Tag: cats

Toxic household items for cats you may not know about!

Post author By simbathemonstercat
Post date September 23, 2020
6 Comments on Toxic household items for cats you may not know about!

Have you ever randomly Google things like “Can cats eat ____?” or “Are ____ poisonous to cats?”

Well, I always do. As a first-time cat owner, there are many things that I learned along the way (most of which were from my dear friend Google).

One day as I was sipping my morning coffee, Simba came to sit next to me and started sniffing my cup. That was when I wondered, “Can cats drink coffee?” Of course, my first instinct was NO. My concern was more of like, what if I left my cup of coffee on the table unattended, and Simba decided to be a naughty boy and drank from it?

I’m sure most of us would know the common items that are dangerous to cats, such as human medicine, chemicals/insecticides, etc. So I will not go into too much detail for those things. My purpose of writing this post is to alert cat owners of some unexpected household items that may post danger to our furbabies.

Human Food

Coffee – or rather all caffeinated drinks.
Cats are curious creatures and they may be attracted to the strong smell of coffee. Do note that caffeine is a very dangerous and toxic chemical to cats, and ingestion can be life-threatening.

Grapes and raisins
Consumption of grapes or raisins may cause rapid kidney failure for cats, and even just a small amount can make them ill. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are some of the early signs to take note of. The good news is – your feline babies are unlikely to show interest in grapes or raisin. But just to be on the safe side, keep them out of reach!

Onions and garlic
Beneficial to human, but dangerous for cats. These commonly used food items can cause damage to cat’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. Although it is unlikely that your fur baby will eat onions or garlic in large quantity, take note that exposure to concentrated forms such as garlic powder or onion soup mix, can also be toxic.

Chocolate
Some of us may have heard that chocolate is dangerous to dogs, but is it just as dangerous to cats as well. Questions is why? Why does the all time favourite human snack pose such a danger to our furbabies? Turns out it’s because chocolate contains a substance that will result in vomiting and diarrhea, high body temperature, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, abdominal discomfort, increased thirst, and even seizures. So, if you are having a chocolate cake for your birthday, be sure to keep it away from your cat(s) at home!

Raw/unbaked yeast dough
Bakers out there take note! One of the most important ingredient for your bakes is in fact dangerous for your furbaby! When ingested, the dough may expand in the warm and moist environment of the cat’s stomach, and this will cause their stomach to be bloated or distended. Not only so, the yeast could also start to ferment in the stomach, and the process of fermentation may release alcohol and carbon dioxide – which when enters the bloodstream, could cause dangerous toxicity for cats.

Dairy products
Remember the cartoons we used to watch when we were younger, like Tom and Jerry, and Tom always seems to be drinking milk? Well, this is a misconception, and most cats out there are actually lactose intolerant. The reason I said most is because, there seem to be controversial options out there in terms of if cats can be given dairy products. So here’s just what I think after gathering some research, it is probably not the model answer, but I hope it gives you some perspective.

Being lactose intolerant means that cats’ stomachs are unable to digest these products, and ingesting them may upset their stomachs, resulting in vomiting or diarrhoea. Even though some cats appear to be able to take some diary like milk or cheese (in fact, Simba love to have some cheese once in a while), their bodies are just not made to digest the bi-products. At the end of the day, the potential problems actually outweighs the potential benefits. Cats don’t need dairy in their nutrition, so it is definitely okay to leave it out from their diet.

However, there are lactose free milk for cat out there in the market, so if you do want your furbaby to have some tasty milk once in a while, get those ones that are lactose free and save their tummy from being upset. The best alternative if you ask me? Just supply them with lots of fresh water everyday!

Plants

Have a green thumb or love how the plants make your house look homey and nice? Think twice or do some research before getting them and placing them in the house! Some cats like to nibble on plants for fibre, or they may eat them out of boredom. However, do take note of certain types of plants that could be dangerous for your cats!

