treacle38

We will be moving out permanently to our home near Albufeira in 3 to 4 months, traveling from the south coast of England accompanied by our two cats.
Would be very interested to learn from the experiences of others, to help us decide what would be the best way to transport the cats, especially in terms of comfort, cost and practicality.
We are taking our car, so that is an option, but flying is also a possibility.
Thanks.

k2397

We moved out to Lagos from the South Coast of England last November - with our cat. We booked a pet friendly cabin with Brittany Ferries (Portsmouth-Santander) and a pet friendly hotel in Valladolid as the ferry arrived late. The following day it was an easy drive down on the clear motorways - we came via Seville as many had recommended that route.

Apart from a little trouble finding and getting onto the motorway in Santander in heavy rain, it was a pleasant experience.

Jonny22

We flew down and sent our two cats separately via euro pet transport Home. Door to door collection delivery and everyone seemed happy with the trip, no traumas. J

treacle38

Much appreciate the info, k2397 - we were considering the Santander route as a possibility, too.
Will look into it further!
A further question - all the paperwork is being sorted at this end, but was wondering if you had to do anything official once you got to Portugal?
BTW - has your cat settled in ok?

treacle38

Thanks, Jonny22.
Could you give me an idea as to the cost of pet transport?

k2397

No, we have not had to do anything "official" as regards the cat - apart from registering with the local vet.

She is an elderly cat (16) and has some medical issues. She seems to feel at home here now and I imagine that (like us) she prefers the weather here to an English winter.

EMR

Do ensure that your cat has all its vaccinations.
There has been a very serious outbrreak of cat flu which devastated one of the rescue centres.
Parts of Albufeira do have a high population of stray and feral cats.

Jonny22

It was a while ago so things change but I seem to remember it was similar or less than the cost of the ferry. Suggest you get a quote off them as it would depend on the pickup point in the UK. As EMR states don't forget the jabs, you'll also need the EU pet passport for which a rabies jab is obligatory. Suggest you talk to your vet.

mfesharne

However you transport them you might like to consider putting a cat calming collar on each of them before you start. - They're available from most pet shops & online.

I'm not much of a believer in all that natural remedy (etc) stuff but they really do work a treat.

We flew our 2 (ultra nervy) cats from South Africa to Portugal a few years ago & the journey took them 48 hours with layovers & 3 aircraft changes & on arrival they were so laid back they were like something out of a Cheech & Chong movie.

I've no idea what's in the collars but would suspect a fair amount of catnip plays at least a part.

Jonny22

For the younger viewers you might need to explain who Cheech & Chong were. They made me laugh 'back in the day'

mfesharne

treacle38

Thanks for the advice, all of you, it's given us food for thought.
And those collars sound like a good idea, mfesharne!