Advice for a potentially new cat owner

[kathryn]

Kathryn, could you take a pic of yours and post it? (pleaassee)

I will, but it may take a while (have to find my cord that allows me to transfer photos to my pc!).

In the meantime, if you happen to stop in Walgreens or CVS, just go to the section where they have the brushes, and look on the shelf below the brushes for a plastic box or divider that holds a bunch of these brushes (they are flat ovals with lots of plastic tines on them).

 

[MCunningham]

I'm a "mom" of two rescued cats, Maya (9 years old now) and Lola (7 years old now) that I adopted as kittens. I definitely want to stress what some of the other posters have said... don't go into this lightly. Only adopt a pet if you will keep it forever, regardless of what happens in your life (have kids, get a dog, whatever). It makes me SO MAD when I see people give away pets because "I just don't have time for them... I found out I'm having a baby and have to get rid of Fido/Snowball." Ugh, just makes me furious. Keep in mind that cats can live a long time, too (most of them live around 15-18 years), so you really are looking at long-term commitment.

My advice:
1. Get two cats. They do better in multiples, and having 2 cats isn't really any harder than one.

2. Stay on top of cleaning the litter or your cats will find other places to relieve themselves.

3. Get short-haired cats-- so much easier to clean/maintain!!!

4. Buy yourself a bottle (or 2 or 3) of 1-2-3 Odor Free from the website http://www.justrite.com/. As my cats get older and more finicky, this stuff has been a LIFE SAVER because it gets rid of the cat urine smell (which is practically impossible to get out ANY OTHER WAY!!!) when your cats decide that peeing in YOUR workout space is much more fun than peeing in THEIR litter box.

5. Be prepared to suffer carpet/furniture damage if you don't do something like putting acrylic caps on their claws or declawing. I know many people say declawing is so awful, but I tried EVERYTHING with my older cat before making the decision. She had zero interest in scratching posts (I spent about $800 on various scratching posts/mats/towers and catnip and toys in the first 6 months that I had her), and NOTHING worked, all she wanted to scratch on was carpet, furniture, screens... basically everything I wanted her not to touch. I don't regret declawing her, truthfully, because my house couldn't take the damage anymore and I was going insane trying to keep her occupied 24/7 so she wouldn't destroy everything I owned. I don't even think that capping her nails would have worked well because you have to do it frequently and she becomes a crazy nervous wreck anytime we have to go anywhere in the car and it takes her days to recover mentally from any trip to the vet. I realize many people don't agree with my decision to declaw, but she's a happy, loving cat, and I adore her and we're both happier now that she isn't shredding everything around her.

Good luck!

MC

 

[cataddict]

One last comment, and no flames please. This is simply my opinion and advice based on my years as a cat caregiver (or servant!) PLEASE investigate the procedure thoroughly before you make a decision to declaw and understand what it involves. It is a surgical procedure and not just a kitty manicure. I've had multiple cats, all indoor, for my entire life of 50+ years and have always been able to find a non surgical solution to the scratching issue. The caps come in a variety of colors, and that would have been an option if I hadn't been able to find an appropriate surface for the last two cats (one of them even had a description of "can claw furniture" and he hasn't even gone near the furniture since he has his sisal scratching post). Anyway, my lengthy point is that it's a serious decision. It's most likely one you would never be faced with, as cats are pretty adaptable in my experience.

Let us know what you decide to do--they are a joy!!

 

[lori254]

One last comment, and no flames please. This is simply my opinion and advice based on my years as a cat caregiver (or servant!) PLEASE investigate the procedure thoroughly before you make a decision to declaw and understand what it involves. It is a surgical procedure and not just a kitty manicure. I've had multiple cats, all indoor, for my entire life of 50+ years and have always been able to find a non surgical solution to the scratching issue. The caps come in a variety of colors, and that would have been an option if I hadn't been able to find an appropriate surface for the last two cats (one of them even had a description of "can claw furniture" and he hasn't even gone near the furniture since he has his sisal scratching post). Anyway, my lengthy point is that it's a serious decision. It's most likely one you would never be faced with, as cats are pretty adaptable in my experience.