Lilies***
This is a shocker for me. I remembering seeing a poster of this in my vet’s office in Australia. Lilies are beautiful flowers to look at, however they are deadly to our feline furbabies. The whole plant – including the leave, flower or even the pollen – is lethal to cats. Even if it is just brushing past the plant, and then grooming the pollen off the fur, can be very dangerous. My advise – do not bring any lilies home, because lily consumption is considered an EMERGENCY! (Don’t worry, the lilies behind Simba are fake flowers ><)

Aloe vera
Commonly used as a medical plant, the substance produced by aloe vera can actually result in diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, tremors and a change in urine color if you cat ingested it.

Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a popular plant used in drinks in Singapore. Although only mildly toxic, it contains substance that is poisonous to cats and will upset your furbaby’s stomach.

This substance is also found in fleas & ticks treatment for dogs, which is why it is important not to mix them up. If you have not dogs and cats at home, be sure of store those medications in separate places. As they have very similar packaging and small print, it’s easy to grab the wrong product by mistake.

Why does my cat chew on my plants?
This was question I wondered when I first noticed Simba sneaking on my plants and biting on them. Turns out cats chew on plants to obtain folic acid – a type of vitamin that support’s their growth. Hence it’ll be good to have a pot of cat grass at home for your furbabies to graze on them. Eating grass helps to regular their bowel movement as well. You may notice that your cat throws up after eating grass, and this is usually not a cause for concern as he/she is probably doing it on purpose. The process of vomiting helps to clear their digestive tract that may be clogged wit fur (from when they groom themselves). However, do not just let your cats chew on any patch of grass outdoors as some of them may be covered in pesticides/chemicals!

If your cat has been poisoned

You know your cat best, and it is important to look out for signs and symptoms that are out of the ordinary. Remember, every moment matters. Bring them to see a vet if you notice anything unusual, or if they had come into contact with any of the above items mentioned. Bring a sample of their vomit or stools (if any) to the vet as well, so that they can run some tests if necessary.

Keep your furbabies safe!

Hope this article is helpful for cat owners out there! It may not cover everything, but i hope that it brings attention to some common hazards at home that we may not be aware of. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re unsure if something is safe, always check with your vet / Google / other cat owners! Let’s keep our furbabies safe everyone!

Tags cats, hazards, household items, New Owners, plants, poisoning, toxicity

Community Stories

Facts about Cat’s Tail and What are they trying to tell you?

Post author By Pawsanova / Kobe.sg
Post date September 15, 2020
1 Comment on Facts about Cat’s Tail and What are they trying to tell you?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B64u5tWJ5uS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Your cat’s tail helps them to balance. It helps to serve like a “balancing stick” when walking on narrow spaces such as fences or shelves. And the Tail also aids in balancing when a cat is running after or jumping on prey!
Even though cats uses their tails for balancing; they can live without tails too. If a cat’s tail needs to be amputated due to injuries, or born without a tail, their adaptiveness will soon learn to compensate for the loss of their tails.
Tail injuries can cause permanent damages. Cat’s tails have many nerves that can affect the tails muscles as well as their control of urination and defecation. And pulling on their tails can cause nerve damages; and even though some may heal over time, but it can often be permanent. So never pull on a cat’s tail!
Cat uses their tail to communicate. Their tail is a great indicator of your cat’s mood!

Cats are notoriously hard to read. But since they use their tail as a form of communication, that will give you an idea of your cat’s current mood and what might happen next!

