Possible home for kittie - not sure about it

[CJ2008]

Some of you know about the stray cat (Rattie) I found about a month ago.

Through my pet sitter, I found a woman who might want to take him. She's coming by again tonight to see him again, and this time spend a little time alone with him.

I didn't think she was perfect, and she did a couple of little things that annoyed me, but I think I was hyper-analyzing everything.

It would be on a trial basis because she's got 3 cats already (a mom and her 2 boys, who are all around 9). So I'm a little concerned there, but she's been through introducing cats before and from what she said, I think she'll do it properly. And if for whatever reason it doesn't work out, she knows he comes back to us. My biggest hesitation is that she had her 2 boys declawed and she can't promise me she won't declaw Rattie. She has reasons why she got them declawed - at the time she had a much older and nasty cat who was very small and she was afraid the boys would hurt him if they had claws. I understand the logic - but my heart can't bear the thought of Rattie going through that.

(Kenny, thanks a lot for the 2-spacer thread now I'm obssessed with trying to "correct" myself so there are no holes in the page )

Just to have more options I went to my vet today and posted a flyer there - I happened to run into the vet and we got into a conversation and when I told her I was looking for someone who wouldn't declaw him she said something to the effect that it's really hard to find homes for cats because there are so many - and that's why she does it - because it's 2 weeks of discomfort for 20 years of a good home.

I was shocked - first, because I didn't realize she/the clinic did declawing. And to hear her put it as it's "2 weeks of discomfort" when I think it's so much more than that. At the same time, I understand the LOGIC of it - and if I was seeing cats not finding good homes all the time, would I eventually start to think that way too, that it's worth doing in exchange for a good home? I don't know.

And it did make me think...what if this woman could be a great home for him?

And of course I'm still trying to see about him and my other cat - there is some progress, but it's going very, very slow - resident cat can only stand seeing him for like 2 minutes and then wants nothing to do with him. And DH seems ambivalent about the whole thing - so I have to proceed as if we're going to give Rattie away...

ETA: I don't know what I'm asking for here...I guess should I give this woman and her 3 cats a chance? It just really pains me to think she might take his claws...I don't know...maybe I can talk to her about it again...but I know I won't be able to control what she does once she adopts him for sure.

 

[dragonfly411]

CJ - I have a pretty firm stance on declawing. Claws are a cat's means of defense. They are also a means of getting food. If a cat were to get out of her home, or if her home burned down and they escaped, they would have no defense mechanism, and no way to catch food. I'd really take some time to think before allowing a cat to go to a home where it might be declawed.

 

[Matata]

I'm opposed to declawing. Nothing humane about it. As cats age, the declawing can affect the way they walk and contribute to arthritis as well as hip & knee issues.

It's a good sign if your resident cat isn't taking much interest in Rattie. Sounds like you're progressing quite nicely with introductions. As far as an ambivalent hubby, I take that as a good sign also in that he hasn't firmly opposed having another cat.

 

[chemgirl]

Any way you can place an add in the newspaper or online and wait for more applicants?

Maybe you're being super sensitive about any potential adoptive pet parent, but maybe there's something to you feelings?

Did she have concerns about rehoming a male with two male cats? It can be a huge issue. It can also work out fine, but males are sometimes hard to read. The declawing comments concern me. I have 3 cats that were all adopted seperately. They never use their claws on one another. If they did, I wouldn't consider the integration a success. To me, declawing isn't a valid way to avoid fighting between the cats. If my cats were fighting for real, they would not continue living together (for real meaning not play fighting).

Also, did she ask pertinant medical questions? Like if your cat had FIV, FCoV, leukemia tests? FCoV is a concern when introducing a new cat to the mix because it is highly contagious, and can mutate. The mutated form is FIP and it is fatal. As a cat owner, I would be asking these questions before even thinking about introducing a new cat.

Bassically, if she seems to know her stuff, then maybe you should consider her as a possible home, but if you have reservations, then I would recommend holding off until you find a better family. He's adorable so I can't picture it taking too long to find somebody else.

 

[CJ2008]

OK.

I am so glad I posted this question here.

I can't bear the thought of him being declawed...not if I can help it.

Matata - I didn't know about the issues it can cause as they age...I didn't "need" that to know I hate the thought of it (they are HIS claws damn it, plus everything dragonfly said about defending himself, and catching food, and climbing trees to get out of harm's way) but it's good to know.

chemgirl - she did ask those medical questions (although - I thought I had Rattie tested for everything, but I don't recall FCoV - what is that? I have to double check that!) and she did seem concerned about bringing a new cat into the "pack" as she called it.

