Job Discussion Forums

[spatrick]

Hi everyone,

After my last question about bringing a cat into China, to which it seems everyone warned me against, I decided to ask some of my Asian students here in the US. I have only one mainland Chinese, but several Taiwanese (yes, I'm aware that they're miles apart, culturally speaking). They thought that if the cat stayed inside, she'd be fine. They also commented that I could always inform anyone who might enter the apartment that there is a reverse reward -- if she's not gone, you'll get something.

Any thoughts? These are relatively young students who obviously have enough money to come to a Univ in the US. Their perspective probably isn't the best one to go on.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts. Really, the cat never ever leaves the apartment and I'm a loon over protecting her.

Thanks all.

Patrick

[Roger]

spatrick,
I know how one feels attached to a pet! Sometimes the bond is stronger than between two human beings!
But a cat is a cat. Cats are relatively savage and wild, not genuine domestic animals. For a cat to live in a concrete cube is martyrdom. You probably know how difficult it is to make a cat fit for the indoors luxuries! She has claws - all carpets will suffer, as will sofas, beds, cushions, and if there is no soft matter to drive her claws into then she will be unhappy!
A cat also is active at night, and sleepy during the day. That's opposite to your own lifestyle. And how about mating? Hunting?
Your cat would be miserable, that's for sure! this is from a man that has picked up a number of stray cats and even bought a miniature deer ('milu' in Chinese) to save him from certain consumption by humans!
Think of how your cat will feel as a social being without any member of its own kind around! And then, you also have to think of the uncertainties of working in China - you lose a job easily. What about your cat?
I have not even mentioned the horrific conditions in which animals are transported around...

[scot47]

One of the apects of life that is different, when we compare China and the West, is clearly the attitudes to animals. The way you look on a pet is a TOTALLY alien concept in China, and in many other societies. You will be doing neithe you nor your cat any favours by taking it/him/her to China. So either stay where you are with the cat, or go to China without it.

I am a dog person myself and I do understand how attached some people can become to their felines or canines. People in China will not be so understanding.

[MartinK]

...

[TEECHER]

DEARLY BELOVED, We are gathered here today to pay a final farewell to the cat{of spatrick} who lived a full, healthy and happy life. This trusting soul of a cat never wavered once in its undying trust of its owner to make the right decisions. This owner was perhaps correct in his earlier decision to "abandon" China as a destination for himself and precious cat friend. Further, it would be useful to the cat owner to realize that life in China may not be accommodating in many other ways besides feline pet fascilitation. This is not an undertaking for the small-minded or faint-hearted. However, we humans , have the capabilities to make choices. My only worries lie with the choices that are "dealt" to our dearly beloved friends through our own misadventures.

[spatrick]

Thanks everyone for your insights. Yes, My cat and I are staying out of China. I am not going to take the risks you all have stated or implied.

Anyone know of a job anywhere else in the world (where they don't eat cats!)



Best,

Patrick

[chi-chi]

[MW]

In Korea cats have a very special place in the people's hearts and minds.

It is believed that all cats belong in one's stomach!