Actually, in my experience, my short-haired cats always shed more than my medium-to-long-haired cats.
Another good thing about getting a younger kitten is that you can pretty much mold its behavior :thumbsup:
Actually, in my experience, my short-haired cats always shed more than my medium-to-long-haired cats.
Another good thing about getting a younger kitten is that you can pretty much mold its behavior :thumbsup:
Agreed. That was obvious when he mentioned the condition of furniture and furnishings vis a vis the cat and it's condition.
I'll put up with a few scratches on me now and then. My cat hasn't shredded any furniture yet and if she does, fine. Have at it Cat. It's yours. I can always get new drapes or whatever you choose to attack.
If you get that bored it's my own fault, anyway.
I had 4 cats and never had any problems with them destroying furnitures. Just clip them every week. They never had problem with the litter either. They did more damage barfing on the carpert and chewing all the wires! If your furnitures are worth more to you than your cat, then get yourself a damn fish as a pet!
We have two cats and got both when they were 6-8 wks. One cat is declawed and the other is not. I had always heard how cruel it was to declaw cats but the one fella acted like he was going to tear stuff up so we had him declawed.
He didnt seem too effect by the whole thing. He seems just as able to defend himself, still climbs trees, hauls home 10X as much prey and is much more effectionate than the other.
He is the dominate cat even though he was second in our family. When they fight he wins because he bites much more than the other cat. He also uses his back legs to scratch more than the other cat.
Short haired cats shed more but are so much easier to care for. We have a long hair cat and he gets hair balls and tangled.
Cats are pretty good pets, I would also recommend a playmate.
He didnt seem too effect by the whole thing. He seems just as able to defend himself, still climbs trees, hauls home 10X as much prey and is much more effectionate than the other.
He is the dominate cat even though he was second in our family. When they fight he wins because he bites much more than the other cat. He also uses his back legs to scratch more than the other cat.
Short haired cats shed more but are so much easier to care for. We have a long hair cat and he gets hair balls and tangled.
Cats are pretty good pets, I would also recommend a playmate.
F that dogs suck(lol just kidding).
A cat will litter train itself, all you do is drop in the box and it knows. You do need to spay/neuter them them though because even females spray (trust me I know).
If you work for 9 hours expect to spend at least 30 mins before you go and maybe up to an hour when you get back. Cats are independent but they do love attention if you can have time (if you don't it's ok they will be fine).
Cats are the best pet because if you train them right (not easy) they are less work than dogs but listen just as well. I will repeat though DO NOT DECLAW them
EDIT: Declawing at least around my area means amputating from the knuckle down, how would you like that?
Dumac
Diamond Member
- Dec 31, 2005
- 9,391
- 1
- 0
Declawing is a very controversial issue, saying to lead to moody or agressive behavior accompanied by much more biting. Also, there seems to be a chance of phantom pains, permanant aches, chronic back and shoulder pain, and a weakining of many muscles. Lastly, there is many times obvious changes in routine behavior.
Many believe declawing is a simple precedure of just removing the claw, as the name suggest, but the surgery is much more complicated. In the declawing process, most doctors remove the whole phalanx up to the last joint, including bones, ligaments, and tendons. This would be similar to amputating each human's finger at the last joint.
Litter training is easy. Just put the cat in the box and rub its paws through the litter. It should get the idea soon and learn to use the litterbox.
Behing gone from home for 9 hours may be tough on a new kitten, so if you are set on getting a kitten and not an adult cat I would suggets perhaps getting two to lessen feelings of loneliness. Eitehr way, you should spend time with the kitten when you get home.
You should get it spayed/neuteured if it isn't already. The kitten I got were already spayed, neutered (I got a brother and sister), and had a few shots. My kittens got a few more shots during their first few months, but didn't have to get another check up until one year of age.
Many believe declawing is a simple precedure of just removing the claw, as the name suggest, but the surgery is much more complicated. In the declawing process, most doctors remove the whole phalanx up to the last joint, including bones, ligaments, and tendons. This would be similar to amputating each human's finger at the last joint.
Litter training is easy. Just put the cat in the box and rub its paws through the litter. It should get the idea soon and learn to use the litterbox.
Behing gone from home for 9 hours may be tough on a new kitten, so if you are set on getting a kitten and not an adult cat I would suggets perhaps getting two to lessen feelings of loneliness. Eitehr way, you should spend time with the kitten when you get home.
You should get it spayed/neuteured if it isn't already. The kitten I got were already spayed, neutered (I got a brother and sister), and had a few shots. My kittens got a few more shots during their first few months, but didn't have to get another check up until one year of age.
RaistlinZ
Diamond Member
- Oct 15, 2001
- 7,470
- 9
- 91
Originally posted by: 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.
