Job Discussion Forums

[bvsouthc]

Hello, I plan on making the trip overseas and am hoping to bring my cat with me. Anyone know the particulars of how to go about setting this up and doing it? Is it possible to keep the cat in the cabin? I also heard of a shot that makes him drowsy for the trip, and do they have to be quaranteed or is there a way around this? Also anyone know if there are major petstores online that could deliver food, litter...to Korea. I know that I should post this in the Korea section but I am having some trouble registering there. Thanks!

Bob

[JosephP]

You are pulling my leg. You can't be serious.

[bvsouthc]

Yea, I am serious. No reason for sarcasm just looking for some answers to some questions...thought thats what this forum was for.

[lajzar]

Aren't cats considered a delicacy in Korea? You should think seriously about how stressful it would be to keep him indoors all the time. Even if he isn't mistaken for lunch, Korea isn't known for its kind treatment of small animals in the street.

Also, many landlords have signs saying "no pets, no foreigners". Having both under one roof will likely send them all running.

Then there are vaccinations, quarantine, new environment, plane journey, different food, etc. If you care at all about your cat (as opposed to caring about how you'll miss him), you'll leave him in the care of a trusted relative.

Not sure how far back the forum archives go, but this has been raised many times. You could probably search for it.

[gugelhupf]

As an incurable cat lover myself, I urge you not to subject your puss to the trip to Korea. The journey itself is traumatic enough for any cat, but then to be incarcerated for six months in quarantine would drive the poor thing mad. It is also likely that you will be moving country again within the cat's lifetime and the whole process will begin again. As other posters have pointed out, the Koreans are not a nation of cat lovers either.

Far better to spend your energy finding another loving home for the cat. Your suffering in parting with him is nothing compared with the trauma the poor cat will endure if you take him with you.

[schwa]

Shouldnt be a problem.

Airline-approved travel cages are widely available -- they fit under the seat in front of you. Means you can talk to your animal & provide food & water. Current vet thinking advises against tranquilizers -- cats can cope fine with the stress naturally.

As far as I know if you can present an official health document showing a very recent series of all required shots there is no quarantine entering Korea.

True, many Koreans dont like cats, but they would consider your having one as a pet just mildly eccentric. In fact quite a few Korean families are starting to discover the enjoyment of cat ownership. Premium imported American cat supplies are readily available here (& I live in a small town). Small pets are rarely an issue with landlords.

You'll want to keep your cat indoors -- the streets are unkind. But my 2 seem content with watching the world pass by outside our windows.

Dont take my word on all this. Do your homework consulting vets, airlines, & Korean customs regulations, but I'm pretty sure you'll find its quite easily doable. Best luck!

[JosephP]

Online cat-food delivery overseas? Ain't the world just full of eccentric people!

[hamel]

koreans would never eat a cat. they are often running wild outside and keep the rodents to a minimum in the cities. i really miss domestic cats.

but as long as you keep your cat inside it may help you to cope with korean life. good luck.

[bvsouthc]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I guess its hard for people who dont own cats to understand. I have thought alot about the downfalls of bringing the cat. The problem is I cant find a good home for him, and feel he would miss me as much as I would miss the cat. He has always been an indoor cat so thats not a problem. I also heard that as long as I get a rabies certificate and cert of general health no older than 11 months and no newer than 30 days of my arrival there is no quarantine. That leaves the problems of the flight over, finding accomodations that arent conflicting with the cat, and finding food (Hills Science Diet) and litter once I am there. If I can figure out how to get around these everything should work out fine. So if anyone else has any other suggestions they are much appreciated. I wont be coming until the end of October or beginning of November. Thanks again.

Bob

[ChrisP]

I took my cat to Korea. She was 15 at the time so, of course, I would not have gone without her. By the way, she had previously been to Indonesia, and subsequently to Thailand.
First, you need a rabies certificate issued more than 30 days before the flight, but less than a year before. Some airlines (not Korean Air) may want a health certificate issued within the previous 30 days. You get both from your local vet.
Some airlines may allow you to take the cat in the cabin, but that isn't really desirable because the allowed carrier is very small and it is a very long flight, during which you cannot remove her from the cage. She will be fine as checked baggage. You want to get a nice size, very solid animal carrier. Don't put water in it as it will spill. Don't tranquilize the cat as it is not necessary. Do tell the airline you are bringing the cat. You will pay an excess baggage charge at the airport. On Korean Air, it was $250 for the non-stop Chicago-Seoul flight. A non-stop flight is best.
As to a cat in Korea: Many Koreans are afraid of cats. As your housing is provided by your employer, you MUST tell the employer you have the cat. You will be able to get kitty litter and food at the vets. They are small and there are a lot of them. You just have to find a convenient one. Food and litter are more expensive than in the U.S., but you will be making plenty of money.