Tic Tac is glaring with temper because we use her harness to prevent her chewing at her neck due to stress. Photo: Ellen Whyte
Cats enjoy a bit of drama but only if it’s bite-size. A moth entering their space is a source of joy. A bag of groceries in the kitchen provides adventure. However, when we invited the removal men to pack our furniture, we knew the cats would thoroughly disapprove.
We planned ahead, moving their rugs into the kitchen, checking the water and biscuit bowls were full, policed the litter boxes, and then provided a feel-good bribe in the form of a second breakfast.
When they saw the bowls, Tic Tac and Inkie pranced and purred. Target is much savvier. He looked around, checking for the carrier. Our old boy suspected it was a wicked ruse that would end up with his being carted to the vet.
When we closed the kitchen door and taped it up, “Cats inside. Do not open”, the fuzzies were surprised but resigned.
Twenty minutes later, when eight men arrived brandishing boxes and miles of sticky tape, Inkie and Tic Tac squeezed themselves under the kitchen cupboards while Target took refuge in the storage cupboard.
I popped in and out of cat safe space, offering cuddles, treats and solace, but the furries were adamant: They wanted nothing to do with the chaos. Target came out for a pee once, and Inkie stuck his head out from under the cupboards, but they growled nervously while doing so.
I had expected it but it also worried me. At the end of this month, we will be on a plane to Britain, and that kind of adventure is a huge unknown for all of us.
The vets assured us we would be fine and, statistically, we know it’s very safe. In fact, pet travel is now almost mainstream.
Research by Brainy Insights, a market research company in India, estimates the global pet transport service market ran at US$721.64mil (RM3.41bil) in 2022 and will grow to US$1.343bil (RM6.35bil) by 2032.
The Asian market is growing by a rapid 9.62% per year and Malaysian pet lovers are part of this emerging trend. Our own MASkargo manages some 250 domesticated pet shipments per month.
With some international flights, you can take your pet on board with you. Despite Britain being a pet loving country, they don’t allow this. Weasles, right? So pets flying to Britain have to fly in a different part of the plane.
Seeing my pets cower in the kitchen, I wondered what kind of trip Target, Tic Tac and Inkie could expect. At 4am, I was plagued by nightmares of the kitties being bunged in with the luggage, doomed to flying in the dark with engines roaring.
Thankfully, Mark Jason Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of MAB Kargo Sdn Bhd, and owner of Spotty, a four-year-old rescue dog, volunteered to explain the process.
“When you get to the airport, tell the ground staff immediately that you’re travelling with pets, so that they can coordinate,” Thomas advises. “While humans go through their clearing and boarding process, cats go to their own holding area. They wait there until it’s time to board.”
Cats are boarded at the same time as the humans. “Should there be a delay for any reason, the staff will take the cats from their holding area to our animal hotel,” Thomas says. “That’s to make sure they have water, food and are properly looked after.”
Pets do not travel like luggage! They travel in a controlled-environment compartment of the aircraft, with proper ventilation and low light. Also, it’s insulated from engine sounds.
Sadly, there is no access to the pet area from the cabin, so the cabin crew can’t pop down to pet the furries during the flight.
On landing, the animals have their papers checked by pet immigration, just like us. “They go to the animal reception centre for clearance,” Thomas explains. “Your agent will bring the cats to you. And if you’re doing it without an agent, talk to the ground crew.”
Going abroad is a complicated business, which is why we hired an agent. But some intrepid travellers do their own work. It’s important to note that each country has different rules.
“You can reach out to our Animal Hotel,” Thomas advises. “Tell them what pets you’re taking, where you’re going, and they will tell you about documentation. Also, do it well in advance if you can.”
Finally, he adds, “Even if you have an agent, I’d say it’s safest to make sure you have copies of all the paperwork with you, just in case.”
Knowing the boss is an animal lover, and having met so many MAS staff who are ruled by their furries, my worst fears are settled.
However, the day after the packers left, Target chewed at his paw and Tic Tac at her neck. It’s classic displacement – nervous pets often distract themselves from their anxiety by chewing or overeating.
Again, I was half expecting it, although I thought it would be Inkie who had the horrors, not upbeat Tic Tac and veteran Target.
A little antiseptic spray with a bitter taste to discourage chewing fixed Target’s paw practically overnight. It’s looking very good and should be OK by the time you read this.
Ironically, that exact same spray did stop Tic Tac licking her neck but the daft girl scratched at the spot instead!
We were flummoxed and planned to consult the vet when we had a brainwave: the spot she was bothering is covered by her walking harness.
So we clipped her into her adventure kit and it’s done the trick. The tiny little spot is now snugly covered so it can heal. Our princess wasn’t pleased with us, giving me an excellent glare, but it’s comfier than a lampshade and it means she doesn’t have to be packed off to see her personal physician.
With a bit of luck, we now have a straight shoot to the flight. We need one last-minute blood test, another international requirement, and then I hand the kitties over to the ground crew.
It is still terrifying, but I am blessing ourselves for living in a time when quarantine is over, and for having more clarity about the pet flight.
By this time next month, Target, Tic Tac and Inkie should have their pet passports stamped and be smiling at you from their English garden.
Wish us luck and see you soon.
Adopt Me
Bushy Boy is nine months old, neutered and vaccinated.
Photo: Sherrina Krishnan-Leyow
He is a very sociable and friendly cat. He loves getting strokes and cuddles, and will sit quietly whilst you work.
Interested adopters, please contact Sherrina in Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya, at 012-202 6384.
