You know I have been looking for an appropriate pet for my AD husband and my busy self. Everyone keeps suggesting a cat. IF, and it's a big IF, I get a cat, I want one that is an affectionate lap cat. My friend suggested a Maine Coon, but there aren't any available in the shelters around here.
My question is - what is a good, mellow, lap breed - a cat that will jump up and sit in Sid's lap and let him pet it.
All suggestions and advice are welcome. I was a good dog mommie for 36 years. I've never had a cat.
being a huge animal lover of any type, i am thrilled to hear you may get a cat for your home. i am willing to bet once you have your new family member you will write that you cant live without it:) and sid will benefit from the non judgemental companion. i am sure whatever breed you chose will be an added joy to your home! divvi
I have had cats my entire life. I am something of a cat magnet, actually. While I'm not a great fan of worrying with the concept of "breed" in either dogs OR cats, imho, it's even less of an issue where cats are concerned. Now someone may chime in and say "get an Iberian Whiskerchin...they're the sweetest," (I made that up, btw,) my experience is that while cats come in many varieties of temperaments, breed is irrelevant unless you're into shows and whatnot.
That said, it's a little hard to "temperament-test" a kitten like you might when choosing a puppy. (looking for brightness, interactivity, pliability, etc.) It's really hard to predict with kitties. Will it be a lap-sitter or more aloof? Thing is, it's rare for a cat to have a rotten personality as a house pet. They almost always appreciate your companionship and enjoy their lives, but they do come in different flavors.
If you get a kitten, just pick one. Does it seem to enjoy your attention? Then it's probably a good kitten. If you'd prefer to have more of an idea of its adult personality, you might consider adopting a grown cat. There are plenty of cats in shelters that people have had to give up for various reasons, and you can see right away whether the cat appreciates interaction with humans. If a cat has been feral, or not had a good life prior to you, this would be evident too.
I am of the strong opinion that no one need ever pay for a cat (except for possible shelter fees.) Expensively bred cats are not better than a random cat. (I also hold that opinion re dogs, but I allow as how some people KNOW they want a dog of a certain size, with certain inclinations, etc, and select a breed.)
Chances are that any cat you end up with, if given a pleasant home and kind human companionship, will make a satisfying pet.
(editing in a note: You mentioned that you'd like it to jump into Sid's lap, etc. You might be better off then with a rescued adult cat. They are usually so appreciative and affectionate. With a kitten you'll have to live through the first 8 months or so of it being playful, bitey and scratchy. Because it's a kitten. PPS...if there's a rescue shelter near you, the staff there will usually have a good idea about each available cat's personality.)
Cats are great Joan...My suggestion is that you get a Jaguar, preferably a convertible....Then of course, the driving issue will rear its ugly head again.....
Right now we have two cats. One is 12 and the other is 6. The older one likes to sit in the room with us but not in our laps. The younger one loves to sit in my lap in the evening and purr and purr and purr. Both were rescues and I love them both. But as you can see, as kittens you don't know how they will grow up.
Getting an older cat is a great idea as you have a better idea of how it will be with you.
Some cats can be carried around and petted all day long. Others like my older DD cat from years ago had a limit on how many strokes you could pet her and only she knew how many it was.
I love both cats and dogs. They both have something to offer.
Phranque...a convertible Jaguar sounds like a plan!
Joan I like Emily have been around cats all my life and I believe that like Emily cats like people come in all sizes and attitudes. I have found over the years that if a cat or kitten comes to you and looks for attention then he/she will be a good pet. Don't be surprised because most cats I have found like personal time as well. We have had most breeds both males and females and it all depends on the cat how they behave. So when choosing try to pick one that is not afraid of people and likes petting and you will have found the right cat for you. Good luck and good hunting. Bruce D *
Cats are unpredictable but like any pet a lot of how they are depends on how they are raised. My DIL has two cats - both are lovable with everyone but my granddaughter cause she is rough/mean to them. We have a cat that was abandoned by neighbors when about a year old. We have had her 12 years - she is my cat but she gives her love to hb. her personality has been ever changing. The biggest change after our dog died. I am the one she wakes up in the middle of the night if I forget to feed her. I clean the cat litter -he gets the thanks. Can't win. Just remember - with cats it is always on their terms. I think that is why some people are die hard cat lovers.
