The reason I want to get rid of them is we live in a small house and recently the animals have been pissing all over. I hate the smell of cat pee and I do not think it is good for pregnant woman let alone a new born. My wife has had these cats for 10 years. How can I win this battle?
2007-01-16 02:46:11 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
Unless your wife agrees, I don't think this is a good time to get rid of her cats. They were her "babies" before she got pregnant and it would be really stressful for her to lose them, especially now.
I'm sure you're aware that your wife should not be dealing with dirty litter boxes because of toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite found in cat feces, which can cause birth defects in humans. When I was pregnant, my husband took over all cat cleanup duties so I would not be exposed.
I agree that the inappropriate peeing is a problem, especially with a new baby coming, you don't need any extra stress or chores. The retraining idea is a good one, if you can manage it, or would it be possible to temporarily move your cats to someone else's house for the duration of the pregnancy? Check at the vets, maybe they have some other ideas for you.
It's a hard situation, but good luck and congratulations!
2007-01-16 03:08:35 · answer #1 · answered by mom of 2 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to retrain them. No one is going to want a cat that is over 10 years with issues. Everyone wants kittens. They would be guaranteed to be put to sleep if you took them to the pound due to the age and litterbox issues. Personally, I think you should try to figure out a solution. Getting rid of them is just putting the problem on other people who may not be so nice to them when they find out. Maybe keep them in one room, feed and water them, and visit them often so they don't feel pushed out. Your wife has had these cats a long time. They are her family also. Pets should not be dumped when they become an inconvenience.
2007-01-16 03:01:20 · answer #2 · answered by bobbysgirl703 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go very carefully on wanting to get rid of her cats!!! These cats have been her "babies" and a pregnant woman can be very emotional!!! Could you limit the cats to only part of house or make them outdoor cats? Can a family member take them until she isnt pregnant anymore? Make sure she is in on any decision or I think you might be a unhappy person.
2007-01-16 03:07:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A compromise (this is easier if you have more than one bathroom or a spare closet): retraining is good. Put the cats in a smaller room where there is basically room for them to eat and sleep in a small, clean space but also with room for a litterbox. Do not let them out of the room, but feed and water them daily. After a week, they should be well enough trained.
2007-01-16 02:51:07 · answer #4 · answered by answela 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you have a commitment to your cats, just like your kids.
When the going gets tough are you just going to put the kids up for adoption? That said, a lot of people don't feel about cats like I do (we have 5 cats, a great dane and two kids- in that order ;o).
There are no health concerns with the cats as long as you are cleaning the litter box. It is ultimately her choice and no one would ever be able to convince me to get rid of my cats (though I'm sure my cat-allergic husband would love to).
You can consult a behaviourist or a veterinarian about this problem!
Good luck!
2007-01-16 02:55:21 · answer #5 · answered by Em 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't blame you one bit, it is a hard one though. Just tell your wife to be sensible and be understanding that this is hard for her emotionally. See if you can place the cats with a relative, but it would have to be a dumb one if the cats are urinating. It is so hard, isn't it?.
2007-01-16 02:50:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm in the opposite situation. I'd like to get rid of one of our cats but hubby would have a cow if I did.
Sometimes I'm tempted to take her to the animal shelter and tell hubby she ran away but I just can't do it.
Now if they are peeing everywhere that is diffrent. I'd just get rid of them when your wife isn't home. That is just nasty.........
2007-01-16 02:52:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Voice your concerns and then offer to find them good homes. If she protests, give it up.
2007-01-16 02:50:00 · answer #8 · answered by jilldaniel_wv 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Move into a bigger house
2007-01-16 03:00:02 · answer #9 · answered by juicie813 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