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Q: my cat is in quarantine and Im worried
I recently got back from Canada with my beloved cat. They took her into quarantine for 7 days.
Has anyone out there gone through this, and can you tell me what shape their animal was in when they got it back from quarantine? I'm worried sick that she's cold, hungry and possibly in danger. I had to sign a waiver that said "we're not responsible if your pet dies while in quarantine due to stress." Any experiences you can share will help me get some perspective on this. I love my girl and this ridiculous requirement is making me lose sleep. As if a government-stamped veterinary report, detailing the health of my cat and her rabies status, isn't enough. And 2000RMB to boot.
10 years 10 weeks ago in Family & Kids - China
Our dog didn't go to quarantine, I am really happy he didn't.
For future reference. If you have a registered address prior to landing, you may be allowed to do home quarantine.
Did you ask if you can go visit?
Go over there and give them a juicy red envelope. Then you're absolutely sure they won't neglect her. The clause is just litigation protection, anyway. But here in China, peace of mind is realistically for sale. Buy some if you need it!
I think you're right. I will go all the way back to the facility in Qingpu and give the person some cash. That will buy her some better treatment I hope. Also, I will ask to see her. The rules say I am not allowed, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
It's partly my fault. I didn't get the right "International Health Certificate". My vet gave me something else entirely. The correct form is coming by courier this week. They said I can get my cat as soon as I show them this document. So yes, it's possible to do a 'home quarantine' but you need the right, stamped paper.
I called them yesterday and they said she's OK, "everything is normal". I feel a little better, but not much. I know how animals are treated here. They just don't really care. I know if Lucy gave them trouble, or God forbid scratched someone (which she has done and will do if she feels she's in danger) then they might just put her down. Call her "rabid" or "unmanageable" and then lie about it to me later.
This is torture. It feels so scummy to pass someone an envelope full of RMB. I've never bribed someone before. I would feel offended if it were me, but I guess I have to remember where I am....
Robk:
Yeah, it is scummy but that's how they do things here. For example, waitresses don't accept tips and it is looked upon as an insult (like you are looking down on them). However, bribing politicians, government officials, doctors and the police is entirely normal (which could be perceived as a tip too).
Humans are weird and very contradictory creatures.
Bottom line, do what you have to do if you love your cat. The only two things I have noticed that make Chinese move faster are bribes and yelling at them (as if to wake them up from a stupor).
SO I went in with 500RMB in a red envelope. They smiled and refused. I tried to give it to them several times, insisting that I was worried sick and I wanted the best care for Lucy. They still refused, and reassured me that she was OK and would be safe and sound there until Friday (end of her 7-day quarantine).
I asked to see her, and they said no. They did take a picture of her on my phone for me. The picture did not make me feel better. She is crouching in a wire cage next to a large open litter box. There doesn't appear to be anything lining the bottom of the cage (I HATE how every caged animal here in China seems to have their paws hanging painfully out of the bottom of wire cages! Put some goddamn newspaper down at least!) and her ears were pulled back in distress. I asked if she is in a room with heat and they said "yes there's an AC" That doesn't mean it's kept on.
I can only pray she's not deathly ill when I pick her up. At least they're willing to work with me and answer my questions. I just hope they're not lying about her well-being. My gut says they're not, but it also tells me that "comfort" in my eyes for a cat is different from their idea of "comfort" for a cat.....
I'm going crazy. Will post the end to this sad saga, so others will be able to look it up in future and do anything to avoid quarantine holdings. If I had flown into Shanghai from HK or Guanghzou, I could have avoided this altogether.
Please pray for Lucy.
Scandinavian:
Yup. Our dog didn't go to quarantine. We did also carry a copy of my wife's hukou as proof we had a place to "home quarantine" the animal.
Robk:
Well, you did your best. The people here should have given you more advice (myself included). Many Chinese are VERY reluctant to take bribes from foreigners... you normally have to ask a Chinese friend or something to help you and do the deed.
Chinese are worried foreigners will blow the whistle as soon as the cash exchanges hands and get them fired or something. Not all, but quite a few.
It seems like she will okay, just a little shaken up and lonely. But I am sure she will be so happy to see you again.
Just for the record, I received my correct paperwork from Purolator and went straight to the facility in Qingpu to get Lucy. She was fine. Freaked out and pissed off, but fine. She also had really shiny, soft fur....so they either bathed her or were feeding her really good food!
It makes me laugh thinking they might actually get my hell-cat baby into a pool of soapy water lol! Talk about pain!
Anyway, a good ending to a stressful story. My cat has been across the Pacific in a carry-case as my carry-on twice now (stowed under the seat in front of me). Anyone can email me if they have questions about international cat travel: janismelnychuk@hotmail.com. I've lived in Korea before China, that's where I got Lucy in the first place. And we've been through it all now!!!
JanShanghai:
thanks sorrel, thanks for listening. My friends are sick of hearing about it!! LOL
coineineagh:
Keep your cat indoors as much as possible. I just lost my 3rd and last cat to another 'accident'. We can't be sure it was the neighbours, but they all complained about the cats. He survived a seven-storey fall before, but this time it must've been at night. I wish we were there when it happened. then he might have made it. I remember hearing a car alarm go off at night - I shudder to think it was him. My favourite cat ever; a rare Odd-Eyed breed we picked up from Chengdu. No name was given to the cat, just like Chinese tradition dictates. My family always kept him outside on the roof terrace, and I feel that nowhere is safe for cats here with neighbours of any kind. Your good news story is a ray of hope in a somber time for me. Cherish and protect your kitty!!!
