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So there's this cat ...

TooFarTampa avatar
SoWal Insider
1,682 views
... that apparently has adopted us. :shock: It is a very cute male cat and we might keep it but need some advice first! I've never had a cat and only have vague ideas about what owning one might be like. Can I ask some advice?

This cat is adorable. :wub: It is maybe 5-7 months old and obviously very domesticated. We came home last Wednesday and it was meowing very loudly in the yard next door. My 3 year old, who loves cats, wanted to see it and so we dropped our stuff off and went back outside. At that point the cat decided we were its owners. :floor: :blink:

We've send a neighborhood-wide email out and had no responses, and since the cat's appearance was so sudden, my theory is that someone had too many kittens and dropped it off in the neighborhood in hopes it would find a good home. We have kept it outside but are feeding it. It is sweet with the kids and is not at all intimidated by our 80 pound lab. :lol: It does things like hang on the screens when our windows are open in hopes we will let it in. Does this mean it is psycho? (more psycho than the average cat?)

Five days later, my mom (whose cat died last year) has decided she wants to take the cat. Hubby and I are on the fence about whether to keep it at our house but the kids are very attached already. We pretty much feel that if we take it we will make it an indoor cat and have its front claws removed.(We have two small boys plus a baby and I really don't want to worry about the kids getting scratched.) I have read mixed things about declawing but note that many of the websites against declawing are selling a scratching post or something. :idontno:

If my mom takes it, that would mean less chaos at our house but the kids will almost never see it. My mom disapproves of declawing ... it seems like she wants to "rescue" it from us. The way I see it, we are the ones who rescued the cat in the first place. If she had decided on Thursday that she wanted it it would have been one thing, but now the kids are in love with it. :bang:

What should I do?

P.S. Hubby wants to name it Toonces. :floor: It looks like Toonces.

Replies

36
Ocean Lover avatar
bean
#2
I like the name.:lol: I don't have any experience in the kitty area. We're all allergic with the exception of Mr OL. I think all cats are kinda weird (not in a bad way) and have very unique personalities. I think if you want the cat you should go ahead and let him inside. Your mom can always find another. Do you have any close friends or family that are allergic to cats? My kids can't spend the night at anyone's house that has a cat or spend too much time there. Just something to think about.

You never know...this cat could be as talented as Nora. <<<<Click
picky
#3
I love cats. We've always had one and luckily, every single last one of them had lots of "dog" in them. (that's good)

About keeping the cat inside: yes, and keep him inside. It's safer for cats to be inside, and most vets recommend it now. And you are right about following your gut feeling about declawing Toonces. None of us likes the idea of declawing. I hated the idea of it so much that I refused to get any of our cats declawed, and now I am paying the piper. All our persian rugs (the real thing, not machine-made reproductions) are ruined because Daisy and her predecessors have clawed the living daylights out of them. The sofa and upholstered chairs have had the stuffing clawed out of them right down to the wood framing. Fortunately for us we have always loved the cats more than the things they've ruined, but I realize ours is probably a minority sentiment. ;-)

I know lots of cats who are darling, sweet, affectionate things...and they've been declawed at an early age. So I have to conclude that the procedure doesn't have lasting or detrimental effects on their personalities. But, if you're going to do it, do it fast!

When we first married, we got two little kittens and they were our baby substitutes. Then we had our own babies, and we never had an ounce of trouble. Kids and cats adapted beautifully and fell in love with each other. You're lucky Toonces found you. :razz:
TooFarTampa avatar
SoWal InsiderAuthor
#4
I like the name.:lol: I don't have any experience in the kitty area. We're all allergic with the exception of Mr OL. I think all cats are kinda weird (not in a bad way) and have very unique personalities. I think if you want the cat you should go ahead and let him inside. Your mom can always find another. Do you have any close friends or family that are allergic to cats? My kids can't spend the night at anyone's house that has a cat or spend too much time there. Just something to think about.

