need opinion

So for a past year or so I am debating whether to get a cat or not... I like cats cause they are relatively independant and are great companion... I know what breed of cat I want (Maine Coon or cross DLH)... and I know I will adopt from rescue or shelter....

My questions are... and here I would like info from experience..

#1 would cats with declawed front paws still scratch up the furniture ?
#2 is leather furniture a problem with cats ?
#3 will a 2-3 year old cat adopt well to new surrounding ?
#4 when I bring the cat home do I need anything else besides the dishes, some toys, litter box ? I will add a cat condo at a later time etc..

this will be all for now.... any help is appreciated...

 

first my stance on declawing is that I'm very opposed to this and would love to see this country go the way of many European countries by banning the practice - then people would have to seek alternatives to teach their cats rather than mutilate them. Okay that said

#1 would cats with declawed front paws still scratch up the furniture ? Maybe...but you can offer then good scratching posts to use instead and teach them young to use those rather than your furniture, be diligent about keeping their claws trimmed, there are products on the market you can spray on your furniture (the scent isn't offensive to people) and the cat will generally stay away (I've used this product and have had luck), you can buy the caps that go on their claws.

#2 is leather furniture a problem with cats ? nope...I have many cat friends who have leather furniture and no problems - and their cats all have their claws.

#3 will a 2-3 year old cat adopt well to new surrounding ? yes as long as you give them time and have patience with them.

#4 when I bring the cat home do I need anything else besides the dishes, some toys, litter box ? I will add a cat condo at a later time etc.. patience and lots of love :lol: vet phone number :wink: and you'll find that when you go shopping you'll ALWAYS bring something home for kitty.

 

1) I don't think a declawed cat is likely to scratch up furniture unless it happens on accident with its back claws.

2) I've never had a leather couch but I would'nt think so. Its seems like it would be easier to remove hair from than a regular couch so thats one plus.

3) I think a 2 - 3yr old cat would adjust just fine to a new surrounding. I adopted my first cat from the SPCA, he was 3yrs old at the time and adjusted rather quickly to my house. Adjustment time might vary depending on the individual cat but I think most adult cats would adjust quickly.

4) Food and don't forget a scooper for the litter box. :wink:

Best wishes.

 

Thanx for the replies... I am not concerned about hair being all over the couches... its more about them being ripped with claws...

Is it a hit and miss thing when getting a cat from a shelter ? Since no one really knows much about that cat in terms of personality and behaviour... I mean wont they be trying to "sell" the animal as much as they can ?

 

I live in Buffalo, NY. The SPCA that sends out their kitties for adoption at Petsmart usually have good description of the cats' personalities like if they like being an only child, or is extremely friendly, or does not get along with other cats, dogs, or kids. Ten Lives Club, a no-kill shelter adopts out only great personality cats. Yes, they would love it if all their animals get adopted or "sold." The problematic cats usually have very short descriptions on them like was a feral rescue, would love to find a forever home. sometimes they will actually say "does not like to be petted or picked up."

 

I think most shelters are probably good about being honest about a cat's personality...it does them no good to adopt a cat out and have it returned in a few days. Such as a cat who isn't good with kids...would be foolish to adopt it out to a family with small children; someone looking for a lap cat would be foolish to adopt a cat out who doesn't like to be picked up, etc.

Shelters today have changed their views a bit and they look for forever homes for their charges not bad situations.

Another option for you is to consider a rescue group (do you like Siamese?) they usually cost a bit more but most rescue groups rely on foster homes and the foster person is able to know the cat better as it is in their home rather than sitting in a shelter cage.

 

I am quite opposed to declawing (i think declawing is illegal in this country [uk] ).We find because we got our cat from a shelter she needed a little more love and attention. The shelter gave us a good describtion of her personality but obvisally they don't know how they'll react in certain situations. With our cat evie we suspected she'd been abused by the way she was acting so we were just careful and gave her lots of time and you find things out as you go along for example she doesn't like the doors being shut....and so on!

She only scratches certain area's so if they scratch at something you dont want them too. pick them up and say no and take them to there scratch pole. Thats what we do with evie and in the end she gets used to it and realises she's not aloud to scratch there.

Good luck on desciding if you want a cat, I think they are loving wonderful pets and are great for company.

TSD x and Rosie x (from this board too aka my fiancee)

 

I have a rescue cat and he has his claws and I have leather furniture he has never clawed my furniture, could be because he is indoor outdoor and has things to scratch on outside.

as for posts you want ones with sisal rope, they work so much better than the carpet ones.

my opinion dont declaw and good luck

honeybear