Let us know what you decide to do--they are a joy!!

I'm going to right out and say it: it's an amputation at the distal joint. The lesser of two evils, I suppose, if the only other choice is getting rid of the kitty.
My kitties have destroyed my carpeting. They do have several scratching posts, but the material on the posts is carpet, so they cannot discern between the posts and the floor, particularly the stairs. They do leave the furniture alone, however. I'm having my place renovated this fall and will be putting down hardwood and/or laminate.

 

[Govtgirl]

I know de-clawing is a sensitive issue, but I had Ace and Murphy de-clawed with a newer laser procedure the same time they were neutered, and they went through it like a breeze. Truly, they stayed in the vet's overnight, and they next day I almost had to tie them down they were running all over the house and playing like nothing had ever happened.

When I think about it being an amputation I cringe, but then again, thinking about cutting off their whoo-hahs makes me cringe too! I know people say neutering is different because it's for a good cause, but the kitty doesn't know that, and it's every bit as much an amputation. I figured that if the kitties could choose between one night in the hospital for a lifetime of love and hugs and food and a fireplace to sleep next to, versus being in a shelter or feral with their claws, they'd choose to ditch the claws.

BTW, I had another kitty before Ace and Murphy for 18 years, and tried to avoid declawing. All I ended up with was torn up furniture and scratched up arms.

 

[lori254]

I know de-clawing is a sensitive issue, but I had Ace and Murphy de-clawed with a newer laser procedure the same time they were neutered, and they went through it like a breeze. Truly, they stayed in the vet's overnight, and they next day I almost had to tie them down they were running all over the house and playing like nothing had ever happened.

When I think about it being an amputation I cringe, but then again, thinking about cutting off their whoo-hahs makes me cringe too! I know people say neutering is different because it's for a good cause, but the kitty doesn't know that, and it's every bit as much an amputation. I figured that if the kitties could choose between one night in the hospital for a lifetime of love and hugs and food and a fireplace to sleep next to, versus being in a shelter or feral with their claws, they'd choose to ditch the claws.

BTW, I had another kitty before Ace and Murphy for 18 years, and tried to avoid declawing. All I ended up with was torn up furniture and scratched up arms.

Very valid points. I'm not judging anyone who does choose to declaw, especially if it ultimately means a good home with love, food, and warmth. I have to admit that my carpets are wrecked because I've not provided consistent discouragement, so I'm partly to blame here.

 

[kathryn]

They do have several scratching posts, but the material on the posts is carpet, so they cannot discern between the posts and the floor, particularly the stairs. They do leave the furniture alone, however. I'm having my place renovated this fall and will be putting down hardwood and/or laminate.

Good for you for changing the floors instead of considering declawing.

I think the manufacturers who make scratching posts covered in carpet should have a class-action suit filed against them by cats who have been declawed because people bought these and they didn't work. Most cats I've know would poo poo carpet-covered posts (unless the carpet were bottom-side out, which makes for a more appealing surface for cats) and head straight for a sofa or other more-appealing surface to scratch. (Most scratching posts sold in stores are also too short, unless they are for kittens, which cats don't remain for long).

 

[lori254]

Good for you for changing the floors instead of considering declawing.

I think the manufacturers who make scratching posts covered in carpet should have a class-action suit filed against them by cats who have been declawed because people bought these and they didn't work. Most cats I've know would poo poo carpet-covered posts (unless the carpet were bottom-side out, which makes for a more appealing surface for cats) and head straight for a sofa or other more-appealing surface to scratch. (Most scratching posts sold in stores are also too short, unless they are for kittens, which cats don't remain for long).

