thinking about getting a cat... GOT HIM!... FINALLY pictures :)

[LD]

do you pet the spiders? lol
that's kinda scary

[hockeyman]

Originally posted by LD:
do you pet the spiders? lol
that's kinda scary

I go out to see and catch them sometimes, but I don't pet them. Just hold them in my hands...keeps the wife at bay! ;) They are only about 5" diameter each, small spiders, but friendly.

[LD]

Originally posted by hockeyman:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by LD:
do you pet the spiders? lol
that's kinda scary

I go out to see and catch them sometimes, but I don't pet them. Just hold them in my hands...keeps the wife at bay! ;) They are only about 5" diameter each, small spiders, but friendly. </font>[/QUOTE]no


5 inch spiders are not small

dime size spiders are not small

you must have bumped your head, I think you need to get to a doctor asap

and I think your wife will agree with me :D

[V8 Killer]

5 inchs are pretty ****ing big! lol :D ...

[Lady]

I got my cat Harrison from the local shelter at about 8 weeks of age. He had been abandoned. Got him neutered, got him all his shots, and he's been great ever since (just yearly shots now). When I first brought him home, I showed him where his litter box was, put him in it, scratched the litter with my hand, and bingo...he was litterbox trained. He is very smart, very loving. Follows me around when I get home like a puppy. He learned "dog tricks" like come when called, sit, beg for the treat, guess which hand the treat is in, gimme kiss, gimme paw, and once in awhile he will "speak" on command. He even used to turn on the touch lamp in the bedroom for me when I pulled in the driveway at night. [img]smile.gif[/img] I don't agree with declawing at all. Very brutal act,basically an amputation of the first knuckle (imagine chopping off part of your fingers) and sometimes the cat will either bite or urinate inappropriately in return for what you did. Also, he or she can never be allowed outside then, because you took away their defense. I have volunteered at the local vet's office and also the shelter Harrison came from, so I know what can happen as the results of declawing. I would suggest speaking with a vet about a tendonectomy if you insist on doing something like that. Their paws remain intact, they just cannot push out their claws any longer--therefore still couldn't go outside and you would need to trim their nails often --but it is much more humane and easier for them to heal from. With Harrison, he simply learned the word "no" and I reinforced it (silly as it may sound) by pinning him on his back (common way to show a dog you're boss) and growling like a momma cat. He would immediately back down and not repeat the behavior. He NEVER claws the furniture (and yes, he has all of his claws) and DOES NOT destroy anything in the house. He has never been a destructive cat from day one as I taught him no means no. You can also squirt them with a watergun and use the word no, but I never had to do that with Harrison (he's pretty darn smart [img]smile.gif[/img] ) I haven't had any problems with spraying or agression (due to the neutering) and contrary to some of the rumors he didn't get fat and lazy after the procedure. He is playful as a kitten at 3 years of age. I think a cat is an excellent choice for you when you want the company, and want to be a loving owner but recognize that you work too much to offer the attention needed for a canine. (Believe me, we have a dog too, and she is much more demanding than Harrison hehehe) I am also pleased to see you considering adopting from the shelter. As I said, I volunteered for our local shelter, and saw many wonderful adult cats euthanized just because their "luck" ran out without someone taking them home. It broke my heart. Kudos to you---you sound like you will make some lucky kitty a great "dad." [img]smile.gif[/img]


PS--at the suggestion of my vet I feed only Eukanuba food. It has no fillers or any of the artifical "crap" in it. It also has added nutrients to assist the cat with a shiny coat, healthy heart, eyes, skeletal system, digestive system, etc. They eat less of it since the quality of the food is so high, and it is extremely digestable by their body so they leave less "deposits" in the litter pan. Harrison is the picture of health, and best of all he LOVES the food.

Hope all of this helps!

[LD]