You never know...this cat could be as talented as Nora. <<<<Click

Love that link OL! :clap_1: :clap_1: :blink: Nora is more talented than the original Toonces ... he could drive a car, "but not very well.":floor:

You brought up an excellent point. I don't think any of the kids are allergic but I know lots of people are. Our good friends who came over the other day are allergic, so they couldn't probably come over anymore. I had a lead on a babysitter last week but she can't come to a house with cats. My brother in law doesn't visit often but he is allergic ... hmm, maybe it would convince them to get a hotel room. :floor:
beachmouse avatar
Beach Fanatic
#5
I'm in the camp that you should only declaw if the cat is destructively clawing in such a way that people or property are significantly getting damaged. Not good for the cat, and some cats can get bite-agressive if they're the sort to freak out over the lack of claws.

Of my two cats, one's a lump of fur that's never gotten aggressive enough to whomp anything or anyone in his life save when he's playing with the other cat. The other one is very careful to keep claws in when he has slap fights with Mr. Mouse. (And the cat's idea of starting up a slap fight is to sit on the ottoman and meow loudly until my husband gets up and walks over to the library to play with him) Both of them are pretty good about restricting their clawing to the scratching post. It also helps to keep their claws trimmed enough to be blunt so if they are scratching something they shouldn't, it's not as sharp.

As for allergies and sensitivities that aren't quite allergies, best things to do are to vaccuum regularly, and to keep the beasties out of the bedrooms.
TooFarTampa avatar
SoWal InsiderAuthor
#6
I love cats. We've always had one and luckily, every single last one of them had lots of "dog" in them. (that's good)

About keeping the cat inside: yes, and keep him inside. It's safer for cats to be inside, and most vets recommend it now. And you are right about following your gut feeling about declawing Toonces. None of us likes the idea of declawing. I hated the idea of it so much that I refused to get any of our cats declawed, and now I am paying the piper. All our persian rugs (the real thing, not machine-made reproductions) are ruined because Daisy and her predecessors have clawed the living daylights out of them. The sofa and upholstered chairs have had the stuffing clawed out of them right down to the wood framing. Fortunately for us we have always loved the cats more than the things they've ruined, but I realize ours is probably a minority sentiment. ;-)

I know lots of cats who are darling, sweet, affectionate things...and they've been declawed at an early age. So I have to conclude that the procedure doesn't have lasting or detrimental effects on their personalities. But, if you're going to do it, do it fast!

When we first married, we got two little kittens and they were our baby substitutes. Then we had our own babies, and we never had an ounce of trouble. Kids and cats adapted beautifully and fell in love with each other. You're lucky Toonces found you. :razz:

My MIL always had her cats declawed, but when I asked whether it was because of her five kids, she said no, it was because of the furniture. As I have never had cats I don't really know much about this phenomenon ... you have described it exceedingly well. :blink:

Maybe we could take it inside and wait to see if it has major issues in that department. I feel like I have a lot of things going on and don't want to make myself crazy, so I guess my mom could be ready to take over if need be. This is such a hard decision. :bang:
TooFarTampa avatar
SoWal InsiderAuthor
#7
I'm in the camp that you should only declaw if the cat is destructively clawing in such a way that people or property are significantly getting damaged. Not good for the cat, and some cats can get bite-agressive if they're the sort to freak out over the lack of claws.

Of my two cats, one's a lump of fur that's never gotten aggressive enough to whomp anything or anyone in his life save when he's playing with the other cat. The other one is very careful to keep claws in when he has slap fights with Mr. Mouse. (And the cat's idea of starting up a slap fight is to sit on the ottoman and meow loudly until my husband gets up and walks over to the library to play with him) Both of them are pretty good about restricting their clawing to the scratching post. It also helps to keep their claws trimmed enough to be blunt so if they are scratching something they shouldn't, it's not as sharp.