I would NEVER have my cats declawed; someone who isn't a cat lover would never understand this, but they mean more to me than the carpets or the furniture. They've been with me through some pretty tough times, providing unconditional love and comfort. The least that they deserve is a lifetime of kindness and unconditional love from me. My best friend says that when she dies, she'd like to come back as one of Lori's kitties

 

[Dela]

I always adopted kittens so can't speak to adopting older cats. But I have done 1 kitten vs 2 kitties, and let me tell you I wish I had known before that adopting 2 kittens at the same time is totally the way to go, at that age, they need to play, and having another kitten around certainly takes care of that. I feel so much less guilt when I have to leave for the day.

When we take vacations, or long weekends, I have our pet sitters come in once or twice a day to feed and play with them. It's certainly worth the money, and FAR better than trying to board cats somewhere else, they hate that, AND it costs more.

We did not declaw, it was too mean, I didn't know how bad it was before, but once I learned, I could not do it, so yeah, some of my furniture it a bit torn up, but I try to cover it with towels to prvent more damage, but really, I love my cats, I like my furniture, I don't buy excessively expensive furniture anyway, the blinds are a little bothersome, but oh well, what's done is done.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

 

[ladysaraii]

I'm going to end up printing this thread out, so much great information.

I'd read (and forgotten about) the claw caps. How does that affect their ability to scratch on a post? And their nail growth, isn't that the reason cats scratch (well part of it) to keep their nails down?

 

[Beavs]

The claws caps won't interfere with a cat scratching...they just won't do damage. The caps will grow out and fall off but I check my kitties feet anyway. One time there was a cap that refused to fall off so with a simple clip it was removed. I of course do not recommend claw caps if your kitty will be spending time outdoors as it would not have means to defend itself if attacked.

 

[kathryn]

And their nail growth, isn't that the reason cats scratch (well part of it) to keep their nails down?

Scratching doesn't shorten their claws, it does help remove the old cover (claws grow continuously, but the outer layer seems to come off).

Cats scratch basically for two reasons:
1) to mark territory (they do this both with the scent glands on their paws---which is why declawed cats will still do the scratching motion--and visually, with a nicely torn-up surface)

2) for exercise (if you watch a cat scratch, it's often in conjunction with stretching and various 'cat yoga' poses, LOL!)

 

[SirenSongWoman]

I have massive cat experience so here's my feelings:

- Females are less likely to spray but there are no absolute guarantees a boy will and a girl won't.
- I am very partial to older cats because you know exactly what you're getting. I raised my boy, Tangee from a tiny kitten and he has grown into a monster who terrorizes my house. He has his cute moments but, oh my God... If I'd had a crystal ball I would never have brought that Satan on Four Legs into my house (spraying, fights... ). Pick a loving full-grown pussycat from the shelter and the love just keeps growing. Kittens are only kittens for about 5 minutes but yet everyone goes for them because of the cute baby factor. This means older kitties have a 50/50 shot at being euthanized, for no other reason than that they aren't babies anymore. Somehow, older cats know you've rescued them from a possible/probable death sentence when you pick them and they never tire of letting you know their gratefulness. The love of an older cat is really like nothing else in the world.
- Always pick your pet based on personality, first. Even the ugliest sweetheart becomes beautiful when you get to know her/him.
- Cats are like snowflakes: no two are alike. I know lots of people who have 2 or 3 cats and their cats all love each other. I have my 5 and a separate kitty (whom I'll soon integrate into the household), the last remaining of 3 Kitchen Cats for whom I've cared. The Kitchen Cats played together, slept together, and adored each other. Contrast that with my 5, none of whom can be within a few feet of one another without hissing and spitting... If you decide on just one, you're golden. If you decide on 2, try to get two that are already a pair, who know each other and have come to rely on one another and who already get along great.
- Pets are expensive. One strictly indoor cat won't usually break your bank but once you get more than two or if any go outside, forget it.... Outdoor cats have to be vaccinated for all manner of diseases and if any one cat goes out, all have to have pricey monthly flea treatments and ridiculously expensive vaccinations. Then there's neutering... which all animals should have, in the event any get outside. Whatever you get, keep he/she/them inside if you can. Your pocketbook will be happier, as will the neighborhood bird population.

Good luck .