Dog lover turned kitten mother, LOTS of questions..

(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!

Natural to be stressed when you aren't familiar with an
animal. Natural for the kitten to treat you like "mom".
I've got a 12 year old that still thinks I'm her mom.
No point in trying to tell her differently now...
Probably yours will outgrow it. 4 weeks is WAY too
young to be away from mom. Generally they don't leave
mom till about 10 weeks, so you are going to have to
be mom for now.


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?

Besides the kitten replacement formula that you can get
at vets, or feed supply stores, goats milk is very good
for kittens. Closest to its mom's nutrient-wise. Some
grocery stores have it in quarts with regular milk.
Some have it in cans. Call around.




2. Longhair beauty that she is, we're having a.emm...pooping problem. Yeah,
it sticks.


Shaving the rear area is the way to go.
So your cat looks a bit like a baboon.
This one is young, too young to be expected to
be able to take care of herself. Shaving lasts
for months. Easiest on the person and the cat.
Takes the vet two or three minutes to accomplish.

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?

Perhaps it is your unfamiliarity with cats that leads
you to think this is necessary. I've got six, and from
baby days to age 12, they've never scratched me. Ok,
a rare time jumping off my lap I got a scratch on a bare
leg, but so what. You definitely are underestimating
the "biting problem" -- that declawed cats frequently
become very! hard biters, and can't be controlled.
Teach kids and kitten to play nice with each other.
Simple.

As far as breeder's comments.
I would never bother to ask a "breeder".
As with the one you asked, too often these so-called
breeders are out in left field with the info they give out.
And that one vet doesn't care about it means nothing.
Just because someone is a vet, doesn't mean they are a good
vet. And some vets just are detached.

Having had six, I would never declaw a cat.
There's no need in the world.







4. Spaying..what age?

They are doing it at just a few weeks this age.
I'd definitely plan to make sure it was done
by 6 months. Yours is young, and has enough to
adjust to. Let it grow for a few months.

in article , Cathy Friedmann at
wrote on 7/7/03 7:05 PM:


"Karen Chuplis" wrote in message
...
in article k.net, Nicole
at wrote on 7/7/03 6:27 PM:

I do have the balls to say that my husband has had cats before which
were
declawed and they were in great health. As a matter of fact, Dolly
lived to
be 17 years old.

Do you people really think that you are going to get your point across
by
BASHING and being ignorant?? If you wanted to change my mind or
convince me
to NOT declaw Hailey - you have definately NOT succeeded. Instead
you've
made yourselves look like idiots and discredited all advice that you may
have given.

There speaks the voice of guilt since we've presented only facts.

Karen

Well, some - at least one person (I haven't read the whole thread
thoroughly), was really quite nasty & insulting, IMO. The facts were
dispensed in a way that would create a reverse-psychology sort of deal.

Cathy

--
"Staccato signals of constant information..."
("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon



I tried presenting it in a kindly manner in my first response but got the
"Oh, la! Ah just think I'll have it done anyway." attitude. Didn't sound
well thought out to me and I HIGHLY doubt she actually watched the
procedure.

Karen

in article , Cathy Friedmann at
wrote on 7/7/03 7:05 PM:


"Karen Chuplis" wrote in message
...
in article k.net, Nicole
at wrote on 7/7/03 6:27 PM:

I do have the balls to say that my husband has had cats before which
were
declawed and they were in great health. As a matter of fact, Dolly
lived to
be 17 years old.

Do you people really think that you are going to get your point across
by
BASHING and being ignorant?? If you wanted to change my mind or
convince me
to NOT declaw Hailey - you have definately NOT succeeded. Instead
you've
made yourselves look like idiots and discredited all advice that you may
have given.

There speaks the voice of guilt since we've presented only facts.

Karen

Well, some - at least one person (I haven't read the whole thread
thoroughly), was really quite nasty & insulting, IMO. The facts were
dispensed in a way that would create a reverse-psychology sort of deal.

Cathy

--
"Staccato signals of constant information..."
("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon



I tried presenting it in a kindly manner in my first response but got the
"Oh, la! Ah just think I'll have it done anyway." attitude. Didn't sound
well thought out to me and I HIGHLY doubt she actually watched the
procedure.

Karen

in article , Laura R. at
wrote on 7/7/03 7:23 PM:

circa Mon, 7 Jul 2003 20:05:43 -0400, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav,
Cathy Friedmann ) said,
Well, some - at least one person (I haven't read the whole thread
thoroughly), was really quite nasty & insulting, IMO. The facts were
dispensed in a way that would create a reverse-psychology sort of deal.

And when the facts were presented in a non-insulting manner, they
were dismissed or ignored by Nicole. All I want to know is *why* she
insists upon declawing her cat, and *why* she refuses to consider the
other options.

Laura

It's true. She's never said why she won't consider other methods.

