Rikku and Veronika

“Rikku has been my emotional support since we got her.”

Veronika travelled with her darling Domestic Shorthair cat, Rikku from Melbourne to Dublin with Petraveller. She talks about Rikku’s importance in her life and tells us why she partnered with Petraveller for the international pet relocation.

For years, Veronika had been asking her partner if they could adopt a cat. She recalls, “He kept saying no, because we were an international couple in Australia and we didn’t know when we’d have to leave the country.” At the end of May 2019, her partner finally agreed, and they went to Lort Smith Adoption Centre to look for a cat. Veronika says, “Our plan was to get an older cat and love it till the end. We knew we wouldn't have forever in Australia, but we figured we’d have a few really good years with this cat and see that it had an amazing life.”

Veronika smiles as she remembers, “Rikku was the last kitten of the weekend and was sleeping in the cutest way. I told my partner I just wanted to hold her for a second because she was so little. The moment she was set in my arms, I started crying, I loved her. My partner looked at me squarely and said, “Oh goodness, we’re getting a kitten.” She’s been our everything ever since.”

Rikku loves people and cuddles. She is not usually aggressive, except when she wants to play. Veronika fondly says, “Rikku is one of the most attentive and affectionate cats I’ve ever met. My partner has been working from home since we got her, so she is used to someone being home with her all the time, even before COVID. When he’s working, she sleeps in his arms or in her fluffy donut at his feet.”

Veronika continues, “At night, she sleeps in bed with us, usually between one of our legs. In the mornings when I’m brushing my teeth, I’m usually cradling her with the other arm.”

Rikku is a very polite cat. Veronika shares, “She will ask for breakfast and dinner and rubs against my leg to say ‘please’ before I put it in the bowl. She asks for water all the time, may it be from any tap, our cup or from a bowl, pretty much anywhere as she’s a very thirsty kitty.”

Veronika and her partner were moving to Dublin, Ireland. She says, “We are relocating because my partner has been offered a new, long-term position in Dublin. Leaving Rikku behind was never an option as she has been my emotional support since we got her.”

Veronika began her search for a reliable pet relocation company to assist her in relocating her fur baby to Dublin. Her search led her to several companies before she zeroed in on Petraveller. She says, “We had gotten quotes from one other company, but they didn't feel as personable. Petraveller followed up with us. We have to have faith in someone to bring our baby cat to us, we placed our faith in Petraveller.”

We are delighted to say that Rikku had a fantastic flight and made her journey to Dublin without a worry. Thank you, Veronika, for placing your trust in Petraveller. Best wishes on the move and big hugs to dear Rikku!