Cat in van-Santander (1 Viewer)

[zaskar]

Ok, so after years of using the Tunnel and driving to Spain, with fuel and tolls going the way they are, I'm thinking about Santander.

Two BIG sticking points.
1. SWMBO is convinced that there isn't a seasickness pill on the planet that will help her!

2. When I looked at a crossing yesterday, just for a price idea, the pet friendly cabins are already sold out
for next November! That means Dougal, our currently 5 month old Persian Kitten will be in the 5ver
for the trip and the "boss" is going to want to visit him every 5 minutes!
How often can you visit the car deck & what's the procedure?

Thanks.
ps please don't come back and say avoid Autoroutes & tolls. It's simply not economical with a large(ish) 5ver up and down the box. Trust me, I've tried!

 

[Brisey]

As far as I know, access to the vehicle decks is not permitted during the voyage.
Brisey.

 

[makems]

As Brian has said - there is Definitely no access to the car deck once the ship has cast off.

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[Hollyberry]

I deliberated over visiting the animals in the m/home --- why would they want me to appear, and then disappear again. And if they looked upset, what could I do? As far as I could tell, mine all got together on my bed and slept. 2 cats, 2 dogs and there were never any signs of distress on 4.5-5.5 hr crossing.
Make sure your cat has somewhere s/he can get to that he feels safe--- some like a crate to hide in, or a high shelf, his favourite blanket in a corner of a bed. Close the blinds and as long as s/he has access to litter tray, water and food will probably just sleep. My daughter swears by leaving Radio 4 on. You probably know that cats shouldn't be sedated, even mildly, as it can affect their blood pressure. I know it seems like a long crossing but cats are good at sleeping the hours away.

 

[Brisey]

Hi Holly, the Santander crossing is more than 24 hours in duration and can be quite rough and noisey.

 

[zaskar]

As far as I know, access to the vehicle decks is not permitted during the voyage.
Brisey.

That's strange cos I'm sure I read on the BF website that visits could be arranged in advance with the crew?

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[Hollyberry]

Hi Holly, the Santander crossing is more than 24 hours in duration and can be quite rough and noisey.

Sorry---- didn't realise it was that long. Is the only alternative to smuggle cat into a cabin? Put a litter tray down and all have a picnic and a long sleep?
A real dilemma.

 

[treetops1]

Are you allowed to keep pets in your van and not in the kennels on the Santander run ?

 

[Brisey]

Pets

Are you allowed to keep pets in your van and not in the kennels on the Santander run ?

I am afraid that you cannot.
Pets must be in the onboard kennels or in a pet friendly cabin whilst onboard.

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[MikeD]

As I read the rules for Brittany Ferries and pets. Your cat can only travel in the van to France only.




If you are leaving your pet in your vehicle (sailings to and from France only)

• We strongly recommend opening your window to provide ventilation during the sailing and leaving some water for your pet.

Access to the garages during the crossing is forbidden, except when with a member of our crew.

Pet visits

All visits are subject to weather conditions and the captain reserves the right to change or refuse visits at any time. For exact visit times, please ask a member of crew at the information desk on deck 6.

 

[treetops1]

Thanks for that , I thought that was the case. That's why we drive because we don't like the idea of kennels and the chance of a pet friendly cabin is slim .

 

[pyro]

To be honest, I would have thought you could easily sneak your cat into your cabin, nobody has ever checked my baggage between vehicle and cabin, and that's what I would do

Quells, avomine, promethazine ("Phenergen"), are all pretty effective against motion sickness (humans - NOT cats), Prochlorperazine maleate (Stemetil from your GP) is perfect, and they carry iv Stemetil on board for bad cases of sea sickness. In any case, the ships are very well stabilised

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[ROB1CHELSEA1]

 

[rb62]

Start training now

 

[busby]

Does your cat worry about your wife every 5 mins when its out hunting mice at night,,Ours doesn't,,it only thinks about us when it is either hungry or its cold and raining outside,,,,BUSBY

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[Geejay]

On Cap Finistere cats must travel in a pet friendly cabin. On Pont Aven cats can stay in the vehicle. (if you follow through the booking process, and select Pont Aven - you'll need to check the TT - you'll see it says "cats in vehicle") As you've found out Pet Friendly cabins sell out very quickly, so the Pont is your best bet, but you are not allowed to visit the car decks. With food, water, a litter tray and her bed puss will be fine.

Sailings can also be flat calm, as our last few have been.

 

[MicknPat]

Ok, so after years of using the Tunnel and driving to Spain, with fuel and tolls going the way they are, I'm thinking about Santander.

Two BIG sticking points.
1. SWMBO is convinced that there isn't a seasickness pill on the planet that will help her!

2. When I looked at a crossing yesterday, just for a price idea, the pet friendly cabins are already sold out
for next November! That means Dougal, our currently 5 month old Persian Kitten will be in the 5ver
for the trip and the "boss" is going to want to visit him every 5 minutes!
How often can you visit the car deck & what's the procedure?

Thanks.
ps please don't come back and say avoid Autoroutes & tolls. It's simply not economical with a large(ish) 5ver up and down the box. Trust me, I've tried!

This link may be useful ? http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/faq/pet-travel/can-i-visit-my-pet-during-the-crossing

 

[zaskar]

Many thanks for all the advice folks. Much appreciated.

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[f6c]