HIGH TAIL

_{A high tail means that your cat is feeling confident and happy; that also means that have a friendly intention and if their tail is quivering a little, it means that your cat is very excited to see you!}

LOW TAIL

_{A low tail means your cats tail is straight down, this can be a sign of unease or fear. BUT, some cat breeds can naturally be carrying their tails lower than other. Do not be alarmed!}

TUCKED

_{This is very similar to ‘Low tail’. If your cat’s tail is tucked underneath their body, they are feeling fearful or anxious.}

QUESTION MARK

_{This is often a greeting sign when they see someone they know and they like! Sociable cats tend to do this with anyone they meet. Usually this “Question mark” will appear when they are approaching you.}

PUFFED UP TAIL

_{Oh, that means they are pissed. Usually feel threatened, they may become aggressive if pushed. Cats do that to make themselves “look bigger”. Their tail is high and puffed up, along with the base of their tail and along the spine. They will instinctively do this when they are startled by something potentially scary.}

TAIL WHIP

_{That means they are pissed too. Its squally a rapid motion back and forth showing that they are emotionally stimulated and potentially get angry and aggressive. Cats often to that when they have a disagreement with each other. Usually accompanied by yowling. Cute but feisty.}

TAIL TWITCHING

_{If they twitched their tail, usually means they are experiencing some sort of conflict or feeling agitated. If you’re stroking them and that happens, its recommended to stop what you’re doing; as that might be an early sign to tell you that they begin not to enjoy it. Or sometimes when they wanna do something but they can’t – for example standing in front of a closed door, wants to go out but it won’t open. Or a ball that they are chasing rolled underneath the sofa and they couldn’t get it out.}

SWISHING TAIL

_{Hunting mode!! Usually happens while playing (Jumping on a toy or hunting). Its recognisable by the slow swaying from left to ride.}

Tags body language, cat tail, cats, communication, New Owners

Community Stories

Adopting Brownie, a Foster Fail

Post author By brownbethboba
Post date September 7, 2020
2 Comments on Adopting Brownie, a Foster Fail

Brownie claiming the master bed to herself

I’ve always had a fascination for cats from the time I was little. One of the many cat-related stories of me as a child was how I catnapped several kittens without my dad’s knowledge. We were followed by what seems to be their mother and rightfully so, I had returned them to her.

Fast forward to when I met my then boyfriend (now husband), I found out he had dogs most of his life and loves cats too, naturally we would often fantasize about having pets, and how many fur kids we’d have in our household.

Re-enactment of how I catnapped several kittens. I could only find 1 for this.

Expectation…

The moment we’ve successfully applied for our HDB flat, and started moving in, plans for pawrenthood slowly began taking shape. Because of his lifelong experience with dogs and family drama of not having everyone on board, he was rather adamant about ensuring I was prepared for a life with pets – as I’ve never lived alongside cats or dogs while growing up.

It’s clear as day we’ve been bewitched by cats.

We were determined to go by the adoption route as we both have strong opinions on that. From following our local Facebook cat groups, we’ve gleaned lots of information and made plans to find a cat at an adoption drive or from a Cat Welfare Society (CWS) or SPCA related event.

From their Facebook pages and friends, we understood that they have rather stringent adoption guidelines about the readiness of your home: especially if your home has been cat-proofed with the necessary window hardware for pet safety in highrise apartments, or houseplants that pose a risk to cats, etc.

An important laundry list of considerations before thinking about having a cat.

We’ve also been concerned about the realities of cost and how we would be involved with the cat’s life. Whether we could give the best to the cat and that we may not be ready for a long time. Day to day costs and medical costs may be borne by the fosterers alone. So on top of time and effort, money is also an important factor in our decision.

…Reality

It was August 2017. After boarding our flight and waiting for the plane to take off, I was thumbing through my Facebook feed when I came across a friend’s social post, looking for somebody to help foster an abandoned cat.

I turned to my husband seated next to me:

“You’ve always wanted a Siamese cat…?”

He had a good look at the pictures, and shrugged, “Well, if it’s just fostering for the time being, why not?”

At that time, we had thought fostering this brown kitty would be a great opportunity to learn about cat ownership, before committing to adopting one. Little did we know, we were wrong in some ways. ?

Once we returned home, I reached out to my friend to offer our help. After being added to a Whatsapp group with a direct line to Brownie’s rescuers, we finally arranged a day for this brown cat to be transported.