ETA: I did have a couple of weird feelings...and maybe these things are silly...but for example, she called Rattie by her dead cat's name (he looks like him, she said) and even though I mentioned quite a few times that we're trying to teach Rattie not to go after people's fingers and ankles she gave him her finger to play with...and I thought she was going after him too much and not leaving him alone (although I did say to DH after, she was probably just trying to see if she could bond with him - but I don't know - it's just not the way to treat/deal with a cat. I feel like cat owners "know" this...)

ETA: Yes, I can put an ad in the paper...I did feel after meeting her that I need more options...that tells you I just didn't feel it was 100%...mostly because of the declawing.

 

[yssie]

The declawing issue would settle it for me, absolutely, firmly, utterly, completely.

I cannot condone it under ANY circumstances other than as a necessary surgery for the cat's health. The cat in question, specifically, not any other animals or people or furniture that might be in that household.

Period.

 

[CJ2008]

Oh, Yssie, I'm so glad to see you!

Yes - why did I even think TWICE about this?

It was the comment by the vet that threw me off - I've been taking my cat to her for years and really like her and respect her, so it just threw me off...and to tell you the truth, I was telling DH, I see her a little differently now, too...it was weird.

This lady is not the ONE...she just isn't...

 

[lulu]

I get what she's saying, but personally I just couldn't declaw a cat. I just accept that the blessing of cats brings a little scratched up furniture-totally worthwhile.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Like everyone else, I'm against declawing and wouldn't give a cat to a person who possibly may declaw. Another thing, and this is just me, but I think 3 cats is more than enough. Some can handle that many (+1), but the fact that this woman may need to have the cat's claws removed just so it can fit in with her current cats sums up that she's over her head and cannot keep the ones she has now.

 

[yssie]

It is difficult for me to believe, but some people (like perhaps this woman) truly do not seem to realize it is a surgical procedure - which like any other is painful and should only be used as a last resort.

Re. the vet - I know it's really not the same thing, but our vet runs a clinic, a shelter, does free and very reduced-price procedures on strays... last time we went in she told us that she had the "icky job of putting down one of the cats this morning". I had tears in my eyes hearing the story, she was completely clinical and dispassionate about the whole thing.. and this is a woman who clearly loves the animals she works with, or she wouldn't have devoted - and continue to devote! - her life to it.

I can see the logic in your vet's argument. It is the people who make her logic necessary that make my stomach churn - in the end, IMO, ignorance at the expense of the comfort and health of a creature one is supposed to love and take care of is a pitiful excuse.


ETA: sorry, I don't meant to rant CJ - and it's definitely not directed at you! Declawing is one of those things I feel very strongly about

 

[JewelFreak]

Declawing is literally amputation. I don't go for it either. The cat doesn't realize he doesn't have claws, which puts him in extra danger; he gets into situations where he needs them if he finds himself outside.

Be very careful of newspaper & online ads, CJ. I hate to sound like a wet blanket, but that's how cats land in labs, I've heard, and possibly other icky situations. It's easy to say what a cat-lover wants to hear to fool them into letting you have it. All my rescue mentors also wisely advised: NEVER advertise an animal "free to a good home." It's a sad truth that people value more what they pay more for.

If you think he'd be safe in a home w/3 cats, he certainly would be in yours with one. I wish I lived near you to help you through this. Your resident cat will never issue an engraved invitation; it's a matter of pulling the trigger at some point. I'd bet the rent it would be fine. Consider me holding your hand through the airwaves, anyhow!

--- Laurie

 

[CJ2008]

MC- agreed. That was my FIRST hesitation, the 3 cat thing. But, she had 4 before that (one of them died) - my pet sitter (who I adore and trust) told me this lady really loves her cats and takes good care of them. So mostly because of that I put that aside to see if she could work out. But when she told me she couldn't promise me she wouldn't declaw...that's what made the real difference.

Lulu - I'm with you - I see the logic, but...no.

Yssie - you can rant all you want. Not for a second did I think it was directed at me...believe me, I feel the same way about it. I am surprised that I even questioned it for a second...

And, BTW, I left it off the flyer I posted at the vet's - because I think people might say what I want to hear if they know about it before they talk to me. So I'll in passing ask for their views on declawing - more likely they'll tell me the truth if they don't think I'm making a big deal out of it. That's kind of how I did it with this lady...in passing, I asked her if any of her cats were declawed...so it evolved into a natural conversation rather than her giving me the answers she thought I wanted.

 

[ChloeTheGreat]

I'm going to be honest here...my 2 cats are declawed. I understand the strong feelings against it, but it is what it is. The surgery was done years ago and my cats are happy and healthy indoor cats.

