.
4. Plan for a longer stay
Three or four weeks is longer than most cats are used to. A few things help:
- Pack something that smells of home, like a blanket or a worn T-shirt.
- Bring your cat's usual food so nothing changes suddenly.
- Write down any quirks and medication, and leave a local contact who can make decisions.
Our article on long-term cat boarding goes into more detail.
5. Staying in touch from overseas
Being away from your cat is easier when you can see it is fine. At Nelson Cat Hotel we post daily photo updates on Facebook, so you can check in from Sydney or London over breakfast.
We are a small, vet-owned cattery in Stoke, with a limited number of rooms. See our services and prices or book a stay for the summer.
