To those who own kittens/cats...

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: BZeto
Some great info guys, thanks for your replies. So litter training shouldn't be a problem, long hair can be bad and don't declaw it, sounds good.
As far as getting one from the pound or shelter, I'll have to check into that. Doesn't seem like they would have many young kittens and I might end up paying more. Id prefer a younger kitten for the extra cuteness factor.

I got my two kitties from the pound, they were only 4 weeks old and they had a lot there.

It really makes no sense to buy a cat IMO, dogs I can understand more if you want a certain breed but even then you can usually get whatever breed you want from the pound if you're willing to wait long enough.

 

[Kwaipie]

I picked up a second cat to provide my 7 yr old cat some company. Went to the local animal shelter and picked one that looks just like the old one. Animal shelters have an almost 100% placement rate for kittens, 95% for dogs and 65% for cats older than one year. Do Not Declaw. It is a barbaric surgery and if you feel like you need a cat with no claws, you're not ready to have a cat. Provide the cat with someplace to scratch and you'll never have a problem. Trim the claws once a month or so and you'll be fine. Our new cat cost $100 with shots, spaying and 3 month supply of anti-flea treatment.

 

[Homerboy]

declaw it!

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: Kwaipie
I picked up a second cat to provide my 7 yr old cat some company. Went to the local animal shelter and picked one that looks just like the old one. Animal shelters have an almost 100% placement rate for kittens, 95% for dogs and 65% for cats older than one year. Do Not Declaw. It is a barbaric surgery and if you feel like you need a cat with no claws, you're not ready to have a cat. Provide the cat with someplace to scratch and you'll never have a problem. Trim the claws once a month or so and you'll be fine. Our new cat cost $100 with shots, spaying and 3 month supply of anti-flea treatment.

Again, all these people that scream "DO NOT DECLAW" are always doing so based off of emotion.

Look at it this way, you paid thousands upon thousands of dollars for your belongings and you're providing this cat with a good home with all the food and fresh water it could ever want, declawing is a small price to pay IMO for giving the cat a lifetime of love and care while keeping the scratches to a minimum on yourself, guest, loved ones and belongings.

Again it's just my opinion, but I have two cats that are declawed and are just as normal as all the other dozens of cats I've had throughout my life.

 

[kami333]

If you do get one from animal rescue or similar, make sure they aren't having a feline distempter outbreak. Hits kittens especially hard since they usually have just had their shots and have no immunity plus they are usually too small. I've gone through 2 pairs of kittens from the shelter 2 months apart, currently waiting out the mandatory 1month waiting period (to disinfect your house) to get another pair. (Which is kind of stupid considering I know exactly how they got sick, when I was leaving with the 2nd pair I overheard 2 techs talking about how one of the cages had it and it hadn't been locked or cleaned so people had been accidently putting cats in it all day).

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: lokiju

Originally posted by: Kwaipie
I picked up a second cat to provide my 7 yr old cat some company. Went to the local animal shelter and picked one that looks just like the old one. Animal shelters have an almost 100% placement rate for kittens, 95% for dogs and 65% for cats older than one year. Do Not Declaw. It is a barbaric surgery and if you feel like you need a cat with no claws, you're not ready to have a cat. Provide the cat with someplace to scratch and you'll never have a problem. Trim the claws once a month or so and you'll be fine. Our new cat cost $100 with shots, spaying and 3 month supply of anti-flea treatment.

Again, all these people that scream "DO NOT DECLAW" are always doing so based off of emotion.

Look at it this way, you paid thousands upon thousands of dollars for your belongings and you're providing this cat with a good home with all the food and fresh water it could ever want, declawing is a small price to pay IMO for giving the cat a lifetime of love and care while keeping the scratches to a minimum on yourself, guest, loved ones and belongings.

Again it's just my opinion, but I have two cats that are declawed and are just as normal as all the other dozens of cats I've had throughout my life.

Sorry it is not as black and white as you are trying to make it. Even vets are not in agreement regarding this procedure so there is more to it than simple emotion.

The ethics of declawing

 

[Kwaipie]

Originally posted by: lokiju

Originally posted by: Kwaipie
I picked up a second cat to provide my 7 yr old cat some company. Went to the local animal shelter and picked one that looks just like the old one. Animal shelters have an almost 100% placement rate for kittens, 95% for dogs and 65% for cats older than one year. Do Not Declaw. It is a barbaric surgery and if you feel like you need a cat with no claws, you're not ready to have a cat. Provide the cat with someplace to scratch and you'll never have a problem. Trim the claws once a month or so and you'll be fine. Our new cat cost $100 with shots, spaying and 3 month supply of anti-flea treatment.

Again, all these people that scream "DO NOT DECLAW" are always doing so based off of emotion.

Look at it this way, you paid thousands upon thousands of dollars for your belongings and you're providing this cat with a good home with all the food and fresh water it could ever want, declawing is a small price to pay IMO for giving the cat a lifetime of love and care while keeping the scratches to a minimum on yourself, guest, loved ones and belongings.

Again it's just my opinion, but I have two cats that are declawed and are just as normal as all the other dozens of cats I've had throughout my life.

