Go Back   Pet forum for dogs cats and humans - Pets.ca > Discussion Groups - mainly cats and dogs > General Forum for cats and dogs

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old July 28th, 2009, 02:55 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
Need Advice From the Kitty Experts!!

My family and I have recently decided to bring home a new cat into our family. We've narrowed our search down to two reputable rescues, and are looking for a cat suited to these requirements:

Good with dogs and other cats, good with children, about 2-5 years old. Gender doesn't make a difference.

But I have some questions, and I'd like some advice to help us make the new kitties transition (once we decide on the cat) a little easier into our home.

We have two dogs and a cat. How can we ensure that the newcomer won't be stressed out by this living environment? How can we ensure that our current pets won't be stressed out?
My cat that we have now was adopted by us when she was only 12 weeks old, so I'm unsure of how to approach this with an adult cat.

I have a female cat now. Would it be better to bring home another female, or does it matter?

There are a few cats at one SPCA we're looking at that have been declawed previously. I'm hesitant about bringing one of these cats home because I wouldn't want to put it in a home with an unfair advantage (with a cat that has all her claws and two dogs with a bit too much eagerness to say hello).

Any advice/help/suggestions to make this transition easier and to help us narrow our search will be appreciated!!!
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old July 28th, 2009, 03:48 PM
TacoGrl's Avatar
TacoGrl TacoGrl is offline
Sleep..What is that?!?
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Calgary, AB Canada
Posts: 909
I think two girl cats have a better chance of not getting along...my two didn't and others have told me this as well...I have one of each now and they get along swell! BUT it all depends on the cats I guess.

The SPCA and most rescues should be able to tell you which cats get along with dogs and other cats...they usually try to find out to help prospective adopters.

Slow intros (new kitty in a seperate room to start) and make sure you dote of your current pets too so they don't get jealous

As for the declawing issue...usually you keep claws pretty short by clipping them, so kinda the same thing except without the pain of declawing, so I don't really see it as an issue...especially if the cat you are looking at already gets along with other animals
__________________
Mooki & Jaeger

Mom to
Seth - Brown Tabby
Messina - Blonde Tabby
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old July 28th, 2009, 03:56 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
Thanks TG! I have heard of seperating the newcomer for a bit upon arrival, so we've already got the spare room ready for that.

As for the declawing issue, the reason I ask is because one of the cats at the Calgary SPCA has stolen my heart - buuuutt, I'm hesitant because both of my dogs are fairly energetic. Moo, my female cat is very used to playing with dogs and sticks up for herself quite well - I've never had to worry about her. I guess I'm nervous about bringing a declawed cat into the picture just on the thought that they'd have no real defense if the need arise to tell the dogs to get lost - as Moo occasionally has to do.

I know we have to bring in our current pets to meet the new cat in order for an adoption to be approved, but I'm concerned that everything will be fine at the shelter and get a little crazy at home. I think I'm just paranoid. I want this to go as smoothly as possible!

Thanks for the thought on the females vs females, I wasn't sure if there would be an issue. I will certainly keep that in mind while we look!
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old July 28th, 2009, 04:04 PM
chico2's Avatar
chico2 chico2 is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 26,591
I would say definetly get a male kitty.
If you are thinking of a kitten,he probably could adjust to the dogs,with time.
A grown cat not used to dogs,probably takes longer.
I know my 3 cats hate dogs,or I should say,they are terrified of dogs.
__________________
"The cruelest animal is the Human animal"
3 kitties,Rocky(r.i.p my boy),Chico,Vinnie
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old July 28th, 2009, 04:11 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
Chico2, were you ever told from the shelter that any of them were okay with other animals? That's what I'm SO afraid of...that the new cat will be labelled as being "good" with cats and dogs, but it is an entirely different situation when a cat is cornered by a big bouncing labradoodle. (Not that my dogs are in any way aggressive with cats, however realistically I have to assume that they may want to play with the cat and say 'hi' - they're both young dogs, still learning their manners!)
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old July 28th, 2009, 04:20 PM
chico2's Avatar
chico2 chico2 is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 26,591
Bailey,no my cats all,kind of happened,none from a shelter,one was a farm-kitty,one from a pet-store(sorry)and my youngest was found on the street.
Never did have to get used to dogs,I don't have any.
I do however walk a Cocker every day and disaster happened when one of my cats got out accidentally while the Cocker was in my backyard with me.

