Cats

[habernac]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I can't stress strongly enough how opposed I am to declawing cats. Unless, of course, you enjoy torturing your pets.

If you keep your cats' claws trimmed and provide them with a decent scratching post, clawing furniture won't be an issue.

agreed. It's like pulling someones fingers off.

And Firefly, you can let cats outside. I have mine on leashes on the deck in the backyard. No one runs a way and no one gets hurt. both were strays from the pound so I like to give them a little outdoor action.

[llama64]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

There is something you must understand about cats. They are pure evil. Cats are constantly plotting on mankind, and eventually they will rise up against their owners. I feel the need to warn you about this, because if you get a cat, you will be on the front lines of the war that is coming.

As a cat owner I whole heartedly agree.

If only they weren't so fluffy!

[Old Yeller]

There's a reason why de-clawing is illegal in many countries.

If your cat starts tearing your stuff up, look into softpaws.

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by habernac

agreed. It's like pulling someones fingers off.

And Firefly, you can let cats outside. I have mine on leashes on the deck in the backyard. No one runs a way and no one gets hurt. both were strays from the pound so I like to give them a little outdoor action.

On a leash perhaps. But even on a leash if there are other cats around, they can pass diseases on. I live in an apartment with no balconey on a busy street . The cats can look outside and that's it.

[Kerplunk]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I can't stress strongly enough how opposed I am to declawing cats. Unless, of course, you enjoy torturing your pets.

If you keep your cats' claws trimmed and provide them with a decent scratching post, clawing furniture won't be an issue.

Same here. Please don't declaw the cat. Clip its claws, give it a lot of scratching posts, cover the claws with plastic tips, cover parts of your furniture in tinfoil...just don't declaw it. This procedure essentially cuts off the toes at the first knuckle, and could lead to a major behaviour change in the cat.

That being said, cats can be left alone for a few days at a time, as long as you leave enough food, water, and a clean litter box around.

[bigtmac19]

Admittedly I had my cat declawed about 12 years ago, the vet said it was not a problem, and I did not read a lot of the problems with the procedure until until years later. I don't think I would do it again, but fortunately our cat did and is fine, she never had a problem with it, she still scratches on one of our chairs on a daily basis, it just doesn't do anything to the chair of course.
I realize a lot of vets will not perform this procedure any more.

[Russic]

agreed. Do not de-claw your cat. Give them plenty of scratchable alternatives, cover them in nip and keep a squirt bottle on hand if that doesn't work. If it scratches uncontrollably and you can't stand it, then the fit isn't right for either of you.

In my eyes a cat is like a little quiet buddy that just likes to hang out with you. They sleep many hours in a day, so most likely they won't even realize you've been gone for very long.

I'll echo the comments of others: No preggos shall clean the litter box.

Get a laser pointer ... thank me later.

[onetwo_threefour]

Originally Posted by Russic

agreed. Do not de-claw your cat. Give them plenty of scratchable alternatives, cover them in nip and keep a squirt bottle on hand if that doesn't work. If it scratches uncontrollably and you can't stand it, then the fit isn't right for either of you.

In my eyes a cat is like a little quiet buddy that just likes to hang out with you. They sleep many hours in a day, so most likely they won't even realize you've been gone for very long.

I'll echo the comments of others: No preggos shall clean the litter box.

Get a laser pointer ... thank me later.

Funniest thing ever... I did that with my cat about ten years ago...
(the laser pointer) I've never seen a cat pant like a dog before, but they will go and go until they drop, and then pant...

[Eastern Girl]

Originally Posted by Drunk Skunk

There is something you must understand about cats. They are pure evil. Cats are constantly plotting on mankind, and eventually they will rise up against their owners. I feel the need to warn you about this, because if you get a cat, you will be on the front lines of the war that is coming.

Totally and utterly agree. I am terrified of cats. I can't be around them, Satans little warriors. You never hear them coming, they have those crazy snake eyes. They really scare the crud out of me. My moms cat has a jekyll and Hyde thing going on, it'll rub up against you and purr and such, but when you go to pet it, it bites you and hisses. I have scars on my arm to prove it. Horrible creatures. Anyways, Oilersbaby, good luck with the cats.