Karen

in article , Laura R. at
wrote on 7/7/03 7:23 PM:

circa Mon, 7 Jul 2003 20:05:43 -0400, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav,
Cathy Friedmann ) said,
Well, some - at least one person (I haven't read the whole thread
thoroughly), was really quite nasty & insulting, IMO. The facts were
dispensed in a way that would create a reverse-psychology sort of deal.

And when the facts were presented in a non-insulting manner, they
were dismissed or ignored by Nicole. All I want to know is *why* she
insists upon declawing her cat, and *why* she refuses to consider the
other options.

Laura

It's true. She's never said why she won't consider other methods.

Karen

In , Karen Chuplis
wrote:
| in article , Cathy Friedmann at
| wrote on 7/7/03 7:05 PM:
| "Karen Chuplis" wrote in message

| There speaks the voice of guilt since we've presented only facts.

| Well, some - at least one person (I haven't read the whole thread
| thoroughly), was really quite nasty & insulting, IMO.

That, of course, would be me.

| The facts were dispensed in a way that would create a reverse-
| psychology sort of deal.

| I tried presenting it in a kindly manner in my first response but got
| the "Oh, la! Ah just think I'll have it done anyway." attitude.

Yeah, as in "I realize that it's a VERY controversial topic, but I
appreciate your advice! ".

Controversial? If only it were just a matter of "opinions". Anything
to evade the facts, of course.

| Didn't sound well thought out to me and I HIGHLY doubt she actually
| watched the procedure.

There's got to be a special circle in hell reserved for people who have
seen the procedure and still go for it. Likely, they only watch the
procedure clinically - noticing only, for example, the speed with which
it's done, the lack of blood, etc. etc - as if all that mattered was the
surgeon's skill. Not a thought to the bone that came off to remove the
claw, or what the lack of that bone will do to the cat.

Makes me wonder what Nicole has done to her dogs.

In , Karen Chuplis
wrote:
| in article , Cathy Friedmann at
| wrote on 7/7/03 7:05 PM:
| "Karen Chuplis" wrote in message

| There speaks the voice of guilt since we've presented only facts.

| Well, some - at least one person (I haven't read the whole thread
| thoroughly), was really quite nasty & insulting, IMO.

That, of course, would be me.

| The facts were dispensed in a way that would create a reverse-
| psychology sort of deal.

| I tried presenting it in a kindly manner in my first response but got
| the "Oh, la! Ah just think I'll have it done anyway." attitude.

Yeah, as in "I realize that it's a VERY controversial topic, but I
appreciate your advice! ".

Controversial? If only it were just a matter of "opinions". Anything
to evade the facts, of course.

| Didn't sound well thought out to me and I HIGHLY doubt she actually
| watched the procedure.

There's got to be a special circle in hell reserved for people who have
seen the procedure and still go for it. Likely, they only watch the
procedure clinically - noticing only, for example, the speed with which
it's done, the lack of blood, etc. etc - as if all that mattered was the
surgeon's skill. Not a thought to the bone that came off to remove the
claw, or what the lack of that bone will do to the cat.

Makes me wonder what Nicole has done to her dogs.

"Nicole" wrote
Barbara -

Thus far, you are one of the only ones who has responded to my posts in a
rational, mature, and helpful manner. Thank you for YOUR advice.

You're welcome. Remember to take lots of pictures of your
kitten while she's tiny. They grow up so quickly, quicker
than babies, you'll probably regret not keeping some memories.

As you surely won't be booking in your kitty for a major
operation in the next few months, you'll have a chance to
get to know her and watch her interact with your family (two
and four legged). You don't say what age your babies are.
But I bet you have eyes on the back of your head g.
Until your kitty can jump up onto tables you'll be able
to keep her out of the way of a tiny baby while she/he
sleeps. You might worry about a cat sleeping in the baby's
cot and smothering it. You can buy a cat net to put
over the cot to prevent that from happening. My cat was
never interested once the babies went to sleep. But it
did put my mind at rest when they went to sleep in their
pram in the garden.

I have to say that, for me, breast feeding with my first
was an amazing experience. My cat would curl up on my
lap once we were settled.

Cutting the claws of a cat or kitten takes a little skill.
It's good to get the kitten used to you touching and playing
with her feet and toes while she is quiet and dozing. Once
she trusts you, you'll be able to most things with her g.
If you press on the toe joints gently you'll be able to extend
her claws and take a good look. Part way down the claws
are the blood vessels and nerves. You'll need to cut just
short of this section or you'll make her bleed and cause her
a lot of pain and trauma. I got my vet to show me how to
do this the first time, after that it was fine.

If you want to brush her teeth, now is the time to gently
rub her gums while she is dozing. That way she'll be
used to doing stuff with her mouth. Even though she's
not shedding yet, you should start getting her used to a
grooming comb or brush. Grooming has become a very
special time for me and my cat, he gets very soppy ;-)
Long haired cats need grooming daily as far as I know.