Just remember two negatives to cats - litter to clean and they claw on things (unless declawed). Some people are successful at using clawing post but ours does not. She prefers carpet. They can be entertaining too.
I would go with a shelter cat or look on craigslist for one whose owner has died. One nice thing with shelter cats is that if it turns out to not be a good fit, you can return it.
I haven't had much luck with clawing posts either. But I have had good luck with those sisal mats you can buy at the pet store. They're about maybe 14" x 20" and can be placed on the floor. Better yet, find a way to attach it to the corner of a scratchable sofa. That way, since the sisal is more appealing than the upholstery, and the mat is perfectly located, the cat will probably prefer the mat. One thing that is true with cats I've had, is that clawing is a social exercise, so there should be something nice and clawable in the room where you spend most of your time. A favorite point for our cats is a convex corner, near the entrance to the basement. We attached 2 pieces of 2x4 (about 2' long,) covering the wall corner, then attached a piece of sisal mat to that.
I also am a cat magnet...they just find me..all of ours have been rescued...I have had a variety too. The one I had that thought he was a human was The Gray Fox which was a Russian Blue..he loved being held and he was smart too, knew how to open doors to the kitchen cabinet to find his food, lots of personalilty. Abbys are great but very active, I had a Tonk for 18 years..lovely bluepoint, very friendly, smart and loyal. She was a real love bug. I had a 3 legged black cat that you could haul anywhere and kids could dress her up...The only two I got as infants and I mean abandoned and days old were my two orange cats Taco and Nacho, both very mellow..I think orange kitties are mellow...I now have Ebonie, a black cat which is very loving and also Cookie a Tuxie and I adore Tuxies..they are smart, friendly and very entertaining.
You might talk to a vet in your area, explain the situation and get some recommendations. That is how we got the dog for our dad an older sheltie that was well trained and just a wonderful companion...I would think you would want a more settled kitty rather than a kitten. Also you could check with your local shelter, tell them your situation and they may have a lovely little kitty that needs a good lap...usually the older ones, not the babies or teenages and the older kitties are often harder to place.
Let us know when you get said kitty so we can have a kitty name contest.
And Phranque...I would love a Jag but not the bills that come with it for tune ups etc.LOL
I am definitely going the shelter route. I want an adult cat. No kittens. Not into raising puppies, kids, or kittens.
We actually just returned from a shelter. Well, that did NOT go well. The first cat I touched, bit a chunk out of my hand. I was not a happy camper. It was the only Maine Coon cat there - that's the kind I have been told is very affectionate. Obviously not that one!
The cat supervisor was not in, and I was told that she knows everything about all of the cats. I have to research this thoroughly before I do anything. I want a de-clawed cat. The volunteer told me that you can't declaw an adult cat - they won't use the litter box. Does anyone know anything about that?
I did find a cat that was very affectionate. He surprised me by rubbing up against me and turning over so I could rub his tummy and head. His story was that he was found abandoned on a golf course - hence, they named him Bogie. Unfortunately, Bogie likes to throw litter all over the place.
As for declawing...yikes... Well, I will say that if you adopt an adult cat that is already declawed, then you'll have what you want without having had to personally perpetrate that procedure upon a cat.
I was a vet tech years ago, and have been a surgical assistant in the procedure. "Declawing" is a misnomer, because it implies that simply the nail is removed. In fact, the entire distal phalanges are cut off. This is equivalent to having the top bone of your fingers (the one that the nail is attached to) chopped off.
For this reason, the cat must have tourniquets applied prior to the procedure, and intensive pressure bandaging applied before the tourniquets are removed.
Let's just say it's a very controversial surgery, and not considered humane by all. This should NEVER be done to a cat which will not be kept indoors at all times.
Anyway...yes, you need a sweet-natured cat. Ask the staff member who knows the cats the best.
joan - sorry about the attack cat. Hope you are alright.
I was told cats claw to sharpen them, pull off the old claws, leave their mark, etc. I know our cat does less if I remember to trim them - trim being the secret?!
litter - I have yet to see a cat with a litter box that you do not have litter elsewhere in the house. Litter gets stuck in their paws so it is not unusual to find it on/in the bed, on tables or furniture, etc.