The rescuers understood we are first-time cat owners, so they had kindly packed a “starter kit” to help make the transition smooth. The starter kit included a tiny litter box, feeding bowls, about 2 weeks worth of kitten kibble and canned food, some toys and a scratching board.

Til this day, we’re using this particular feeding bowl for dry kibble. Stainless steel for the win.

Before Brownie was put in our care, we read several articles suggesting keeping new cats in one room for a couple days before letting them go about. This was to ensure the cat had enough time to adjust to her new surroundings before showing her the rest of the place. Brownie took off on her own and claimed every conceivable spot for herself in just a couple days. We then decided to purchase extra supplies should her next forever home take some time to happen.

“Are you SURE this is gonna last…?” – Brownie

It was then, while shopping for extra supplies, my husband had made up his mind – because he felt it wasn’t fair for Brownie to be bounced from home to home if we were only fostering for a month or slightly more. Also, it happens that he often works from home by himself and boy, does it get lonely.

A day in the life of a lonely man, begrudgingly accompanied by his feline companion

We were so transparent when asking for deals on pet supplies, the rescuers immediately caught on we were going to keep her long term. Though at that point in time we were still iffy about this big decision, the rescuers know we’ve been caught hook, line and sinker.

A ~~week or two~~ 2 months had passed, and we announced Brownie as our own. She has officially become what among cat circles is dubbed as a “foster fail”.

Day 1: “I love this place, thank you uwu”
Day 60: “Kneel before me, lousy peasant”

We also kept her name Brownie, to pay tribute to the rescuers who had christened her as such.

Til this day, we have never regretted having Brownie by our side.

“BUT WHAT ABOUT ME?! I regret the day I had no say in my furrever family!!!” – Brownie

From here on out

I can only write what I know through the experience of other friends who have successfully sent out their foster cats to loving homes.

In a normal fostering situation, the cat moves out of the foster home to their furrever families. The fosterers and rescuers will be communicating regularly to keep each other current on what’s happening.

Before COVID19, adoption drives were often organized, and hopefully we can return to that soon. It is the responsibility of fosterers to ensure the cats are healthy, disease & parasite free and well groomed so they can be put out to furrever homes in the best condition.

The new normal for adoption drives, in the current COVID19 situation.

If fosterers are inclined and well connected, they could get spots in adoption drives on their own, or they can easily coordinate with rescuers to secure spots for their cats.

The actual adoption process itself may be less straightforward, and dare I say such a process requires the alignment of the stars. Potential adopters may need to be screened, have their living conditions checked and past adoption history reviewed. However that topic is an entire series of articles on its own and I’m sure we can expand more on that in the future.

Once the adopters have been screened and the papers signed, it is time to bid teary goodbyes to your foster cat with whom you’d probably have bonded over the last few weeks or months. But don’t let that stop you from fostering. Fostering is a worthy cause, and it has a positive impact on both the cats, and the communities at large.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna’s a cat slave to three ex-street cats Brownie, Beth and Boba.

Holla at Brownie and the gang at @brownbethboba on Instagram!

Tags adoption, cats, commitment, fostering, New Owners

Community Stories

Dental Scaling for Pets

Dental scaling is one of the most important health topic yet it is a procedure that is not commonly done so by pet owners. What is dental scaling? Why is dental scaling important? What are the risks of dental scaling?

1. Dental Scaling

Dental scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar on the surface on the teeth and under the gum line. It is usually performed under general anaesthesia as most pets will fidget and some will not allow veterinarians or veterinary technicians to lift up the gums and scale off the built-up of plaque and tartar. Dental scaling performed without general anaesthesia only improves the aesthetic appearance of the teeth but does not improve periodontal health due to dirt and bacteria under the gumline. Dental scaling is recommended every 2-3years for medium to larger breed dogs and every year for smaller breed dogs. Smaller breed dogs tend to have overcrowding of teeth and some smaller dogs may retain their deciduous(baby) teeth which can increase plaque and tartar build-up.

2. Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is the infection and inflammation of the gums covering and supporting the tooth. It comes in 4 stages (gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease). Removal of tartar and plaque can reverse gingivitis which can be achieved through proper dental scaling and polishing under general anaesthesia. Daily brushing of the teeth is recommended as it removes biofilm which can prevent the accumulation of calculus(tartar). If your pet do not allow tooth brushing, another alternative method would be using gauze to wipe the surface of the tooth. Plaque will form after 3 days to form calculus which cannot be removed by tooth brushing. Dental chews or toys that provide teeth cleaning provide little to zero effect in removing plaque and tartar.

Image of a dog with periodontal disease

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease

Loss of appetite
Bad breath
Drooling
Constantly smacking of the lips
Loose teeth
Nasal discharge or sneezing
Bleeding of gums
Not wanting to be touched near the mouth

3. Prevention

To prevent your pet from having periodontal disease, regular dental scaling and polishing are recommended. Maintenance of healthy teeth can be done by daily brushing of the teeth or a healthy diet. If periodontal disease is left untreated, not only cause painful infected teeth or tooth abscesses which require removal, it can also affect your pet’s health negatively. It can affect the major organs such as the heart, kidney or liver as bacteria found in the animal’s mouth can enter the bloodstream which affects their immune system. Pets with healthy teeth and gums are signs that they are in good physical condition and can live much longer.

4. Risks

General anaesthesia is the number 1 concern of pet owners when it comes to dental scaling. Most owners heard of horror stories where their pet does not make it under general anaesthesia due to old age or underlying conditions(heart murmur, kidney/liver failure). Thankfully, with science being advanced these days, there are options that can be done to ensure your pet is healthy to undergo general anaesthesia. A simple blood test which takes no longer than 30mins could tell you if your pet is healthy to proceed with surgery. Dogs with heart murmur can also do an echocardiogram to check if they are fit to undergo surgery.

Another concern of pet owners would be having their pet’s teeth extracted. There are veterinary clinics in Singapore such as Maranatha Vet or Oasis Vet which provide dental x-ray services to determine if a particular tooth is viable or not.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, it is always better to check with your regular vet when it comes to your pet’s health. Do not hesitate to call up your regular vet especially if you have not done any dental scaling or dental checks before! Always brush your dog’s teeth daily especially when a dental scaling procedure is done to maintain clean healthy teeth! Just like us hoomans, we still have to go for dental cleaning even with regular brushing.

Here is a photo of Hiro’s before and after when he had his first dental cleaning.

The above article is written by the hooman of @hiroxcharoadventures.

Tags cats, dental, dental health, dogs, New Owners, scaling

Community Stories

How To Choose A Suitable Diet

Post author By Pawjourr
Post date August 26, 2020
No Comments on How To Choose A Suitable Diet

Even the best dog influencers and cat influencers out there have to be ensured a healthy diet to stay strong and active. There are a diverse variety of pet food options out there, but which types of foods are truly the best for your furkid? Here are some points to consider if you are in a dilemma over a suitable food option for your own pet:

Do your research well, and balance out certain factors

As the pet food industry continues to grow in popularity, there are now a multitude of diet options to choose from: from dry kibbles to cooked, freeze-dried and even raw food…the options are limitless. Not to mention, different commercial food brands and companies also offer their own unique benefits to stand out from their competitors.

All diets have their own pros and cons, and owners should do their own research and balance out particular factors in order to decide what is the most suitable option. For example, cost should be an important factor since maintaining a pet’s diet for the long term is key. Other factors may also include availability of food (only available locally or overseas), brand credibility and reputation, and so on.

Human foods and other unique treats

Owners might be tempted to give your pet a variety of foods, and that includes human foods or treats meant for other animals. However remember to do so with caution. Do a quick online check just to ensure that your pet can eat the right food; for example, human snacks and chocolates are not meant for any cat or dog! It might be tempting to prove your own pet unique as it eats a diet based on human foods, but that is not meant for every pet.

