Should I get rid of my cat? I really don't want to!?

Question

I love my cat. We have had it for 6 years and he is so cuddley and wonderful.

BUT......

1) He has destroyed my couch with his nails and I fear to even think about buying a new couch.
2) His kitty litter is such a pain to keep clean/changed.
3) I live in a apt with no elevator and I have to buy huge bags of litter and cat food and get them up three flights.
4) I love black clothes and his hair is ALWAYS on everything I own. I feel like a mess. All in my closet and drawers.
5) I have a severe reation to flea bites and atleast once a year we get a problem with fleas. Makes me insane.
6) He vomits up his food on my living room carpet once or twice a month.
7) And my last allergy test says I have a moderate allergy to cats.

I am so torn. My daughter is 12 and the cat is everything to her.

I am not planning to dump my cat off in a shelter or abandon it as a couple have assumed to think. I would obviously find a place for him with a friend or family member so I could still see him regularly.

As far as being selfish I find that a very strong remark. Were aren't here to attack and demean each other. I asked for help not your mean spirited remarks. Dont assume to know anything about me.

Life is not easy. I am a single mom and work like a dog and have been seriously ill the past year. I am just tired and frustrated, And I said I loved my cat and didn't want to give it away. Obviously from my comments it is a last desperate resort.

Also the cat has done nothing to hurt the apt. Only my couch. Theres not a mark on the walls or flooring. My apt is very well-taken care of.

Answer 1

These are all things that every cat owner has to put up with. I don't understand why they're only getting to you now, after 6 years....but there are answers.

1. Train your cat to scratch on acceptable surfaces instead of your furniture. Get him some cardboard scratchers, posts, and/or a cat tree, and encourage him to use those. Deter unwanted scratching by spraying him with water from a spray bottle whenever you catch him and/or by using an automatic deterrent: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2002+2017

2. Use Tidy Cats Crystals litter. It's tremendous about keeping the smell down, and it way easier to clean than the clumping stuff. I've gotten into a routine and it makes things pretty easy; I keep plenty of plastic bags around the house (every time you get groceries, stash your bags somewhere), and I just scoop the poop into one of those when the time comes. The bag can be tied off and thrown in the trash can or taken directly to the outside trash. For full overhauls, I wrap my arms around the box, put a plastic bag under one corner, then tip the box up so all the litter falls into the bag. Then I spray the box down with Simple Green (a fantastic, non-toxic all purpose cleaner found in the automotive aisle), rinse well with hot water, dry, and throw clean litter in. The whole process takes MAYBE 10 minutes.

3. Why do you have to buy HUGE bags of food and litter? One cat doesn't need a whole lot of supplies in one month. I feed my cat a strict diet of Wellness canned food, so a month's worth of food fits nicely into one plastic bag. The litter I already told you about comes in medium-sized tubs with handles.

4. A good vacuum, a lint roller, and regular grooming should help with the cat hair. We just bought the Dyson DC17 Animal and it's tremendously helpful when it comes to the hair (we have a cat and a dog, so the hair was getting out of control around here). I also wear a lot of black, and this is where lint rollers come in handy. Also, if you buy the cat a cat tree, you'll notice him spending a LOT of time in it....and that's where most of his hair will end up.

5. Keep your cat on Revolution, Advantage, or Frontline. One application a month and he'll always be flea-free. Revolution is my favorite since Frontline didn't do anything for my cat. And Fetch 11 is wrong. Cats don't have to go outside or be around other animals with fleas to get them. In fact, fleas don't jump from one host to another. They lay eggs in the hair and carpets...furniture, etc....those eggs hatch and attach themselves to other hosts. Since you live in an apartment building, there's a good chance that the fleas are in the building....so ridding your cat of them for a short time isn't going to take care of the problem permanently. This is a problem we have in our apartment building. We know they're coming from somewhere else, but there's nothing we can do about other peoples' filth....the most we can do is keep our dog and cat on a preventive.

6. Vomiting....that's part of having a pet. Nothing you can do about it. Except look into getting a spot cleaner if you don't already have one (A Spot Bot, Little Green Machine, etc.) to make clean-up quicker and easier.

