Bypassing alot of this thread
I thought I'd tell the brief advice of my old country Vet regarding my big Wild 20+ pounder Tom cat who adopted me. "Big Boy" would from time to time come to me with a huge swollen "welt", once an ear, once a cheek, once a paw, etc. He'd be lethargic and warm. I'd rush him to the Vet and PAY out the wazoo to have him knocked out and the puncture wound lanced and cleaned and sown up and antibiotics etc..
These were claw punctures that immediately would fester, from him stand his ground and figthing off what ever crossed our acreage. (I never saw the "other guy" afterwards)
He'd be so sick so fast.
These trips were begining to add up cost wise and I hated to see him become so sick like that.
I said to the Vet, Doc what can I do about this?! It's so often anymore! He said Tia, you want to know how to stop this for real? I said yes!
He said, make him an Indoor cat, Period.
Of all the cats I've had in my life HE turned out to be the best Indoor cat ever! Even more than my "show cats"
He did, hog the bed tho
He'd go outside with me and back inside with me only. Getting him fixed helped curb the draw of the outside too.
IMHO, cats belong Indoors. Tho I know they are also a "work" animal, for many Farms and Barns.
The Barn I'm at now is the best ever for this. They've fixed all the cats, so no new litters etc. They feed adequately, water at all times, the cats have collars, get their vaccines etc. Catch the mice, have nice straw bedding, and because they are cared for they don't stray off onto other peoples property. They've got trees and pastures and many places to play and hunt. They've always been around dogs so they are not a threat to nor threatened by dogs at the Barn.
Most Barns aren't so great for small "pet" care.
Much of pet caring begins when they are small. If not small, most can learn with repetition of teaching. Over and over. Which takes work that many don't bother to do. They give up.
As for the De-clawing of cats. I learned like the other that it's a butcher job for cats. Many Vets these days are no longer doing this. OR will only do 2 paws.
BUT declawing is Not Necessary. There are methods to teach them to not do "scratching" and other methods that should be started asap with small cats-
Clipping with nail clippers.
Scratching POST are a big help and fun for cats too, inside.
My old tom cat loved a piece of firewood LOL
A Squirt gun or bottle works well to train them for many issues inside that are no-no's.
And I use regular human clippers for my cats. I don't need any special tools to do it. Do it right on my lap.
They still have their claws to defend and climb with for the most part.
Climbing is a defense for cats too. But if you live where trees are sparse tho......
When you show animals there are many regulations as to what is and is not acceptable. You'll be disqualified for alot of things. I had some rather rare type cats.
I do wish, people would get animals "fixed" more. There is a definite bit of difference that I've learned over the years as to City and Country pets
Start when they are young or when you first get a pet and you'll both be happier for the whole experience.
AND do things with them - EVERY day.
I can tell you some easy ways to handle many cat issues, so if you want to ask, feel free.
I don't show anymore, never bred cats tho for money, but have had some unique experiences with them "wild or tame", free or cost a pretty penney's worth :P
I'm a sucker for most animals and try to help out when there is a problem or home needed. Of course it was easier with several acres and a huge run for dogs too and trees etc. Being more of (near) a "city" person (ugh) right now, well it's definitely different
Take your dog to classes to have you Both learn how to interact in the world around you
And your 'next' dog will benefit even more from that, with You being the teacher
New Mexico is very "Wild". Many don't understand this.
(you New Mexicans know what I mean
)
Sorry this was a little long but it seems there were plenty of questions. And I see things got a little heated.
As long as we All do the Best that we can by our furred "pet" friends, then that's what matters imho.
And can I remind ya'll to - once in a while remember to drop off a good sized bag or two of dog and cat foods at your nearest shelter Please
Some of you have posted pics of some Georgeous Pets! Thank you!
Tia Dalma
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