? Help for Adoption concern with 4 paw declaw?

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by Mocha aka Cold Play, Jul 14, 2016.

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  1. Mocha aka Cold Play

    Mocha aka Cold Play Well-Known Member

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    Sep 23, 2015
    If this question is not welcome here, I apologize. Let me know. I know there is so much general knowledge here that I don't know where else to trust. I am searching for a friend for Latte, who lost Mocha (the reason I came here) in Feb. Her signs of grieving/loneliness continue.

    I am trying to search w/i foster homes because they are more likely to have the "shy" girl that is necessary to be comfy with my Latte (shy). Looking for a cat that wants her attention and face greetings.

    Anyhow, some are on the radar and I will go to visit them. But, what about those in the shelter? I never feel that they reflect the actual personality under such conditions. There may well be a sweet match for her that came in yesterday. She is a four paw declaw. I would never declaw. Latte was a 2 paw declaw when adopted. I was not aware that the 4 paw declaw creates issues with the spine and aging and arthritis because they can't balance thru the feet. I really may love this shelter girl but would I be unavoidably facing some major issues (like can't walk,etc). A foster mom suggested Cosequin to help but how far would that really go?

    She is 3, so she may give Latte a run for her money in being playful. Might not be a bad thing right?


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    The other consideration is finding a cat with a good personality but unfortunately they are 1 or more years older. Latte is 8. I am seeing one below on Monday that is around 9. I worry some that each year is pretty significant in the "aging" impact.
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    There is one that has an 10 year old that I am told is a cuddler and would be great (below). I have not yet gone because I will feel sad for this abandoned girl, who had a family until a month ago and would likely take her immediately. But, don't know how long I would have her with Latte. You never know but trying to increase the odds of companionship but quality too. So hard to weigh all the factors. Hard when we come to a place we don't expect with the sudden loss of a large part of our heart!

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    Last edited: Jul 14, 2016
  2. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Aug 9, 2015
    Kari nice to see you again - I can't answer your 4 paw declaw question but I am partial to senior cat adoptions - especially this poor girl who lost her family I once adopted a 13 year cat - her owner died and her far away relatives wanted the cat PTS before she "damaged the condo." - my vet couldn't do it so said she would find her a home. After a few months in the Cat Hospital, there were no takers for a 13 year old. But I did, and she lived another 7-8 years. I never regretted giving that cat a home
     
  3. Mocha aka Cold Play

    Mocha aka Cold Play Well-Known Member

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    Sep 23, 2015
    Her "reason" when her owners were moving and unable to keep her. Pretty poor decision for a pet that only knew home life. I may end up just sweeping her away. Sometimes the right decision is not the easiest. I love that you saved that cat. To think of the older ones spending their final years in a shelter/cage breaks my heart!
     
  4. Doodles & Karen

    Doodles & Karen Well-Known Member

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    Jun 2, 2015
    I don't have a lot of experience but tend to agree with Carol. It's so sad when an older kitty ends up in that situation and are harder for adoptions.
     
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  5. Gill & George

    Gill & George Well-Known Member

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    Oct 27, 2015
    Hi Kari, nice to see you. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
    George was a shelter cat, a 7 year old boy when we got him.
    I love kittens, but have never had one, have always taken on older kitties, like Carol, I feel sorry for them.
    So difficult to know if they will get on, I have no experience with trying to get cats to be friends.
     
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  6. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

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    Dec 2, 2014
    About a year ago a friend of mine was looking at adopting a kitty a few months after his long-term girlie passed away from cancer. I ( and Little Missy :cat:) convinced him to take a chance on an older girl. at the shelter. Missy was 14 at that time and he worried that he would not have a long time with her because of her age. But between me and Missy's adorable little face he adopted her. She has blossomed into a wonderful, loving kitty with a huge personality. A senior kitty may not be with us as long as a kitten, but they can still give lots of love. :bighug:
     
  7. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Aug 9, 2015
    Do you know Jackson Galaxy's website? I know he has info and tips on introducing cats. come to think of it, I think the 13 year old cat was a 4 paw declaw Never had any issues related to that
     
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  8. Mocha aka Cold Play

    Mocha aka Cold Play Well-Known Member

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    Sep 23, 2015
    I had not heard of him. I see a wealth of web hits and videos. Will see what I can learn. Don't you wish the cats on both sides could vote?
     
  9. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Aug 9, 2015
    Jackson Galaxy has a show on Animal Planet called "My Cat from Hell" where he helps people who have cats with behavioral problems. It airs on Saturday nights but I think the season just ended. It is quite informative. His website is good as well.
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2016
  10. Dawn and Peek-a-Boo (GA)

    Dawn and Peek-a-Boo (GA) Member

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    Dec 27, 2015
    Kari, I think it's wonderful that you are mindful of the loneliness that Latte may be experiencing and are opening your heart again to welcome a new kitty since the loss of Mocha.

    Love and hugs,

    Dawn :bighug::bighug:
     
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  11. Mocha aka Cold Play

    Mocha aka Cold Play Well-Known Member

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    Sep 23, 2015
    I had a "closed" mri today and I am somewhat claustrophobic. Well, this machine was smaller than anything I ever had many years ago. It was extremely difficult for me to not go bonkers with something even pressing on my arm and they said had to leave it there. I did not have a sedative. All that to say my emotions are somehow so strong today with loss for Mocha. Maybe that fear tied into the fear from the loss of her. Will never know.