I volunteer with a local animal shelter and I know that cats who come to the shelter already declawed are easier to adopt out. People don't want cats with claws.

It sounds like maybe this potential kitty mom is a little strange, but if you decide she would be a good owner for Rattie, I wouldn't rule her out due to the declawing issue.

Many people do not spay/neuter their pets because they don't want to put their pets through the discomfort of surgery. They don't want to "do that" to their beloved pet. Obviously there are different opinions on the subject. (I'm definitely not comparing the importance of spaying/neutering to declawing...there are larger issues there...I just mean that both are surgeries that some people want done and some people do not.)

 

[CJ2008]

Hi Laurie! We were posting at the same time

I would be extremely careful if I were to post an ad, and I know the "free to good home" thing. Plus, I am asking for $100 adoption fee - to weed people out, one, and to help defray some of the costs (I'm afraid to add up the bills!)

hehe - I'm picturing my other kittie issuing an engraved invitation. How cute. You're right, and you have been helping me SO MUCH! I think of you and I push myself a little more...I had Rattie in my office with me yesterday for several hours, walking around. And then in his crate, in the living room, while I was watching TV.

 

[CJ2008]

Chloe,

Welcome. Thanks for being honest. And I am glad to have you participate and give your views.

Yes, I think she's a little "off." But she does seem like a nice lady.

And I agree there are extremes - there are certain things (spay/neuter) that we KNOW are uncomfortable, but GOOD for the pet...the declawing, we/people do it for THEM...it's not the same.

I really don't think I'll feel right if he goes with her...I'll always be wondering about it...ETA: I feel like I owe it to Rattie to find him more options...

 

[Gypsy]

Yeah. De-claw is an auto eliminator for me too.

Also, I don't know if you know but I just got a 7 month old and I have three resident cats (well, 4, but Lucy is isolated). I'm very good with my cats and intro's but things have been a bit rocky. So we got a cat behavioralist in here to help us.

Our cats are 8-6. They are adults bordering on seniors. Merlin is a kitten. Since he likes other cats he has been making a PEST of himself. It didn't occur to me but the analogy is that of three 40 something roomates who have lived together for most their lives being forced to live with and love a LONELY 17 year old. The 17 year old is bored and acts up and the 40 year olds are annoyed and just plain over it and want the 17 teen year old to grow up or get out.

NOT a good fit. Are we making it work? Yes. But let me tell you were are working at it. New cat condos, re-training them with treats. Mandatory play time. Learning how to defend the resident cats without taking away their 'confidence'... learning to train the kitten without making him wary of us and so on....

I don't think this sounds like the right home for your guy with 3 resident cats at 9 years. If he is going to be with an older cat, it's should be just one so the owner can give them both the different care they need 50/50. With three older cats (like I have) and a young one it's just a really hard thing to do. Especially if your Rattie is as smart and people AND cat loving as Merlin is.

 

[chemgirl]

OK.

I am so glad I posted this question here.

I can't bear the thought of him being declawed...not if I can help it.

Matata - I didn't know about the issues it can cause as they age...I didn't "need" that to know I hate the thought of it (they are HIS claws damn it, plus everything dragonfly said about defending himself, and catching food, and climbing trees to get out of harm's way) but it's good to know.

chemgirl - she did ask those medical questions (although - I thought I had Rattie tested for everything, but I don't recall FCoV - what is that? I have to double check that!) and she did seem concerned about bringing a new cat into the "pack" as she called it.

ETA: I did have a couple of weird feelings...and maybe these things are silly...but for example, she called Rattie by her dead cat's name (he looks like him, she said) and even though I mentioned quite a few times that we're trying to teach Rattie not to go after people's fingers and ankles she gave him her finger to play with...and I thought she was going after him too much and not leaving him alone (although I did say to DH after, she was probably just trying to see if she could bond with him - but I don't know - it's just not the way to treat/deal with a cat. I feel like cat owners "know" this...)

ETA: Yes, I can put an ad in the paper...I did feel after meeting her that I need more options...that tells you I just didn't feel it was 100%...mostly because of the declawing.

