Thoughts on adopting a 12 yr old cat??? What is your experience with aging cats , etc??

Furryfriend2013 said:

I lived with a declawed cat growing up, and he has no experience at all with cats........So that is one issue.... I know I hear all these stories about declawed cats but I never met a declawed cat that had those issues...ever......After growing up and learning about declawing, I would never do it, but figured it may be an easier transition to our family if we adopted a declawed cat........We have a gorgeous living room, and I have no idea what a cat with claws could do cause I have never owned own.......I only have experience with declawed cats   Im sure he would come around to a clawed cat, but we figured it may be easier to get one that has already been declawed....Our sisters cat would have been perfect!!!!! But we gave her back cause we felt bad taking the cat from her sister cat....My sisters cats are declawed, and let me tell you, I have never seen cats like that in my life!! Almost too needy! They follow you like dogs, jump on you lap, and snuggle in your neck all day...They have never had litter box problems, and they are sooooo loveable! Would have been perfect for us, but we felt bad taking the one away from the other She was with us for 2 days!!! So that is the hat my husband saw, a truly lovable cat...  I think my husband just feels more comfortable adopting a cat that walks over to us or seems like it isnt so scared....He is mainly concerned that this cat was surrendered for " not friendly"....So I am waiting for a phone call from the shelter, to see if this cat was surrendered by the owner it had for 6 yrs, or was it in multipe households....Maybe another couple adopted her, and after a month or so was showing no signs of warming up more???? We will have to see...But I totally understand what your saying..... So frustrating ..As I get anxious myself, I have not had a big pet since I was a teen, Im now 40...I am a perfectionist, and sometimes I think I over think things, or research too much...

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Lilin said:

I've seen problems like that before. Not in all declawed cats, certainly, but I have seen the biting problem in particular.

But not all clawed cats scratch people or scratch everything either, so, you know, in either case, it's a risk you take on a living creature who is going to have their own quirks. There's not going to be any "perfect cat." You have to take them as they are and work with that, just like people.

Your daughter's quite capable of destroying the living room too. But presumably, she's been taught not to. You can do the same with a cat. There are even "stylish" scratching posts to match any decor.

Maybe you're looking for an outgoing "alpha cat." More energy, super playful (thus tend to like kids), and often very snuggly. I've had this kind of cat too. They're a handful in terms of their energy level, but that's where the kid comes in.

By either way, there won't be any perfect cat. But hopefully, there will be a right cat that everyone loves for what they are. And undoubtedly, they'll love you back.

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Franksmom said:

I wanted to give you some good ideas to prevent scratching if you do decide on  a cat with claws, and you can let your husband know of these options too so he can be less worried. First they sell double sided tape at the pet store or you can get it at any store as well. Put this tape anywhere you do not want the cat to go or scratch and if you provide many attractive scratching posts your cat will learn to use them instead. They hate the tape and will not scratch on it. This will solve most cases but if there is an issue or you want to be extra careful you cat get your cat soft paws (http://www.softpaws.com) and the vet can put them on when you take the cat for its first visit and show you how to do it if you want to do it at home. Softpaws last about a month and if you do not want to put them on yourself it is cheap to get them done at the vets or a groomer. The soft paws will prevent and damage to your furniture and daughter if the cat does scratch her. 

Here is a great article from the site on how to curb scratching (http://www.thecatsite.com/a/problem-scratching-and-how-to-stop-it)

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Colts2Broncos said:

My daughter went to the shelter on her 17th birthday with her birthday money. She was torn between two cats, a ragdoll kitten and a 17 year old black cat. She knew that kitten would get adopted, but that black cat would end up dying there. I mean who wants a 17 year old black cat? The answer was my daughter. So she shelled out the $90 and brought him home, he lives 11 days. 11 days. He died here in our arms in a home knowing that he was loved and not in a litter box locked in a cage. So my answer would be yes I would absolutely adopt that cat. It is a priceless gift and a life lesson for your daughter. No life, no matter how short is worth every moment. And none of them should be taken for granted they are all precious. if the cat is in good health and seems to have manners, it will only be a matter of adjusting time. I can't foresee any real problems at 12, I currently have a 13 year old who acts like the two and three year olds. Yes she is getting up in her years but she is definitely not over the hill and neither is the little one you are looking at taking home.. My oldest cat lived to be 19 and it was horrible losing her but I had 19 years with a best friend. Your daughter could easily have that cat for seven or eight years.

