Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Natebomb]

Before I get lambasted, I used the search function......to no avail... I'm wondering has anyone flew cats to Korea? How is it done? Are they held for any time at all?

[SuperFly]

The Marchioness wrote

[fandeath]

[SuperFly]

Yeah, I thought she was a bit harsh, huh.

[VanIslander]

It is worse than stated.

I am constantly boggled by the attitude of the MAJORITY of Koreans toward cats (at least 70% of Koreans really don't like cats), it is a very dominant attitude, especially with the middle aged generations and older.

Cats are sold from overcrowded cages in open markets to old women to drop alive into boiling water. That's no joke. It's a form of animism, believing the lithe movement of the cat can be somehow transferred to someone with back or spine problems. Very very much old traditional style of thinking, to put it nicely.

And cats are thrown into big silver pressure cooking vats to make cat soju, a kind of alcohol. A shop that makes it was on my street on Geoje Island. Disgusting but true.

The parallel with foxes is apt. Koreans do see cats as like foxes or other wild animal. I cannot tell you how many times I've seen a man, woman and child KICK a cat in Korea. I still haven't gotten used to it.

If you love your cat then consider if there's someone back home who can take care while you're away. If not, then ask yourself if the cat will ALWAYS be an indoor cat in Korea and if you'll NEVER rely on a Korean to take care while you're on a week holiday somewhere (several cases of good-hearted Koreans taking care of foreigner's cat, but the cat got outside, the Korean caretaker wasn't diligent enough, after all, Koreans don't see the big deal, many Korea pet owners let their animals roam and besides, the animal wanted out (Korean logic)).

Good luck whatever.

[RACETRAITOR]

[Poor Lazarus]

I picked up my cats here in Korea, so I don't know about the process of bringing them here. I'd check with the airlines on that one.

As far as having a cat in Korea, if you keep the cat indoors, there should be no fear of how some locals will react since they will never have any contact with the cat.

Getting catfood and litter isn't too difficult. I'm not in a big city, and I am still able to get good litter and very high quality food. I also recommend www.tom-jerry.co.kr, a site that sells all kinds of cat products- food, litter, treats and toys. A Korean friend can help order for you. They deliver anywhere in Korea and orders over 30,000 won are delivered for free.

Finding vets with a lot of experience with cats may be the bigger challenge, but they do exist. I know of one excellent doctor in Daegu. I'm sure Seoul has some competent vets as well.

Just make sure the cat stays inside. If it escapes, it won't have much of a chance on the outside.

[RACETRAITOR]

I have a vet near Daelim Station who is great.

[aroaringmouse]

My husband and I came to Korea 2 1/2 years ago with our cats. They flew in the cabin of the plane with us, in softsided carrier bags. We had to pay 2 times the excess baggage fee, so about $300 Canadian per cat. Air Canada, Asiana and Korean air will all let you fly with your cat. But they do have weight restrictions you can check on their websites. As far as I know the rules are still the same. In Korea, you will have to prove that your cat has had a rabies shot in the last 90 days, and has a certificate of health from their regular vetrinarian, but they are not detained at all otherwise. It is very easy.

PLEASE do NOT sedate your cat for the flight - they can't adjust quickly to cabin pressure changes in that state and can die!

As for the other comments about the safety of your cat in Korea:
Yes, many Koreans are told stories that make them afraid of cats. However my cats are still indoor/outdoor and are doing just fine. We've lived in 2 communities in Seoul, 1 in Bundang, and 2 different places in Suwon. Always once people got used to seeing the cats they were very curious about them. No one has ever hurt them in anyway. They've been yelled at a few times but that's it. They DO however wear collars with name and phone # on them, so people know they are NOT feral cats, so no one has made them into kitty soju yet! The fear strangers have of them seems to help keep them safe, if they are afraid they don't want to be near them, so they'll cross on the other side of the street or whatever.

Food and litter have never been a problem for us here. The big dept. stores all have some lame selection of cat food, whiskas or whatever, but for good stuff you need to go to a vetrinarian. We found an excellent one in Suwon(she loves cats), so we do everything through her. All vetrinarians that I have met speak some English. Our cats have no problems getting their shots food or litter.

I hope this helps, if you want more info web sites or whatever pm me, always happy to help another cat person.

[dogshed]

I have a dog but this is more of a general pet question.

If I find school that says I can have a pet will I come home from work one day and find my pet gone? Will the landlord get rid of my pet if they don't like her?

[JeonjuMichael]

I am going to break with all of the naysayers on this board and strongly ENCOURAGE you to bring your cats.

We had 4, but unfortunately we were only allowed to bring 2 on the small Air Ontario flight into Toronto. We are SO happy we brought the 2 we could!

We have brought them to our hagwon and showed them to our students. Yes, some were very afraid but for the most part people are curious. Yes, a lot of Koreans say they don't like cats but most have never even SEEN a cat in person. They are rare here... I read an article that said in this entire country of 50 million people, there are only about 35,000 cats!

It is something I highly recommend you do. Our cats travel pretty well, and showed no ill effects from the flights and adapted very quickly. They are indoor cats and are amazing pets. I couldn't imagine not bringing them. I agree with the previous poster - do not sedate them, as it could kill them.

Hope to see you in Korea with your pets soon!

[joyfulgirl]

i've never understood people who say don't bring a cat to korea 'cause koreans don't like them. who cares what koreans think of them? it's YOUR pet, in YOUR apartment. no one throws eggs at your door, or puts a big black X on your door, saying 'beware, cat owner lives here.'

and, sure, maybe they're not liked as well as dogs here, but most of my students think it's cute i have a cat. they ask me to bring him to work, so they can see him. i don't, but they ask.

i was slightly worried the day i had to let my old ajoshi landlord in, to fix somethng that had broken, but just 'cause my silly kitty had scratched some of the wallpaper off on a coupla corners. the old korean guy didn't even notice the wallpaper..he was too wrapped up in the cat...he was grinning ear to ear. he's been back since to fix stuff, and always asks..'where is my cat?"

true, you can't let 'em out, but i wouldn't let my cat out to roam in any city, whatever the country. plenty of cats are just indoor cats. it'd be great if i had a big backyard for him to go play in, but i don't. he's happy enough. he doesn't know any different.

and it's NEVER been a problem to get food, litter, toys, etc. here in seoul.

i got mine here, didn't bring him with me, but i don't think there's any problem bringing one into the country. no quarantine or anything, from what i understand.

[RACETRAITOR]

Somebody better post some damn cat pictures in this thread already.

What human being can say these guys are not cute?

[joyfulgirl]

oh lord, racetraitor...my teeth got fuzzy...meaning, i had to scratch 'em i was so overwhelmed with the cuteness level. they're beauties.

cats are lovely. i like 'em better than most people. bring yer cat, OP.

[Novernae]