[Locke]

Cats are best when captioned.

[Matata]

I think the difference between cats and dogs is how they became domesticated:

Dogs were pack animals that were integral to survival (hunting, protection, etc.), we accepted them into our packs and have bred them to have the ideal personality traits of people (loyal, great physiques, friendly, a general stupid-happy disposition)

Cats came into our towns to eat our vermin and our towns protected them from larger predators. A mutually benefical relationship and we only had to get along when our paths crossed. We get along just fine with cats, but we can't read their emotions as intuitively as with dogs and they still need their independence.

[SteveToms]

I have a cat who is about 15 years old now, she is declawed and diabetic but she is truly a great cat, if she likes you, you will know it pretty quickly. She does like to sleep under my bed and snore while doing so.

[dissentowner]

I would encourage you to get your car from a animal shelter as they are flooded with cats all the time and the bonus being you can get to know the cats personality at the shelter. If you will not be home that much I recommend not going the kitten route as they need attention and will drive you batty! Get a young adult and you should be fine. I can also say if you are looking for a cat that is not an attention whore then avoid Siamese. I have two and I love them dearly however I also like attention craving cats,lol. They are like having monkee's on acid though, they play fight all night and turn my bed into a UFC ring. They get up high and pounce on you when you don't see them and they like to sleep on your person, one of mine sleeps on my chest if I have a nap during the day.

[Displaced Flames fan]

You might want to make sure none of your close friends or family are allergic to cats. I am, and let me tell you, it doesn't matter if the cat has been gone for a few years and the carpets shampooed a dozen times, I will still get sick. My reactions are usually approaching the dangerous level too...my lungs just close up.

It's important if you plan on having people stay with you at any time or want to have people over that may be allergic.

[Lithium]

Is the meow foundation still around?

That would probably be the best place to get a new kitten. They want to interview you first, and see the place where the cat would be living before they decide if it is suited well for a cat to live. Their cats come with their first shots and spayed/neutered as well.

[Flashpoint]

If you get a cat, keep it inside. I can't count how many missing pet posters I have seen, or dead cats on the roads because someone was irresponsible about their pet.

I know neighbours who are of the opinion any cat that comes into their yard is "fair game" because it is trespassing. It is up to the owner to protect their pet, and the best way to do that is to restrict it's ability to get off your property.

I've never seen a cat on a leash before, but if it works for Resolute, perhaps that is a good option.

[bigtmac19]

Originally Posted by SteveToms

I have a cat who is about 15 years old now, she is declawed and diabetic but she is truly a great cat, if she likes you, you will know it pretty quickly. She does like to sleep under my bed and snore while doing so.

Beautiful kitty, my cat is a tortiseshell, she is 12 and also sleeps under my bed and snores, quite loudly sometimes.

[llama64]

We keep our cat inside. We used to let him out in the backyard when it was nice out, but then he discovered crabgrass:


Cats love tossing their lunch. Especially if they eat grass.

[OilersBaby]

Wow everyone, thanks for the responses. I think I will start looking at shelters (I wouldnt go to a breeder since there are so many cats and kittens needing homes at shelters) and get one. It's definately going to be only indoor and I'm not going to get it declawed. I will definately get it spayed or neutered.

My next question. With dog breeds, there is SUCH a variation in behaviour and personality (ie a Lab is so different than a Jack Russell who is so different than a Great Dane or Husky). Does that same variation in breeds exist with cats?

THANKS!

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

Wow everyone, thanks for the responses. I think I will start looking at shelters (I wouldnt go to a breeder since there are so many cats and kittens needing homes at shelters) and get one. It's definately going to be only indoor and I'm not going to get it declawed. I will definately get it spayed or neutered.

My next question. With dog breeds, there is SUCH a variation in behaviour and personality (ie a Lab is so different than a Jack Russell who is so different than a Great Dane or Husky). Does that same variation in breeds exist with cats?

THANKS!

Yes it does however it is only in a few breeds like Siamese. When you go to the shelter and you see a cat you like then ask questions about it, tell them what you are lookin for in a cat and they will help you out. Most shelters cats are already spayed or neutered howeer there is usually a small adoption fee that covers this cost.