Taking Cats To Bahrain » Fly Your Cat to Bahrain from UK
Getting your cat to Bahrain safely is what we do.
Look, we know cats aren’t exactly fans of travel. They like their routines, their familiar spots and definitely not being put in a box on a plane. But sometimes a move to Bahrain is happening whether they like it or not, and that’s where having someone experienced on your side makes all the difference.
We’ve been doing this for over 30 years now, and we’ve learned exactly how to make the journey as stress free as possible for cats. From the paperwork through to the actual flight, we’ll make sure everything’s done properly so your cat gets there safe and sound.
Want to talk it through first? Call us on 01206 330332. No pressure, just a proper conversation about what’s involved and how we can help.
What Bahrain Requires For Cats
Bahrain has specific rules about bringing cats into the country, and you’ll need to tick all these boxes before your cat can fly.
First up, your cat needs a microchip. This has to be done before any vaccinations are given, and the microchip number must be on every bit of veterinary paperwork. It’s how they track and identify your cat throughout the whole process.
Your cat will need a rabies vaccination that’s at least 30 days old but not more than 6 months old when you travel. Timing matters here, so it’s worth planning this out early.
They’ll also need vaccinations against feline infectious rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and feline enteritis. Your vet will probably know this as the RCP vaccine, or more commonly as the cat flu and feline enteritis jab. Same timing applies, between 30 days and 6 months before departure.
You’ll need an Import Permit from the Kingdom of Bahrain before you can ship your cat. We can help sort this out through our agents in Bahrain if you’re booking with us.
Finally, a DEFRA Official Veterinarian needs to examine your cat and issue an Export Health Certificate within 48 hours of the flight. Most vet practices have an Official Veterinarian who can do this.
How We Handle Cat Transport
Your cat will travel in an IATA compliant crate that gives them enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. We build wooden crates in our workshops that are made to measure for your cat, or we can supply plastic crates if you prefer those instead.
The crates come fitted with water containers and proper veterinary bedding. The bedding is specially designed to let liquid drain through so your cat stays dry, which is important because cats can be a bit unpredictable when they’re stressed.
We can collect your cat from anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales. If you’d rather bring them to us or meet at Heathrow, that works too. Whatever makes things easier for you.
If you’ve got two cats that weigh less than 14 kilos each, they can travel together in the same crate with a wire divider between them. This way they’re close enough to know the other one’s there, but they’ve each got their own space. Some cats find this reassuring, others would rather be alone. You know your cats best.
Getting The Timing Right
The 48 hour window for the Export Health Certificate is tight, so you’ll want to book your vet appointment carefully.
We can provide your vet with the correct templates and wording they need to include on the certificate, which helps avoid any last minute issues.
It’s also worth making sure your cat’s general health is sorted well before travel. Things like ear infections, dental problems or any signs of fleas or ticks can cause your cat to fail the health check.
Best to get those things looked at by your regular vet early in the process.
We’re Here To Help
Moving a cat internationally isn’t straightforward, but it’s definitely manageable when you’ve got people who know what they’re doing.
We treat every cat like they’re our own. Whether it’s making sure the paperwork’s perfect, building the right size crate or just answering your questions at midnight because you’re worried about something, we’re here for it.
Give us a call on 01206 330332 or drop us an email at info@fetchapet.co.uk. We’re around Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, and we usually reply to emails outside those hours as well.
FAQs About Flying Cats To Bahrain
Cats actually cope with flights better than you’d think. They tend to settle down once the crate is loaded and the environment stays calm and quiet. The cargo hold is pressurised and temperature controlled just like the passenger cabin. We use veterinary bedding that’s comfortable and familiar, and the water system means they can drink when they want to. Most cats arrive in better shape than their owners expect.
We can absolutely help you get the Import Permit through our agents in Bahrain. It’s one less thing for you to worry about, and our agents know exactly what the Bahraini authorities need to see. Just let us know you want us to handle it when you’re booking.
It depends on what the condition is. Things like diabetes or heart murmurs don’t automatically mean your cat can’t fly, but you’ll need to discuss it with a vet who understands the implications for travel. If your cat’s on regular medication, we’ll need to know the schedule so we can make sure everything’s documented properly. Best thing is to tell us about any health issues upfront so we can give you proper advice on whether travel is safe for your particular cat.
