View Full Version : I think I might want a cat, but i'm clueless
My crazy little girl.
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7997/arti2vr9.th.jpg (http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=arti2vr9.jpg) http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/5294/arti14uq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)
Shes beautiful and looks really sweet. Here is my devil cat, I swear, she always has this "Im gonna cut ya" look.
MishaBliss
09-20-2006, 04:33 PM
They're all so beautiful :)
VenusGoddess
09-20-2006, 05:45 PM
OK, I admit that I haven't read all the responses, so if I'm repeating anything, sorry.
One thing I want to point out is about declawing. There are vet offices now that use laser surgery to remove claws. Healing time is usually less than a day, but in many cases, the cat s running around playing hours after the surgery. Their paws are not even very sensitve to touch afterwards (i.e. they don't pull away in pain and they don't walk funny afterwards). I don't recall the exact cost, but it was only about $50-75 more than old-fashioned declawing.
Removing a cat's claws affects them more than just phsychologically. You may not think that there is a big difference, but it throws off their balance, and if they were to get outside, they would not be able to defend themselves. I've had countless cats, and never had a problem with them scratching much. Get the items needed for them to claw on, and you won't need to get them declawed. ;)
PaigeDWinter
09-20-2006, 05:53 PM
Cats come in a variety of personalities, just like we do. All kinds. Some dont get cuddly, but they are very rarely evil to their owners... especially once they get used to you. I suggest going to the shelter or shop you choose and spend about an hour with an animal you have interest in. Let it get through the excited stage and get bored with you. See how it interacts. I also never suggest declawing. Nail trimming is often an easy task, or something you can have a groomer or vet do, and there are always nail guards.
Hello_Kitty27
09-20-2006, 06:31 PM
I don't believe that people should allow their cats to be outdoors in the first place. You're risking too much by allowing that. However, I'm not really trying to get into ethical ways to care for animals. In the same way that I don't go around telling people how to raise their children, I don't care how people care for the animals, so long as they aren't being physically abusive.
2 of my cats were declawed before I adopted them. 1 of them I had front declawed. Should they accidentally get out, they can defend themselves with their back claws. I see it when they play-fight all the time. And I never have noticed that he had problems with balance after being declawed. The only balance problem one of my cats had was that someone had cut one of their whiskers prior to my adopting him.
evh1980
09-20-2006, 06:36 PM
Please do not expect a cat to be anything like a dog. They are much more 'moody' and have much more 'personality'. I love them for this reason. They are forever entertaining. I love dogs too, i just prefer cats. Dogs seem to be too needy.
my sentiments exactly!
Hey, cats can act a LOT like dogs; at least my cat Oliver does We call him a "Cog" because he's a cat that thinks he's a dog.
Hah! I call Romeo my puppy cat because he's constantly wagging his tail (which I realize tends to indicate agitation - except with this cat... it's weird, I know) and reaches up on my legs whenever I get home from work. He is also very vocal, with a raspy sort of meow.
He's still very much a Cat though ... and doesn't let me forget that :P
PaigeDWinter
09-20-2006, 06:37 PM
Should they accidentally get out, they can defend themselves with their back claws.
In most situations and positions of their bodies, cats need to grip with their front claws in order to dig in with their hinds... An attacking cat is by far way more aggressive than a playing cat, so they wont give the defending cat much chance to get into a good position to solely use their hind claws.
Some good video examples of cat play/fighting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOsLPuFOHjM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiLcuKZXNNU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWSEEN4zn8o
I don't believe that people should allow their cats to be outdoors in the first place.
Its not nessesarily a matter of allowing them outside. Cats are curious by nature and sometimes, no matter how hard you try not to let them out, they will get outside.
pennygirl
09-21-2006, 05:37 AM
One little note about declawing
I found this website
http://cats.about.com/od/declawing/tp/reasonsnot.htm
this part stuck out to me:
9) Cats Need to Be Cats for Their Entire "Nine Lives"
Honestly, if a cat could speak human language, do you really think, given a choice, he'd say, "Sure thing. Cut off part of my toes?" His claws and toes are an integral part of making a cat a cat. Would you honestly want him to be anything less, especially since there are humane alternatives? It's your decision, but please take your cat's needs into serious consideration before making such a drastic and permanent choice.
