Anyone with experience of bringing their pet (a cat)?

[seidltan]

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone out there has experience with importing their pets (in particular their cats( from their home country (for instance Germany or Europe) to Singapore? Was it a tedious process? And how long the quarantine period? Did the pet adjust easily to the climate change?

We've taken our cat to the animal shelter as we thought it might be the best for her. She was used to going out roaming on her own. And in Singapore, it would probably not be possible if we lived in condos. (We didn't want to rent a landed property) Also we thought the climate change might be too much for her since she has quite thick coat and is quite a big cat! Also the quarantine period would probably be terrible for her - she's quite a neurotic cat.

Now I feel terrible for having done that. And our daughter is looking for the cat. So I was thinking if indeed it would have been the best solution for the cat afterall!?

Thanks

[beenhere10years]

It must have been awful to have to drop your cat off at the shelter, especially at a time when your whole world is upside down. I know it seemed like the right thing to do at the time -- our cat didn't make our trip to Singapore with us either, but luckily he went to live with my Mom (and after all we were just on a 2 year contract) .

I just wonder about what kind of lesson it teaches our kids, that pets our somewhat disposable. I know people who sold off their dogs before moving back home because: 'we won't have a maid to take care of them'. Can you imagine?

I have 2 dogs who have been through quarantine and they are fine. They do acclimate. To cold climates, to warm climates. They are one of the only constants in the somewhat turbulent life of a career expat. I wouldn't move anywhere that they could not follow. Quarantine is not so bad -- but can be expensive to be sure.

Get yourself settled and then speak to others who have pets here, then make your decision. Singaporeans are becoming much more 'pet friendly.' Don't beat yourself up about your decision, its one of a few decisions you'll probably regret about your big move, cut yourself some slack and you'll be fine.

[geneva99]

Hi,

I brought both my cats to Singapore from Switzerland. And it was a tedious process but abandoning my cats was out of the question. I thought my older cat would not make it through the quarantine but she did fine. If you want more details, you can email me at melgva@yahoo.com as it would be too long to explain everything here.

Whatever you do, please do NOT abandon your cat!!!

[SadieinSuva]

Hi
I am not an expat in Singapore but i did recently have to leave my cat in quarantine (in NZ) for 2 months. I was worried initially about the effects but he did pretty well and is now enjoying the comfort of being with people (my Mother!) who love him and are willing to give him the attention he deserves. It was a long and tedious process to get him out of the country I was in, to quarantine in NZ (I had to have him microchipped just so he could enter NZ!) and then re-export him to my home country. But it was worth it. You may even be able to find an agent who can deal with all the logistics for you.
I hope it is not too late for you to consider taking your cat out of the animal shelter and bringing him to Singapore.
Good luck.

[FijiBati]

Hi
I am not an expat in Singapore but i did recently have to leave my cat in quarantine (in NZ) for 2 months. I was worried initially about the effects but he did pretty well and is now enjoying the comfort of being with people (my Mother!) who love him and are willing to give him the attention he deserves. It was a long and tedious process to get him out of the country I was in, to quarantine in NZ (I had to have him microchipped just so he could enter NZ!) and then re-export him to my home country. But it was worth it. You may even be able to find an agent who can deal with all the logistics for you.
I hope it is not too late for you to consider taking your cat out of the animal shelter and bringing him to Singapore.
Good luck.

Bula!

Are you from Fiji?