In response - Yes, I've looked at the alternatives. Soft Paws (they even
come in cute colors!!), training, sprays, the other procedure that starts
with a T that I can't spell (tendenoniton or something), laser surgery, nail
clipping, living with it.....so I asked a breeder in the area, because I
didn't want to do something that would hurt her....she told me this...
"if Hailey is an inside cat, she doesn't need to protect herself (she's an
only child). If declawing was so inhumane, no vet would declaw any animal."
It took a lot of convincing, and my vet even let me watch a procedure...so
we're going to go through with it. I realize that it's a VERY controversial
topic, but I appreciate your advice! I'll keep ya posted!
Momma-Kittenhead


"Karen Chuplis" wrote in message
...
in article k.net, Nicole
Johnson at wrote on 7/6/03 6:44 PM:

Hi all! Yes, I have converted. I still love my great dane, but the
newest
love of my life (Hailey the supposed maine coon) has me stressed. In
all 21
of my years, I've never owned a feline, so perhaps having rescued a 4
week
old kitten that insists that I'm her mommie from which she can nurse.
While I'm crazy that she has fallen in love with me, I'm terrified that
I'm
going to do something wrong and kill her. So I'm going to start out
slowly
and ask a LOT of questions!

1. I've learned that milk causes diarreah (I can't spell), but are there
special nutrients that are in a cat mother's milk that she is missing in
her
kitten chow?

KMR "Kitten Milk Replacement". Available from vet and pet stores.

2. Longhair beauty that she is, we're having a.emm...pooping problem.
Yeah,
it sticks. I've trimmed the hair down around the "area" but it still
gets
stuck. I've been using baby wipes after she's gone (god, thank you for
baby
wipes) and they work well...takes away the smell and gets ride of the
doodie....but is there any way to keep from having to wipe her?

She'll grow out of it, although, you might consider keeping a poop shoot
shaved as she gets older. But, once she figures things out and learns to
groom herself, you'll be fine except for the occassional dingle.


3. Declawing...Yeah, I'm sure you are all going to hate me for it, but
it's
getting done. She's an indoor cat and I'm afraid that she's going to
scratch
the babies. What age do vets usually recommend the procedure?

Are you prepared for what could happen? Early arthritis, urinating,
biting?
Millions of babies are raised everyday with cats with claws and survive
just
fine. I did. Your fear is totally unjustified and so is the procedure.
Consider, if you must, or if a problem (highly doubtful) would crop up,
Soft
Paws. Getting her used to claw trimming now would make her very easy to
keep
trimmed. There is NO need to declaw. That's all there is to that. Have you
even considered these options???

4. Spaying..what age?

Most people do it between 4 and 6 months.
I have more questions, but I'll let ya'll get to these!! Everyone's
expertise would help!
Thanks,
Momma-Kittenhead


Really consider your options (THERE **ARE** OPTIONS) to declawing. It is
terribly inhumane. I'd suggest you rehome her before doing it. It's
terribly
selfish of you when claws won't be a problem if you just trim regularly.

Karen