Korean Job Discussion Forums

[octaviapaz]

I was just hired by CDI (that topic can be saved for later), and will be moving to Korea in February. I have an old cat, and I can't bear the idea of leaving him behind. Have any of you had experiences bringing a cat to Korea? Is it a bad idea?

[kerbythepurplecow]

I brought a couple cats. It wasn't too bad. The vet took care of all the paperwork. It was expensive. I can't recall how much for the shots and papers. It was probably a couple hundred. The cost of flying a cat was double the excess baggage charge. On Korea Air, that was about $250 per cat. They can't be sedated so that handlers can tell if something is wrong easily. The flight is long for them, but mine made it through okay.

[nathanrutledge]

Well, the question I have is why. You can buy high quality cat at any E-mart or corner mart for about 800 won per 100 grams. When you consider the fur, organs, and bone mass, you'll only get 1-2 kilos per cat. I'm sure it would cost more to bring it on the plane.

[octaviapaz]

Wow. Are you serious? It's called attachment? Not even sure why I responded to your question.

[Katchafire]

OP, it depends on the cat really. Is it used to running around outdoors, enjoying the freedom of doing so - or, seeing as you said it is an old cat, is it quite happy to laze about indoors for its time here.

My 14 yr old cat (who I had never been away from for longer than a couple of weeks ever), stayed in NZ when I moved to Korea 4 yrs ago. I was really attached to her, and often worried if she was getting the same affection living with my mother that she had become used to with me during 'our' 14 yrs. She died earlier this year.

I'm glad I didnt bring her to Korea. She wouldn't have liked being locked up in an apartment all day as she was used to having the freedom of the outdoors. There are also quite a few wild cats around where I live, who would have just about eaten her old, affectionate self for dinner.

The decision is entirely up to you and what you think will make you both happier.

[octaviapaz]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I'm sorry your cat passed away, but it sounds like it was best that she stayed in NZ. I'm more concerned about the flight over. He's quite fat (!), so that means he'll have to fly in cargo.

(Also, love your picture!)

[Konglishman]

[I-am-me]

I know someone heading back to states that is leaving her cats in korea in Feb, maybe you can adopt them....saves the expense of bringing one over. I mean, c'mon, its a cat!

[DrugstoreCowgirl]

I wanted to bring my cat too since he's also getting old and I'm very attached to him, but I left him at home because I thought about the stress it would put on him to leave his familiar environment, the terror he will feel traveling around the world, and then having to get used to living somewhere else. It might give him a heart attack before he even gets here.

[Konglishman]

[I-am-me]

[octaviapaz]

Thanks for the feedback. I've decided that I'm going to get a friend to keep him. End of conversation.

[nathanrutledge]

Good choice. From your description, he sounds kind of stringy anyway. You'll definitely be able to find high quality cat at a very decent price, especially if you get the noodles at the same time; they usually give a discount.