However there are several people here who adopted cats"used to dogs"and it worked out fine.
__________________
"The cruelest animal is the Human animal"
3 kitties,Rocky(r.i.p my boy),Chico,Vinnie
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old July 28th, 2009, 04:40 PM
Dogastrophe's Avatar
Dogastrophe Dogastrophe is offline
Senior Member
Helicopter Champion
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 773
I can't speak for cat to cat as I only have the one; however, if Gracie "survived" her encounter with my two silly bounce off the wall terriers, there is hope for every kitty out there!!

The nice thing with introducing cats to dogs is that the cat will eventually build up the confidence to be among them - starts with a few exploratory missions and quick escapes to safety, to wall hugging, to strutting in front of the dogs (and maybe giving one of them a smack along the way).

I've been searching for the initial thread I started regarding introducing Gracie to the dogs which is full of great advise, but haven't found it yet. Will post the link when I do.
__________________
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Lucy - 9 yr old border(?) terrier mix
Jack - 8 yr old yorkie terrier mix
Gracie - 7 yr old tuxedo kitty

Monty - RIP buddy
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either." - Unknown
"If cats could talk they would lie to you"
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old July 28th, 2009, 04:42 PM
TacoGrl's Avatar
TacoGrl TacoGrl is offline
Sleep..What is that?!?
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Calgary, AB Canada
Posts: 909
Bailey...have you tried MEOW? They let you take kitty home and try out as long as you want before you actually adopt...they are also VERY supportive...that is where I got my two from...my adoption coordinator was Tina...she was great! Right now, they are more money because the SPCA has lowered their prices for their summer sale Having said that, the SPCA is a kill facility and MEOW isn't, so right now you might be saving someone's life by adopting from the SPCA, but when the field is even, I prefer the personal touch/involvement of MEOW

Just to throw more into the confusion pot! LoL!
__________________
Mooki & Jaeger

Mom to
Seth - Brown Tabby
Messina - Blonde Tabby
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old July 28th, 2009, 05:00 PM
sugarcatmom's Avatar
sugarcatmom sugarcatmom is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 5,357
There's a good article here on how to facilitate a compatible relationship between your dogs and the new cat: http://www.labadoption.org/linkpages...icles/Cats.pdf

Some info on introducing cats to each other: http://www.catsinternational.org/art...roduction.html

I personally would be very hesitant to get a declawed cat in your situation. Even if none of your other pets intend any harm, the new kitty doesn't know that and might feel very vulnerable. You could end up with a constantly anxious cat and all of the corresponding behaviour problems (inappropriate elimination, aggressiveness, hiding, etc). If you were able to adopt a cat from a foster home where s/he was already living with dogs and was comfortable in that environment, that would preferable. Either that or a cat with claws.

Do you have a tall cat condo or somewhere that the new kitty can escape to up high? Even with careful introductions, there may come a time when the cat just wants to observe the peons below without being bothered by them. I would also ensure that your dogs don't "go after" the cat, even if it's only to play. Keep them on a leash in the cat's presence until the cat is confident and comfortable, and the dogs aren't so interested in checking him/her out.
__________________
"To close your eyes will not ease another's pain." ~ Chinese Proverb

“We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies.” ~ Gretchen Wyler
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old July 28th, 2009, 05:42 PM
Jim Hall Jim Hall is offline
Kitty pimp
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: paterson new jersey
Posts: 4,788
yup a high place where the dogs cant get and aplace on the floor just big enough for her is perfect if you can have the room you keep her in a "saferoon" ie she goes there and no one is allowed to engage her


if the adoptor is good they will have vetted the cats for personality and general getting along with others
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old July 28th, 2009, 05:58 PM
Luvmypitgirls's Avatar
Luvmypitgirls Luvmypitgirls is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: High River Alberta
Posts: 2,655
Bailey, I don't know if you've already found this or not but there is a rescue called Heaven Can Wait, just a suggestion for rescueing.