The FCoV thing is actually a hassle to test because it requires collecting fecal samples and testing several times since the virus isn't always shed. Most vets don't recommend it because its pretty demanding. Essentially FCoV is a virus that is shed when they use the litterbox (trying to find a nice term for that and no luck) and other cats using the same litterbox can pick it up. The cats might not show any symptoms or act any differently. Its only an issue if it mutates into FIP http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feline_infectious_peritonitis (wikipedia explains it better). We had a scare with one of our kitties. She was coughing, vomiting and refused to eat. She is a rescue and was in a shelter for a while before we adopted her so she was high risk for FCoV. This was all on Christmas eve day and the doctor said if it was FIP she was so far along that she wouldn't have much time left. He treated her for a cold, but told us that if we didn't see any improvement within a few days then we should bring her in for anti-inflamatories and consult on how far we wanted to take treatment. We were freaking out, but luckily she was back to her old self on Christmas morning. After all of that, I refuse to expose my kitties to other cats who might have FCoV. The chances of mutation are very low, but its just not worth it to me.

ETA: The wikipedia article refers to FCoV as FECV I think...vets please correct me if I'm wrong on that.

 

[Imdanny]

I wouldn't give a cat to someone who would declaw it. They don't only take the claws. The separate the toe at the joint. Two weeks of discomfort? I think it's much more serious than that.

I had a cat that someone else had declawed before I got her. It affected her personality. And she couldn't defend herself. You don't know if this woman would be able to keep this cat for the rest its life and keep it inside.

I'm sorry but I think it's not a good idea.

 

[CJ2008]

Gypsy - yes, I remember a couple of weeks ago you mentioned you were bringing someone in to help. I think your analogy about a couple of 40-year old roommates having to deal with a 17-year old around is perfect. I am sure that is exactly how my cat feels. So multiply that by 3 different personalities...

It's an adjustment for everyone. I'm used to my RC who no longer jumps up on counters. The two times I've had Rattie in my office I've had to watch everything he's doing, for fear that he'll hurt himself or break something. It's amazing the things that will catch his attention.

This lady's situation is just too risky - for the potential declawing, and because of the 3 cats.yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyytfr[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp

(Rattie just typed the above haha - I left my office and came back to find him staring at the monitor with his paws o the keyboard. I think he said "Yes! I'd rather stay here!" haha)

chemgirl they tested something from his stool - but only once - so I'm pretty sure it wasn't FCoV. That's pretty scary...

Imdanny I'm with you. She didn't say she definitely would, but the potential is there...

ETA: whatever Rattie did is messing up the actual post and making it go off the page! Sorry admins!

 

[Gypsy]

Hi RATTY! Thank you for weighing in, I think you made your feeling clear too!

CJ, yeah, it's pretty much The Golden Girls meet spastic teenager over here. I forgot what having a kitten was like... and he's 7 months old! But everything is a toy. Especially the other cat's tails (he's got tail issues this one). Has no idea of 'personal space' when it comes to the other cats. Jumps on them when he wants to play and is SO hurt when they don't want to. Gets into everything (I can't tell you how carefully I check the washer AND the dryer now when I am doing laundry). I come home and find my lamps knocked over egg shells from the trash on the ground... and him sleeping INSIDE a tiny box with the top pulled over him so all I can is his peaceful cute little self all packaged up.

And ready to ship out . He's an IMP OF SATAN.

But we love him. And we're keeping him. But it's a challenge. And if I had KNOWN, I wouldn't have gotten him and left him for a home with more playmates for him to grow with. And gotten an older cat for us. But, once he started to integrate and we fell in love, we're determined to make it work. He's cuddling me right now, dead asleep after tearing through my bedroom and knocking everything askew.

Your resident will adjust. Ours already are. It's been about 5 weeks. The cat shrinks suggested 6 months to harmony.

 

[Imdanny]

Declawing is literally amputation.

Yes. I looked at at a diagram of it once. Urgh.

 

[Miss Sparkly]

I've heard several horror stories about declawing but have never seen them come true. My mom always had her cats declawed and they've all lived to very old ages with no health issues in their paws or legs. Cats are killed daily and stuffed in garbage bags to go out with the trash all because there's not enough homes for all of them. I know, I had never seen my friend cry so hard as the day he had to put down an entire little of kittens at the humane society because there was no room for them. A lot of things in this world are not right, but, when it comes to declawing I have to agree with the Vet. A couple weeks of pain is worth it for 20 years in a house.

eta: I do know all about declawing, what it is and how it is done and I still take the stance that the vet did.

 

[Imdanny]

The declawing issue would settle it for me, absolutely, firmly, utterly, completely.

I cannot condone it under ANY circumstances other than as a necessary surgery for the cat's health. The cat in question, specifically, not any other animals or people or furniture that might be in that household.

Period.

Yes, I feel the same way. How would you like to have your fingers amputated at the joint? I feel it's disgusting. Very inhumane.

And it's not like cats can't escape. I think those of us who have indoor cats can attest that it happens. So they're not protected if they get out. Even if that's only for an hour before you find them.

