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To the Editor,

We moved to France in 2020 with our 17-year-old cat. 

The only airline that would allow her to travel in the cabin with us was Air France. We needed vaccination certificates, a special carrying case to the airline’s strict dimensions etc. 

When the pet carrier arrived, it was at least 1cm longer than advertised, so we had to start all over again with Air France’s own carrier, costing about four times more.

We also had to buy our own identification chip reader, having heard that the airport’s chip reader would only recognise cats up to 16 years of age, when the technology changed.

The biggest advantage was that we were able to present the cat’s boarding pass at the prefecture for our cartes de séjour as proof of our ‘permanent’ arrival on a specific date.

The cat survived for three years, passing away just after her 20th birthday. She loved being a retired cat in the south of France – it gave her a new lease of life.

She received excellent care including a special diet from the local vet, who also did the honours when the time sadly came.

We made up our minds never to own another pet, as it would be irresponsible at our age.

But fast forward two-and-a-half years and we are now taking care of one stray, one chat abandonné, and one kitten. Luckily we have made friends with our local cat protection groups, who organised and paid for the kitten to be neutered.

C.D., Gard

Read more: Passenger receives fine on Paris-Brittany train after complaints over meowing cat

To the Editor,

We came here permanently in 2022 and brought our two cats with us.

The hardest part was travelling with them, and obtaining the necessary paperwork. The latter was made many times worse because of the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

During the long journey here they were a little stressed for the first hour or so, but then calmed down and slept. A spray of catnip in their carrier helped.

We were delighted to find the abundance of hotels and gites in France that accept cats. In the UK, a hotel or Airbnb that says it ‘accepts animals’ usually means dogs only. Rarely will they take cats for fear they will scratch and urinate.

Our two cats love their life here. They enjoy the extra space and love the terrace and garden, especially in summer. Our neighbours have also welcomed them - and they have even (sort of) made friends with the feral cat who hangs around next door. 

One of our cats was highly nervous but even she has come out of her shell – we like to think, like us, that she is simply more relaxed here.

Our neighbours know the cats will need taking care of if something should happen to us, as does a nearby rescue centre and family members at home. 

D.C., by email

Have you moved to France with a pet? How difficult was it? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com