There's lots to learn about cats. I think it might be
easier if you post your questions in a new thread and put
the declawing issue aside for a while. Concentrate on
getting to know your new kitty for a couple of months.
Before you know it you'll be falling in love with her and
she'll have you wrapped around her little toes.
---
Barbara

"Nicole" wrote
Barbara -

Thus far, you are one of the only ones who has responded to my posts in a
rational, mature, and helpful manner. Thank you for YOUR advice.

You're welcome. Remember to take lots of pictures of your
kitten while she's tiny. They grow up so quickly, quicker
than babies, you'll probably regret not keeping some memories.

As you surely won't be booking in your kitty for a major
operation in the next few months, you'll have a chance to
get to know her and watch her interact with your family (two
and four legged). You don't say what age your babies are.
But I bet you have eyes on the back of your head g.
Until your kitty can jump up onto tables you'll be able
to keep her out of the way of a tiny baby while she/he
sleeps. You might worry about a cat sleeping in the baby's
cot and smothering it. You can buy a cat net to put
over the cot to prevent that from happening. My cat was
never interested once the babies went to sleep. But it
did put my mind at rest when they went to sleep in their
pram in the garden.

I have to say that, for me, breast feeding with my first
was an amazing experience. My cat would curl up on my
lap once we were settled.

Cutting the claws of a cat or kitten takes a little skill.
It's good to get the kitten used to you touching and playing
with her feet and toes while she is quiet and dozing. Once
she trusts you, you'll be able to most things with her g.
If you press on the toe joints gently you'll be able to extend
her claws and take a good look. Part way down the claws
are the blood vessels and nerves. You'll need to cut just
short of this section or you'll make her bleed and cause her
a lot of pain and trauma. I got my vet to show me how to
do this the first time, after that it was fine.

If you want to brush her teeth, now is the time to gently
rub her gums while she is dozing. That way she'll be
used to doing stuff with her mouth. Even though she's
not shedding yet, you should start getting her used to a
grooming comb or brush. Grooming has become a very
special time for me and my cat, he gets very soppy ;-)
Long haired cats need grooming daily as far as I know.

There's lots to learn about cats. I think it might be
easier if you post your questions in a new thread and put
the declawing issue aside for a while. Concentrate on
getting to know your new kitty for a couple of months.
Before you know it you'll be falling in love with her and
she'll have you wrapped around her little toes.
---
Barbara

In , "rainyseason"
wrote:

| And Nicole, you've still not answered the question of why you refuse
| to try SoftPaws.

| Or claw trimming.

| Or even wait and see?

Chances are that the vet in question offers a "discount" for a combo
spay-and-declaw "deal". So there's still time.

| Tiny scratchy kittens soon learn not to scratch. They don't do it on
| purpose, they just need to learn how to retract their claws.

Yes. This is one of the reasons why a kitten needs other cats, to
socialize properly. Claw control is an important part of the early
training. (So are things like litterbox habits and grooming.)

| If your baby wants to annoy the cat, teach it to respect it. You'll
| need to do that whether the cat is declawed anyway. Cats learn to keep
| their distance with an over exhuberant toddler.

Unfortunately, the reverse may not be true. The fact of the matter is
that accidents are *invariably* the human child's fault, but few parents
are willing to concede that their darlings could have been responsible.
Far more important than teaching pets about children - pets learn much
more quickly than they're given credit for - is teaching children about
pets - because children as a rule don't learn quickly enough.

This is why rescue organizations generally don't adopt out to households
with (small) children.

| Some ways I taught my kittens not to scratch - play with them a lot with
| toys on a stick, never with hands. Withdraw hands if they want to play
| with them.

This is indeed very important. Use hands to touch their paws only while
petting (and/or brushing), never at play time.

| Get another kitten and they'll teach each other to play fair.

This is very good advice. Kittens should not be alone. As they grow
older, playing with each other will keep them out of other mischief.

Two littermates I trapped at about 11 weeks of age and then fostered
were a case in point. They came with almost perfect claw control - the
only time they used claws inadvertently was when they tried to clamber
onto my lap rather than jump up. Crying out in pain, and then setting
them down and ignoring them, did the trick - it took about a week.

By contrast, another kitten I trapped at 14 weeks (and still have) had
claw control problems, that took significantly longer to overcome. He
was the only survivor of his litter, and there were no other kittens or
juvenile cats in his feral colony. He missed out on a very important
part of growing up to be a cat. My other cat taught him a lot, but the
finer points of claw control were still lost on him for a while (a cat's
hide can take a lot more "punishment" than human skin.)

| Or maybe he'll learn that from the dog, I don't know about dogs so I'm
| just guessing here.

Dogs can also be very good teachers. Depends on the dog, of course.

| BTW, we just got a rescue kitten who turned scratchy and I received
| advice from people here. We just needed to give her a bit of time and
| space on her own and she's back to normal.

It takes observation, understanding and patience. There is no quick
fix.