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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:	Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:	FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:	MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO

Created:	Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:	Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	5089
Total number of notes:	60366

5016.0. "new baby and my cat scratches" by ALLVAX::CHEN () Tue Oct 15 1991 19:22

    
    
    My first child will be born in two months.  My husband and I
    seem to have everything ready for the baby except that we don't
    know what to do with our cat.
    
    When my cats wants attention, he first meows, then hits people
    with his paws without nails, then with nails.  Both I and
    my husband have been scratched quite a number of times in our
    sleep.  I really don't want to take the risk to see if Kitty
    will go after the baby!  Should we have the cat declawed or
    put the cat up for an adoption?
    
    Kitty is 2 years old, neutered, male, a indoor cat.  In many
    aspects, he is more like a puppy than a grown cat; he welcomes
    us by the door when we come home, he wants attention most of
    the time, and he is the size of a small dog.  Couple months
    ago, Kitty and we were apart for the first time (we were on
    vacation for 3 weeks), for the first three days, all we thought
    about was if Kitty was OK.  I really don't want to give him up
    for adoption.  My husband thinks it's better for Kitty to be
    adopted than declawed.  But what if nobody wants to take Kitty?!
    I don't consider let him off on the street is an option, Kitty
    will never be able to survive on his own!  I have read through
    most of the topics on declawing in this conference, now I really
    don't know what to do (declawing seems to be a terrible thing to
    do to cats).  I have also read that cats in general get alone with
    babies.  But Kitty scratches anything that moves; it's party time
    for him when there is a fly or a bee in the apartment.  Kitty also
    goes anywhere he wishes in the apartment.  We have tried to keep
    him out of our bedroom where the crib will be, Kitty has learned
    to open the door!!!  He stands up with his back legs and turns
    the door nub with his front paws and pushes the door!!
    
    Anyway, what should we do?  Do you think someone would like to
    adopt a grown cat?  I really don't want him go, but do I have
    a choice?

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
5016.1		TENAYA::KOLLING	Karen/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca.	`Tue Oct 15 1991 19:31`	12
	I think you have a lot of choices. First off, people with more experience that I with this problem can tell you how to train the cat so he doesn't scratch (where are you guys? speak up?) Secondly, keeping his claws trimmed will probably help. Thirdly, you can put a hook-and-eye catch (79 cents at the hardware store:-) on the baby's door, up out of his reach, or install a screen door. Often times people expecting their first baby tend to panic about their cats, but unnecessarily. I understand your concern for your baby, but your cat will be a wonderful friend for the baby. Stay calm.
5016.2		JUPITR::KAGNO	To cats, all things belong to cats	`Wed Oct 16 1991 11:36`	20
	I agree with Karen. Too many couples with their first child tend to panic and decide to give away their four legged companions, which have been considered "children" right up until the time the two legged baby arrives. My opinion is that the best way to teach children love and respect for animal life is to start them young. If you keep the cat's claws trimmed on a regular basis and supervise him when he and baby are together your problems should be minimal. And, if you must opt for declawing, don't beat yourself up over it. Many folks have their cats declawed and they are no worse off for it, if done properly by a knowledgable vet. I would rather see your cat remain in a good, loving environment than be given up because of a new baby. I understand your apprehension and your feelings are normal and justified. Since I have never been there myself, I hope to see some replies from those who have and hear how they've handled things. Good luck to you and your new baby! --Roberta
5016.3	check the keywords for more information	WR2FOR::CORDESBRO_JO	set home/cat_max=infinity	`Wed Oct 16 1991 13:12`	8
	You might also be able to find more information on the topic of children and cats by typing "show key/full children_and_cats" at the notes prompt to get a listing of other notes that cover this topic. Check the keywords too to see if there isn't another keyword that might help. The "show key/full _______ (keyword)" command will bring up the listing of all notes keyed to that word. Jo
5016.4		WR2FOR::CORDESBRO_JO	set home/cat_max=infinity	`Wed Oct 16 1991 13:14`	5
	You might also be able to find some helpful info from the keyword scratching. I haven't read through all those notes, but there may be something there that can help you. Jo
5016.5	Decide after baby is born	MIVC::MTAG		`Wed Oct 16 1991 15:52`	20
	I have three cats at home and was also concerned when I had my first child last summer. Benjamin, although a wonderful cat, every now and then lashes out and really hurts us (bites and scratches - I'm his third owner and I don't know what happened before I got him). Anyway, all three cats have been wonderful with Jackie. Both Barney and Ben have hissed at her and slapped (no claws) at her if she decided to roll over them. Gonezo lets her do anything to him - he's been wonderful. The cats have been virtually no problem. Usually, if Jackie starts towards them, they will run away. I still keep an eye on Jackie if she's playing with them because at 16 months, she can get a little rough. However, at this point, the cats pretty much accept her and will accept her attention pretty graciously. I also keep their claws trimmed regularly. In my opinion, I would keep the cat and decide afterwards. Cats are very adaptable creatures. Just remember to give your kitty lots of attention while your baby is sleeping or not requiring your attention. Mary
5016.6	one success story	CASCRT::LUST	Hugs - food for the soul	`Wed Oct 16 1991 17:34`	9
	While it is true that sometimes there are problems with cats and babies, as others have said, they are usually controllable. However, occasionally all works extremely well - and the results are marvelous to behold. I refer you to note 3968.0 for one such story. We still miss that lovely little kitty (I just reread the story, and am crying again!) Diana now has three kids and three cats, all of whom get along very well. Linda
5016.7		CRUISE::NDC	Putiput Scottish Folds DTN:297-2313	`Thu Oct 17 1991 14:11`	11
	In 99.9% of the cases I"m against declawing cats. This is possibly one of those .1% of cases where it may be warranted. I agree with others who have said try to retrain Kitty, cut his claws and see what happens after the baby arrives. If you still have problems then come back to us and get a referral for a good vet. If done correctly declawing is not a traumatic experience. I'd rather see you declaw Kitty and keep him in your loving family. Nancy DC
5016.8		BOOVX2::MANDILE	Lynne a.k.a. HRH	`Thu Oct 17 1991 16:52`	6
	If kitty is clawing YOU-you need to stop that unwanted behavior now. Arm yourself with a water pistol or a spray bottle, and when Kitty claws you, let him have it (water only in the bottle, BTW) IMMEDIATELY! He will catch on quick.....