Cat Owners.....Help please

I wanted to add that if it wasn't for FH I'd probably be one of those ladies with 20 cats!

Fh is jealous because the cat is my baby. Not him!

Just wanted to add a pic of a shaved cat so you ge the idea-- weird looking at first but you get used to it and SO easy.

I also failed to mention how clean cats are- they clean themselves, never smell-- SO clean!

They never need a bath or anything unless something happens like they get sauce spilled on them or something lol

ETA: my mom takes them about once every four or five months!

shaved cat...

I'm not saying cats aren't great pets or that they're going to maime your children. I'm saying that they DO need to be watched around small children, as do all animals.

I don't like the recommendation to 'try them out' because you can always send them to a no kill shelter later on. Pets are a commitment, and they shouldn't be passed around unless absolutely necessary. The no kill shelters I know of generally only take animals in real emergencies, not just cats you don't happen to want anymore.

I loooooove animals - ask anyone. My horses are like my children and my cat is a queen. I just think people need to make informed decisions about pets before getting them so we can cut down on the number of pets surrendered to shelters.

Cats are easy, low maintenance pets for the most part, but you need to be prepared for the good and the bad of animal ownership. Everyone's covered the good, but also consider if you want a litter box (or 2) around, vet bills, etc. I am NOT saying to not take the cats. I'm just saying be sure you really want them before you commit to giving them a home. That's all.

Also, like others have said, PLEASE have them spayed.

ETA - I've never seen a shaved cat before - neat idea to cut down on shedding / allergies!

Also, I'm not trying to talk you out of taking the cats at all. I just wanted to offer both sides.

I just lost my kitty.... he died a few weeks ago and I have been devastated since. I was so close with him. I cried harder at his death than at my own grandmother's.

Everyone covered most of the pros & cons, so I'll just offer up this advice. If you are concerned about scratching &/or any risk to children, PLEASE get them declawed now, at an early age. We are having a baby in 2 months (OMG so soon) so we brought our 5 year old to get declawed & he DIED. Kittens bounce back better from surgery.

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Posted by carolinebr

I just lost my kitty.... he died a few weeks ago and I have been devastated since. I was so close with him. I cried harder at his death than at my own grandmother's.

Everyone covered most of the pros & cons, so I'll just offer up this advice. If you are concerned about scratching &/or any risk to children, PLEASE get them declawed now, at an early age. We are having a baby in 2 months (OMG so soon) so we brought our 5 year old to get declawed & he DIED. Kittens bounce back better from surgery.

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You can also get these things that slip on over their claws instead of declawing. I think they're called soft paws. (I've never had my cat declawed or used any sort of claw covers, but a friend of mine uses the soft paws and loves them)

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Posted by Kara and Todd

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Posted by carolinebr

I just lost my kitty.... he died a few weeks ago and I have been devastated since. I was so close with him. I cried harder at his death than at my own grandmother's.

Everyone covered most of the pros & cons, so I'll just offer up this advice. If you are concerned about scratching &/or any risk to children, PLEASE get them declawed now, at an early age. We are having a baby in 2 months (OMG so soon) so we brought our 5 year old to get declawed & he DIED. Kittens bounce back better from surgery.

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You can also get these things that slip on over their claws instead of declawing. I think they're called soft paws. (I've never had my cat declawed or used any sort of claw covers, but a friend of mine uses the soft paws and loves them)

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True... they are about $50 and you get them replaced every few months. Its like acrylics for cats. Most cats do well with them. My cat somehow found a way to bite them off his claws. I would say that is safer than declawing.

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Posted by MrsDaniRella

Just wanted to add a pic of a shaved cat so you ge the idea-- weird looking at first but you get used to it and SO easy.

I also failed to mention how clean cats are- they clean themselves, never smell-- SO clean!

They never need a bath or anything unless something happens like they get sauce spilled on them or something lol

ETA: my mom takes them about once every four or five months!

shaved cat...

