Is There a Doctor in the House?

Ignore anyone who tells you that only a young cat can travel. I'd be hesitant to start an elderly, blind cat on globe-trotting, but if your furry bundle is a seasoned traveler, then let him continue to participate in your next adventure!

RC was the picture of health for most of his life. He had lost almost all of his sight by the time he was 13, but this didn't deter his curiosity in exploring new places. He was always quick to learn the layout of a new hotel or home even after his vision diminished severely. Our last journey together was just a few months before he passed away.

When we needed a vet for annual vaccinations or to get a certificate to cross a border, we learned to visit the offices ahead of time. There are many caring, qualified vets around the world, but we found a few whose offices were filthy or whose callous manner made us leave in disgust.

We found one good way to find a vet when you're on the road is to ask people who sell pet products. They usually are familiar with the vets in the area and generally have a pet of their own. Another good option is to ask anyone who has a well cared for pet. Also, if there is a university with a vet school, see who they recommend. Sometimes the universities have the best facilities in the country. A quick pre-visit to the office will let you evaluate if you think this is the correct vet for your purr baby.

Medical care for pets isn't always as advanced in third world countries as it is in Europe or North America. You'll have to decide whether traveling to another country with more advanced facilities is worthwhile if your little one becomes ill.

If your pet is older, remember that he may not be able to make a long journey to get better care. Customs officials may be relaxed about paper work, but if they see a sick animal, they'll quickly quarantine him. If your cat becomes sick while you're on the road, you'll want to consider whether staying wherever you are until he recovers is your best solution given the possible alternatives of quarantine or worse.