Getting a cat

[MicroBob]

I think it might be more technically 'cruel' to spay or neuter the cat than to declaw it. But I am in favor of doing that too.

I really don't think that declawing the front paws is that big a deal.

[XXXNoahXXX]

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XXX - I'm also circumcised, and haven't experienced any degradation in my quality of life.

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?

I've always thought declawing is kinda cruel, especially since things like Softclaws which get great reviews are out there.

For those that don't know, cat's claws are not toenails. When they remove them, they cut the bone to the first knuckle.

Diagram of declawing

[PartyGirlUK]

What if I adopt an adult that is already declawed. Seems like I get the benefits of a clawless cat without the detriment of doign somethign immoral

[samjjones]

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XXX - I'm also circumcised, and haven't experienced any degradation in my quality of life.

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?

I've always thought declawing is kinda cruel, especially since things like Softclaws which get great reviews are out there.

For those that don't know, cat's claws are not toenails. When they remove them, they cut the bone to the first knuckle.

Diagram of declawing

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Umm...the cats are anaesthesized for the procedure. Their paws will be sore for a few days, then they are good as new.

[livecards]

I used to be against declawing but I don't think it is inhumane. If you declaw your cat just don't let it outside. Your cat will have a difficult time defending itself or climbing trees to avoid dogs if it is declawed.

When you buy litter make sure that you buy the clumping litter. It is easy to scoop out and lasts a long time. Just make sure that you scoop around the clump of pee and not cut through it because that becomes messy. Also, make sure you put enough litter in the box so the cat doesn't pee on the bottom because that is a pain to clean out. Some cats will dig deeper to pee then others so you will have to find the right amount through trial and error. Cleaning the box once a day is best because if the litter box is clean the cat will never not use it. When you go away just for the weekend just put an extra litter box out.

The automatic feeders are a few bucks but I understand they work very good. They dispense the food periodically. Of course you could have someone come by the house but if you can't an extra litter box, the auto feeder, and an extra water bowl should do the trick. I don't think you should leave a small kitten alone for a few days but an adult cat will be fine. Good luck with your cat.

[TxRedMan]

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Some questions

i) How much does a cat cost per month to upkeep?
ii) How do I stop my cat from [censored] up my apartment, whether by poo/wee or destroying my furniture?
iii) How difficult is it to get someone to look after a cat if I go away for the weekend? Is there any way to leave them alone for a few days?

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My mom just adopted a kitten. I reccomend you look into adoption first, there's too many animals without homes. I had cats while I was growing up, and I adopted one about two years ago. They're generally low maintenance, except mine, she has realy bad alergies and has to get a shot once a month and I have to clean her ears regularly. She costs me about $60/month or so.

My mom's new cat cost $50 to adopt.

If you go out of town, they should be okay for 2-3 days, tops. After that they'll need someone to clean the litter box (i have three because my cat is picky). You'll also need an auto-feeder and water station.

I love cats, and reccomend you get one, but be prepared for the occasional turd on the carpet and/or vomit, and if they have claws they will scratch things up a bit.

[By-Tor]

elaine would love this thread!!

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[Vehn]

No one "owns" a cat.

[Gordon Scott]

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No one "owns" a cat.

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[hoff21]

Anyone familiar with the self-cleaning litter boxes?

www.littermaid.com - I heard these often break?

www.litter-robot.com - I know nothing about this one and just found it in a google search