I had heard taking out the claws leaves a cat much like a person with out the tips of their fingers.. its frustrating emotionally.. and honestly claws were put on the animals for a reason taking them off no matter how a vet will say it is just fine.. its not natural and is bound to do something negative
I do know cats scratching stuff is a big reason to do it.. I guess if declawing is the only way a cat can be rescued then the sacrifice is worth it but if other things can be done so you dont have to remove the claws I think personally that is a more humane decision that in the end will benefit both of you
Top 9 Reasons NOT to Declaw a Cat
From Franny Syufy,
Your Guide to Cats.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
If you are thinking of declawing a cat, or a veterinarian suggests declawing at the same time as neutering, before you make a decision for non-reversible surgery, please consider these reasons NOT to declaw. Your cat will live his remaining years with the result of your decision, one way or another.
1) Declawing is NOT Just Nail Trimming
Nor is declawing only the removal of a portion of a claw. Instead, it is the surgical amputation of the first joint of the cat's toes. Whether this procedure is accomplished with a scalpel, a guillotine-type cutter or a laser, it is major surgery, and not to be undertaken lightly.
2) Declawing Does Nothing to Benefit the Cat
You will sometimes hear the disclaimer, "It's better than putting him to sleep." This is a fallacious argument, and usually offered only to soothe the owner's conscience. Only the cat's owner can make the decision to kill her cat because of scratching problems. He or she can also make the decision to let him keep his toes. Unlike neutering, which does benefit the cat, both healthwise and behavioralwise, declawing simply does nothing positive for the cat.
3) Declawing Robs a Cat of His Chief Weapon of Defense
A typical counter-argument is, "My cat is indoors-only." Even indoor cats sometimes manage to escape. A declawed cat does not stand a chance against a large dog, a bigger cat, or a predator. Although he still has teeth, by the time he gets in close enough to bite, it may be too late.
4) Declawing is Painful Surgery
Think of it as 10 amputations (if only the front feet are declawed). Pain meds may help initially, but phantom pain may last for weeks or months, as nerve endings heal. Dr. Nicholas Dodman describes the pain following surgery: "Unlike routine recoveries, including recovery from neutering surgeries, which are fairly peaceful, declawing surgery results in cats bouncing off the walls of the recovery cage because of excruciating pain."
5) Declawing May Lead to Litter Box Problems
Declawed cats often associate the pain when digging in litter with the litter box itself, and will avoid it, choosing softer carpeting instead.
6) Declawing Sometimes Leads to Biting Problems
When cats lose their ability to give a quick warning scratch, they will often resort to their second line of defense: a good, hard bite. The cat's owner may sometimes find himself the victim, just when he thinks his cat is enjoying a petting session.
7) Cats Need the Exercise Their Claws and Toes Provide
Watch a cat stretch, whether horizontally on a carpet or vertically with a tall scratching post. He will grab the carpet or sisal with his claws, using the resistance to pull and stretch his muscles. Cats' claws actually play a large and positive role in their amazing muscle tone and agility.
8) Altered Gait May Lead to Later Joint Problems
Domestic cats are digitigrade, meaning they walk on their toes. Walking with an altered gait because of the lack of the first digit of the toes can affect all the joints of the leg, resulting later in arthritis of the hip and other joints. Jean Hofve, DVM describes this joint deterioration more fully, in her article, "A Rational Look at Declawing."
9) Cats Need to Be Cats for Their Entire "Nine Lives"
Honestly, if a cat could speak human language, do you really think, given a choice, he'd say, "Sure thing. Cut off part of my toes?" His claws and toes are an integral part of making a cat a cat. Would you honestly want him to be anything less, especially since there are humane alternatives? It's your decision, but please take your cat's needs into serious consideration before making such a drastic and permanent choice.
MishaBliss
09-21-2006, 06:29 AM
Declawing just sounds sick to me. Cruel.
Also, why shouldn't cats be allowed outside? That's just nonsense. Here in Amsterdam cats roam whever they want. Hotels, cafe's, bars (we have one at work). All buildings with a 'house' cat are minus a mouse problem.
I've always allowed my cats outside. Sure sometimes they kill stuff, but humans are worse. Keeping them in is cruel too. IMO.
BrunetteGoddess
09-21-2006, 06:40 AM
Out in here in the desert, there's too many things like coyotes, javelinas, monster bugs, and illnesses a cat can get outside. No thank you, I like to keep my little boy safe.
And every cat my parents have ever had was declawed when given to us or we did a front declaw. Jump on us all you want, our cats are fine and never get out.
MishaBliss
09-21-2006, 07:13 AM
True. Maybe whether or not one lets a cat outside is an 'environmental' thing. I wouldn't want my cat to get eaten by a larger animal. Although my cat did used to catch snakes, which scared the shit out of me, but i still couldn't bring myself to fight his nature.
