8-9 week old male kitten going to be fixed. concerned! advice?

Thank you all for your advice and support. I will try to bring up adoption to her. I have a feeling though that she's just going to be angry and say we are not adopting. Because this is probably inevitable, any ideas on how to make my kitten more comfortable and what issues to watch for post-surgery? And what is a good pain managing idea?

I'm totally against declawing and under no circumstances should back claws be removed. I used to work as a vet tech and had to assist with declaw surgeries and it was horrible to watch and even worse watching the cats wake up from the anesthesia. If you absolutely can't talk your mom out of declawing at least try to find a vet that does laser declawing because it's supposed to heal faster and be a little less painful.

I agree with above poster. Tell your mom you are not up for the responsibly that comes with a declawed cat and wait until you are on your own to adopt. You can always volunteer at a shelter in the meantime.

The laser de-clawing idea might work! But it depends on how much more it costs....

Laser surgery may reduce bleeding during surgery; but, it does NOT alter the out come or the recovery process. It also does not reduce the risks or the possibility of complications (aside from blood-loss.) There is also the possibility of behavior problems (these can develop months to years after the procedure.)

If the cat starts urinating outside the box, bites (you or the dogs) or has chronic pain will your mom be willing to accept these and pay the money that is associated? She will still be financially responsible for the cat (at least for the next 2 yrs.)

Also, if she says YOU will be responsible for handling the issues, why not let YOU handle potential issues that may come from him keeping his claws?

Honestly, it doesn't sound like your mom wants the cat. Has your family ever owned a cat?

She has owned a cat before. And she is requiring this because she believes it is needed for when we release the cat in our home when it is older. I personally think that if it is brought up to scratch scratching posts and not furniture or people, then it won't.

I'm sorry, but this is so wrong on so many levels....

Your mom is saying that YOU will be responsible for the behavior of a cat that SHE is insisting on getting declawed?  KNOWING that the declawing is going to create more behavior problems in the future?

She is operating on fears probably based on previous experiences.  Were her other cats declawed?  Were they aggressive cats?  Put two and two together, there.

If it were me, then I would say, "Well then, I don't want a kitten now.  I'll wait until I have my own place in a few years."  Then, if she insists on getting the kitten anyway, it is HER responsibility.  Put the ball back in her own court.  (I'm kinda onery that way)

It is wrong, I agree. I think only one of her cats was de-clawed. And she is insisting. And it's still my responsibility. It's not fair to me, the kitten, and anyone else affected. It's also not my choice.

You do have a choice.

You have a choice to refuse to take the kitten as your own.  You have the choice to say, "No, then.  I don't want it." 

The trick then, is to stick to that choice even if she still brings the kitten into the house. 

Cuddly Calico, please know we are not directing our frustration towards *you.* You are absolutely correct, you are a minor, it is not your choice. However, you can offer your opinions (in a calm manor) to your mother and state that, you do not want the kitten if it is going to be declawed.

What does your aunt think? Have you expressed your concerns to her? Does she know all responsibility for the kitten is being placed on you?

My aunt Sara, the current owner of the litter containing my kitten, has said if I don't want it then she'll keep it. Her cats are all de-clawed and I dont like the way she treats them. She also has their back claws removed. I'd rather take the kitten and treat it nicely, save its back claws, and protect it. She lets her cats outside even though they have no claws. She shouldn't be allowed cats.

CatPack said:

What does your aunt think? Have you expressed your concerns to her? Does she know all responsibility for the kitten is being placed on you?

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This.  And have you talked with the vet?  Maybe the vet could convince her as well.  There are vets that while they will declaw on the orders of the owner, personally would rather cats have their claws.

We posted at the same time, I see the aunt isn't going to be much help.

What if the cat lives only in your room?  Until you can get a place of your own?  Consider a community college until you can find reliable roommates, etc.

I will definitely try that. It might actually work. A knowledgeable adult on the topic of de-clawing, telling her the exact consequences might do the trick. She won't listen to me or people who she does not see as professional. I certainly hope she listens.

Yes, and I would have a talk with the vet that has been doing your aunt's surgeries. The ONLY way vets will do a full declaw is if they are assured the cats will be indoor only. This *may* get the vet to have a further discussion with your aunt (and mother.)

Think of this from my point of view. I'm a 16 year-old girl and my mom knows I'm against the de-clawing. Do you think she'll let me talk to my Aunt's vet? Or even listen to me at the vet's office?

Cuddly Calico said:

Think of this from my point of view. I'm a 16 year-old girl and my mom knows I'm against the de-clawing. Do you think she'll let me talk to my Aunt's vet? Or even listen to me at the vet's office?

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The vet your kitten will be going to...is there any way you can stop by there alone?  Explain your situation, explain that you want the vet to thoroughly inform your mom about declawing before doing the procedure?  Even explain that you're trying to keep your presence on the down-low so as to not get in trouble too?

Very possible. But only if I can get a friend to give me a ride. But I will certainly try that. Thank you all for your help. I will update on the outcome.

I have 4 kittens from 4 to 13 weeks old. I have a dog who is 6 years old.
The first few days it was awkward. They play now. Louie the dog just goes in circles. But my oldest cat who was apps 8-9 weeks old at the time put him in his place.

They sleep together. Play together. I was a little worried but it went really well.
When Walter came home a few days ago... He is maybe 4 weeks old now (going by the foster mother)... Louie acts like a mother except the few times Wally thought his prices were a place to nurse. Haha. Louie just moved back or away. It is cute seeing my cats and Wally.

Good luck and I hope your mom comes to her senses.