Is this really a cultural difference?

[Marilyn. 340]

where I work they have 2 cats and they have their own little kitty door and go in and out as they please...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Oh honey I am so very sorry for your loss, I know what it feels like..my Tosh (dog) died a few years back and I have still not got over it

My heart really goes out to you honey, sending you tons of loves and hugz, just remember muffin had a great life and a great mom and was loved

((((((Nich-Nick))))))))

She had a good life and she was loved.

Thanks guys! It's always hard to say goodbye to a friend that's been part of your daily life since 1995. She adopted Nick immediately so he was partial to her. My other cat is a Momma's boy and won't befriend Nick. He's getting better. At first he refused to even turn his head when Nick called his name. I think it's an alpha-male thing and he doesn't want Nick here in his house.

[villaspurs 65]

I have two beloved cats. The older one, Paka, is 8, fat, snaggletoothed, crosseyed, and, unfortunately, declawed. When I got him as a kitten in Louisiana, I took him to the vet to be spayed (neutered? I can't remember which is for the fellas). Anyway, the vet told me that it was standard practice to declaw at the same time. I didn't know any better, so I went with it--now, I regret it, but what's done is done.

My second cat, Lucky, is 2, normal sized, and a lovely black color. She's still fully in possession of her claws (and she's not afraid to use them).

Sadly, my new English husband is horribly allergic to them, so I have to find them new homes. This is, as you can imagine, devastating, but his reaction is truly awful (he's now on steroids and an inhaler, has to wear a mask in our house, and stays in the bedroom so he can avoid the dander/hair/saliva as much as possible). What's interesting is the only other time he's had this bad of a reaction is when he house-sat in Glasgow for a friend with indoor-only cats.

After talking with some other English immigrants, we are now thinking that the indoor-only approach to cats is what makes his allergies flare up so severely. When cats are allowed outside, he can deal. Of course, our current situation is too bad to wait until spring to test this theory (my cats have no interest in experimenting with the two feet of snow currently outside my house), but it's something to think about.

[Perseverance 1]

I have had our kitty for 9 years. He goes in and out as he pleases. I have moved him from different states and many houses, from the country to the city and he is just fine. He is a huge monster of a kitty so nothing messes with him he is way bigger than our dogs who are chihuahuas. He also prefers to use the potty outside, he will use a box if he cant get outside to go...or if it is too snowy. During the holidays I started hanging a bell on the door knob for decoration. That crazy kitty will ring that bell for someone to come let him out. He is amazing.

I did have him neutered, I just think that is the responsible thing to do.

I think it depends on how savy your kitty is...if your kitty is used to being outdoors it will probably be fine.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

Your cat may be spoiled but is it allowed on the bed yet hahahahahaha

Actually, YES, si man!

[Stinky Monkey 1]

Your cat may be spoiled but is it allowed on the bed yet hahahahahaha

Actually, YES, si man!

yay way to go T bone so happy for you

[Cuchita 1]

All I have to say is thank you animal lovers for keeping the company I work at still in business! . Thanks to you I am able to bring my SO to this country. (So far).

God bless you.

[♥Stiggy♥ 0]

In my county here n Canada, if you let ur cat outside, you get a $200 fine from the SPCA

[Mags 112]

I have two beloved cats. The older one, Paka, is 8, fat, snaggletoothed, crosseyed, and, unfortunately, declawed. When I got him as a kitten in Louisiana, I took him to the vet to be spayed (neutered? I can't remember which is for the fellas). Anyway, the vet told me that it was standard practice to declaw at the same time. I didn't know any better, so I went with it--now, I regret it, but what's done is done.

My second cat, Lucky, is 2, normal sized, and a lovely black color. She's still fully in possession of her claws (and she's not afraid to use them).

Sadly, my new English husband is horribly allergic to them, so I have to find them new homes. This is, as you can imagine, devastating, but his reaction is truly awful (he's now on steroids and an inhaler, has to wear a mask in our house, and stays in the bedroom so he can avoid the dander/hair/saliva as much as possible). What's interesting is the only other time he's had this bad of a reaction is when he house-sat in Glasgow for a friend with indoor-only cats.

After talking with some other English immigrants, we are now thinking that the indoor-only approach to cats is what makes his allergies flare up so severely. When cats are allowed outside, he can deal. Of course, our current situation is too bad to wait until spring to test this theory (my cats have no interest in experimenting with the two feet of snow currently outside my house), but it's something to think about.

Try to find them homes with people you know. I've volunteered in shelters (especially the Humane Society) so know that cats given up for surrender at the age of 5 and above have real trouble getting rehomed. They end up getting euthanized or sicken and die in their cage. Many will tell you that they are no-kill too - but they aren't. They will still euthanize sick, old (8 years old and above) and hard to rehome animals.

Black cats are also the hardest colour to find homes for in the States.

The cats I help out now are lucky, they are in a private no-kill shelter and have the freedom to run around a huge warehouse that we have for them.

The majority of other surrendered animals don't get that lucky.

Edited February 1, 2009 by Magenta