Every pet’s diet suitability is different

That also brings us to the most significant point that summarises it all: every pet is different, and it will be a journey of trial and error before you and your pet find out what is best for them. Certain breeds, for example, might be more predisposed to having sensitive stomachs, or needing certain supplements to boost their digestion and other health conditions. So do not take it for granted that just because other furkids are having a particular diet, your own furry friend should be doing the same as well! Instead, continue to observe and try out a variety of dietary options, and you will definitely help your pet find a suitable, healthy diet soon.

Tags cats, diet, dogs, food, healthy, New Owners, tips

Community Stories

Where Should Your Pet Go When You Are On Holiday

Post author By Pawjourr
Post date August 26, 2020
No Comments on Where Should Your Pet Go When You Are On Holiday

Sometimes, you just might need a break from Singapore or just a break from work or school with a mini staycation, but you are in a dilemma as to where to bring your furry friend. Even the most popular pet influencers have to be banned from most holiday areas that are strictly out of bounds to pets. But fret not, as here are some words of advice to follow when you are troubled about holiday plans with your favourite fur-friends:

Bring It Along With You

It is good news to know that more and more staycation destinations are now pet-friendly! From huge chalets to luxurious hotels, a quick online check will list out quite a few recommended options. So if you can’t stand the thought of your pet separating from you, why not bring it on a mini getaway with you too? If you are considering a more expensive long-term stay overseas, you can also opt to bring your pet on a flight as some airlines are pet-friendly.

However do note that it is costly, and a lot of time has to be spent on logistics and ensuring that your pet will get used to the unfamiliar destination and sensations of being on a plane ride. Some countries also enforce a quarantine period, so do research properly on the destination country’s laws and regulations regarding pets.

Find A Trusted Temporary Owner

If you have little choice but to take a break without bringing your fur-friend along, a most budget-friendly option will be to find a trusted loved one to take care of your pet temporarily. However do remember to delegate responsibilities wisely, and ensure that you do not miss out on anything before your trip. The last thing you might want is your pet to suffer in the hands of someone who might not be trustworthy.

Experienced Daycares and Pet Hotels

To find someone with more relevant experience might also be a good option, despite it being more expensive. But it is always good to be careful, especially with the recent controversies about inappropriate treatment of pets at daycares and pet hotels. Looking out for good reviews online or from word-of-mouth is always advisable, and it is also good to check out the amenities and staff before making a final decision. Different places might also have different types of “schedules” or “experiences” for your pet’s stay, such as the type of food and playtime options offered to your pet, so also ensure that your pet is comfortable with such relevant experiences!

If you make a wise decision after considering all your options (and considering which option your pet is the most comfortable with), you do not need to worry that your fur-friend might feel upset that you are going on a trip. In fact, your furry companion might enjoy its time just as much as you!

Tags cats, dogs, New Owners, tips

Community Stories

How To Spend More Quality Time With Your Pet

Post author By Pawjourr
Post date August 26, 2020
No Comments on How To Spend More Quality Time With Your Pet

As we are consumed by work, it is inevitable that we spend merely a few hours with our most precious furry companions every day. However, rather than thinking that this should be the least of our concerns, we should realize that even our most popular dog influencers and cat influencers can get stressed out and sad due to loneliness as well. Here are some tips you should follow to ensure that your favourite fur-friend gets to spend quality time with you:

Go on pet-friendly outings!

One easy way to do so is to take out some time during the weekends just to spend it exclusively with your pet, and what better way to do so than to bring your pet to pet-friendly areas and events? Be it just a neighbourhood walk at the park or a large-scale pet-friendly event, your pet will definitely enjoy its time socializing with new (human and animal) buddies, and exploring rather than being cooped up at home alone. You don’t necessarily have to organize social outings with other owners and pets, but do take note that pet-friendly areas are often crowded during weekends!