7. I have a moderate allergy to cats, as well. Keeping the dander down in the house will help. Vacuum, dust, etc. There are also powders, foams, wipes, and shampoos you can use on your cat to help cut down the amount of dander on him.

Bottom line; there is always a lot of work involved when you own a pet. ANY pet (some people wrongly assume that smaller animals are easier to care for....but my guinea pig was harder to care for than my cat OR my dog). You chose to bring this cat into your home and love him for 6 full years, so giving up on him now simply because you're tired of a few inconveniences is a bit unfair to the cat. It sounds as if you need help. Try enlisting the help of your daughter in making sure the pet chores are completed WITHOUT you doing every single one. And keep in mind that if you were to give him to a shelter, his odds of being adopted are pretty slim considering his age.

Answer 2

No. You'll regret it. I had 4 cats at one time and I got rid of 3 of them and I miss them so much.

1.) there's a spray called "Naturally Off" at Target for $5. Worked liked a charm on my cats and dogs and I never declawed them. So try that and you'll see the cat react differently on your couch.
2.) That's what comes with having a cat.
3.) I go through the same thing with buying litter for my cats. Why don't you try buying a minicart. Works for me whenever I have a lot to carry.
4. Keep the cat out of the closet and drawers. I can see if you just left every drawer and cabinet open, but if they're not, then there shouldn't be a reason why your cat's in there.
5.) No help there.
6.)My cats did that too. That's because there something they don't like about the food, or are eating too fast, or have an intestinal issue (or a hairball that didn't get coughed up). Ask a Veterinarian. They'll tell you.
7.) No help there.

Now if you want to give up the cat, then do it. If not, then live with the responsibility that comes with having it.

As far as the allergy, I can't speak on that since I don't have allergies at all.

Answer 3

Well I have 3. I have all the same problems as you, except fleas.
I would just never give up my babies. I think you should try to get you child to help. 12 Is old enough to do a litter box. I have a bag of news paper and trash bags just for the litter. Make a plan. There is shampoo you can buy to reduce the dander that caused the allergy. Pay one of the other kids in the building a buck to carry up the litter. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Having a cat myself, I have encountered most of the problems you list...but no matter what, I view my cat as a part of my family, and thus his "shortcomings" are tolerated...the couch, the vomiting, etc, are all natural things all cat owners go through. (I'm sure there are things I do that makes my cat sick!!!)
Trust me, if you get rid of this cat, you'll regret it!
I had a flea problem myself,
(or I should say my cat did) I used 2 different medications that worked well...not sure if they are still available, but they
were called Control and Program. I had gotten them from a vet...
but if you manage to get rid of the fleas, keep your pet indoors and away from other animals. This will lessen your cats' chance of getting re-infested. Bringing a flea problem under control takes time. Fleas are easy to kill, their eggs are a different story!
As for the kitty litter, if you don't have it, try the clumping kind, they sell it in smaller cartons, and it goes a long way. I swear by it. You'll then use less more often.
The couch thing....my couch and chair are shredded on the sides...cats
do this for a few reasons...sharpening their claws, and I've read they also are putting their scent on the items. Mine also scratches the wood framing, and ignores 2 scratching posts!
some suggestions,
declawing, this is expensive and painful for the cat, PLUS the big thing, if you let your cat outside, he is defenseless. A friend bought some type of thing that goes around the edges of furniture to protect against cat scratchings.

as for your clothes, nothing to do but use a lint brush...I have a few cat brushes I use on my cat as he used to shed a
lot, and it has cut down on the amount of hair. They shed constantly, but through brushing, you'll really cut down. mine (used to ) let me give him a bath, which helped, but I don't suggest it...yours may not be open to the idea!
I am also slightly allergic to my cat (I believe the allergy is from their saliva...they lick themselves, it dries, breaks off and becomes airborne...that is what i have read causes the allergies??!)
Again, brushing will help a bit
with this problem, too.
Hope this helps, the few troubles you may have to go through are well worth what a pet can give you back!
Good luck...Tim

Answer 5

If this cat "means everything" to your daughter, think of HER needs. And also consider your obligations to the cat.

