Have these changes just occured since your daughter's birth? There are several anti-anxiety meds for cats which could be of help. I agree that a vet visit is your best course of action and that your child's safety is of the utmost importance as cat scratches and bits can cause serious infections in the most healthy of us, let alone a child.
Ethical Dilemma with Pet...
- Thread starter OgreMkV
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I also agree, in this case I would not declaw. If your cat is already aggressive, when she realizes her first line of defense is gone she could become an extreme biter. She might become reclusive for the same reason. I've met several declawed cats and admittedly most are the same as they were before the surgery. But the factors I mentioned are a risk.
After speaking to a vet, I'd recommend calling your nearest cat rescue organization. These men and women are wizards at practically any cat. Many people that rescue and rehome cats have rehabilitated ferals in their home.
I don't think you should feel guilty over it. It happens and that's the way it goes at times. I hope it works out for you.
I may be a fairly new fish person but I know cats up and down. This behavior really is relatively common. Cats are strange creatures that flip out over the oddest reasons that takes outside influence and experience to figure out.
I'd suggest reading Pam Johnson-Bennet. She's a cat behaviorist and has written several books. It may not help your problem but it'll help you to know you're not alone.
Like I said, before you put the kitty down please call your local cat rescue. They'll be understanding, compassionate and I promise there will be a nice soul who has turned the worst offender into a great companion. It may take another home, medication, and a new environment but it has been done.
Have you tried Feli-way? It's a product, sort of a feline holistic xanax. You may also want to look for Bach's Rescue Remedy while you're trying to figure out what to do.
I wanted to add:
Msjinkxd is absolutely right. I wouldn't want my child to be scratched by an aggressive cat. It's too dangerous. An attacking cat can lead to stitches, especially on a little girl. Ask if your vet would mind housing your cat for a few days while you figure out what to do. Or put the cat in an unused bathroom with food, water and a litterbox.
After speaking to a vet, I'd recommend calling your nearest cat rescue organization. These men and women are wizards at practically any cat. Many people that rescue and rehome cats have rehabilitated ferals in their home.
I don't think you should feel guilty over it. It happens and that's the way it goes at times. I hope it works out for you.
I may be a fairly new fish person but I know cats up and down. This behavior really is relatively common. Cats are strange creatures that flip out over the oddest reasons that takes outside influence and experience to figure out.
I'd suggest reading Pam Johnson-Bennet. She's a cat behaviorist and has written several books. It may not help your problem but it'll help you to know you're not alone.
Like I said, before you put the kitty down please call your local cat rescue. They'll be understanding, compassionate and I promise there will be a nice soul who has turned the worst offender into a great companion. It may take another home, medication, and a new environment but it has been done.
Have you tried Feli-way? It's a product, sort of a feline holistic xanax. You may also want to look for Bach's Rescue Remedy while you're trying to figure out what to do.
I wanted to add:
Msjinkxd is absolutely right. I wouldn't want my child to be scratched by an aggressive cat. It's too dangerous. An attacking cat can lead to stitches, especially on a little girl. Ask if your vet would mind housing your cat for a few days while you figure out what to do. Or put the cat in an unused bathroom with food, water and a litterbox.
The last cat I had spent the first couple years of it's life inside, being the only pet and being spoiled rotten for the most part. When I moved in with some family once I began college, my uncle wouldn't allow cats inside the house, so my cat had to go from her previous lifestyle to being an outside cat with all my cousin's other cats.
In reaction to this change, she stopped interacting with me completely and she stopped eating. She got very thin quickly and she died within a couple months time.
Given that, I'd try not to change a pet's home life that drastically again. If it had to go to a different home, I'd atleast try to make sure it'd stay indoors, and if possible with no other pets.
I would go with declawing before I'd rehome her. I've had cats declawed in the past. They are under anesthesia for the procedure, so no matter how painful it may *look* to see it done, the cat is asleep for it. Afterwards my cats walked lightly for a few days (a bit sore) but by no means seemed miserable. They were into just as much mischief as usual. I'm not sure they even noticed their nails were gone.
I'm not a fan of putting pets to sleep, but you're faced with a decision between a pet and a child, so that's a tougher decision. Just talk over the options with the vet.
In reaction to this change, she stopped interacting with me completely and she stopped eating. She got very thin quickly and she died within a couple months time.
Given that, I'd try not to change a pet's home life that drastically again. If it had to go to a different home, I'd atleast try to make sure it'd stay indoors, and if possible with no other pets.
