I am getting a kitty, finally

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bakearama

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I have been doing lots of research in all of my free time. I will definatly have her spayed and probably microchipped (does that hurt?). I already have a few things (litterbox, brush, two kinds of toys) but I am going to buy more things when it gets closer to when we bring her home. I have begun kitten-proofing the house. My biggest issue is that my mom says that I have to have her declawed, I am begging her not to do that. I know how awful it is, does anyone know how I can convince her to let little Jainy keep her toes?
 

minxie

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microchipping doesnt hurt


declawing - well thats another issue! If i were you, Id do a search on this site for 'declawing' and you will see lots of valid reasons NOT to do this to your little Jainy. People talk about declawing when they love their sofa more than their cat.

There are ways round clawing issues - have you seen 'soft paws' - these are little pads (that come in loads of cute colours) which go on the claws so they dont scratch stuff (do a search on this site and also on google and you will see them).

I dont have soft paws. I just trim my cats claws and I have a cat tree with lots of sisal which they love to scratch on. If a cat has a cat tree with sisal or sisal based toys...its more inclined to scratch that than carpets/curtains/sofa etc.

When you have read up about on declawing and how it is not a good idea, you can go to your mum with all this information and present her with your way of getting around her fear of Jainy clawing everything. If she isnt happy that a cat tree with sisal and grooming will suffice, Id really recommend the soft paws tips.
 

ilovemykitty

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Originally Posted by bakearama

I am getting a kitty. She is about four weeks old, and just started testing out solid food and litterboxes. I named her Jainy after a song by my favorite band. I don't know what breed it is. She is the most adorable little thing I ever saw, three more weeks is too long to wait to take her home. Does anyone have any good tips on stuff to get and how to get to know her personality better. I have been doing my homework so I know all the basic information about kittens and cats that I think I need but I would love tips if you have them.
when you finally get her just remember to give her lots of love.
 

devlyn

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It sounds like you are really being a responsible owner by doing research and the like. When I still lived at home I really wanted to get a kitten and my mom agreed, as long as I got her declawed. I didn't really know all that much about declawing, but as it was fairly common, even though I didn't really want to do that, I REALLY wanted the kitten and did it.
Sambyna was about 8 months old when I had her spayed and declawed. A MONTH later, to the day, and she was laying on the floor, panting. She had been "off" since her surgery, but I figured with lots of love she would be fine. That day I got worried and took her to the vet. She was dying of shock. The vet didn't know what was wrong, but I knew. The declaw was such a shock to her system (she was double pawed) that she just couldn't handle it. I lost my beloved Byna that day.

I'm not trying to scare you and I know that Byna's story is pretty rare, but after that happened I really read up on declaw surgery and all it entails. I decided from that day on that I would rather have NO kitty, than have to declaw again. When I adopted out Smeagol (a bottle baby I rescued), the adoptee's mom wanted him declawed. I told her that if the soft paws and trimming his claws didn't work, I would take him back. I don't think it's in a cat's best interest at all. If they hadn't agreed to that, I would have kept him.

I'm not trying to sound preachy, but please consider my words and think about what's in Jainy's best interest.

Good luck with Jainy and with convincing your mom that you will be responsible for making sure she doesn't claw the furniture. There are lots of resources on this site and others about alternatives like a scratching post, trimming the claws and using soft paws. They really work!!

Devlyn


Originally Posted by bakearama

I have been doing lots of research in all of my free time. I will definatly have her spayed and probably microchipped (does that hurt?). I already have a few things (litterbox, brush, two kinds of toys) but I am going to buy more things when it gets closer to when we bring her home. I have begun kitten-proofing the house. My biggest issue is that my mom says that I have to have her declawed, I am begging her not to do that. I know how awful it is, does anyone know how I can convince her to let little Jainy keep her toes?
 

ashley45

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Hi,

I would suggest finding an area that the kitten can take over, like a spare bathroom. Put the litter box, food dishes, and bed in there. Until the new kitten adjusts, you can close the door while you are gone to make sure she doesn't get into trouble. I did this with my new kitten, and its working great. He seems to "know" that the bathroom is his, and has no problem being shut in there for a few hours at a time while I'm at class.