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Posted by Kara and Todd

I'm not saying cats aren't great pets or that they're going to maime your children. I'm saying that they DO need to be watched around small children, as do all animals.

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I don't know if that was in reference to me or someone else but since I touched on pets with children I just wanted to point out that I never said you said cats aren't great pets or that you suggested they will harm children. I didn't quote you or anything-- Maybe you are referencing someone else but I just wanted to clarify that since there was no quote above what you wrote.

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I don't like the recommendation to 'try them out' because you can always send them to a no kill shelter later on. Pets are a commitment, and they shouldn't be passed around unless absolutely necessary. The no kill shelters I know of generally only take animals in real emergencies, not just cats you don't happen to want anymore.

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I'm sorry you don't like my recommendation of giving them a try... I understand that owning an animal is a big commitment but if anyone who ever got an animal never tried it first- then no one would ever own them. I suggested that a. b/c I think she will end up loving them and I'm almost certain of that b/c they are great animals and b. B/c I know of a shelter that is non-kill and takes them NO questions asked, they also adopt out like crazy so most of their cats end up getting adopted but even if they do not... The shelter itself is HUGE and they have these great rooms for them to stay in with an outdoor screened-in area too. The cats that live there, until they are adopted or if they stay there permanently, LOVE it there. That is what I had in mind when I suggested that b/c it's a great alternative for someone who needs to give up a pet-- some people need to give them up w/o ever having the intention to do so (changes in where they are living, a SO who is allergic, etc) so there are nice options for the cats.

I wonder to myself what the lady who is giving them away will do if the OP decides not to take them... I mean, it's sad but there are some situations where cats (or other animals) need to be put up for adoption- and there are ways to go about it that will end happily for the animal- you just have to be willing to find that avenue.

All in all, I still think she should give it a try and see what happens... I'm sorry if you disagree with that, I respect your opinion.

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Posted by Autumn08

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Posted by MrsDaniRella

Just wanted to add a pic of a shaved cat so you ge the idea-- weird looking at first but you get used to it and SO easy.

I also failed to mention how clean cats are- they clean themselves, never smell-- SO clean!

They never need a bath or anything unless something happens like they get sauce spilled on them or something lol

ETA: my mom takes them about once every four or five months!

shaved cat...

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I know, they are funny looking at first hehehe...

When my Mom's cats first came home I thought I would NEVER get used to it...

It's so weird to see them licking themselves for the first time like 'where did the hair go??'

We love my kittly (pic in profile)
They are very independent. They have such cute personalities. Everyone really cover all the pros and cons....but i cant imagine life in our apartment without Tostito!!!

I have a cat and she's great. Every cat has their own personality. You'll fall in love with them I'm sure.
Just remember you can train them but it'll take time. My baby doesn't climb on tables or kitchen counter tops. I made sure to train her not to do so b/c although they are pretty clean animals, remember their paws are in kitty litter a few times a day. Also make sure to give them a scratching post otherwise they may make their own on your furniture.
Good luck and enjoy them!

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Posted by MJDoc12

cats are great! i love my kitty!

all the ladies here have it right on..so i just want to say that you have 2 females...GET THEM SPAYED!!!!!!!! cause having two of them means that when it's mating time, they will BOTH be meowing and going nuts looking for some action if they are not spayed! and if they get out (which they will try and do if they are in heat), they will most certainly get pregnant!

so take them to the vet and get them vaccinated and spayed ASAP!

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Cats are great. Very easy to train and no walking in the cold weather.


Def listen to MJ and get them spayed asap(unless they already are). Not only will they go crazy when in heat and try to get out to 'mate', they can develop breast cancer and other problems. If you need any low cost spaying places, fm me I could help you.


I have two cats and love them to pieces.

If you take them, get them lots of cat nip, boxes from grocery stores(change them every couple of days and cats love to play and nap in them) and toys to entertain. Don't purchase big toys for them. cats prefer small ones. Leave some old towels out for them to lie on.

Cats love change so every couple of days, change their toys, blankets and boxes around.


Good luck.