I would go with declawing before I'd rehome her. I've had cats declawed in the past. They are under anesthesia for the procedure, so no matter how painful it may *look* to see it done, the cat is asleep for it. Afterwards my cats walked lightly for a few days (a bit sore) but by no means seemed miserable. They were into just as much mischief as usual. I'm not sure they even noticed their nails were gone.
I'm not a fan of putting pets to sleep, but you're faced with a decision between a pet and a child, so that's a tougher decision. Just talk over the options with the vet.
kjr928
Go fish yourself.
I worked as a vet tech for about 10 years. Declawing is really not a big deal. PETA and other animal rights agencies put such bad press out about it, but the truth of the matter is that the cat is recovered in less than a week and there is no chance of the cat injuring or damaging things with his claws again. It is CERTAINLY no more painful or traumatizing than having a cat spayed, and you see the media pushing for that all the time.
Anyway, about your cat. Is it possible that your cat is playing? Or is he legitimately attacking you? (It sounds to me like he's just playing rough, that's why I ask).
Here is what I would do. First, bring the cat to the vet for a check up and explain what's going on. Maybe he/she will have another solution for you. If not, then I would opt for declawing. This way, the cat will pretty much be able to do whatever it wants to anyone without causing injury (you said the cat has almost no teeth left right?). Euthanasia I would hold off as a last option, if all else fails.
And for all of you who are so against declawing... If you were able to ask the cat if he'd rather be declawed or if he'd rather be dead, I'm sure the cat would rather be declawed. Just my thoughts on it.
Anyway, about your cat. Is it possible that your cat is playing? Or is he legitimately attacking you? (It sounds to me like he's just playing rough, that's why I ask).
Here is what I would do. First, bring the cat to the vet for a check up and explain what's going on. Maybe he/she will have another solution for you. If not, then I would opt for declawing. This way, the cat will pretty much be able to do whatever it wants to anyone without causing injury (you said the cat has almost no teeth left right?). Euthanasia I would hold off as a last option, if all else fails.
And for all of you who are so against declawing... If you were able to ask the cat if he'd rather be declawed or if he'd rather be dead, I'm sure the cat would rather be declawed. Just my thoughts on it.
I will say that declawing is illegal in the UK so to me that says alot about the procedure. I would rather possibly rehome than perform a needless surgery when the cat still may be unhappy in the long run. It is as much about the cat as it is the little one.
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Que
I wish I was a fish I wish.
For the saftey of your kid you need to get the cat out of your house.
How you take care of it... vet, pound, put to sleep... thats an issue that you have lots of advice about at this point.
I think if the cat has lived a long life and is having trouble maintaining a safe relationship with your family then it's time to go has come.
Q
How you take care of it... vet, pound, put to sleep... thats an issue that you have lots of advice about at this point.
I think if the cat has lived a long life and is having trouble maintaining a safe relationship with your family then it's time to go has come.
Q
kjr928
Go fish yourself.
I do believe that there is a chance your cat can co-exist with your family. I would seriously talk to the vet about it and consider declawing. If declawing is not an option for you, then I would have him euthanized. Rehoming an animal at that age is probably the cruelest and most traumatizing thing you could do to it, out of the suggestions mentioned.
I do believe that if you considered declawing, you'd find that your cat would recover in no time, and would no longer pose a risk to anyone in your family.
I have personally taken care of many cats recovering from declawing and 99% of them are up and walking around as soon as the anesthesia has worn off. They are able to go home the very same day.
I do believe that if you considered declawing, you'd find that your cat would recover in no time, and would no longer pose a risk to anyone in your family.
I have personally taken care of many cats recovering from declawing and 99% of them are up and walking around as soon as the anesthesia has worn off. They are able to go home the very same day.
Here is your answer your child ALWAYS comes first.
Your dilemma is only where to re home your cat. Don't feel guilty you have taken good care of her for her entire life and she is no doubt one of the family and it is hard but.
Just looking the mirror see the scratches on your face now what if it was your child's face not yours what would you do? (that ones easy)
you can't watch either 24 7 what happens when you look away for that brief time the phone rings,knock at the door etc.
Protect your child!
Your dilemma is only where to re home your cat. Don't feel guilty you have taken good care of her for her entire life and she is no doubt one of the family and it is hard but.
Just looking the mirror see the scratches on your face now what if it was your child's face not yours what would you do? (that ones easy)
you can't watch either 24 7 what happens when you look away for that brief time the phone rings,knock at the door etc.
Protect your child!