I still think declawing is cruel.
azcustomer
09-21-2006, 08:24 AM
Declawing just sounds sick to me. Cruel.
Also, why shouldn't cats be allowed outside? That's just nonsense. Here in Amsterdam cats roam whever they want. Hotels, cafe's, bars (we have one at work). All buildings with a 'house' cat are minus a mouse problem.
I've always allowed my cats outside. Sure sometimes they kill stuff, but humans are worse. Keeping them in is cruel too. IMO.
Yep, I've had cats declawed and not declawed when I lived in an area with things that could hurt them. All the cats learned to fend for themselves (okay, the declawed ones learned from the clawed ones). And they seemed extra happy when they brought home 'presents'. My big declawed cat who was scared of his own shadow when we brought him home from the pound eventually learned to hunt, and it made him very, very happy.
MishaBliss
09-21-2006, 08:40 AM
Please excuse my ignorance, but why would one get a cat declawed anyways?
Please excuse my ignorance, but why would one get a cat declawed anyways?
Because people like their furniture (clothing, curtains, etc) or worry about their children being hurt.
velvet
09-21-2006, 10:38 AM
^^^
yea well if you train a cat it wont claw things it isnt supposed to. so many people seem to think you cant train a cat. not true. i let my 4 out on my screened in porch. i snap my fingers they go inside. they dont claw the furniture or climb on tables or countertops. i trained them that way. you can clip a cats nails if you are that afraid for you children (LOL)
back to the op. i recommend getting 2 cats. they are more catlike ie no biting and being agressive with a person who roughouses with a kitten. they will play with each other and not you in that way. also they keep each other company when you are not there. i used to have only one cat at a time. when i got my two brothers together i swore i would never own just one again. they are so much happier i believe. of course now i have 4!
MishaBliss
09-24-2006, 11:52 AM
Because people like their furniture (clothing, curtains, etc) or worry about their children being hurt.
So obviously they don't want a cat. That's how cats come. Personal preferance doesn't justify abuse.
Jenna78
09-24-2006, 01:20 PM
I think most people declaw out of ignorance. My BF wanted to declaw his cat, and I read him articles on how inhumane it is--so he decided not to do it. The only reason I knew how horrible it is is because my friend in HS was a volunteer vet tech and told me. I have an adopted cat whose previous owner declawed him. Although he doesn't seem to be in pain, I still feel bad for him.
GoldCoastGirl
09-24-2006, 04:45 PM
Because people like their furniture (clothing, curtains, etc) or worry about their children being hurt.
Children are going to be hurt one way or another with or without a cat. Also, the cat can be trained to not go near the child. Also, you need to teach and train the child... show them how to approach and pat a cat... don't just let them prod, poke, pull etc the cat. There are ways to avoid the child being hurt.. people who cannot do this should not have a cat.
As for the furniture, there are things called scratching posts you can purchase. Plus you can train cats (up to a point) ... in the end if you are more worried and care about something like your furniture over a pet then you should not have a pet.
cherryripeboy
09-24-2006, 04:48 PM
Thunder was with us until JCB was just a little over 1 and a half.
Thunder stayed away from the boy, on his own accord. As JCB got older and could understand better, he could give Thunder some attention.
Usually though he avoided him. I do have a great pic of JCB on one leg and Thunder on another while we are all relaxing. The expressions on them are priceless.
exotisch23
09-24-2006, 05:51 PM
If you want a cute long haired cat get a maine coon or norwegian forest cat, they are gorgeous! Norwegian forest cats love to be outside (even in the snow), I've seen people put leashes on them so they can roam around and not get lost.
As far as declawing, you should try something like softpaws () instead, a lot less painful on your kitty. :D
Also, I agree on loving your cat especially when it's a kitten so it will grow up to be very affectionate and friendly. That's how mine turned out! Look how cute they are. Unfortunately, after I got a place with my b/f 2 years ago he didn't want cats in our apartment.. now that I'm thinking about it, I should've chose the cats over him >:(
MishaBliss
09-26-2006, 07:04 AM
^^^
They're gorgeous :)
Nautilus
09-27-2006, 07:17 PM
how can you resist a plush belly like this? she is a seal-point birman, and she is actually fast asleep in this shot; in my husband's office. (awww)
all you need to know about cats is this: they are like women but more unpredictable. they go from loving to psychotic in minutes, and that is half the fun.
Lysondra
09-27-2006, 07:25 PM
I miss my tortie SOOOO much. So very cery much! :( Torties make me sad because I loooooove torties.
big_daddy
09-30-2006, 04:27 PM
Sorry had to bump so I can find it later.