As for allergies and sensitivities that aren't quite allergies, best things to do are to vaccuum regularly, and to keep the beasties out of the bedrooms.

More wise words from the Beachmouse, thanks. I have a feeling the cat will be sleeping with the boys. The cat loves the boys. We don't have much carpet (only area rugs) and could be easily convinced to give up the carpet in the family room. That would probably help.
picky
#8
My MIL always had her cats declawed, but when I asked whether it was because of her five kids, she said no, it was because of the furniture. As I have never had cats I don't really know much about this phenomenon ... you have described it exceedingly well. :blink:

Maybe we could take it inside and wait to see if it has major issues in that department. I feel like I have a lot of things going on and don't want to make myself crazy, so I guess my mom could be ready to take over if need be. This is such a hard decision. :bang:

TTF, since you already have a dog, you already have a vet, so why don't you call and discuss this? They're there to help and they have a wealth of information and advice.
Camp Creek Kid avatar
Christini Zambini
#9
If you declaw, you can never let the cat outside because it will have no defense. We adopted two "stray" cats. One was definitely a feral kitten (born to a feral mother so the kitten had no human interaction), but she warmed up to us. The other was like "your" cat--loved people, came into our home and adopted us.

Since you have kids, the first thing you need to do it take the cat to the vet and have it tested for feline leukemia. This is very important since there is a theory that feline leukemia can be transmitted to humans. However, don't be afraid to be around the cat now while you're waiting to get it tested. Also, get it on Revolution or another flea medicine and get it dewomed, if needed. If the cat is healthy, bring it into your home and see how it goes with the scratching. Every cat is different--our more tame cat did not scratch at all, the more feral cat did scratch the furniture (but she didn't stay indoors much). We had no problems with either cat being aggressive toward our kids--even our overly attentive toddler. Most vets will not recommend declawing and some will no longer do the surgery because they literally have to cut off toe to the first knuckle. You'll also want to get the cat neutered because mature male cats spray and it is nasty. Not something you'd want to happen in your house.

We really enjoyed our cats (but no longer have them probably due to coyotes) and miss them a lot. I also had never had a cat before ours found us. They are different from dogs, but they are fun to have.
SoWal Insider
#10
I have had cats all my life and until my dogs, John (may he rest in peace :wub:) and Rudy, I didn't even know how to train a dog since I had only had cats!!

My first advice would be if you are going to have any of the paws declawed, especially the front, do not ever let it outside. It would be completely defenseless, except to find a parked (hopefully) car to run under and hide.

If your children have been holding the cat, it would be pretty apparent pretty fast if they are allergic.

And when our son was born, our cats were wonderful with him. Very loving; never jealous.

And also like Mermaid said, all of our cats have had very dog-like personalities. Even fetching small balls! Cats are lots of funn! If my son had not developed allergies after moving north, we would still have a few cats around. We honestly think that living in the same area as you TFT, the humidity helped keep the dander at bay, so to speak.

I always found that when cats live outdoors, they get into too much trouble or worse, mamed or killed.

And regarding the declawing, ask your vet. I'm betting they will try to talk you out of it. The scratching posts really seem to work!!

Good luck! :wub:

Edited

Mango avatar
SoWal Insider
#11
That's how we wound up with 2 cats. They found us.

CCK gave sound excellent advice.
Also, in addition to the Feline Leukemia test, have your vet do a test for Bartonella (cat scratch fever) The cat can be treated for it.

Many moons ago when I first got a cat, I had it declawed. I didn't know anything about cats since I grew up with dogs (and numerous other animals I won't name :lol: ) I have to say I never felt more horrible after the cat came home. I hurt just looking at his paws.

It sounds like the cat is a bit young for spraying yet, but my male cat did it when he first hung came around my house 12 yrs. ago and sprayed outdoor plants. He stopped after neutering fortunately.
You may want to have the cat neutered.