Joan, I am delighted that you are thinking of a cat. I have one and feed some feral cats outside. I have a tortoiseshell and she is tempermental. Our vet said that it is a tempermental breed. My niece's cat is also a tortoiseshell and she is the same as my Cleo.
Declawing, in my opinion, is a terrible thing to do.
I have a wonderful, friendly cat in mind. Too bad you are so far away. She was left in a closet by her evil owner when he was evicted. it took 36 hours for her to be found. We were going to feed her and she was so loving. A man took her but he doesns't seem to realize how traumatized she is by the loss of her waste-of-air human and her home. A traumatized pet takes a lot of love and patience. Maine Coons are absolutely wonderful. We took one from outside whose family had moved without him. They were waste-of-air humans too.
You will love one Joan. They all have such different personalities. I talk to Cleo all the time but she hasn't answered me yet.
As for litter-kicking...if your cat will accept it, it helps to have a litter box with the domed top. They'll still track a little, but not much. Not every cat appreciates the enclosure though.
Joan,I wish you lived closer to me. I have 3 kittens and 6 adult cats, looking for homes .I have rescued them, feral mothers abandon their litter when they get around 3mo.old. Softy me, I take them in, tame them, and get them fixed and shots.When spring comes I will have to turn them loose. Litter bills are breaking the bank. However, I will continue to feed them and get medical care for them. They are all so affectionate,especially the kittens. Be sure to pick a cat that is a loud purrer,they are usually very lovable.They used to call me "The dog lady" because it seemed all stray dogs came here.Now I am known as "The cat lady".The stray dogs are far and few between.
We took in a feral abandon kitten at 5 days old. That was a lot of work, but worth every minute very loving cat , comes when you call her and loves to be on my chest and shoulder just like she did when she was 5 days old. Dh loves this cat plays with her all the time, makes silly cat noises at her. He was a dog guy too. Don't let anyone tell you cats don't have personalities like dogs do...I can assure you they do. :)
I just read up on declawing. I had no idea it was such a major operation. Scratch that idea (ha ha - pun intended). But, as Emily said, if one is already declawed, I will certainly consider taking it if it's affectionate.
Forgot what they're called, but there are little caps youcan apply to freshly trimmmed nails, which protect from scratching damage. About the time they come off, it's tim e to trim again anyway--not expensiove. A newly declawed cat will be reluctant to scratch deeplyin the litter(it hurts) but there are alternate litters that can besubstituted until feet4 heal. All 3of ours a fron t declawed, and are excllent litter box users. There arealso matts that can be put down infront of the box, whic h will help prevent significant tracking. Anopther thing, if you put a lotof litter in the box, digging it out gets to be fun.
Sweetie is the gem, of litter afficionados--before we lost OT (dog) if he couldn't get out in time he';d try to use the box. If he moissed, Sweetie would scoop litter out of the box to cover his mistake.
Right now i'm in the dilemma of what to do about DH's cat. She's very shy. Thje other t2 think it's great fun tochase her back i9no his room whe n she does come out, and she won 't face them off. DH is i n the Hospital and won't be coming home. China would let him carry her around like Celebrities carry their Chihuahuas. Plus, our house is for sale and I have to find an apartment.
All our cats have been rescues. For your situation I'd take Sid to visit a shelter where maybe he could sit in one of the cat rooms and hand out some little treats.You'd find out which one's not spooked by his chair, is outgoing, wants attention.You'd see how they hit it off.
Even the most fastidious cat will track litter about. It will need to be cleaned up. Cats are pets and they will throw up hairballs, maybe have accidents, etc. Not to scare you off, I think getting a cat is a great idea, but any pet will come with extra work. Some people believe declawed cats are more likely to be biters. Taking on a pet is a lifetime commitment so please make sure you are absolutely positive when you make your choice. It is heartbreaking the number of pets that get returned to shelters.
Good on you Joan, re: the declawing. As you are compassion personified (thus this life saving website) I knew that you would not do it once you realized the cruelty of it all. What about a little dog, like a chihuahua?
i also think adopting an adult cat is a reallly good idea. claws or not. they are already socialized and are very accepting and loving to a new home most of the time. its so pitiful to see all the pets in the shelters. its hard to look and pass them up. dogs or cats. joan i hold 2 titles i guess. poop queen and chihuahua queen. i have never been without one my whole life, and raised them as well for a few years. they are just adorable creatures small and good guard dogs and will sit on the lap ALL day if allowed. :)if you decide on the latter i think i can say i know as much about the little guys as i do poop..and we all know about that but of course the doggies are much nicer to talk about!
