We aquired a 7 year old domestic cat with skin condition that requires shots every 3 months for the condition. Not declawed and should he be? what stuff should we get to make kitty happy
2006-09-16 05:40:00 · 13 answers · asked by mole 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
and i would never declaw a cat at this age i forgot to mention that!
2006-09-16 05:50:42 · update #1
Absolute do not consider declawing a seven year old cat. It would be much too traumatic for him.
I would certainly look for a holistic or homeopathic vet to treat the "skin condition". The cat has been given way too many steroid shots to correct this (and it obviously hasn't been "corrected") Long-term use of steroids is definitely inimicable to the cat's health. The root of the problem is most likely dietary and the holistic or homeopathic vets are the ones to guide you in correcting this.
Search for: ahvma@compuserve.com and you can come up with some of these veterinarians in your area. These veterinarians have the same training that your regular vet has had. Four years of college and four years of vet school, plus internship. These vets have found conventional treatment of animals to be inadequate and have continued their training by looking into alternative solutions to common small animal problems.
2006-09-16 05:45:54 · answer #1 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats don't need much to be happy--food, warmth, a comfortable sleeping place--often with you--a few toys and love. They do not need to be declawed--they will always exercise their claws somewhere, but it's better to give them an approved place than to do the surgery--that's just a lazy man's answer. With a little patience and imagination, you can mostly quell their need to scratch in inappropriate places.
Of course, you'll want at least two litter boxes for his convenience--one will do it, but they like multiple options. A good food and a place of his own, maybe a few toys and a good scratching post or kitty-tree kind of thing--this depends of whether your cat is a jumper or a climber. The type you get, that is.
Mostly, he just needs the basics and love.
2006-09-16 12:52:27 · answer #2 · answered by kaththea s 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not declaw a 7 year old cat. It would be too confusing for him. (He already depends on his nails to hold him when he jumps or scratches.) Get him a scratching box (which looks like corrugated cardboard.) Sprinkle it with catnip & he'll be in heaven! Don't waste your money on expensive cat toys. Cats ignore them. Buy a couple of little mousies - even Wal-Mart sells them. Cats also like to play with the little plastic rings that come off of milk and juice bottles. And give the cat some lovin'.
2006-09-16 12:50:21 · answer #3 · answered by SueInBoston 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you for taking on an adult cat!
Please don't declaw the cat. They need those claws especially if they get lost outside!
A ball of yarn should make your kitty happy--very happy if there's a little catnip in the center of it.
Wine corks, empty toilet paper cores, lots of soft, interesting little things keep cats entertained.
2006-09-16 12:47:49 · answer #4 · answered by nora22000 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
do NOT declaw getting rid of cats claws is like cutting off your fingers and just as painful its bad enough that teh cat has a skin condition so please dont declaw . there is no point in buying lots of toys for a cat because the truth is they will play with the toys maybe once but yarn they will always enjoy. my cat mindy likes to pick up the little rings that come off of milk jugs and drop them around the house and chase after them. she also enjoys chasing her tail the toys we did buy her she has hardly touched so dont bother buying expensive toys
2006-09-16 12:48:29 · answer #5 · answered by Zoey 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No please dont declaw your cat cause when you realize that its amputation of the cats toes it is not surprising that many have behavior problems afterward and it barbaric to amputate another species for our convenience. All cats really need are love , a few toys, food , water and litter . Good luck with your new cat.
2006-09-16 12:48:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not declaw! He could accidentally get out and could not defend himself. Hang small toys by string on door knobs so he can bat them around. Give him lots of attention and food on regular hours.
2006-09-16 12:47:44 · answer #7 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catnip, scratching post,his own place to sleep/ kitty tower, kitty treats, collar, tag, kitty litter and lots of T.L.C! Is he energetic or just an old lazy cat?If he likes to play with things you could get him cat toys.If i win can, you tell me his name & what kind he is?Thx!!hope this hellps!!
2006-09-16 13:41:11 · answer #8 · answered by Doglover94 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be very affectionate wiht it give it lots of love and care dotn be to hard on your little cutie kitty and just help it and make it feel loved!
2006-09-16 12:43:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
de-clawing makes them meaner. ive experieced it... but keep it inside and give it lots of love!! and sprinkle some catnip on their bed or something!! :)
2006-09-16 12:43:54 · answer #10 · answered by Kelly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