Y'all talk me out of this crazy idea, please. Right now.
My friends are wanting to get a puppy for their two daughters. They already had two cats--Princess and Barbie. They absolutely do NOT want these cats anymore, and they've asked everyone if they want them. I have a dog and don't really care for cats.
These friends have now put their former housecats outside. They do not let them in the house anymore. When I was there babysitting the children the other day, one of the cats stayed at the front door and MEOW-ed the entire time I was there. And yesterday, one of them let me pet it in the backyard for forever.
Both cats are really sweet and like people (especially kids). They're both fluffy black cats, and I can't tell them apart. They are declawed.
I know they would be free, and I imagine they would give me their litterbox and catfood and stuff.
But then I think:
1. How would we keep Holly out of the litter box?
2. Where would we put the litter box?
3. How would we keep the cats from going out Holly's doggy door?
4. Would Glen clean the litter box? [He loves cats.]
5. Would Holly and the cats get along?
6. What if it turns out we're allergic to cats?
7. Can we afford TWO more animals (food, shots, etc.)?
I've never had a cat.
I really don't know what to do here. Why can't some cat-lover around here volunteer to take them? Why don't they put their cats on freecycle or something? I bet someone would take them.
p.s. Please do not refer to this dilemma on Facebook. The current cat owners are my Facebook friends. Thanks.
-- Edited by Robin on Monday 17th of August 2009 04:10:37 PM
I have 3 (one outside 2 inside) cats and a puppy and frankly I prefer cats. I think cats are easier for the most part. That being said, cats are cats. Here's what I think how you might approach it if I were you.
1. If you are comfortable with it, since they are outside now, I might go ahead and let them be indoor/outdoor cats. You will need an inside litter box, but in my experience you can usually phase that out (except when you leave them for a weekend inside).
2. You will need to get them frontline or something like that for fleas. If they dont' go outside you won't have to go that route but I would make sure they are flea free before bringing them in the house.
3. If you did this you wouldn't have to keep the cats out of Holly's doggy door.
4. If you keep them as indoor cats, you may be able to confine them to a part of the house if you can close off part of your house.
5. If you do have a litter box, chances are Holly will be in it. Look on the bright side, it's less to clean out. :gag:
6. If it doesn't work, rehome them on Craig's list?
I think cats are pretty easy. You can leave for a few days and just stock them up on food and water. I also think it's important to find out why they didn't like the cats anymore. Also I would not recommend one litter box for two cats unless you intend to clean it more than once a day. On the other hand if the cats go in and out one box would be enough.
you know, cats seem so low maintenance. and they are ... kind of, because you don't have to walk them or take them outside.
however .....
they puke up hairballs - anywhere.
my cats walk on my table, counters, etc... i've heard you can train them not to but mine still do.
their pee & poop STINK and are in your house.
my cat sneaks into the garage whenever she can and brings us in "presents" - yesterday she brought a live mole into the house. complete with screaming and kicking.
i do NOT recommend cats. i love the two i have but honestly if i could convince dh to get rid of them i would do it in a heartbeat.
I love cats. honestly I am not into animals much anymore since having kids, but if I had to pick it would be a cat. We have two that are indoor only cats and aside from the hair they are so easy to care for. They can be left for long weekends without a sitter.
I would find out why they were booted. That is pretty shitty to just toss them out and get a dog.
Litter boxes do stink, but if you have an area like a mud room or laundry room that is not in the main area it should be fine. I have a covered one and it is not bad. Rich changes it though ;)
They do not require much in terms of vet visits.
You can always have your Dog meet them to see if it works out, if not then return them or try to find a home for them.
woman, are you CRAZY! do not take cats that someone has had for a while and now doesn't want. they probably don't want them because they will pee all over your house. do.not.do.it.
I love cats, Robin, and I would still hesitate to take these two.
Cats are a lot of work. They seem like they wouldn't be but they are.
With two cats, the litter will need to be scooped every day (or every second day) or you will need two big litter boxes.
I can't believe they let two declawed cats outside. That is sad. They can't defend themselves or climb up trees. :(
I don't know. I think it is wonderful that you are considering it and if you do take them, there is nothing like the love from a cat (unlike a dog, you really have to earn their love and that makes it all the sweeter when they do like you).
Here's a good site to let you look into the mind of a cat: http://icanhascheezburger.com/
:D
-- Edited by Sonya on Tuesday 18th of August 2009 04:41:41 AM
-- Edited by Sonya on Tuesday 18th of August 2009 04:42:00 AM
I love cats, Robin, and I would still hesitate to take these two.
Cats are a lot of work. They seem like they wouldn't be but they are.
With two cats, the litter will need to be scooped every day (or every second day) or you will need two big litter boxes.
I can't believe they let two declawed cats outside. That is sad. They can't defend themselves or climb up trees. :(
I don't know. I think it is wonderful that you are considering it and if you do take them, there is nothing like the love from a cat (unlike a dog, you really have to earn their love and that makes it all the sweeter when they do like you).
Here's a good site to let you look into the mind of a cat: http://icanhascheezburger.com/
:D
-- Edited by Sonya on Tuesday 18th of August 2009 04:41:41 AM
-- Edited by Sonya on Tuesday 18th of August 2009 04:42:00 AM
My brother and sil have 3 cats that are indoor/outdoor and declawed(just 1 now since the others died of old age). They climbed trees, killed prey and sometimes left it on the floor in the house. They also had 1 kitty litter box but the cats did their business outside most of the time.
Robin, it seems like you have been around the cats enough to know how they are. I would never take adult cats for someone I didn't know.