    I am wondering how hard it may be to bring the new adoption into the home in her carrier. I am hoping that we (Latte and I) are ready for that transition. Perhaps this is where Latte will help me along, and vice versa? The last time I lost was before Mocha and the house was empty. She had many illness issues so somehow the focus on her health got me thru. I have not held any cat that I considered. I saw one but had doubts and my doubts were confirmed. "Maybe" just being able to pick up another cat and to know it will be different.
     
  12. Sienne and Gabby (GA)

    Sienne and Gabby (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    There's another cat behaviorist I like -- Pam Johnson-Bennett. This is the link to her website. She offers consultations so it may be a way to get information about the declaw situation. The other place you could ask is at Cornell Vet School at the Feline Health Center. Cornell also offers a consultation service.

     
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  13. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Sep 6, 2015
    How sweet to find Latte a companion. You never know what bonds will form. My Tripper (female) has never bonded with any others and will never tolerate another female. Smokey had always been and only cat until he came to me. No introduction period needed. He was 16 and Tux was about 2 yrs. They bonded instantly right through the carrier. They groom each other and cuddle (avatar). Smokey plays with him. Not so much now but they played tag and wrestle.

    As far as declaw, I had a male that was front declared and as he aged one foot started to bother him. Found out it was a botched surgery and there wasn't anything that could be done. You will have to use your instinct.

    Some places will allow you to bring a current pet and have a room you were you can do a meet and greet. Maybe you can ask if that's possible.
     
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  14. Mocha aka Cold Play

    Mocha aka Cold Play Well-Known Member

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    Sep 23, 2015
    Good to know. Thanks Sienne.
     
  15. Mocha aka Cold Play

    Mocha aka Cold Play Well-Known Member

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    Sep 23, 2015
    Guess we do the best we can to look for a companion. Interesting about the instant bond. Love the photo. Would love to see that connection.

    No places around here allow for a cat to cat visit. Probably just as well because my Latte would go bonkers thinking she was being abandoned again. One shelter was where she came from.

    I was told it is not "age, sex or even body size but that the temperament is the most important for the cat bonding.
     
  16. Mandarin'sMom

    Mandarin'sMom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2014
    I think the key word is that four paw declawing CAN cause health issues, but it's certainly not a given. I am 100% sure that I would never declaw a cat... and I grew up in a country where declawing is considered animal cruelty and is illegal (Germany). However, as a volunteer and foster for a rescue, I have come across quite a few sweet, happy, well adjusted declawed cats without any major health issues.

    But with that being said, a 4-paw-declawed cat will probably need some adjustments. For instance, I live in a house with hardwood floors throughout and the four-paw declawed cats I have fostered had a hard time (or were unable to) get on furniture without a rug to get some traction. I think Cosequin is a good way to help with arthritis. And keeping the cat at a good weight.

    Depending on when the surgery was performed and how good of a job they did, litter box issues are also a concern. I eventually switched to walnut litter for one of my fosters because the regular clay litter was too painful for her.

    If you like her and think that her personality would be a good match for Latte, I wouldn't let the fact that she is 4-paw-declawed stop me from adopting her.

    Keep us posted! ...and I hope that whoever you will pick will turn out to be a great companion for Latte.
     
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  17. Mocha aka Cold Play

    Mocha aka Cold Play Well-Known Member

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    Sep 23, 2015
    Great point about the floors and traction. Our home up til 5 months ago had variation of tile and more carpet. The new place has no carpet. The floors are laminate and even make our Latte slide when she plays. We have a rug in every room and even runners in the long hall but in between she slides. There is another 4 paw declaw that I am sure works with her laid back style because this cat is fostered and is calm and grooming the 2 others and vice versa.

    Thanks for the input to all. Others "hearts" help, plus the minds too!:bighug:;):cat:
     
  18. julie & punkin (ga)

    julie & punkin (ga) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 17, 2011
    So nice to see you Kari! I'm glad you're considering a new friend for Latte.

    I, too, am partial to the special needs kitties, or the senior kitties. I wouldn't rule out the declawed kitties or a senior kitty, but would instead go by personality.

    When Punkin passed we still had Anya, who had been very much bonded to him. We thought she needed to be top dog, so we ruled out getting an older cat and got a kitten instead. She was only 4 when he died. Well, we ended up getting 2 kittens because it was a 2 for 1 month. That was a mistake - getting a kitten was ok, but getting 2 kept Anya in a perpetual state of anxiety. They would come up on both sides of her and she would act like it scared her. I think if we'd just gotten 1 kitten it would've been fine.

    That's my only advice - stick with only getting one, even if it is a 2 for 1 month!

    Please let us know what you decide to do!
     
  19. Mocha aka Cold Play

    Mocha aka Cold Play Well-Known Member

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    Sep 23, 2015
    WOULD YOU BELIEVE ONE IS HAVING A FOUR FOR ONE! $25 for one, not $100. Bad idea I believe.
     
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