Cats! I have never bought a cat and I never been without a cat (usually more than one) and I hope this remains true for all the time I have left.
Most of mine had been abandoned. One who was about two when he found me had clearly been abused. He literally claimed me by jumping in my lap, (I was sitting outside), and to this day is the most affectionate and loving boy anyone could imagine. On the other hand I have had those who did put on a honeymoon after rescue but after feeling secure and trusting, their true personalities become evident and some are more elusive than others.
I have had two mostly Maine Coons. Although they looked very much alike they could not be more different in personalilty. One thing they had in common- loving a brushing. And then flicking those glorious plume tails. And yes, one- a bit of a biter and the other one- never. I have never had a declawed cat although all have been, once they were mine, exclusively indoor. What mine enjoy scratching are the mats you would buy for cars. They also like the towers and enjoy jumping out at me like I really had no idea they were in there, swishing their tails and purring like mad!
That is bunk, Joan. I inherited a Tuxie..and she was destroying everything. I tried all the tricks to get her to work out on something else or those claw nail covers and nothing worked so out came the claws and she uses the box just fine. And my other cat Ebonie the same thing. Ebonie has very strong fingers, as I call em, and she does fine. Do not declaw if the cat might be outdoors. Mine are strictly indoor kitties.
Get a large litter box with a hood..they will toss the litter everywhere otherwise and the rule of thumb is if you have one kitty have 2 boxes..just in case...I have had cats that will piddle in one and poop in the other...go figure..Cats are creatures of habit.
Joan, my daughter in law had the most beautiful Persian Cat I have ever seen. she was very calm, elegant and smart. She was almost eight years old when our granddaughter Krissy had her first heart transplant. Because of the risk of toxoplasmosis, that can easily be passed from the cat to a human, the doctors insisted no cats be allowed in the house after the transplant. Krissy would have had NO immunity and the risk was too great. I have always remembered that lovely cat. (Krissy's out-of-state sister adopted Ashley, the cat - they did not take her to a shelter. I rarely hear of Persian cats anymore. They really are pretty. I have never owned a cat myself, so I know nothing about cat breeds. I do know that a pet is a wonderful companion for our LO's, and my late husband adored our little dog, who was, indeed, a lap dog for as long as DH would hold him. They sat together, slept together and it was so sweet to watch them together. Our dog is a ten pound Havanese..and this breed is as soft as a cat, will not shed, and is non-allergenic. Super easy to housebreak.. it's in their genes to 'go outside' when nature calls. (They have tiny poop, too.) However, they are NOT outside dogs, no way!! They have to be inside.. and preferably in a comfortable chair or bed. Please read about this breed and give them a look-see.
You might want to consider fostering a cat for a rescue group. You may be able to find one that's already declawed, particularly if you are able to take one in a little bit older. It would buy you some time to see if it's a good fit at home while helping out the rescue group, as well. I have fostered dogs before and have sometimes seen declawed cats that are looking for fosters. If you are fostering I would still let the group know what personality would work best in your home. A good rescue group should be able to work with you on that. Particularly if they know you may be interested in adopting.
Excellent idea, dog. Joan, that way you could sorta take the cat 'on approval' to see if it's a good fit for you and Sid. And it really does help the rescue groups.
Fostering is a great idea. I have done it many times, mostly depending on the season (in spring and fall, when most kittens are born I can foster for up to a couple of months in the garage), and if the fosters need to be in the house it depends on the kitties and pups who are aleady there.
The mom cats can get very attached to me and it is diffiicult to then take them in to the rescue facility. But then mom cat and kitties will all be neutered (there is a fee to me that I more than willingly pay). Hopefully that ends a generation of unwanted and tossed, to say the least, cats. They always ask if I want updates on the adopters and I have to trust them and always decline.
Good luck joan. Having a kitty snuggle under your neck and then wake you up with chin kisses is a wonderful experience.