Also - save up for lots of toys!! (and be creative with stuff around the house) My little guy has LOTS of energy, and its nice to have an arsenal of toys to keep him busy! He loves his wand toy (feathery-bird thing on a string attached to a wand). The laser pointer is also a big hit. This one is also a favorite, there's lots to do with this one:
http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Prod...ID_101952.aspx
 

tarasgirl06

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Welcome to TheCatSite

and thank you for adopting and caring for Jainy. To start with, if she is able to eat solid foods, she is over four weeks old, as kittens aren't weaned until they are around eight weeks old and should never be taken from their mothers until they are completely weaned. You've probably visited the kitten care forum and learned quite a lot by now -- keep us updated on her growth and progress, won't you? and we would love to see photos of her if you'd care to share....All of us are rescued, live indoors only, and are spayed/neutered, of course! We hope Jainy has a long, happy, healthy, safe life with you, and that you'll visit often!
 
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bakearama

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She hasn't started eating solid foods yet just nibbling at them a tiny bit to taste them. I think I was a bit off though when I said her age. I found out today that she was born on March 13. I have pictures but I am not sure how to upload them because I am not very great with computers. I visited her again this afternoon and her eyes are changing color from blue to brown. I am pretty sure that this is normal, right?
 

tarasgirl06

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Right you are about eye color changing. This usually starts happening by the eighth week.

The Moderators are very helpful here and will probably be happy to help you with the uploading. On the New Cats on the Block forum, Flisssweetpea is one of the Mods, I think; and she's very friendly and helpful, so if you click on her name, you can send her a message asking for some help with that. Good luck, and best to you and your sweet little girl kitten!
 
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bakearama

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We brought her home a few days ago, she is 7 weeks old now. I know that is a bit young but I think she is adjusting perfectly. We just got home from the vet who says that she is very healthy and has no signs of worms, parasites, fleas or any other kind of yucky things that kitties get. About the declawing issue I think that I am making progress in letting her keep her toes. The vet clipped her nails and I was amazed at how much it helped with making the scratches hurt less. Jainy didn't even seem to care she just sat there and let them clip her nails like a little angel which she absolutely is NOT.
Just kidding, sort of. At night she seems like a possessed maniac cat and likes to see how fast she can run across my room while making as much noise as she can. Sorry if I am rambling here I am just very excited.
 

tarasgirl06

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Originally Posted by bakearama

We brought her home a few days ago, she is 7 weeks old now. I know that is a bit young but I think she is adjusting perfectly. We just got home from the vet who says that she is very healthy and has no signs of worms, parasites, fleas or any other kind of yucky things that kitties get. About the declawing issue I think that I am making progress in letting her keep her toes. The vet clipped her nails and I was amazed at how much it helped with making the scratches hurt less. Jainy didn't even seem to care she just sat there and let them clip her nails like a little angel which she absolutely is NOT.
Just kidding, sort of. At night she seems like a possessed maniac cat and likes to see how fast she can run across my room while making as much noise as she can. Sorry if I am rambling here I am just very excited.
You know, you can learn very quickly how to trim Jainy's claws yourself, and I see there are now some excellent clippers available that have a guard on them, making it safer for the cat (as it guards against cutting into the "quick" like on our nails). You may want to check some of the websites listed on TCS's homepage, or visit someplace like Drs. Foster & Smith (http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com ). They are not expensive and a good set will last forever. I clip everyone's claws except for Tarifa's and Maryam's -- the colorful girls just will NOT let me near 'em -- and rely on scratching posts and pads and good cat furniture to do the rest.


Sure am glad Jainy checked out good! Give her rubs and strokings from us, won't you?
 

minxie

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Welcome home Jainy...bit early but glad as is well. We need photos of the latest TCS addition


One tip - seeing as Jainy is away from mum cat a bit early...be careful about letting her bite and scratch your hands in play time. Make sure you use toys in playtime. Some cats when away from mum cat early suffer with regards to their socialisation skills and pick up these biting/scratching habits. Hopefully all will go well with Jainy though.

Have to commend you on all the research you did. Jainy is very lucky to have you


So what's next on your research list? More toys? micrchipping? vaccinations? eventual spaying? We're all here to help
 
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bakearama

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jellybella

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Congratulations on your beautiful new little family member. As others have mentioned, if you get her used to having her nails regularly clipped now, she will be comfortable with it in the future.
 
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