Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TK421]

I know there are other cat/pet threads and for that I apologize, but this isn't really about how to get a cat over to Korea, as I've found it really isn't difficult, but rather fear of my cat being in Korea.

Maybe my fear is irrational, and if so, please tell me. I've read bad and scary things about how cats are treated in Korea. I understand Koreas can be scared of cats and they're regarded more as pests than pets. I know they haven't caught on as pets like dogs have.

Obviously, it will be an indoor only cat in my apartment, but what if my cat were to get out of my apartment (it would help to live up high in the apartment building so the cat never got out). I've heard Koreans will kick, hit, and hurt cats they see on the street. Is this true? Even if my cat has a collar on, would the average citizen be good enough to turn the cat into a shelter or contact someone? I've read about cat torture, and cat soju, and all that awful stuff that any animal lover like myself shudders to think about.

My cat, as lame as this sounds, is my good friend and he means a lot to me. He's the best cat that I've ever had. He is a beautiful all-brown color, he comes when called, and follows me wherever I go at home. If he were to be hurt or something were to happen to him, I would be extremely depressed.

I would appreciate anybody putting my fears to rest, or letting me know if my fears are justified. Thank you very much.

[Epicurus]

[nicam]

I had the same reservations about bringing my cat to Korea, but don't believe all of the stuff you hear about Koreans being cat-killers. Personally, I think it's all a load of crap.

Many Koreans do actually have cats as pets, although it's not as common as it is in the west. Koreans love their pets and respect pet-love just like any other human beings in the developed world.

I even let my cat outside here, she doesn't go far, but... She also has a giant heart shaped collar, which I feel helps identify her as a loved pet and not a stray.

I think the biggest threat to a cat's health and happiness is the size of Korean apartments. I sometimes feel like my little studio apt is a kitty prison, which is why I let her outside. It helps if you have a balcony.

I did have an old neighbor who used to shake his head and say, "kogangee (cat), no" every time he saw me, but I never imagined he'd hurt her. I'd just smile and express to him the best I could that she is my baby and I love her. A lot of people don't like cats here, but someone who'd intentionally harm a cat for no good reason is probably extremely rare.

[E_athlete]

i hope you are okay with the fact your cat will most likely get run over by a car.

So glad I didn't bring my sweet chow chow here. That would be sending her to an early grave. She misses me and I feel guilty but at the same time I know she would hate it here.

[Epicurus]

I might bring the cat if I were in a rural area.

Not into your usual Stalinist block or other very densely cement filled and crowded Korean living area though.

[gaffe]

Koreans don't like cats. Their yowls remind them of ghosts. I had one student who had a cat, out of hundreds - others despised them. All the cats I ever saw were dirty, scared ferals. An inside cat might be fine, but if it gets out...

[nicam]

Yeah, OP.... where are you moving to? I hope not rural Korea for your sake...

If your cat is used to big open spaces and lots of room, and you have a friend or family member with these things that is willing to take him in, then it might be in his best interest to stay. If your cat is used to small spaces, and losing you would be the most traumatic thing for him, then bring him.

I have a friend that opted to pay an extra 150,000 a month for a larger apartment than the studio she was offered. Just an idea. I spent most of the year living in my boyfriend's 2 bedroom apartment with a giant balcony, so kitty had some running room, and it made a huge difference.

[fermentation]

My girlfriend's cats live in a small apartment and they seem to have no problem. They actually don't like going outside. Even when they do, they don't leave 5 feet away from the door.

[tzechuk]

I have a cat... I've always had a cat or a couple of cats since I arrived in Korea. I didn't bring one over, I adopted them from either a shelter or another westerner.

One of our cats used to go outside and then she would come back.. but then one day she went out and never came back. I could HEAR her - she had a very distinctive cry - but we reckon she got herself a bf and that was it... she wanted to stay out instead. We had a rooftop and the cat was able to roam free as she pleased.

Now I have one cat that I believe has always been an indoor cat - I've left my front door wide open before and she's never once tried to leave.

Anyway - after all this, the point is.. you CAN have a cat, but I will never make the same mistake of allowing him/her to be an outdoor cat again. Korea is not an outdoor country - not for animals, not for children. If you do bring one over, make sure it stays indoor.

[teachergirltoo]

[Perceptioncheck]

If you really care that much about your cat you probably shouldn't bring it to Korea.

If it escapes, it will probably be raped by one of the feral Tom's that roam around the country. They are at it all the time; I hear them all day and all night. But if you're cat it a male, don't worry because have you heard? There are no gays in Korea.

There is a real beauty in the coex mall pet shop. She lives on a leash and even wears make-up! A real looker!

[TK421]

I really appreciate your responses, good food for thought. Let me give you some further information:

My cat is a burmese, a breed that is recommended to never be allowed outside as they are entirely too trusting of everyone and everything. Their evolutionary pattern shows them to be very far from feral cats. They are very needy, friendly and sociable especially compared to the average cat. Therefore, he is an indoor only cat. I never let him outside except once in a while on a leash.

Epicurus, i understand your feeling that indoor-only is contrary to a cats nature, but there are many exceptions such as cats bred to be lap cats, like himalayans, persians, burmese, siamese, etc... These cats are truly not meant to be outdoor cats. They don't have the necessary tools.

I will be in a big city by the way, either Seoul or Busan, so I will not be in a rural area.

As for size of the aparment- that I do not know yet, but my cat will be happy as long as he's with me. I will have my fianc� going with me, therefore the school will be hooking us up with a larger apartment to accommodate both of us, which will be cheaper for them.

Basically, I see the consensus is: if I bring my cat, don't let him outside and basically be aware of him and his whereabouts. Would it be best if Korean neighbors didn't even know I had a cat?

Lastly, if my fiance and I went on a vacation to Japan, as we plan, would it be easy to find some sort of a cat boarding?

Thanks again everyone, you've been helpful.

[nicam]

[shinramyun]

cats are such a lame pet. I don't blame koreans for not particularly give a rat's ass about this animal.

[nicam]

OP, if you are moving into a bigger pad with your fiance than don't worry about a thing. Your cat will be very happy, and given his temperament it sounds like abandoning him would be more devastating than bringing him to Korea.

Your neighbors will not stake out your apartment in an attempt to destroy your cat. Honestly, the treatment of cats by Koreans is grossly exaggerated on this forum IMO. I've lived in 2 different apartments throughout the year and when I went on vacation I asked some friends to look after my cat in their apartments (this is better than boarding, I think). So, my cat has stayed in 4 different apartments and has never been raped, a** raped, stalked, burned at the stake, shot, etc. Not even close. The worst that will happen is your neighbors will laugh at you and think you're a weirdo for having a cat as a pet. Chances are those same neighbors will own a little rat dog with manic panic dyed pink and orange ears and a different Village People costume for each day of the week.

No need to hide him, although no need to advertise either.