1) There are simple ways to keep cats from scratching up the furniture. (Try double-sided tape for example; cats hate anything sticky on their paws.)

2) You knew you'd have litter duty when you got the cat. Using clumping litter and cleaning the box every day is NOT that difficult.

3) You can have litter and food delivered through places like Petco and Petsmart on-line so you don't have to "lug" anything.

4) Get lint removers to get the cat hair off your clothes, and try brushing the cat at least once a week to keep the cat from shedding profusely.

5) Your cat can't get fleas unless it's outside or around other animals with fleas. Keep your can indoors and treat him regularly with flea repellent. (You can get once-a-month flea applications at any large pet store or your vet's office.)

6) The intermittant vomit you're seeing is probably hair balls. There is an inexpensive treatment your can give your cat to help him pass the hairballs in his stool rather than vomitting them up.

7) If your new found allergic reaction is "mild" get allergy shots or medication to combat whatever your minor symptoms may be.

You're an adult; stop being so selfish and do what you have to do to keep your cat healthy and your daughter happy.

Answer 6

HI. Do what you think is right but I do have some solutions to your poblems. Ok at petsmart for about 2$ they have rubber nails that glue to their front nails. They stay on and your cat will be unable to scratch a thing. They hold on for a long time before falling off and you get a lot of claws in one package they also come in fun colors like blue, pink, red, green. It looks like your cat got a peticure.

Also their are automaic litter boxes they sweep themselves and then it is easy to carry the small bag to the trash. Also many cat litters make it easier to clean and diminish the smell.

When you climb the stairs have your daughter help you offer that this is the only way she can keep the cat is if she helps out more. Also you can give her positive rewards a long with that.

They make special vitamins and or shampoos that helop with shedding. You can also have your daughter brush him for 20-30 minutes a day while she watches her favorite show.

On the flea issue i suggest putting advantix on your kitty. Once a month you administer a small amount on to him and it will stay the whole month garunteed no fleas or ticks. I have used this product and it has never failed me and not once have a seen a flea on any of my cats or dogs. If you don't want advantix there are many brands of cheaper ones that work just as well. There are also collers, bathes, and sprays you can put around.

Cats have sensitive digestive tracks but they also do vomit alot. His food might have something to do with it. You might want to get him a more easier to digest food but make the transition steady. But cats do vomit and your going to just have to see what is making him do it and keep him from eating it. Just like a human does. There also medications for that to keep his stomach calm and to help digestion which can be easily crushed into his favorite wet food and given to him.

Unless your allergies get really bad around him i would suggest keeping him. Your daughter loves him and so do you. Cat's can have a rough time in shelters and there is no garuntee he would get adopted or surrvive but it's not true for every cat. Many get loving homes. Also it can confuse the animal and upset them but it can be fixed. I would suggest trying some different options and only resort to getting rid of him after some good thought. Talk to your daughter on the matter maybe she has some better ideas.

I really hope this helped. I hope everything goes ok. What ever you decide to do is the right choice. Don't forget that. Don't beat yourself up over this ok? In the end you'll pick the best choice. I hope everything works out.

Answer 7

I will answer each of your statements with something that will help you get past that problem and hopefully you will be able to keep your beloved cat and keep your daughter happy too!
1. Buy a small water gun every time he scratches, spray him. Also you can help by giving him something different to scratch like a scratch post. You have to be consistant with this.
2. Kitty litter is a cat problem. Get your daughter who is old enough to help take that on. Would be a good chore for her. My kids do ours.
3. You shouldn't need huge bags of cat food for one cat. Buy smaller. Also you can buy litter (clumping is most recommended) in containers with handles that look like giant plastic jugs or 3 gallon buckets. This is how I handle that. Also, let your daughter help you carry as well.
4. Brush, brush and brush but even sometimes that doesn't help. Just keep a lint roller and vacuum a lot. My cat gets his black hairs on my white clothes and white hairs on my black clothes...I just roll and go on.
5. If you keep your cat treated with Advantage or another similar (not OVER the counter, but from vet) brand then you will never have flea problems. It will even kill fleas in the house.
6. The vomiting is an issue where they eat too fast or too much. Also could be caused by a hairball too. Try a different cat food, perhaps it is too hard on his stomach as cheap brands can be.
7.Supposedly I am moderately allergic to cats too. But I can stick my nose in his fur and breathe deep and nothing happens. I think that vacuuming and constant grooming will solve much of that problem. You can also get a shampoo for your cat that helps the allergans in his/her fur coat to go away some.

