Cat Issues

[Spicy McHaggis]

Hey there folks,

About a year ago my sister asked me to take her cat for her. She had three, plus two kids, plus one husband in a house too small for them all. So I took this 16lb overly social cat. I say he's overly social because every time I move he thinks it's to scratch him or something.

Working two jobs, and sleeping about 8 hours a night, that means my awke time with the cat is at most 8 hours a day, and that's only a few times a week, and during those times I'm usually doing something, not solely paying attention to the cat. (His name is Butters by the way, but we refer to him as Mr. Big Butt). I figured that best thing for him would be to go back to his original home. He's great with kids, and there'd be someone to pay attention to him most of his day. Looked to me like he would benefit from the kids, the kids would benefit from him, win win, it's best for the cat.

Before I go on, ever hear that song "All By Myself"? Man, I can't stop hearing it now that someone's coming to take my cat, but he'll be about 5 miles away, so I'm sure we'll live.

Question is, if this is the cat's third move, is he going to be okay? I mean, psychologically, will changing homes this much fry his circuits?

 

[IvoryRain]

He'll be fine, Im sure. Cats are very resiliant creatures!

During the changes I'd keep the litter box in one place as cats may show their displeasure by peeing innapropriatly.

Also, a scratch post or something may be needed. Cats scratch to mark territory, which is usually never appriciated.


If scratching does occure, try http://www.softpaws.com

Just make sure they watch the intake of food - stressed cats can go off their feed so treats may be needed, and make sure the kids arent too overbearing immediatly.

 

[PegasusOnFire]

I would advise agianst nail caps, as they fall off regularly. I know, I have seen it in clinic alot, I am a Vet assistant.

 

[IvoryRain]

I've used the softpaws and I like them. You do have to watch because they can fall off and as a nail sheds you lose them too.

They've been pretty good, in my experience, though - and IMHO much better than declawing - especially an older cat.

They are hard to get on some cats, though, depending on how wiggly kitty is.

 

[SmileAndAHandshake]

My cat has moved around a couple of times now and she has been fine, cats are really resiliant and independent. Although they get attached to the people they are around the most, they *are* capable of adapting very very well to new situations...

If there is another animal that the cat is not used to in the new environment though, that can cause difficulty. That's the only concern I can think of. Butif the cat is going back into a home where he/she is the only animal, it should be fine.

by the way, Mr. Big Butt, that's adorable, lol

 

[Spicy McHaggis]

Thanks ladies.

BTW, he's been declawed up front. Still has them in the back. I know this because I have a four inch scar (yeah, it's a scar) from mistakenly picking him up when he was apparently spooked. I also have puncture scars on my left hand from that "incedent". I had about ten people over for an investment club meeting. I guess he was a bit rattled, because when I picked him up he instantly went from big fluffy kitty to 16 pounds of muscle and sharp objects. I had to conduct the rest of my meeting with a towel around my hand and another pressed to my leg.

We've since forgiven eachother and we're friends again.

 

[SmileAndAHandshake]

Yeah thats typical for a declawed cat to have its rear paw claws intact, that is the way most vets *should* handle it... You can *not* get a cat declawed on all 4 paws where I live for instance.

if the cat were ever outside and in danger, they can, believe it or not, still climb a tree or what have you with their back claws intact.

The back claws are often less sharp than the front, but sometimes not by much, and yes they can still do some pretty good damage... especially with a 16 pound cat!

 

[Spicy McHaggis]

Well he's gone now. My sister picked him up the other day. It's weird not having him greet me at the door anymore.

Anywho, here's a couple pictures of the big lug.