My cats do their business outside and come right back, especially the male. Male cats hunt for funn mainly, vs. female who hunt for their young in the wild.
I prefer male cats, but I wound up with a girlie girl with an attitude and only likes us. :roll:
My male is a big fat lap baby who looks like Morris, and likes to play ping pong and chat with company. ;-)
beachmouse avatar
Beach Fanatic
#12
Many vets will fix cats at 5-7 months of age since the some females will go into heat that young when their bodies haven't grown enough to really handle having kittens. The junior cat actually had already been fixed when we brought him home at 12 weeks.

And while declawed cats will have a disadvantage when it comes to defending themselves, some of them do learn how to compensate very well. My parents' Fern had been declawed young, but was still bringing down full grown bunnies that strayed into our backyard when she was 15 years old.
audie avatar
fartblossom
#13
i have had many cats - all of them were declawed, and after the bandages were removed, they never even noticed. they just didn't like trying to walk on the bandages. they could still climb trees without front claws, and certainly knew how to scratch and defend themselves with their back claws. they were also all spayed and or neutered with no problems either. we most often let the cats out to do their business because my pop hates the sight and smell of a litterbox. my cat fluffy who was 21 - yes 21 died when i was 19 and she had never had her shots or been to the vet after she was declawed by her first owners. she also lived on a steady diet of birds, chipmunks, and anything else that wasn't faster than her.
Mango avatar
SoWal Insider
#14
I wish I had a picture of my declawed cat up a tree and a deer looking up at him like he was nutz. (he never saw a deer before) and he used to knock at the door.
Then he lost a front tooth, and only had one fang, but still caught chipmunks and left them at my front door with a hole punch.
He was the declawed, toothless, neutered wonder.:funn:
I miss that grouchy cat.
SoWal Insider
#15
On the weekends we would keep the cats out of our bedroom because we wanted to sleep later. They were always so pesky and stomped all over our heads. I mean, they already had food in their bowls!! They just wanted us up. But the female would get so aggitated when we wouldn't let her in, that she would get a running start and plow into the door, making a horrible banging sound! She sounded like she was human! We would scream at her but she never gave it up. We always envisioned her lowering her shoulder and ramming it into the door! :floor:
Jdarg avatar
SoWal Expert
#16
Please name the new cat Toonces- we had a much loved Toonces.:wub: He is now in kitty heaven, wearing his little kitty Tooncinator and Toonces Without a Cause leather jacket, and driving his car.:lol:
Allifunn avatar
FunnChef - AlisonCooks.com
#17
one of these can be very helpful...it is made of cardboard...and cats love it...it was a life saver in my home with the 2 cats my kids got about 3 years ago.
picky
#18
Please name the new cat Toonces- we had a much loved Toonces.:wub: He is now in kitty heaven, wearing his little kitty Tooncinator and Toonces Without a Cause leather jacket, and driving his car.:lol:

And was he a good driver? :biggrin:
TooFarTampa avatar
SoWal InsiderAuthor
#19
Please name the new cat Toonces- we had a much loved Toonces.:wub: He is now in kitty heaven, wearing his little kitty Tooncinator and Toonces Without a Cause leather jacket, and driving his car.:lol:

:clap_1: :clap_1: Jdarg I read your posts and sometimes I think we are so much alike. My 7 year old asked after I picked him up from school today: "Mom, can we watch the Tooncinator again when we get home?" (YouTube is the greatest!) Sorry about your Toonces though. I'm sure you miss him.

This has been a really helpful thread. Mermy, I had intended to ask the vet all these questions, but sometimes it just helps to gather various responses and experiences. That's what these boards are all about!

I think we have made a decision. Hubby and I talked tonight and think it might be better if The Cat We Want To Name Toonces goes home with my mom. While I have loved all of these stories, I also have a better idea about not just the level of commitment but sometimes the training you have to do. Cats aren't quite puppies, but some of them seem like they a lot of work.