Do things for your pet

Doing things for your pet is an indirect way of spending some good bonding time with your fur-friends. Be it cooking up a new treat recipe, or making something for your pet like DIY-ing a pet collar, your pet and you can enjoy the quality time spent. Not only will your furry companion appreciate its new gift, but you might also be able to pick up a new hobby and make some new friends along the way. Many pet owners and pet-related companies post up free recipes and tips online, and some of them may also organize affordable workshops for such activities.

Spend more time with your fur-friend (literally)

If you can’t afford to take the time and energy out when you are on a tight schedule, just remember that even a few minutes alone with your fur-friend everyday will make it happier than usual. Be it just allowing your pet to cuddle up next to you or a short 15-minute walk, such little moments together can also contribute to improving your overall relationship with your furry friend.

Most importantly, do remember that you should never make any excuses when it comes to spending quality time with your pet. No amount of Instagram likes, followers and comments can replace actual bonding moments and make your pet happier.

Photo by Helena Lopes from Pexels

Tags birds, cats, dogs, experience, lifestyle, New Owners, small animals

Community Stories

Importing your pet into Singapore

Post author By simbathemonstercat
Post date August 26, 2020
8 Comments on Importing your pet into Singapore

Having a pet is a life-long commitment. The second you decide to bring a furbaby into your life, it’s imperative to follow it through and care for it to your best ability, even if it means traversing across the world with it.

I adopted the two-month-old Simba whilst pursuing my bachelors degree in Brisbane, Australia. Funnily enough, I have always thought of myself as a dog person (sometimes I think I still do!), and would never have imagined I’d become this “crazy cat lady” that all my friends identify me as.

Simba kept me company in my 2 years in Australia, and when it was time for me to come home to Singapore, I knew I had to bring him along. My inexperience in the due processes of bringing my furry best friend home left my helpless and dejected. Thus, I hope that, through my sharing, pet-owners would be less clueless when it comes to importing your pet into Singapore. After all, no one should be separated from their furbabies!

Pre-flight Preparation

First of all, you need to be prepared to commit time applying for permits (both import and export), bringing your pet to various appointments (i.e. vaccinations, health check-up, etc.), and buying the necessary logistics etc. You will need a Singpass account in order to apply for the import permit, search for “Licence to Import/Export/Transship Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics” at this website. Special note for dog owners, you’ll need to apply for a dog licence as well! (not applicable to cats).

Here are some of the things I prepared for Simba for the flight!

General Timeline

Potential Costs

Secondly, be prepared to set aside at least $1500-$2000 for this whole process. This includes expenses like license application, vet visits, buying of logistics and flight ticket. The final cost will depend on your export location, and the number of quarantine days required for your pet (~$50 per day for Singapore). Other potential costs may also include food that is being fed to your pet while he/she is in quarantine. The exact number of quarantine days is dependent on which country you are importing your pet from (see table below, click on the link to find out more information). Simba did not require any quarantine as he came from Cat A country, so I was able to bring him home straight away after we disembarked.

Category A Countries/Region of export free from rabies	Category B Countries/Region of export with negligible risk of rabies	Category C Countries/Region of export with controlled risk or low incidence of rabies	Category D Countries/Region of export with undetermined risk of rabies
Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom	Cayman Islands, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Japan, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, New Caledonia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, USA (Guam and Hawaii only)	Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, United States of America (except Guam and Hawaii)	All countries not listed in Categories A, B, and C.

NParks: Veterinary Conditions based on Country of Import

Cautionary Note

I may not have all the answers, but I will be happy to provide advice on any questions that you may have as well! It’s been 2.5 years since Simba and I came back to Singapore. At the end of the day, despite all the effort and money spent, I did not regret it for one second, and every cent spent was well worth it. Because Simba is my family (or as the Aussies call it – Rellie!), and I will never leave him behind.

The above article is written by the hooman of @simbathemonstercat.

Tags cats, dogs, import, New Owners, overseas, overseas adoption, transport