I wish I could offer you some "cat advice", unfortunately I am more dog savvy, even tho I have two cats (they are brothers), I haven't had enough experience with cats that aren't related. All my cats thru~out the years have always been littermates except one, so introductions with cats not raised together and such I'm not in the position to advise, but I hope whatever happens it all works out great for you.
__________________
Abigail~ APBT~ 2
Jersey ~ APBT~5(ish)
Kato ~Rottie~ 5&1/2
Wendellan~ Feline~ 10(ish)
Theedee~Feline~10(ish)
"Da-Goob"~ APBT/Dogo x (5-6ish)


"My Pitbulls are better behaved than your kids!" (my favorite bumper sticker)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old July 28th, 2009, 06:34 PM
Love4himies's Avatar
Love4himies Love4himies is offline
Rescue is my fav. breed
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Boating in the 1000 Islands
Posts: 17,769
You can never predict how a cat will react when you get it home, however, I have found that male cats are much more social than females, especially females who have had a previous litter.

When you go to the shelter ask if you can see the cat's reaction to other cats, if he/she is quite calm, then there is a good chance that he/she will be calm with your kitty. Also, you can ask if they have seen this kitty's reaction to dogs. Perhaps the cat was fostered in a home with dogs, or owner surrendered.
__________________
Cat maid to:


Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old July 28th, 2009, 06:43 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
Wow, thanks for all the great advice and links everyone. I really appreciate it. We want to make the right choice for our new addition, but there are SO many deserving cats out there, its making this hard.

TG, I have been looking at Meow, yes. I love how they are very specific about the personality of each cat and the background - if they know it. Thats one thing the SPCA is lacking. I'm on the fence as to adopt from the SPCA or Meow simply because, like you said, Meow is a no-kill rescue whereas the SPCA is not. It's hard to decide!

LMPG, No I hadn't ever heard of that rescue - I'll google them tonight! We're hoping to have made our choice by the weekend so I'll keep you all updated. Thanks for the heads up.

Quote:
I personally would be very hesitant to get a declawed cat in your situation. Even if none of your other pets intend any harm, the new kitty doesn't know that and might feel very vulnerable. You could end up with a constantly anxious cat and all of the corresponding behaviour problems (inappropriate elimination, aggressiveness, hiding, etc). If you were able to adopt a cat from a foster home where s/he was already living with dogs and was comfortable in that environment, that would preferable. Either that or a cat with claws.

Do you have a tall cat condo or somewhere that the new kitty can escape to up high? Even with careful introductions, there may come a time when the cat just wants to observe the peons below without being bothered by them. I would also ensure that your dogs don't "go after" the cat, even if it's only to play. Keep them on a leash in the cat's presence until the cat is confident and comfortable, and the dogs aren't so interested in checking him/her out.
Thanks for your thoughts on this! I tend to agree...a declawed cat might be at a loss in our home, at least initially and even that is enough to make me feel bad about that.
I actually don't really think I have anywhere high that the cat can get too - Moo generally wanders around on the floor or the back of the couches if she feels like getting away from the dogs. That's an excellent suggestion though - I'm sure Moo would appreciate it, as would the newcomer!

Thanks everyone, muchly appreciated!
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old July 28th, 2009, 07:37 PM
TacoGrl's Avatar
TacoGrl TacoGrl is offline
Sleep..What is that?!?
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Calgary, AB Canada
Posts: 909
If you decide to get a cat tree and are like me in the "too inept to build one myself" dept ...go to Pet Planet (they don't sell pets, but MEOW shows there on weekends-I found Messina there-hiding under her little bed )...the one out in Creekside is the best I have found (too far for me to go regularly though, but the lady there is super). The trees are locally made and are very well constructed and guess what, they are VERY price positive They are also good to get EVO and NOW! treats at.

