keeping a cat in Mumbai - just took in a stray kitten

dorieng

Hi everyone. I am a Belgian girl living in Mumbai (Bandra) for 2 years (still have 15 month to go). Now I'm a huge animal lover, but I left my pets with my parents as I didn't want to transport them in a plane. I wasn't planning on getting any pets here until I found this adorable stray kitten today.

Now I would preferrably find another home for it, but as most people prefer dogs here, I might end up keeping the little one. Now I have a few concerns and I hope someone can help me out:

- First of all I'm looking for a pet store where they have cat stuff. There's one around my corner calles paws and fur or something. It was closed today, so I'll have to go back tomorrow, but if anyone has a better suggestion, please let me know.

- I'm also looking for a good vet. I want to have this kitten completely checked to make sure it's healthy and to get all the required vaccinations. Btw, how expensive are vets around here?

- Now the reason I didn't want to get any pets here is that I live on my own and I'm not sure what to do when I go on holiday. FOr some holidays I can depend on my frieds, but for example around new Year's they will all be gone and I will also travel for 2 weeks. Does anyone knoz of someone in Bandra who would be willing to come and feed my cat? I know it's well in advance, but I don't want to worry about it then.

- Finally (and this is thinking in advance again), has anyone taken their pet on a plane before. How does that work? Where can I find out about dertificates I need an all? And what are the fees airline are charging for that?

Thanks in advance for your help. And if anyone knows of someone who wants to have a little kitten (completely white with an orange tale and ears), do let me know.

birds

Hi Dorien,

Don't know pet shops in Mumbai but pet shops in India generally have the basic stuff; food, vitamins, etc.

For a good vet you can contact PAWS (www.pawsasia.org, tel: 9820161114). Vets are cheap compare to Europe (between Rs.80 and 250 per consultation).

They may also know of somebody who could look after your cat during holidays. They are very helpful and well connected.

Taking the kitten to Belgium is not so difficult. Most airlines will allow you to take the cat in a carrier with you in the plane. The carrier should fit under the seat in front of you.
The Indian authorities make no demands if you take out pets. The Belgium authorities will likely just want proof that he/she has all vaccinations (the vet can give you this). For precise requirements you should contact your embassy.

Thanks for taking care! That is another stray off the street .

dorieng

I will definately contact them. Thanks for the tip.

It sounds easy enough to take a pet out of India then. I might just look for new owners in Belgium then. That way I can keep little Puma with me for now. I've really been missing having a pet and the thing that has been most difficult for me is seeing the strays. I already have one cat coming to my building every day for food, but I'm so happy to actually have one inside now and he's been having such a good time. He runs through the entire appartment, eats well and sleeps on the little blanket I gave him ... just too cute :-)

Tequila

Hi there,

This post is coming in 7 months too late in all likelihood, but justincase I thought I'd drop a line. I used to live in Bandra till very recently. I have 2 cats myself and I'm asking myself the same question. What happens when we both need to leave town? I had started wondering if we ever would together. I have no solutions yet but I would be happy to help you out from time to time when it's possible. I stay in Wadala and wouldn't mind coming to Bandra to check in on your feline when you're not around. Let me know if you still need a cat-sitter.

Warm wishes,
Tequila