My most favorite pet EVER was Max, my black Manx cat. Max was very independent; although clearly superior to any dog (just ask him), he would come when he was called (if he wanted to, that is), and, he was very affectionate. Loved, loved, loved that cat and really miss him (gone to kitty heaven about10 years ago now). About the clawing stuff, I found just the perfect solution to that...aluminum foil, cats can't scratch it and they can't jump up on it, works great! Just tack it to the arms of your couch or chair, place it on your counters at night (cats are very sneaky and love to go where you don't want them to go). And, Joan, I agree that an adult cat might be a better choice for you and be much less work than a kitten - just what you need is another job and child to care for???
Oh-let me tell you about my precious Gracie. I have had cats for years-even three Maine Coons-love of my life. Early on my vet advised declawing when the guys were neutered. Never had a temperament or litter box problem. After I lost my two red boys my husband died and I could not bare to be alone. I went to a local Petco and saw Gracie. There was a mix up about her age-either 3 months or 3 years. She was either a large kitten or a small cat. She had recently been neutered. It was love at first sight. I picked her up and she snuggled right in. I brought my little girl home that afternoon. I didn't want to put her through the pain of being declawed. After a few incidents she learned to use carpet scratching posts-doesn't like the sisal ones. All my neighbors know Gracie. As soon as anyone comes to the door-there is little miss to greet them and demand to be picked up. Her blue eyes could melt a stone. I have a litter mat in front of her domed litter box and she doesn't track the clumping litter. There is no odor in the house. Come on over and meet my little girl. And no-you can't have her!
Joan, I think it is wonderful you are thinking of getting a cat! I have had cats all my adult life. They just find me or people bring them to me. I have only had one kitten but they are very fun to play with because they love to chase. Your dh could sit in his chair with a little laserlite and the kitty will chase and chase it. My old cats just look at the light and me and obviously think I am stupid to think they don't know I am the one controlling them and refuse to play with it. They also sleep a lot. The main thing with a cat is make sure it is litter trained and wasn't weaned too young. If it is of feral lineage it may always be wild. But if you adopt you will know its personality. Don't pick a biter or scratcher. Sorry about the bite! Cats also usually smell good!
Hey Phranque,still gotthe sense of humor we all enjoyed eh?Get that big boat yet? I assumed sense we rarely see you here anymore that your been on a fantastic cruise an am waiting patiently for you to regale us with the many ports of call,or is that many quarts of port? Hmmm I get so confused these days
I've been waiting for you to join in this thread. Maybe one day you can bring Gracie over to visit Sid. I can't believe that the first time in my entire life I went to adopt a cat, I got attacked! I'm going slow on this one. I'll wait until we find the right fit.
Joan-I've been away. Gracie is like her mom (me) doesn't like to travel. You are welcome to my house as a guest for her to greet. If Sid can't travel at least you can meet her.
bluedaze* I knew from your posts that I liked you. Of course, you would be a cat lover. My Cleo had a hard start in life and she can be cranky but I love her. I needed her when Gord was alive and need her even more now that I am alone.
Well-thank you, jang*. I also love dogs-preferably other people's. We did have a basset hound who was a real hoot. Sweetest and most gentle animal ever. A large advantage of cats over dogs is that they always smell sweet, don't drool and don't go sniffing private parts ;-)
I love dogs too. Five years ago, I heard about a woman down the street who was finding it difficult to get her dog out for a walk while working and visiting her mom in a nursing home. I offered my services. Since then, she has become a good friend and her dogs ( about 3 years ago another was added) are very dear to me. I have all the love and affection and none of the vet bills. We had a border collie of our own but she died of lymphoma after almost a year of chemo. Gord loved her so much. Cats do smell good. Cleo will throw herself onto the floor and I am expected to get down there too and pat her and kiss her neck.
I have 2 boxes because one of my kitties is very shy and will tend to hide in the bedroom when people are here or the gardeners are out with the scary blowers etc so rather than risk a puddle or a lump of something else..I have 2 boxes. I have had multiple cats more often then not so more than one box is a must.
Our Marmalade will hide too. Under our bed on one end of the house and behind the dryer at the other end. And if in the den with DH will hide behind the computer. When we had our new bed delivered the guys who carried it in were big guys. They both had played high school football. And for a week Marmalade would not go in our bedroom! She was sure the big guys were still in there.
Our other cat Chocolate Chip will sit and watch everything, she is often the supervisor when repairmen or plumbers are here.