Feline Friends

[Alex+R 0]

I'm a dyed in the wool dog person, but I don't believe dogs belong in apartment living unless you also have a LOT of time to take them out/money to have someone else take them out. So I've decided to try a cat.

I went to the local shelter today and "test drove" a few very sweet cats.

Any advice on what to look for in a cat? On considering having a cat? On what it's like to adopt your first cat?

So far I have discovered some interesting stuff, like it's a bit irritating when the cat has claws, but it's ultimately cruel to declaw a cat. Hm, so much to learn.

Also Rey says he's on the fence about getting a cat--any way to convince him to love the cats?

[eap620 0]

I like cats and dogs but I think you are so right to not put a dog in an apt. I've always had apartments until recently and that's the reason that I've had cats myself. They are so great!

In regards to the claws - it is cruel to have them declawed so I'm very thankful that you aren't planning on doing that. There are some options. One, they make these fake little kitty nails that are plastic and you lay them over their real nails. They can't scratch anything up with these things on. Personally, I have never used them and I've heard negative and positive feedback. I think it depends on how your cat deals with them. They actually make them in different colors as well so your kitty can have hot pink or bright blue nails if you wanna

Second, you can buy a product that is sold in pet stores that you can spray on furniture or other things that you don't want to be scratched. Something with the scent (I think) repels them from messing with this spot. Third, buy something for them to scratch on. It is a natural action for a cat to scratch. Their claws shed and they have to sharpen them (so beware ). They aren't trying to ruin your stuff...I promise. I've noticed that cats like to scratch things with a rougher surface so I don't personally recommend the scratching post that use regular carpet. They make some things that use a harder tweed like material that kitties seem to love.

I also think it's nice to have 2 cats instead of one. I know that cats are independent and some really like being the only one but if you get a kitten then it might be best to get two.

Good luck! If you have any questions, let me know. I grew up in a vet. hospital my entire life.

[Alex+R 0]

Thanks! I am actually considering either an adult cat or a senior adult cat. On a few of the cats' slips in the shelter it said "best if only cat" but some had no experience living alone. How do you choose a cat who is best as the only cat?

Also, uh, can cats love you back? I always thought they couldn't... they seemed so lovable today though!

eta: I saw those different scratching posts and I'll get a tougher one. They were only like $25. Thanks

Edited March 6, 2007 by Alex+R

[eap620 0]

Cats have their moods but most of them do love you back. In fact I have a very sweet one purring on my lap at this moment. Thank goodness he's tired because they can actually get very annoying when you are trying to type and they want to stand right in front of your computer screen and walk all over your keyboard because they think they are the most important creature to grace Mother Earth!

Anyway...good for you to adopt an older cat. If picking out a cat that is used to be alone, get the one that reacts the best to you. Don't get the snob. One thing about a cat that likes to be the only one...they really think they are the only "one" around. They tend to have a bit more attitude and are less patient when it comes to what they want. I'm not saying they are all like this though. So, go around and see which ones will come up to you easily and which ones want to rub on your hands and enjoy a nice scratch from you. Cats are really nice companions but also know how to deal with being alone so it can be very ideal. All of my cats are very loving and very sweet. I hope you have luck in finding the same in yours.

[Fandango 1,439]

Well as a new sorta cat mommy, I can say that all the stereotypes about cats seem to be true.

Mimi's great, but she's no dog...lol goes without saying, but as a certified 'dog' person, it was odd to get used to a cat. She is very lovable and will jump on my lap when she can be bothered, but they're quite aloof, very princessy it's-my-way-or-the-highway types. Dave says the cat's like me,

The thing I have a problem with is the shedding. It's like ICK. And it gets all over the place. I have a lint brush handy anytime she jumps on me. As she's an outdoor cat, I don't have any worries about the house, but if I were bringing her inside, I'd be grossed out a bit.

But cats are also awesome in the respect that they're very self-sufficient, and they are lovable, just in their own way.

Sorry I don't have more advice, but I'm such a cat noob, lol

Edited March 6, 2007 by LisaD

[marcycat 0]

Thanks! I am actually considering either an adult cat or a senior adult cat. On a few of the cats' slips in the shelter it said "best if only cat" but some had no experience living alone. How do you choose a cat who is best as the only cat?

Also, uh, can cats love you back? I always thought they couldn't... they seemed so lovable today though!

eta: I saw those different scratching posts and I'll get a tougher one. They were only like $25. Thanks

Yes, cats can totally love you back. They also have personalities - some are more lovey, some crabby, some are literally scaredy-cats, some have no fear.

I find 2 things helpful for the scratching problem: trim their nails (you can buy a little trimmer for about $6.) They don't like it, but most will tolerate it. One of mine fights me when I do it - I can usually only get 2 or 3 at a time. Also, the most successful scratching objects I've ever found are sisal-type doormats. They've never used scratching posts or anything that I've bought that was specifically designed for scratching. But doormats are great!

Have fun!

[de_sjiem 0]

Another thing you can do with a cat's claws is clip them.. You can buy cat claw clippers at a pet store and just clip the sharp part of the cat's claws off (You could probably ask at the shelter.. they might be able to show you how).. and that will help with some of the claw problems.. And yes.. cats definately can love you back... some more so than others but they all love in their own way..

[mawilson 2,133]

I'm a dyed in the wool dog person, but I don't believe dogs belong in apartment living unless you also have a LOT of time to take them out/money to have someone else take them out. So I've decided to try a cat.

