Feline Friends

[Alex+R 0]

Actually, at the shelter there were a fair amount of cats who had been declawed by their previous owners. Nobody should declaw a cat in this day and age; at least adopt one who was already unfortunate to have had it done to them earlier in life. (just my 2 cents)

[derekkj 0]

What exactly is a cat tree? Fulfills cats' need to climb high? Do they make tree/scratching material combos?

Charles, thanks, the lady at the shelter told me cats did not require training like dogs, but it sounds like a bit of instruction can get a cat better set up. Actually there was a lot she didn't tell me, hmmm

Yes, cats need "training" and Charles' advice is good, especially about the litter box. Cats can be taught not to claw things, it just takes time and patience. Actually we had a cat that we trained to sit and stay. But when I tried to get Jenny to do the same, she just laughed so I think it depends a lot on the cat

I am sure there are good cat training books out there if you need specific advice.

Edited March 6, 2007 by derekkj

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

What exactly is a cat tree? Fulfills cats' need to climb high? Do they make tree/scratching material combos?

Charles, thanks, the lady at the shelter told me cats did not require training like dogs, but it sounds like a bit of instruction can get a cat better set up. Actually there was a lot she didn't tell me, hmmm

check out the links i posted earlier and the one someone posted afterward. a cat tree is usually a place for them to scratch, but also includes places for them to lie on, hide in, and so on. tree and scratching material combos are on those previously listed sites.

Science Digest made her puke, but obviously all cats are different.

that gave me a good chuckle

[Lou Lou 1]

but she also attempts to eat hummingbirds.

i want to see the video of that. it sounds like trying to nail jelly to the ceiling

She bats them down, and THEN tries to eat them. She's also a big fan of dragonflies and moths. Even for a mature lady, she's got a mean right hander.

[Mags 112]

Maybe I shouldn't mention it but my cat is declawed. He is 100% indoors so he doesn't need them for defense. The only time he goes out is if he's going to the vet and he's in a carrier then. I've had cats both ways and with just fronts removed and I will not own a cat with claws again. I've had too many things destroyed and received too many wicked scratches while playing with them. Call me cruel but the way I see it the cat is better off getting a declaw surgery than getting put down.

Yes, you are cruel and selfish. There is no need for your things to be destroyed. I have 'cat-proofed' the whole house to stop scratching. Sellotape on the sofa works. If she lifts a paw, she gets picked up and put outside for 30 seconds. She now doesn't do it, and just lifts her paw but remembers how cold it is outside.

You will not own a cat with claws again? Well, don't get one. Chop off half of your fingers for the rest of your life, and see how that feels. Oh, but at least your house will look priddy.

Well said Lou.

Actually, at the shelter there were a fair amount of cats who had been declawed by their previous owners. Nobody should declaw a cat in this day and age; at least adopt one who was already unfortunate to have had it done to them earlier in life. (just my 2 cents)

Oh yes, don't not adopt a cat BECAUSE it has been declawed, I just wish that this country would ban any further occurrences of this barbaric practice.

[Flames9_RN 358]

http://www.armarkat.com/index.htm

Cat trees and something to scratch is a must! maybe not a cat tree, but somethign they can scratch is!! Otherwise they will use your furniture!! At first to stop this scratching at ur furniture use a normal spray bottle with water!! They catch on pretty fast!!

I'm not a big fan of declawing, but for some cats its a last resort, so be it. And they are coming out with kinder surgeries, but of course it is $$$$$$. many Pet rescues and breeders stae in their contracts it is illegal to do so. As wel you can buy what is called "soft paws" that clue on the cats claws!! Better yet to just keep them short!!

As you can see you ask 10 people about food, u get 10 different answers!! Science Diet is ok, but not conisdered by soem a high end food. I guess the question is does an animal really require a super high end food!! Most likely not, but for sure the lower end food isn't good for them, and most likely cause problems, thus more trips to the vet! cheers

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

but she also attempts to eat hummingbirds.

i want to see the video of that. it sounds like trying to nail jelly to the ceiling

She bats them down, and THEN tries to eat them. She's also a big fan of dragonflies and moths. Even for a mature lady, she's got a mean right hander.

sounds like it. i'm surprised a cat can actually bat one of them out of the air, they are so quick.

[Lou Lou 1]

She honestly does -- it's amazing. At dawn, the birds are around on the lower ground after flowers that were stupidly planted by my neighbor (the cat's previous owner). That is her prime hunting time and she caught 5 last summer, which was pretty much the popualtion that returned to this part of town. I've found the hummingbirds to be quick, but not very scared of danger. They will use feeders that are extrememly close to you and not be worried.

[mawilson 2,133]

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

Rey + cat + gun?

In the same room?

[Robor007 0]

By the way, do you also consider circumcision cruel and inhumane?

