How to Fly with A Cat + What Not to Do [Podcast Ep. 15]

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Looking to fly with your cat? Moving abroad and can’t live without your furry friend?

Let’s talk about the time I moved all the way from Denver to Budapest with my little kitty Moshie!

Learn from my mistakes so that your relocation with your cat is as painless as possible.

In this Episode…

What my cat needed to move from the US to the EU
Tips for flying with a cat internationally
My experiences flying with my cat for 16 hours across the world
What I brought with me to the airport
What mistakes I made when traveling with my cat

Listen to This Podcast Episode About Flying with my Cat

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fly with a cat, How to Fly with A Cat + What Not to Do [Podcast Ep. 15] — *Behold! Moshie the adventure cat! Photo by The Bucket List Mermaid.*

Show Resources to Help You Move Abroad with a Cat

Read the Full Guide

If you would like to read the full article about flying internationally with a cat, you can find it here.

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Pet Adventure Gear

For some adventure pet gear, here is my full list from living full-time RVing with 2 cats and 1 dog.

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Find a Flight for Your Cat

More Travel REsources to help

Adventure Bucket List Resources

I am here to help your travel adventures go as smoothly as possible! That way you can check off that bucket list with minimal complications and spending!

SHOP – Shop the best adventure gear and essentials on my Amazon Storefront – handpicked by a full-time adventuring mermaid!

AIRFARE – It is no surprise that like many travelers, I have found that Hopper is one of the best resources to use when finding cheap flights.

ACCOMMODATION – My two favorites are Booking.Com for hotels and VRBO for rentals.

GUIDED TOURS – If you are looking for quick and easy tours, check out GetYourGuide and Viator.

MULTI-DAY TOURS – For more in-depth tours that span several days, TourHub has many great options with reputable travel companies. Use my code (ALEXANDRA1GURU) for up to 5% off your next bucket list adventure.

TRANSPORTATION – You can either rent a car yourself with Discover Cars or do a guided bus tours like Big Bus Tours.

CREDIT CARD – I always use my Chase Freedom Unlimited card for all of my purchases. There is no annual fee and you get 1.5% cash back and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel.

SIM CARDS – Avoid expensive roaming charges with an eSim card with Airalo.

TRAVELER’S INSURANCE – Check out VisitorsCoverage for affordable insurance plans.

Overview of This Episode About Flying with a Pet

Moving across the world is a daunting task, but when you add a furry companion into the mix, it becomes an entirely different adventure.

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the journey of relocating to Budapest for medical school with Moshie, my beloved cat.

This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, invaluable tips, and a comprehensive guide for anyone considering taking their pet on an international journey.

From the intricacies of getting documents together, talking with the vet, and navigating airports, this episode has all that you will need to fly with a pet.

Follow Moshie on Instagram

Why Did I move with my Cat?

The episode begins with an emotional recount of the rollercoaster adventure of moving with Moshie.

As someone with a background in forensic science and emergency response during COVID, my life took unexpected turns, leading me to medical school in Budapest.

Deciding to move to Budapest for medical school was one thing, but doing it with a cat added a layer of complexity that required meticulous planning and early involvement of a vet.

There is one bureaucratic hurdle after another that comes with flying with a pet internationally.

What Moshie Needed to Move from the US to the EU

Bringing a pet from the US to the EU involves a series of detailed steps, starting with obtaining an ISO-compliant microchip.

The pet must be at least 16 weeks old, and the rabies vaccination must be administered after the microchip implantation.

The episode emphasizes the importance of the EU health certificate from APHIS, endorsed by the USDA within a tight timeframe.

We highlight the need for early planning, staying organized, and preparing for unexpected costs like vet fees and priority shipping of documents.

Airline-specific requirements and the varying costs of flying with a pet are also discussed, noting that it can be cheaper within Europe than in the US.

For the full list, please reference the full guide 👉 here.

The Tiny Things You Forget About when traveling with a Pet

Flying internationally with a cat comes with its own set of challenges and experiences.

Packing essentials like a portable litter box, food, treats, and calming sprays are covered in detail.

Preparing for TSA checks with a harness or leash is crucial to ensure a smooth experience.

Trying To Get Back to the US

The episode recounts a stressful journey back to the US, dealing with bureaucratic hurdles like missing EU passports and conflicting regulations, emphasizing the importance of persistence and preparation.

Managing a long-haul flight with a pet involves tips on seat selection, handling layovers, and making the most of airport staff permissions to ensure your pet’s comfort.

The challenges of dealing with customs and border control in different countries are highlighted, along with the importance of having all necessary documents ready.

The episode underscores the need for preparation, flexibility, and a positive attitude when embarking on such an adventure with a pet.

Would you Fly with a Cat?

In conclusion, the episode offers a comprehensive look at the triumphs and trials of traveling internationally with a pet.

Traveling with a pet can be both challenging and rewarding. The episode offers practical advice and emotional support to help listeners feel more confident in taking on this journey.

Listeners are encouraged to follow and tag @thebucketlistmermaid on social media or email their experiences to share the adventure.

For a detailed guide and more tales from our travels, the episode directs listeners to thebucketlistmermaid.com, where they can also find pictures of Moshie and Emmy.