Korean Job Discussion Forums

[newyorker]

Hello, I have read on the forum about people who are thinking about bring their cat to Korea. What I would like to know is there anyone out there who already had this experience and what advice they could give on this experience. I would like to bring two cats from Europe. I am very concerned about doing this, I fear it would be too stressful for the cats, however I am not sure at this point if I have any other options.

Any information would be very much appreciated.

cheers!

[Wondering]

Check quarantine laws very carefully....not for here, but for returning to Europe. Korea is not a rabies-free zone and parts of Europe are declared to be so. I'd hate for you to get here and then when you are ready to go back, find out your cats would have a six month quarantine or something like that. Beyond that...is it you and two cats or would you be traveling with another human? Airlines will not let you bring both cats in the cabin by yourself. They will insist that one (or both depending on their weight) fly cargo.

I've never brought cats, but one of my dogs is an international traveler what I wrote above applies to cats as well as dogs.

[RACETRAITOR]

A friend of mine brought three cats here a few years ago and then brought them all back to the US recently, and there were never any problems.

[newyorker]

Thanks for the reply There would be two humans and two cats. Maybe then we could put one cat under each of our seats. The flight would be between 12-14 hours I am wondering how comfortable they would be in their carriers for that long.

Thank you for the feed back.

[Wondering]

Two humans! That is good news! Well, depending on the weight of the cats. Airlines want the pet AND carrier to equal no more than 5 kilos.

If you need a super dooper light-weight carrier, then I highly recommend you check out this site: www.sturdiproducts.com

I bought a carrier from them and am VERY impressed with the quality. The site was recommended to me by a breeder from a dog forum who frequently travels internationally and uses carriers from that company. They do ship internationally.

Now, as for their comfort, they will likely be about as comfortable as you will be in your alloted space in the airplane, that economy seat. (Although really, it doesn't compare as they will be able to lie down to sleep.) If you haven't already got carriers, get them NOW and start getting the cats used to them. They need to view the carriers as their safety zones, where bad things do not happen no matter what they hear outside. Put them somewhere dark, make sure the inside is comfortable, and let them go in and out. Then start pushing the door shut...not latching it, just pushing it shut. Once they do not immediately open the door again and exit the carrier, start latching it. Latch it for longer periods every day. This will help the cats get used to being inside even when they don't want to be. You could also try feeding them only when they are inside the carriers. Put their favorite soft things inside so it's cozy.

[uberscheisse]

i knew a woman who brought her cat here and he lived with her for the duration of her 3 year stay.

the only problems she ran into was with some dumb US airline service.

she did bring a few US dollars to bribe quarantine/immigration officials, but never had to use it.

[newyorker]

Thank you for all the information. I checked the link and it's a great site. I will probably order a couple of those for the cats. I am still really nervous about this. I worry that the cats will be crying and screaming on the plane...I guess we will just have to do our best.

Thanks for all the help

[Wondering]

If they do scream and cry, you and the other human can always take turns taking them to the bathroom. No one will question you because they will think that the cat made a "mess" and will just be very happy that you are taking care of it. Then, once safely inside that teeny little cubicle, you can take the cat out and hold him/her, give reassurance, cuddles, etc. Just don't go when there are lines of people waiting to use the toilet and no one will complain.

Also, if they scream and cry a lot, wait until everyone around you is good and disgruntled, perhaps they've already complained to the airline attendants, then you could try to sneak them out of the carrier and hold them on your lap under the blanket. (If they are cooperative about this, that is.) If this results in them being quiet, chances are pretty much nil than anyone will rat you out even if they see you doing it. Most airline attendants will pretend not to have seen anything in order to keep peace in the cabin and will not say anything to you unless someone does complain that the cats are out. And really, if they are hidden from view and being quiet, who is going to want to hear them yowl again and complain that your cat is out? It's very likely that no one will say anything. And, if they do, you simply put the cats back in. And pointedly insert ear plugs. Just be sure that they are in their carriers during the meal service.