Eva the Cat Makes History at Cochin Airport's First Pet Arrival

In a historic moment at Cochin International Airport, a one-year-old cat named Eva made her way from Doha, Qatar, to become the first pet to fly into the airport from abroad. This significant achievement follows the airport's recent acquisition of the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) certification, making it the seventh airport in India equipped to handle incoming pets.

Eva’s journey began with her adoption a year ago by K.A. Ramachandran, an automobile mechanic from Kerala who had spent 34 years in Qatar. Ramachandran found Eva abandoned near his apartment in Doha and decided to take her in. Eva, a Turkish breed cat, became a beloved companion, known for her preference for cooked fish and chicken. When Ramachandran decided to return to Kerala, he couldn’t bear to leave Eva behind.

The process of bringing Eva to India was anything but easy. Ramachandran had to arrange for a pet passport, complete with vaccination certificates and a health check. Eva’s journey also required documentation, including a flight ticket for Ramachandran, proof of vaccinations, and a no-objection certificate from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services.

Eva did not need a separate flight ticket but did incur additional travel costs, amounting to 340 Qatari Riyals, which covered the cost of transporting her and her carrier on the flight. The 3 kg cat was placed under Ramachandran's seat for the journey. Once Eva arrived at Cochin Airport, there was no need for quarantine as all required documents were in place. The arrival was a moment of excitement, and the customs clearance was swift, making it a smooth process.

Eva’s historic journey marks a significant milestone for the airport, as it continues to cater to the growing number of pet parents looking to travel with their furry friends.

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