Originally posted by Lady:
I got my cat Harrison from the local shelter at about 8 weeks of age. He had been abandoned. Got him neutered, got him all his shots, and he's been great ever since (just yearly shots now). When I first brought him home, I showed him where his litter box was, put him in it, scratched the litter with my hand, and bingo...he was litterbox trained. He is very smart, very loving. Follows me around when I get home like a puppy. He learned "dog tricks" like come when called, sit, beg for the treat, guess which hand the treat is in, gimme kiss, gimme paw, and once in awhile he will "speak" on command. He even used to turn on the touch lamp in the bedroom for me when I pulled in the driveway at night. [img]smile.gif[/img] I don't agree with declawing at all. Very brutal act,basically an amputation of the first knuckle (imagine chopping off part of your fingers) and sometimes the cat will either bite or urinate inappropriately in return for what you did. Also, he or she can never be allowed outside then, because you took away their defense. I have volunteered at the local vet's office and also the shelter Harrison came from, so I know what can happen as the results of declawing. I would suggest speaking with a vet about a tendonectomy if you insist on doing something like that. Their paws remain intact, they just cannot push out their claws any longer--therefore still couldn't go outside and you would need to trim their nails often --but it is much more humane and easier for them to heal from. With Harrison, he simply learned the word "no" and I reinforced it (silly as it may sound) by pinning him on his back (common way to show a dog you're boss) and growling like a momma cat. He would immediately back down and not repeat the behavior. He NEVER claws the furniture (and yes, he has all of his claws) and DOES NOT destroy anything in the house. He has never been a destructive cat from day one as I taught him no means no. You can also squirt them with a watergun and use the word no, but I never had to do that with Harrison (he's pretty darn smart [img]smile.gif[/img] ) I haven't had any problems with spraying or agression (due to the neutering) and contrary to some of the rumors he didn't get fat and lazy after the procedure. He is playful as a kitten at 3 years of age. I think a cat is an excellent choice for you when you want the company, and want to be a loving owner but recognize that you work too much to offer the attention needed for a canine. (Believe me, we have a dog too, and she is much more demanding than Harrison hehehe) I am also pleased to see you considering adopting from the shelter. As I said, I volunteered for our local shelter, and saw many wonderful adult cats euthanized just because their "luck" ran out without someone taking them home. It broke my heart. Kudos to you---you sound like you will make some lucky kitty a great "dad." [img]smile.gif[/img]


PS--at the suggestion of my vet I feed only Eukanuba food. It has no fillers or any of the artifical "crap" in it. It also has added nutrients to assist the cat with a shiny coat, healthy heart, eyes, skeletal system, digestive system, etc. They eat less of it since the quality of the food is so high, and it is extremely digestable by their body so they leave less "deposits" in the litter pan. Harrison is the picture of health, and best of all he LOVES the food.

Hope all of this helps!

wow great write up! thanks for the info
did a search on the cat food, I will take a look at that
web site -- I got some reading to do

eukanuba
I will have to do some research on declawing the cats (or maybe just get one that already is) I just really don't want my brand new leather couch to get tore up.
If I could get a cat that acted like a dog, that would be the ultimate :D (ironically, my dog was raised by owners with 3 cats and he acts like a cat half the time)
Thanks to everyone that is helping me out. I figure of I am gonna have an animal for the next 10 to 15 years (hopefully) I might as well like it!
I def don't want a lazy cat either, are there things I need to do to make sure he stays active?
There are probably some toys I can buy, but it seems that cats have more fun with the stuff that's free than with the $$$ toys
Living in an apartment I don't think I will be able to get him outside much
Do they have leashes for cats? or is that dumb?
I'd hate to get one and have it run away the next day
I live on the third floor, are cats smart enough not to take a dive off the balcony? cuz that would suck too
Do cats like car rides? If I am home for the weekend and I want to go somewhere I would like to be able to take him, not sure how that would work though
Wow this is a big step, I feel like I am having a kid or something
(plan on treating it like one, so might as well plan for it I guess)

[Iris]

Originally posted by Dominic:
What about fish? Fish are great for when you're hardly ever home!

They are great. Filters take care of most of the fish waste. They don't have to be walked/petted. They don't bark, meow, or mess the carpet and furniture. No vet bills. And before you get tired of looking at them they croak.

[LD]

Originally posted by Iris:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Dominic:
What about fish? Fish are great for when you're hardly ever home!

They are great. Filters take care of most of the fish waste. They don't have to be walked/petted. They don't bark, meow, or mess the carpet and furniture. No vet bills. And before you get tired of looking at them they croak. </font>[/QUOTE]I like walking and petting my pets!
Hopefully my cat won't be a tard and I won't have to clean up mess on the carpet
and when I'm having a bad day, how the heck is a fish gonna help me feel better? :D

[Lady]

Harrison's favorite toy is those twistie ties off of bread bags. He also likes things like feathers/jingly fish toys on a stick that you can make bounce around in the air and get him to chase...and of course catnip toys. Nothing expensive. Just keep in mind kittens are not affected by catnip until 6+ months of age. (don't ask me why, it's a scientific fact though). Mostly cats like anything that stimulates their hunting instincts. Heck, I used to even get down on all fours and play chase around the house, like I was stalking him...he thought it was great fun! NOw he and the dog chase each other---and if someone picks on her, he will rush forward, growling to protect "his" dog. [img]smile.gif[/img]

They do make leashes for cats, and you can teach them to walk in a harness. (I would definitely recommend using a harness and leash rather than a leash to the collar--cats have much more easily injured necks than dogs). You'd have to wait until the cat is closer to adult size though...in my reading I found they don't recommend harness training little kittens. As far as the balcony part...with Harrison, I wanted him to be strictly an indoor cat. I would hiss/growl/scold etc when he went near the outside doors to the house followed up with an "outside is not for kitties." He learned that meant boundaries, and he stays away from outside doors now--although I still keep a sharp eye out for him when letting the dog in and out. Just in case something ever tempts him.