Yay!!!!

[GaryC 7]

As one who has had dozens of cats over the years my advice is this. Get a younger cat. Not a kitten unless you have a lot of tolerance for a crazy kitten tearing up the place.

Let the cat pick you. If he/she is shy and stand-offish then go on to the next one.

Hold the cat on your lap and see how long it takes before he gets fidgety. The longer the better.

Please don't get him declawed. That is really amputating the toes at the last knuckle. Very cruel.

Do get him/her fixed. In that regard I always liked males after they are fixed. They tend to be more laid back.

Enjoy!

[Nagishkaw 510]

Adopting an older cat can be as much joy to you as a younger cat. Keep in mind that there are millions of older cats, who once someone's beloved pet who knew love and was cared for, but for whatever reason they found themselves in shelters where their chances of adoption are not as great. Everyone wants a kitten , but the older pet is a blessing. Usually the older cat is already spayed/ neutered and may even be declawed ( yes, it's cruel to declaw ) , and has previously been vaccinated . Consider adopting two. Animals like to be with their own kind, just like us humans and every other species.

[Mags 112]

I have always gotten my cats from the Cats Protection (a cat charity in the UK). I have NEVER chosen a cat myself. They have always just chosen me. It's a funny thing, I can't describe it. I've just seen *the* cat and known.

Thankyou for deciding not getting your cat declawed. I can't believe that is legal over here, it's really sad. It's illegal in the whole of Europe btw. If you had decided to have your cat declawed, I'm afraid to admit, I'd become "preachy cat woman" and never give you a moments peace....

[Flames9_RN 358]

Lots of good advice above. My family has always had cats/dogs. Each cat has it's own personality. Some are extremley lovey --love to cuddle, cat kisses, etc) While others are a bit more stand offish. We have Siberians, only because my wife is allergice to "regular" cats, otherwise we would have adopted from a rescue organization. Some rescue organixations state one must adopt 2 cats, if they are kittens!! Guess they figure better company for the two.

Kittens can be funny as hell, but they can cause a bit more problems than say an older cat, as they want to explore everything. For the most part an older cat wil explore evey inch of your house as well. Can be difficult picking a cat at a rescue, good advice on letting the cat pick you, they sort of claim their owners,lol Our oldest Siberian is around 16 months of age, while our youngest is around 10 weeks. They play and play, as well our dog loves to play with the kitten

I highly recommend a vet visit soon after you adopt. My wifes aunt adopted 2 kittens from a rescue, and they were given a clean bil of health by the rescue vet, but wasn't the case. I forget the disease they had, but her bills came close to $2000.00!! The cats had to be treated, then her place had to be fumicated! But thats a very rare case. If it matters, it costs more $$ to get a female spayed than a male neutered. Depending where you live, one can find reduced spaying/neutering programs, soem you just have to leave a donation. And I have found male cats to be more lovey than females. Our female isnt that lovey, but our male kitten is super lovey. Loves to sleep by our heads at night, loves to give kisses and snuggle up onthe couch for a nap with me. Best of luck on adopting a 4 legged furry human, he/she wil bring so much love into ur life. And yes older cats are less likely to be adopted than kittens, so your doing him/her a huge favor. Best of luck

[wherezdabearz 0]

One thing to bear in mind is that 'Best if Only Cat' just means that this cat doesn't really like being with other cats. It doesn't mean that the ones who don't have this label wouldn't be great as the only cat in the house. I'd go for one of the others as I think they're likely to be more sociable in general.

I've always gone for older cats from the shelter because they're harder to find homes for. It's also easier to get an idea of their personality than with a kitten.

[sereia 0]

As one who has had dozens of cats over the years my advice is this. Get a younger cat. Not a kitten unless you have a lot of tolerance for a crazy kitten tearing up the place.

Let the cat pick you. If he/she is shy and stand-offish then go on to the next one.

Hold the cat on your lap and see how long it takes before he gets fidgety. The longer the better.

Please don't get him declawed. That is really amputating the toes at the last knuckle. Very cruel.

Do get him/her fixed. In that regard I always liked males after they are fixed. They tend to be more laid back.

Enjoy!

Totally agree! It is sooooo important to let the cat pick you. Go up to each cage (or whatever they are kept in) and see if it runs up to you, interested in you. DO NOT pick one who is afraid and runs away. I can't emphasize that enough. You want one that seems outgoing, curious, and playful...

I feel really bad to admit I had my cats declawed. I was a teenager and I didn't really realize how bad it was until I got a job as a vet tech during college and helped assist those surgeries myself. And cried. Its so terrible....I will never do it to another kitty again! Definitely trim their nails.

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

I'm a dyed in the wool dog person, but I don't believe dogs belong in apartment living unless you also have a LOT of time to take them out/money to have someone else take them out. So I've decided to try a cat.

Yay!!!!

alex is getting a cat, i'm waiting for rey to join the nra and get a gun.

alex, lots of good advice up there on cats. on the cat tree, get one that does not rock as most cats i've had will not use one that moves. the one i have for mine and nessa's cat is made out of rope, it's lasted 10 years now.

some links for cat trees are as follows:

link1

link2

and yes, cats can be loveable. i personally like the maine ####### breed as they are gentle. you might like a different breed due to hair length and so on.

best wishes with this and post some pics of the lucky kitty.