You're opinion is flawed. Declawing is not "harmless" it is brutal. A veterinarian's view on declawing You're apparently of the idea that a cat is an ornament or accessory. That's sad.

 

[Slammy1]

It's not just knee-jerk to not want to declaw a cat. Aside from it actually being the removal of the last carpal with risk of infection, it'll be forever an indoor cat and if it should escape outside it stands the chance of being hurt. It takes more time and training to stop a cat's unwelcome behavior (change the texture and scent of things he/she claws, aluminum foil works great but so does about anything including a cover) but I've always managed. Not to say declawing is absolutely wrong or anything, just avoid it if possible (and I understand for busy people it can be hard to properly train a cat or dog).

When you review cats at the pound, try to cradle them on their backs and rub their belly. A secure cat will allow you to do that, an insecure cat will be more problems. Eyes will tell a lot about a cat's health, you'll tell a lot examining for clarity and any eye-snot. A spayed female will typically be the best temperament for a cat, less crazy and more docile. Not to rule out a male, just expect a lot of genitalia cleaning at inopportune moments.

 

[archcommus]

I'm sure it's rough for a cat to go through declawing, that's why you get one that already has it done. The cat will get over it and no it won't make it different or "weird." True it'll have a rough time if it ever gets outside, but if you have a truly indoor cat it won't want or try to go outside in the first place.

Ethics of declawing a cat? Come on, it's a pet!! You see an issue with declawing it but no issue with ripping its balls out and Bob Barker telling you to do so?!

 

[sourceninja]

Other problems with decalwed cats (one's I've had) they were picky about litter after being decalawed. They did not want to touch some surfaces. And they did not let me play with their paws after that. They were also standoffish for about a year. One cat had obvious phantom pains and would "scratch" things, then yelp, then run away and hide, shaking.

Declawing can be a horrible thing to do to an animal.

My parents decalwed all my cats growing up. They said cats with claws tear things up and can hurt you. I now have 3 cats, all with all their claws, no problems with them tearing things up, I have never been scratched by them. Its like I actually took time to train my animals!!

 

[imported_griffis]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Litterbox: Depends on the kitten. Typically, drop it right in the litterbox the first time. They'll instinctually go on the dirt, so you shouldn't have much in the way of accidents. It will stink to high heaven though, as it takes anywhere from a few weeks to two months for them to figure out the "bury" part of dig-squat-bury.

Gone at work: Expect to spend lots of time with the kitten when you get home, as well as having a big stock of toys. Failure will result in chewed drapes/wires/cords/clothing/furniture. Scratching post is a must.

Spay/Neuter: Yes, absolutely. Probably around the 5-6 month mark, indoor cat or not.

Shots: First shots at ~8 weeks, then two more rounds at 12 and 16. After that's done, annual boosters should be all that's required.

- M4H

 

[gamepad]

OP please change title to "Clawed vs De-clawed cats."

 

[Homerboy]

if you don't declaw it I can assure you that no matter how well you train it to use a scratching post it WILL scratch your woodwork, furniture etc. It's impossible to avoid. Just from the cat jumping up, stretching running etc. It WILL naturally use its claws and things will get used. Sure it's little scrapes here and there, but multiple that by 12yrs of a life span and you stuff is trashed.

 

[ZetaEpyon]

Having just gotten a kitten about a month ago myself, I agree with most of the comments and tips in here.

As far as getting a kitten from a shelter, I don't see how that could be any more expensive. In fact, it may end up being cheaper, if the kitten has already gotten some of its shots. Additionally, it'll probably already be litter trained, so that's one less thing to worry about.

Whether or not you want to have the kitten declawed is of course a decision that is yours to make. I decided not to get mine declawed, but my family has had three cats in the past that were (two on the front paws only). With a scratching post and appropriate toys to play with, he hasn't really caused any damage to my belongings. Most of the damage was to my own skin early on, but trimming the claws and training helps a lot with that.

The biggest problem I've had so far is him trying to rub my legs, even while I'm walking around. Though, after getting kicked a few times in the process, I think he's starting to catch on that it's not such a great idea.

And, because any thread about kittens really needs pics...
My kitten - Hobbes

Oh yes, and about the time at work. It's been fine with my cat so far, I think he ends up just sleeping most of the day anyway. Do expect it to be very ready to play and want lots of attention when you get home each day, though.

 

[BZeto]

Originally posted by: lokiju

Originally posted by: BZeto
Some great info guys, thanks for your replies. So litter training shouldn't be a problem, long hair can be bad and don't declaw it, sounds good.
As far as getting one from the pound or shelter, I'll have to check into that. Doesn't seem like they would have many young kittens and I might end up paying more. Id prefer a younger kitten for the extra cuteness factor.

I got my two kitties from the pound, they were only 4 weeks old and they had a lot there.

It really makes no sense to buy a cat IMO, dogs I can understand more if you want a certain breed but even then you can usually get whatever breed you want from the pound if you're willing to wait long enough.

Yeah, I just noticed that you have to pay a mandatory 'adoption fee' with alot of animals from the shelter and even personal homes. But thats probably because they already have their shots and/or are neutered or spayed.