Of cats? I didn't realize vets did that. If you are talking about humans, however, that has no relevance.

Most people who are "pro" declawing use the old "they would have been put down" squeal. *yawns*

It is illegal in the majority of the world for a reason y'know.

Nice try but it does have relevance. It's a surgery that some consider unnecessary and others don't. Are you against spaying and neutering also?

If said shelter puts down cats - and the one I adopted from does - then if I didn't adopt a cat from them it would have been one more killed. It's not a 'squeal', it's simple logic.

It is not illegal in the US and it is not illegal in 'the majority of the world' either.

[mawilson 2,133]

What exactly is a cat tree?

Ask LisaD

[Robor007 0]

Yes, you are cruel and selfish. There is no need for your things to be destroyed. I have 'cat-proofed' the whole house to stop scratching. Sellotape on the sofa works. If she lifts a paw, she gets picked up and put outside for 30 seconds. She now doesn't do it, and just lifts her paw but remembers how cold it is outside.

You will not own a cat with claws again? Well, don't get one. Chop off half of your fingers for the rest of your life, and see how that feels. Oh, but at least your house will look priddy.

It's impossible to cat proof an entire house, especially considering I'm away from the house for a minimum of 10 hours per day M-F and often on the weekends.

My cat doesn't go outside - ever. IMO cats that are pets do not belong outside simply because it's just an invite for them to get sick, fleas, or worse yet, killed.

Yes, another 'don't own a cat you cruel #######' message. I guess you'd sooner see a cat get the needle than be declawed.

[Mags 112]

Nice try but it does have relevance. It's a surgery that some consider unnecessary and others don't. Are you against spaying and neutering also?

We are talking about cats, not humans, therefore it doesn't have ANY relevance.

Spaying and neutering is also another subject entirely. But seeing as you asked, of course I am NOT against spaying and neutering. Mainly because they are necessary to keep the amount of unwanted cats reduced. *shakes head at the ignorance*.

If said shelter puts down cats - and the one I adopted from does - then if I didn't adopt a cat from them it would have been one more killed. It's not a 'squeal', it's simple logic.

Shelters put down cats FULL STOP. Whether you had one that was declawed or not. You can't use that as an excuse for taking one without claws.... This why we need to spay and neuter y'see to stop unwanted animals, to reduce the feline population to a managable number. So that ALL cats can have a home. You are trying to substantiate your preference for having cats declawed. There is no substantiation for that. Nothing you can say or argue is going to be correct in this matter and I don't care how you perceive my attitude either.

It is not illegal in the US and it is not illegal in 'the majority of the world' either.

I never said it WAS illegal in the USA. But it IS illegal in Europe and in other countries of the world. WHY? Because it is BARBARIC.

I have nothing more to say to you. This is derailing Alex's thread and I apologise to her.

Edited March 6, 2007 by mags

[Lou Lou 1]

Yes, you are cruel and selfish. There is no need for your things to be destroyed. I have 'cat-proofed' the whole house to stop scratching. Sellotape on the sofa works. If she lifts a paw, she gets picked up and put outside for 30 seconds. She now doesn't do it, and just lifts her paw but remembers how cold it is outside.

You will not own a cat with claws again? Well, don't get one. Chop off half of your fingers for the rest of your life, and see how that feels. Oh, but at least your house will look priddy.

It's impossible to cat proof an entire house, especially considering I'm away from the house for a minimum of 10 hours per day M-F and often on the weekends.

My cat doesn't go outside - ever. IMO cats that are pets do not belong outside simply because it's just an invite for them to get sick, fleas, or worse yet, killed.

Yes, another 'don't own a cat you cruel #######' message. I guess you'd sooner see a cat get the needle than be declawed.

You leave a cat 10 hours a day M-F?? Have you considered why the heck it claws your house down? I'd claw it too and ###### everywhere for good measure. There is a CLEAR reason why your cat scratches, but rather than address that reason you just take the easy thoughtless route. Cats natural behaviour is to be outside hunting and playing. Not to be locked in a show room.

Circumcision rarely causes long term pain or mental damage so it really isn't relevant. Chopping off the first bone of each of your fingers and toes is, as that is what declawing does to a cat.

Yes, I do think a cat in your ownership is better off being killed than the long term pain and mental anguish a cat has to go through by being declawed and left alone. All for personal selfishness and vanity IMO. Do some reading and find out for yourself instead of justifying why you can be so cruel to a cat! You don't need a cat -- get a stuffed one!

Edited March 6, 2007 by Lou Lou

[mawilson 2,133]

I never said it WAS illegal in the USA. But it IS illegal in Europe and in other countries of the world. WHY? Because it is BARBARIC.

It's cruel and unnatural, sure, but is it any more barbaric than, say, circumcision?