CUTENESS OVERLOAD!!!
Kittens/cats pretty much are potty trained from day one.
The biggest problem is if you have a male cat. Get that sucker neutered as quick as is possible(female too unless you like kittens, cats can get pregnant quite young) to keep him from marking up your whole house.
I'm a dog person now after many years and many cats. I still like cats but I am allergic to most of them and dogs are just more fun... try walking a cat, lol.
Downside to dogs is that my puppy still has "accidents" in the house about once a week because it's cold outside but once she is totally trained I know she's gonna be the best dog ever... well, maybe second best dog ever after her older mutt sister.
The biggest problem is if you have a male cat. Get that sucker neutered as quick as is possible(female too unless you like kittens, cats can get pregnant quite young) to keep him from marking up your whole house.
I'm a dog person now after many years and many cats. I still like cats but I am allergic to most of them and dogs are just more fun... try walking a cat, lol.
Downside to dogs is that my puppy still has "accidents" in the house about once a week because it's cold outside but once she is totally trained I know she's gonna be the best dog ever... well, maybe second best dog ever after her older mutt sister.
A kitten will use a litter box almost immediately. Make sure you place it into the litter box at some point when you first get it. Also make sure you don't move your litter-box around when it is young - pick one spot for it and leave it there.
We left our kitten alone all day when we went to work. It was fine, but obviously lonely. It would be waiting for us at the door when we came home. If I had to do it over again, I would've gotten two cats. If you decide to only get one cat, make sure you setup a perch or something by a window so it has something mildly interesting to watch while you're away.
I have yet to hear a good reason to declaw a cat. If you train the cat properly to use a scratching post and trim its nails routinely, it will not tear up your furniture or your carpet. A little effort on your part will save the cat from having to undergo an otherwise cruel operation. Declawing removes the first joint to the tip of a cat's paw. Many vets don't even like to perform the operation.
We left our kitten alone all day when we went to work. It was fine, but obviously lonely. It would be waiting for us at the door when we came home. If I had to do it over again, I would've gotten two cats. If you decide to only get one cat, make sure you setup a perch or something by a window so it has something mildly interesting to watch while you're away.
I have yet to hear a good reason to declaw a cat. If you train the cat properly to use a scratching post and trim its nails routinely, it will not tear up your furniture or your carpet. A little effort on your part will save the cat from having to undergo an otherwise cruel operation. Declawing removes the first joint to the tip of a cat's paw. Many vets don't even like to perform the operation.
The one reason for declawing is if they wouldn't have a home otherwise. I think it's cruel and unecessary, but I'm happier seeing a declawed cat than a starving one.
My mom put a litter box out for the mother cat, and the <2 week old kitten immediately ran to it and did her business. Flipped over and rolled around in it too, but at least not in the dirty part. She's a smart one, plays fetch with her toy mouse.
My mom put a litter box out for the mother cat, and the <2 week old kitten immediately ran to it and did her business. Flipped over and rolled around in it too, but at least not in the dirty part. She's a smart one, plays fetch with her toy mouse.
alkemyst
No Lifer
- Feb 13, 2001
- 83,769
- 19
- 81
First if you are having doubts on the costs associated with an higher level animal then it's best to stick with fish.
2 cats are better than 1 especially if you are not going to be around much. Littermates are the best, I picked up 3 brothers a couple years ago now.
Spaying and neutering solves a lot of problems in a captive animal other than potential offspring. Cats should be taken to the vet once per year. Normal vet visit for my three males each year is the Physical, FVRCP-Chlamydia Annual, Rabies Annual. Rabies is pretty optional IMHO for an exclusively indoor cat...but it's not a huge cost and if my cats were to ever get out and attacked, they would be protected.
The key point in getting a kitten is to make sure it was around it's mother since birth. If not it probably didn't get the imprinting for litter box use and some other traits.
I would recommend starting him on Feline Pine or another pine type of litter. It doesn't stick to stuff like clay and with two boxes and three cats, once a day cleanings keep the place odor free.
Also you have to plan your life around what having an animal means...do you travel? who cares for the animal during that.
Also like babies of any species expect some accidents in their first few months. I recommend a water spray bottle or a compressed air can (do not spray at the animals face if within 6 or so feet)...mine rarly act up now but just going for the can of air gets them back on the right track
Cats do not respond well to being beaten.Å
barrow someone else's cat for a week...kitten will watch adult cat and learn if it hasnt already...it work for my g/f's mom's cat ....
Let me put in my opinion on declawing. We've had cats for 40+ years. Started de-clawing maybe 15 years ago. We decided it really is a good idea but ONLY FOR INDOOR-ONLY CATS. I would really worry about disarming an outdoor cat that could end up in a fight.