I bought my tree there and these two LOVE it! You can see from the pic it is pretty simple, but sturdy and the top is high enough to get away from dogs I am sure...they do have other styles as well

I appologize for all the ads I just like to share when I find good deals and good customer service...so very hard to find both now days.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Mooki & Jaeger

Mom to
Seth - Brown Tabby
Messina - Blonde Tabby
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old July 28th, 2009, 07:39 PM
Love4himies's Avatar
Love4himies Love4himies is offline
Rescue is my fav. breed
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Boating in the 1000 Islands
Posts: 17,769
That is a great cat tree, Tacogirl, cats need one that is high and very sturdy.
__________________
Cat maid to:


Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old July 29th, 2009, 02:12 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
TG, thanks so much for the tips!! Great cat tree, btw, I'll definitely drop into Pet Planet. It's wonderful to get advice from pple who have 'been there'.

So did you get your cats from MEOW? The cat in your picture has beeeauuutiful marking!
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old July 29th, 2009, 04:20 PM
catlover2's Avatar
catlover2 catlover2 is offline
Catlover2
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: GTA (Greater Toronto Area)
Posts: 1,031
From your talking with the MEOW rescue, it would be the better place to adopt from as they take a real interest in knowing the pet, and would let you have a "try out". I'm sure they could suggest to you the best cat to fit your family, ie. one that is dog savvy is preferable. I do feel a male would be a better fit with your female, and also one that is not declawed. Good luck and let us know what you get.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old July 29th, 2009, 04:24 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
Thanks CatLover! We have actually decided to adopt from Meow, now its just a matter of narrowing our search. So many wonderful kitties out there! We hope to have found our new family member by Friday so I will post pics!
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old July 29th, 2009, 05:22 PM
TacoGrl's Avatar
TacoGrl TacoGrl is offline
Sleep..What is that?!?
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Calgary, AB Canada
Posts: 909
Yup...I got both from MEOW at the same time almost seven months ago...Messina was in a foster (she was prego and had four kitties) and Seth was in their shelter for a year (got saved from the SPCA cuz they were going to put him down).

MEOW definately will make a good match for you...they ask you a buuuuuunch of questions (takes about an hour) and then the meet and greet...their shelter is a good place to see how the kittehs interact with other kittehs and most of the fosters are VERY helpful when you go to their places. They give you a bunch of info in the kit too about introductions, health, etc. and of course will answer your questions too. When the adoption is final, they transfer the chip into your name and they LOVE to hear how they kitties are doing...PICS OF COURSE!

I can't wait to see pics of who you chose...ooops, who choses you!


As for Pet Planet, the only one I have had less than stellar customer service from is the one at Brentwood (it was almost like they didn't want me in there), but the rest of them are ok if you can't make it to Creekside. Yes, I have been to all of them...I will be somewhere else, see one and pop in to see what toys they have and to pick up treats...my kittehs are spoiled.
__________________
Mooki & Jaeger

Mom to
Seth - Brown Tabby
Messina - Blonde Tabby

Last edited by TacoGrl; July 29th, 2009 at 05:29 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old July 29th, 2009, 05:29 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
Thanks for the info. I am close to Brentwood, so thanks for the headsup - I'll head to the other one instead.

I've been scouring the pages of MEOW today, and lo and behold I did see your thankyou letter to MEOW for Seth and Messina! BEAUTIFUL cats.

It just makes me all that much more excited to adopt from such a wonderful rescue. Thanks for your help TG! Can't wait to pick ours out too!
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old July 29th, 2009, 11:46 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
YAAAY! I'm so excited. We just talked to one of the MEOW founders who has set us up an appointment to view the cats & kittens this Saturday. Apparently, from everything we have previously told her about our family, she thinks that this boy is the one for us. His name is Adonis.