And I can only say I had a cat who was declared and it did affect her personality.

Furniture? I really feel that people should have more sensitivity toward animals than that if they're going to have one. A cat owner can keep the cat's nails clipped if it's such a big deal.

 

[CJ2008]

Gypsy - "Golden girls meet spastic teenager" hahaha (I know I must seem so silly not to use LOL or ROFLMAO or whatever I probably don't even have the second one right but I can't bring myself to for some reason)

It's funny you mention the other cat's tail because today I had them eating snacks very close to each other (with Rattie in the carrier) and Rattie did seem to be looking at RC's tail with quite a bit of interest.

hahaha he probably puts himself in the box right as he hears you walk through the door knowing you won't be able to be mad at him if he looks insanely cute.

My latest idea is working really well - giving RC a few morsels of Rattie's dry food (RC can no longer eat dry food, so it keeps RC interested in the food and not on Rattie - they've been eating within inches of each other - so I'm hoping he starts associating Rattie time with "delicious food time" ) I don't want to put RC's health in jeopardy in any way, but I figure a few morsels a day won't be too bad - and I'm only doing it temporarily.

Sparkly Yeah, that's how my vet feels too. Like I said I can see the logic...but thankfully Rattie is not anywhere near a situation where it's declaw or the street or death...and as much as I can see the logic, like (I think it was Lulu said) I personally could not do it or give him to someone who might/will.

Imdanny - cats escape all the time. Last year I had rescued a different cat who showed up at my doorstep, and she was declawed. When the owners finally came around (they had gone away ON VACATION knowing she was lost) I made sure to point out all the reasons they need to be extra careful not letting her escape.

 

[Lorelei]

Chloe,

Welcome. Thanks for being honest. And I am glad to have you participate and give your views.

Yes, I think she's a little "off." But she does seem like a nice lady.

And I agree there are extremes - there are certain things (spay/neuter) that we KNOW are uncomfortable, but GOOD for the pet...the declawing, we/people do it for THEM...it's not the same.

I really don't think I'll feel right if he goes with her...I'll always be wondering about it...ETA: I feel like I owe it to Rattie to find him more options...

Hi CJ,

Your gut is trying to tell you something, listen to it is my advice and it sounds like you have. If you don't feel this lady is right then she isn't right for Rattie.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

The declawing issue would settle it for me, absolutely, firmly, utterly, completely.

I cannot condone it under ANY circumstances other than as a necessary surgery for the cat's health. The cat in question, specifically, not any other animals or people or furniture that might be in that household.

Period.

Furniture? I really feel that people should have more sensitivity toward animals than that if they're going to have one. A cat owner can keep the cat's nails clipped if it's such a big deal.

Clipping nails doesn't work that well. I tried it with my cats and the first thing they'd do after I clipped them, is run over to their scratching post and sharpen their nails back up! I'm against declawing, but wanted to mention that the clipping doesn't work for us. I pretty much gave up with my furniture. We have those sticky double sided tape strips to discourage our cat but we can't cover the entire couch in tape, so it does have strings hanging from it. lol The only couch we had that our cats have avoided has been the microfiber fabric ones.

 

[yssie]

Clipping nails doesn't work that well. I tried it with my cats and the first thing they'd do after I clipped them, is run over to their scratching post and sharpen their nails back up! I'm against declawing, but wanted to mention that the clipping doesn't work for us. I pretty much gave up with my furniture. We have those sticky double sided tape strips to discourage our cat but we can't cover the entire couch in tape, so it does have strings hanging from it. lol The only couch we had that our cats have avoided has been the microfiber fabric ones.

*minithreadjack*

MC I wonder if you have heard of orange peel strings?

It's a hokey fix I found on some random website - but it's worked *really* well in keeping our three off the tables and counters. Peel a bunch of oranges and/or lemons (I made marmalade), leave the peels out in the sun for a few days until they're completely dried out. They won't smell as strong as fresh but it's still pretty - um. concentrated, and they won't be sticky. Then just thread them through with string or yarn and drape them 'round stuff! The smell is definitely a deterrent, but I'm guessing this works where those orange scented sprays didn't because the cats can see a clear delineation of "okay" and "not okay" before they jump and they adjust to the smell.. well, that's just a guess, who knows what actually goes through their peabrains 'course, you have to A) not mind your house smelling of oranges for a few weeks, and B) spend an hour of your life threading orange peels!

 

[Lauren8211]

I'm a little late to this party, but we just started with Soft Paws on our 7 month old kitten and they are a GODSEND. No declawing, no ruining furniture. He doesn't mind them at all. Total game changer!