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Franksmom said:

I think it is great that the shelter is working with you to find the right cat. I think this is a very good sign that they are a responsible organization and you will likely be able to find a healthy cat there without health problems.  

I have never used softpaws because I just keep my cats nails clipped, but there was a thread a few months ago by someone who could not stop his kitten from scratching his couch and he wanted to declaw. He was told about softpaws and went to his vet and got them applied and was very happy with the results. From what I have read it is best to get them done at least the first time by the vet or a groomer because people often do not put them on right and they fall off. When you are looking for cats to adopt look for ones who will let you handle their feet so it will not be an issue to put on soft paws or clip their nails. 

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Franksmom said:

Cats can for sure be trained to use a scratching post instead on furniture. I myself have a very expensive custom made couch that my cats will not touch. You should watch some episodes of "my cat from hell" as many of them deal with clawing and Jackson Galaxy is always able to stop it with the use on many different scratching posts. Here is an article he wrote about cats and claws (http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cats-and-claws-living-happily-ever-after/) 

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betsygee said:

There is no perfect cat, just as there is no perfect child, spouse, etc.  There will be some bumps in the road, no matter what cat you get.  The black cat we adopted didn't come out of the cage when we went to look at her, didn't really even interact. But there was something about her, and we went on instinct and got her anyway.  Three years later, she's the biggest snuggle bug in the world.  She licks and then nips but certainly doesn't hurt anybody.  I wouldn't change her for the world.

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Furryfriend2013 said:

Thansk for all the info! I did read all this too a month ago..I ahev to say Im almost exhausted with all the research Ive done..Im more confused now then ever..LOL...HERE IS THE MAIN THING NOW WITH MY HUBBY; HE IS AFRAID OF GETTING A CAT WITH CLAWS, BECAUSE HE IS AFRAID IT WILL SCRATCH OUR CHILD....HOW COMMON DO CATS SCRATCH PEOPLE??? iM CLUELESS

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Lilin said:

It's really pretty uncommon, if you're just treating the cat well. Even a freaked out cat will usually try to get away first. If you don't let them get away, they'll bat at you. Claws out, but not enough to actually hurt you. If you keep trying to confine them after that, THEN they will scratch you. You get plenty of warning. There's really no reason for someone to expect to get scratched. If they do, they've probably done something really wrong.

And like I said, with a declawed cat, they'll just bite you instead. It's not like they're "harmless." But still, if they do that, you've probably done something to deserve it.

Cat scratches are relatively harmless. Cat bites, on the other hand, are much more serious.

Still, there's no reason to expect a cat will bite or scratch you if you just afford them some decency.

Like I said, I've had cats all my life, including all through my childhood. They all had claws.

I can only think of a couple times I've been scratched in my entire life, mainly was when I was trying to medicate my elder kitty. Like any animal, they get scared when you're holding them in place and trying to put things down their throat.

I honestly cannot recall any other instance where I've been intentionally scratched. Even when my cats were playing, they know to be gentle with their claws, and they won't harm you -- especially if you keep their nails trimmed.

I was taught young to be kind to animals. And as long as I did that, they were kind to me.

I think 5 is definitely old enough to teach her. There's just a handful of things to tell her to watch for.

If the cat wants to get away, let them.

If the ears are back, stop what you're doing.

If they let out a low moan, stop what you're doing.

If they bat at you, stop what you're doing.

And finally, if they want to play, don't be scared! They might roll over and grab your hand, and even put it in their mouth. But like I said, they won't hurt you. Just relax, and redirect the cat to an appropriate toy.

Do that handful of things, and you have no reason to worry about a cat ever getting mean with you.

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