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Mark-O · Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2004 10:08 am Post subject: Cats and Flats ...

Does anyone here have any experience in keeping pets in Hong Kong - more specifically, cats? My understanding is that most landlords seem quite indifferent to tenants keeping small pets in flats. But what I'm really looking for is some insight as to the practicalities of keeping a cat in rented accommodation e.g. air con, space, vets, importing from overseas etc.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

Mark-o wrote:

Juan Alias · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 25

Cats are cool in apartments. I have had one for a year now and it seems fine with the arrangement. We take it out for walks occasionally, but it spends 99.9% of it's life indoors, and seems fine with it (as it bloody well should, I'm fine with it and considerably larger than she).
A vet mate says the only real concern is a regularly cleaned dirt box - they won't use one that's too funky and this can lead to bladder problems.
There are catteries around that charge around $1000 - $1500 for a month, when the holidays roll 'round. I had some concerns before we got our cat (I balked at the $3000 pet shops charge for the plate-faced mutants they sell here and we got a regular old mongrel tabby from the caretaker at our building instead) but none have proved to be a problem so far. I'd say go for it.

Mark-O · Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 5:28 pm Post subject:

Hi Juan Alias,

Thanks very much for the reply. It's great to have another cat lover in the midsts, but what I need to know is how "funky" does your flat smell once you come back from a day teaching and the cat's done the deed in the litter tray? This sounds funny, I know, but I don't want to be living with the persistent smell of cat sh*t day and night!

Also, what do you do about the air conditioning once you leave your flat during the day? Is the temperature suitable for the cat; or does it get too hot and you therefore leave the air conditioning on all day? I'm trying to look at this practically, and obviously economics are a principal concern in deliberating the buying of a cat.

If things don't go to plan then maybe I'm destined to be a beekeeper too...

Joachim · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 311 Location: Brighton, UK

I am also really missing feline company......

However, I won't get a cat as I don't intend to stay in Hong Kong for it's whole life, and I wouldn't want to put it through quarantine or give it away.

Think very carefully about it, as quarantine can be extremely traumatic for cats...

Juan Alias · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 25

The cat litter they sell here does the job of deodorising pretty well - the bathroom niffs a bit (the kids' one, of course) but otherwise there's no persistent pong. We don't leave the air on during the day for the cat - windows open and it seems fine. The cat has done more than 10 trips to Ikea to make home a good place to be - go for it.

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

I have 3 cats.

All found in HK.

Just ask the landlord. All of my aprtments have been unfurnished so no problems.

If you want to import, there are two agencies that specialise in pet transportation, although it isnt cheap, especially if you export to the UK, quarantine is expensive.

If oyu want a kitty eiher go to teh SPCA about $400 to $1000 that is memberhip, and all vacinations, de-sexing etc. Or just adopt one from the street. Lots of kitties in need of a good home.

If oyu take from the street, bath it to kill fleas, de-worm it. then take it to a vet for shots.

Hope this helps.

Mark-O · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 2:26 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the information, Chris. I'm thinking of exporting a cat from the UK, so yes, quarantine etc is an issue. Food for thought there - cheers.