Declawing is expensive, and yes, it does cause pain to the cat for about a week, maybe less. You really need to heed the vet's advice on post-surgical care, like using a special litter box filler and changing it often during the first week or two. Then it's all back to normal.
Declawing makes them much less likely to scatch you accidentally - but not impossible, because only the front paws are done. But it REALLY saves damage on furniture, wall corners, etc. A cat normally marks its territory by scratching. No amount of training will stop this behavior. Even decalwed cats do it - it just does not tear holes in the chair!
For the last couple times we had declawing and neutering done at the same time by the vet. Just consult him / her about timing - usually as late as possible, just when the cat starts to show signs of puberty / sexual maturation.
Declawing is expensive, and yes, it does cause pain to the cat for about a week, maybe less. You really need to heed the vet's advice on post-surgical care, like using a special litter box filler and changing it often during the first week or two. Then it's all back to normal.
Declawing makes them much less likely to scatch you accidentally - but not impossible, because only the front paws are done. But it REALLY saves damage on furniture, wall corners, etc. A cat normally marks its territory by scratching. No amount of training will stop this behavior. Even decalwed cats do it - it just does not tear holes in the chair!
For the last couple times we had declawing and neutering done at the same time by the vet. Just consult him / her about timing - usually as late as possible, just when the cat starts to show signs of puberty / sexual maturation.
alkemyst
No Lifer
- Feb 13, 2001
- 83,769
- 19
- 81
QFT: NEVER NEVER NEVER DECLAW A CAT THAT EVEN GOES OUTDOORS SOMETIMES.
Their claws are mostly used to get away than fight.
Declawing is not expensive in the whole scheme of owning an animal.
My bills for 3 cats for their first and second year:
Initial vet visit (3 cats): -$140.00
Neuter and Declaw (3 cats): -$615.79
2nd year vet visit (3 cats) -$196.20
Also an alternative to declawing is clipping their nails weekly...if started young the cat handles this well...even in my declawed cats I clip their rear nails about once a month.
Don't use a guillotine style, use a scissors type so you can see better and also lessen the chance of crushing the nail. Just clip the hook at the end. Have your vet show you first.
Oceandevi: wants your philosophy on getting innoculations every 2-4years...quite a broad variable as well as you didn't qualify the statement.
Jeff7
Lifer
- Jan 4, 2001
- 41,596
- 20
- 81
Being alone will depend on the kitten. My roommates last year had a kitten, and it'd just howl like crazy, nonstop, if it was left by itself for more than a few minutes. It was from a pet store though, so it was probably used to there always being people around.
The cats I had were from a farm, and were fine with finding a window to look out of, or a sunny spot to sleep in. They also took to the litter box fairly well, if I remember correctly. They can be shown the litter box, put in it, maybe gently swipe their paw in it a bit. Hopefully they'll get the idea. There might be a few accidents, but hopefully not many. Just be aware that they might like to pee on other things. If a winter coat was left on the floor, my cats would treat it just like it was a litter box. Maybe it was the texture or something. Or maybe they were severely obsessive, and hated anything out of the ordinary. Or maybe they were just sadistic.
The cats I had were from a farm, and were fine with finding a window to look out of, or a sunny spot to sleep in. They also took to the litter box fairly well, if I remember correctly. They can be shown the litter box, put in it, maybe gently swipe their paw in it a bit. Hopefully they'll get the idea. There might be a few accidents, but hopefully not many. Just be aware that they might like to pee on other things. If a winter coat was left on the floor, my cats would treat it just like it was a litter box. Maybe it was the texture or something. Or maybe they were severely obsessive, and hated anything out of the ordinary. Or maybe they were just sadistic.
And toys need not be complicated. My cats loved to play with a ping pong ball, a shoelace, or a crumpled up piece of paper. The crackly noise seemed to get them all riled up. Just be sure to let them catch whatever they're after every so often, let them feel like they've accomplished something.
pmoa
Platinum Member
- Dec 24, 2001
- 2,623
- 3
- 81
Most kittens are already litter trained at that time. The mother cat will usually train it to use the litter box. It might drop one here or there....really small, only because it is scared....
SO just be patient and everytime you have a chance after it eats, just place her in the litter box....or if you are just walking by...its really not that tough. and def get it spayed or neutered
SO just be patient and everytime you have a chance after it eats, just place her in the litter box....or if you are just walking by...its really not that tough. and def get it spayed or neutered
not true at all... SPCA gets a TON of kittens every day..
we just got ours from there...
and they said they get at least 40-60 kittens per day...
but they adopt pretty fast.. so save a kitten from death try the SPCA
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