I'm so excited to meet him and the others! I'll be sure to post pics of the cat that chooses our family.
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old July 30th, 2009, 06:50 AM
chico2's Avatar
chico2 chico2 is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 26,591
Bailey,OMG what a beauty
that he works out!
You know of course,no matter how much Adonis(very fitting name)is used to cats/dogs,the transition-period will be tricky,until he gets used to his new home and relaxes.
__________________
"The cruelest animal is the Human animal"
3 kitties,Rocky(r.i.p my boy),Chico,Vinnie
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old July 30th, 2009, 06:55 AM
sugarcatmom's Avatar
sugarcatmom sugarcatmom is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 5,357
Absolutely stunning cat! I hope all goes well and we get to see many more pics of Adonis.
__________________
"To close your eyes will not ease another's pain." ~ Chinese Proverb

“We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies.” ~ Gretchen Wyler
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old July 30th, 2009, 07:00 AM
Love4himies's Avatar
Love4himies Love4himies is offline
Rescue is my fav. breed
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Boating in the 1000 Islands
Posts: 17,769
He is a beauty
__________________
Cat maid to:


Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old July 30th, 2009, 07:14 AM
TacoGrl's Avatar
TacoGrl TacoGrl is offline
Sleep..What is that?!?
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Calgary, AB Canada
Posts: 909
WOW! Adonis is a beautiful cat!

I am glad I could help and I am excited for you!
__________________
Mooki & Jaeger

Mom to
Seth - Brown Tabby
Messina - Blonde Tabby
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old July 30th, 2009, 07:46 AM
allfurlove's Avatar
allfurlove allfurlove is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Posts: 129
What a handsome dude! He looks part siamese. Good luck at your visit...it must be so hard to choose one!
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old July 30th, 2009, 11:00 AM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
Yes, apparently they think he's part siamese part lynx. He's just beautiful though, can't wait to meet him! Obviously its a bit early to tell if he will be the "one", but we're very excited.

I'll post pics of the new kitty soon!!
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old July 30th, 2009, 11:59 AM
Love4himies's Avatar
Love4himies Love4himies is offline
Rescue is my fav. breed
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Boating in the 1000 Islands
Posts: 17,769
I say part Ragdoll. His eyes remind me of Jasper's.
__________________
Cat maid to:


Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old August 1st, 2009, 05:28 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
Update!!

Well, Kiley and I went to our appointment at MEOW this afternoon.

I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised with ALL of the cats reaction to my 14 month old daughter. Our experience was amazing!

EVERY single cat tolerated her, which also surprised the adoption coordinator. Of course we've taught Kiley to be very gentle with animals, but still - she's a baby. She squeals excitedly at them, she laughs, she runs over and stomps her feet on approach. I honestly expected a few hisses in her direction, maybe even a swat - but there was nothing.

It amused me that the adoption coordinator had a list of cats that she thought would suit our family, and the two that made their presence known to us were not on that list at all. It's so true what they say - cats really do pick you.

The first fellow we met came over to us the second we were in the door. His name is Paxton and he's 1.5 years old.





Paxton followed us everywhere as we met the other cats, eventually lying down beside my daughter in a little hammock, where she gave him lots of kisses and pets!

The second cat came right over to check us out from the moment he spotted us too - his name is Aramis. (The cat in the background.)



It was funny because when I took this picture, I was originally trying to get the cat in the foreground - didn't realize till later that Aramis had poked his face in.

Aramis was equally amazing with Kiley. He followed her around, rubbing up against her and head butting her for pets. She loved him too - played with him, hugged him, kissed him. He's a smaller male, also 1.5 years old.



Basically, we have no clue which cat to choose and we can only take one.

How do we possibly decide?!?!?
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old August 1st, 2009, 05:31 PM
Bailey_'s Avatar
Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
Senior Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 1,722
Here is the picture of Aramis on the adoption site - you can really see his beautiful markings & eyes in it.



And here is Paxton's. Isn't he adorable?!



AHHH, We have no idea how to decide.
__________________
~B~
"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
Artiro (Cane Corso)
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Forum Terms of Use

  • All Bulletin Board Posts are for personal/non-commercial use only.
  • Self-promotion and/or promotion in general is prohibited.
  • Debate is healthy but profane and deliberately rude posts will be deleted.
  • Posters not following the rules will be banned at the Admins' discretion.
  • Read the Full Forum Rules

Forum Details

  • Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
    Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
    vBulletin Optimisation by vB Optimise (Reduced on this page: MySQL 0%).
  • All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:50 AM.