I have taken Harrison on car rides with minimal trouble. I bought a medium sized hard plastic kennel and he stays in that (otherwise he tended to go under my feet and cause gas pedal issues!!). My friend Jenny carries her cat in a soft sided carrier whenever she comes to visit...she has a 3 hr drive each way, and he is happy as can be. It all depends on how often you take them with you...they get used to it.

Mostly I read as much as possible about cats and training cats. That was very, very informative and helpful. Your vet is also a great resource.

[img]smile.gif[/img]

[jessica2112]

I have a new kitten, we found five of them in a semi-trailer full of computers on pallats. We put them in a box and I got one. He looks like a skunk. I had to bottle feed him until last week. My third cat. Make wonderful companions. Very caring, can be emotional though. They really are wonderful in my opinion. Fun to play with, hang out with, and perk you up when you feel blue. I named mine buddy. He is only 4 weeks old and as long as I've had him, he has used a litter box. Instinct I imagine. The pound is the way to go. Save a kitty from the gas chamber. Like someone said, it doesnt matter what they look like as long as you connect. Yes, long hairs are harder to keep up after, and hairballs too. So yes, keep that in mind, but don't make a decision solely on that. They are self sufficient, but they really love attention too. He or she will become your best friend if given the chance. I missed my cat more then my boyfriend when I went away for awhile in high school. But, just treat it good, regular checkups, food and water, lots of love when your around and don't forget-Kitties can get feline lukemia, so make sure he/she gets shots for that, distemper, rabies. You might want to get the front claws taken out, but it's not necessary. Just get a scratching post, so they don't use your furniture to sharpen their claws. (Habit). Good luck and If you need any advice or help w/ kitty e-mail me at jhamilton21122112@hotmail.com Jessica [img]smile.gif[/img]

[jessica2112]

Lady is so right on what she has written. I did not know about the declaw thing. Wow. With my old cat, playtime was a paper sack from the grocery. I would open it up and tap on the back of it. She would go in and attack what she couldn't see. It was so much fun. Also I tied a sock to the fishing line on a pole and would cast it across the room and reel it in real slow. She would attack the sock big time. No harm done to her at all. (No hooks or swivels involved) she never got caught up in the line or anything. Maybe that was just our thing, so try at your own risk, but it was hours of fun for both of us. You get that mushy feeling when you see a happy cat play, and a purring content kitty for a bedbug [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

[Iris]

Originally posted by LD:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Iris:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Dominic:
What about fish? Fish are great for when you're hardly ever home!

They are great. Filters take care of most of the fish waste. They don't have to be walked/petted. They don't bark, meow, or mess the carpet and furniture. No vet bills. And before you get tired of looking at them they croak. </font>[/QUOTE]I like walking and petting my pets!
Hopefully my cat won't be a tard and I won't have to clean up mess on the carpet
and when I'm having a bad day, how the heck is a fish gonna help me feel better? :D </font>[/QUOTE]I had fish for years. (The thing I wrote was an old Archie Bunker line.)I had all kinds of fresh water All the books said you could mix Jack Dempseys and Oscars in the same tank, provided the Oscars were bigger. Put two Oscars with one Dempsy. Result: Two dead Oscars.

Just put my cat down. Poor thing had mouth cancer.

[Iris]

I remember years ago we bought a dog from the SPCA. Four weeks later she had six puppies. 7 dogs for $10. What a bargain.

[LD]

well I went to the humane society yesterday
spent about 30 to 45 minutes with "Jesse"
He's a 5 month old black cat
very shiny coat, pretty cat
we did ok at first but he is WAAAAY to hyper
now I know kittens are hyper, but this thing is insane. Little much for me, so I went ahead and put him back (hard to do, but gotta keep it real)
I will probably go back on monday and check out a couple more
oh well, the hunt is on :D
probably need to do a search and find out how many shelters are in the area and visit them all

[Lady]

Might I suggest checking out petfinder.com? you can do a search of shelters in the area, and if they are on the web, you can see lists of their animals, usually with photos, ages, descriptions, etc. I know I placed the shelter I volunteer for on petfinder, and a lot of people seem to like to look that way. [img]smile.gif[/img] Just a thought. [img]smile.gif[/img]