If your daughter loves the cat so much, explain to her that you need some help with some of the "cat" chores. Have her keep the cat in her room more so that keeps the cat out of your space as much for the allergies and hair problem as well. I sure hope all works out well and all end up happy. Good Luck!

Answer 8

The hair, care and occasional puke is something I've just gotten used to with my cat. I'm fine with it, she's my little baby, I'm taking care of someone I love. You could get him declawed and look for flea medication for the cat. The allergy is a tough call, though (can you get shots?). Is there a friend/family member who'd be willing to adopt the cat, so your daughter could still visit. If you have to give him away, make sure you find a good home for him. He's dependent on you, and you might break his heart too! My cat is pretty much a family member, I would go to the ends of the earth for her. She understands more than you might think.

Answer 9

Alas! Very common problems with very "doable" solutions. BUT they take time and effort. (Is your 12-year old able to help "save" kitty?). If my suggestions are "too much", it would be best for all to give kitty up.

1. Vets are mixed about declawing. It is performed under anethesia BUT quite expensive. I consider it cruel and have trained my kitties to use a cat tree. Cats usually scratch after sleeping, using the litter, and eating, so just try to lead him to the post afterwards. Entice with catnip, not dragging. Praise works wonders! Use a squirt bottle of water ("BAD KITTY!") to deter him from the furniture. Try "Soft Paws"? I'm not sure if they work as my guys don't claw the furniture.
2. There are new litter liners that make changing the box easy. Daily scooping can make the big cleanups easier and farther between. I find arm & hammer scoop works best. Routine makes it bearable.
3. Some online pet stores deliver right to your door & ship for free. Buying bulk saves money, but it may be worth saving your back to buy smaller bags.
4. Daily brushing and regular bathing reduces shedding. Rubber dish gloves make a good hair grabber. Put clothes away when not wearing them (instead of over a chair) and use clear plastic (garmet) bags for your most "at risk" clothes/fabrics. Keep closet and dresser drawers closed and off-limits to kitty.
5. Your carpet has eggs that can incubate up to 6 months. Time to bathe kitty, apply Frontline Plus (it kills fleas AND eggs). Getting rid of the cat will NOT get rid of the fleas! You need to "bomb" the carpet/ furniture! Once your home/ cat has been "de-flead" for ~6 months, (unless kitty goes outside) it should be OK to discontinue the Frontline.
6. Try regular feeding times, regular serving sizes (Don't free feed). A small tsp. of butter helps reduce hairballs. I use "Fresh Digest" (powder supplement found in pet stores) and it solved my kitty's puking problem.
7. Allergy shots, allergy meds can be costly with unwanted side effects. Most people can discontinue shots after 3 years of treatment and be forever allergy free. We use "Just for Cats" allergy wipes and regular baths with daily brushing (brushing is part of our play-time) and we have been allergy free. (We are SUPER allergic).

Hopefully your kitty will get a second chance (whether with you and your daughter or a shelter) to have an owner with the time, money and effort to care for him. Good luck!

Answer 10

I have 2 cats and i can take care of them number 1.get advantage for the fleas it works.2.get scoopable cat litter so it is easier to clean scoop it up every morning3.get the sticky wraps on the roll for cat hair 4.brush the cat daily 5. take him to the vet and declaw him or get a claw board from the pet store6.bath him once amonth and blow dry him 7.don"t let him go outside and if is his hair is really long take him to the groomer good luck