Again, thanks everyone for the feedback (the declawing debate has proved to be very informative) and thats a great looking cat you got there ZetaEpyon

 

[forfor]

Originally posted by: ZetaEpyon
And, because any thread about kittens really needs pics...
My kitten - Hobbes

Damn, cute.

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: Raduque
DO. NOT. DECLAW. THE. CAT.

As mentioned, cats will instinctually go for dirt or something similar. So watch your potted plants if you have any. A kitten might not be able to get to the box in time and if a plant is closer, it may use that. Also, think about getting one of those string/spring type toys that hangs on a door handle to help keep it busy while you're at work.

I still have yet to figure out why not declaw...if it means getting rid of the cat or declaw, I'd lean towards declaw.


That being said, we have two stray cats we took in that are not declawed. One is a tabby, 4yrs old, we found her when she was ~6wk on Halloween. She's a big fat happy cat named, Pumpkin (she was skinny when we found her).

Our other cat was a hurricane orphan. Russian Blue, skinny and energetic.

Both have great personalities. Both knew the box from the first minute and neither are much of a fuss. My wife and I both work long hours and they do fine left alone.

Get a turbo-scratcher, a post, and some toys along with lots of catnip.

 

[xboxist]

The only people in my life that I have met that are righteous advocates for NOT getting a cat declawed, are poor college students with nothing valuable to risk being scratched. (ok, that's exaggerated -- but feels true) A cat with claws will eventually mark something that you would rather they not have.

Also, I have a scar on my face because my cat decided to catapult off of it randomly one night while I was sleeping. <3

 

[armstrda]

only buy from a breeder that will litter train them before you get them. Also, you should never have a kitten less than 2.5 - 3 months old. The breeder really needs to keep them until then to make sure they are healthy.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: armstrda
only buy from a breeder that will litter train them before you get them. Also, you should never have a kitten less than 2.5 - 3 months old. The breeder really needs to keep them until then to make sure they are healthy.

How about "No" to all of the above?

- M4H

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: xboxist
The only people in my life that I have met that are righteous advocates for NOT getting a cat declawed, are poor college students with nothing valuable to risk being scratched. (ok, that's exaggerated -- but feels true) A cat with claws will eventually mark something that you would rather they not have.

Also, I have a scar on my face because my cat decided to catapult off of it randomly one night while I was sleeping. <3

More or less I agree with the above. It's getting difficult for me to justify the claws since many of the places my wife and I are looking at moving into require no claws, not to mention as we nicer furniture it's tough to justify it. My aunt has 4 strays she took in, all 4 are declawed and they are just fine.

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: armstrda
only buy from a breeder that will litter train them before you get them. Also, you should never have a kitten less than 2.5 - 3 months old. The breeder really needs to keep them until then to make sure they are healthy.

How about "No" to all of the above?

- M4H

Agreed, both of mine are "wild" cats that were litter aware immediately, didn't have any health problems other than worms, and have great personalities.

Frankly, I'd rather take another stray off the streets than pay a breeder.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Originally posted by: xboxist
The only people in my life that I have met that are righteous advocates for NOT getting a cat declawed, are poor college students with nothing valuable to risk being scratched. (ok, that's exaggerated -- but feels true) A cat with claws will eventually mark something that you would rather they not have.

Also, I have a scar on my face because my cat decided to catapult off of it randomly one night while I was sleeping. <3

More or less I agree with the above. It's getting difficult for me to justify the claws since many of the places my wife and I are looking at moving into require no claws, not to mention as we nicer furniture it's tough to justify it. My aunt has 4 strays she took in, all 4 are declawed and they are just fine.

That would immediately get the place struck off my list.

- M4H

 

[trmiv]

We got our cat from a rescue society. It was $100 total to get him, but it was pretty much worth it since he had full shots, checkup, neutered, and a microchip already. He's a huge cat though. When we got him he was a nice small 8 week old kitten. He'll be one year old next month and he weighs 23.5 pounds! He's not fat at all, he's just a massive cat, very long and tall.

When we got him from the society. Before they'd let us take him we had to sign a release that said we would never declaw the cat. Not like they are going to be able to do anything if we did, but I don't want him declawed. We haven't had any problems with him destroying anything though, We have been very specific with the things he can destroy from the start, and we make sure to give him things. From when he was a kitten if we caught him clawing something we'd say "No" loudly and then stick his claws on things he was allow to destroy. We always make sure he has a paper shopping bag, cardboard box, etc to destroy and it keeps him happy.

 

[sourceninja]

Originally posted by: Homerboy
if you don't declaw it I can assure you that no matter how well you train it to use a scratching post it WILL scratch your woodwork, furniture etc. It's impossible to avoid. Just from the cat jumping up, stretching running etc. It WILL naturally use its claws and things will get used. Sure it's little scrapes here and there, but multiple that by 12yrs of a life span and you stuff is trashed.

I've had cats for the last 4 years, with leather furniture. There is not a single scratch on it. It's all about proper training.

I submit all dogs will crap in your house. It's unavoidable. You should butt plug dogs.