While we are very fond of the cat, I am a bit intimidated by its sheer force of will (it seems to like being in the driver's seat :floor: ) and I am starting to feel like I don't have the ability at this time to give it all the attention it might need. Even my oldest is not ready to take on too much of the responsibility for it. I think my mom would be a better cat parent for it right now, and it would make her feel good to have something to take care of. Besides her grandchildren that is. :biggrin:

And I have to admit, JR's story about the cat that tried to barge in the bedroom gave me paws, I mean pause. It sounds hilarious until it starts happening to you at 6 a.m. I don't get enough sleep as it is.

Yep, I'm a fraidy cat. :blush: But at least it will have a good home. And its claws.
TooFarTampa avatar
SoWal InsiderAuthor
#20
one of these can be very helpful...it is made of cardboard...and cats love it...it was a life saver in my home with the 2 cats my kids got about 3 years ago.

And what the heck is it?:idontno:
picky
#21
And what the heck is it?:idontno:

It's a scratching post! :lol:
Jdarg avatar
SoWal Expert
#22
We currently have 2 cats- George, who is about 300 in cat years (and looks it), and Troubles, who is about 10 to 12 (he found us, so exact age is unknown).

Troubles showed up without claws- somebody dumped him on our street. We tried our best to keep him in the house full time. He would meow and yowl all night, but we remained firm. Then he started yowling outside of Will's room at 3 am and would wake him up- knowing that I would toss him outside out of sheer frustration. He is a smart cat.

When we moved here, I thought it would be a great opportunity to try and make him an indoor cat. He lasted indoors about 2 days before he started his "method" again. Fortunately, he seems to have carved out a small territory for himself here, and it is mostly napping in the pine straw outside the front door, or napping in the pine straw in the fenced back yard.

I love my cats, but I am over the litter boxes. I am also over trimming old George's claws.

Sounds like Toonces is going to a good home!
TooFarTampa avatar
SoWal InsiderAuthor
#23
It's a scratching post! :lol:

I told you! I know nothing about cats. :funn:
TooFarTampa avatar
SoWal InsiderAuthor
#24
We currently have 2 cats- George, who is about 300 in cat years (and looks it), and Troubles, who is about 10 to 12 (he found us, so exact age is unknown).

Troubles showed up without claws- somebody dumped him on our street. We tried our best to keep him in the house full time. He would meow and yowl all night, but we remained firm. Then he started yowling outside of Will's room at 3 am and would wake him up- knowing that I would toss him outside out of sheer frustration. He is a smart cat.

When we moved here, I thought it would be a great opportunity to try and make him an indoor cat. He lasted indoors about 2 days before he started his "method" again. Fortunately, he seems to have carved out a small territory for himself here, and it is mostly napping in the pine straw outside the front door, or napping in the pine straw in the fenced back yard.

I love my cats, but I am over the litter boxes. I am also over trimming old George's claws.

Sounds like Toonces is going to a good home!

Hmmm ... cats seem very quirky. We must like our pets predictable, since we have only had a lab and a golden retriever. :roll:

I will let you know whether my mom keeps the name Toonces. Somehow I doubt it. :floor:
picky
#25
I told you! I know nothing about cats. :funn:

But I know you'll be a quick learner! Here is a scene that has been repeated nightly for over a dozen years in our house, this one taken five minutes ago.

Edited

Beach Comber
#26
We have a Seaside stray cat that we adopted, and ("Clawed" - yes, that's his name) was de-clawed. We wish we had never done it. He was a terror (especially to the furniture) when he was a kitten, but he is so calm now. He holds one paw up (like he's limping) almost all the time now, and he was de-clawed well over two years ago. We have another adopted cat now, too, whom we did not de-claw. He is always the agressive towards Clawed, and we are always protecting Clawed. I don't think he's mean, just trying to play. The new kitty is almost a year now, so we hope he settles down soon! He is a sweet kitty, but he must know he has an advantage over our de-clawed Clawed.

If it is at all possible, it's wise to leave mother nature alone

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