So...I posted last week about the starving cat that wandered into our garage and was getting into the trash. She was starving because she has no claws, front or back, and was unable to hunt. We were hoping she belonged to our neighbors who were out of town. Their grown son was watching the house and we were hoping she had escaped. We were keeping her locked in the garage until they came home and I could ask them about her. Well, they are home and she's not their cat. :(

She's a very sweet cat and the kids love her. I'm very allergic, as are my kids I think, so having her in the house really isn't an option. I'm looking into some wipes and that sort of thing that would help lay her dander, but I still don't think it would be enough to be able to have her in the house.

I presented two options to the family. The first, we try to find her a good home where she can be a house cat. The second, we keep her but she spends days outside and at night we hope she comes home to sleep in the garage where she would be safe from night time predators. We live in the country and have a barn, hay stacks, etc. Places where she could go to be safe during the day if needed. I explained to the kids that any decision we make in life comes with consequences and that we just have to decide which we are willing to live with. So, I'm really torn, but I think we are going to try to keep her. We are feeding her yummy wet food at night along with free choice dry. I'm hoping she will come back at night to get her yummy canned food. Any thoughts?

Why does this have to be so hard!!!

Oh, in my last post someone mentioned allergy shots. I did have allergy shots years ago for about 5 years. Many of my allergies have improved, however my cat was so severe it's still hard to have around me. I can pet her as long as I don't get her near my face or touch my face. As soon as that happens, I'm doomed. And it appears my kids are faced with the same issues and I'm not willing to put them through testing and shots at this time. So, we play with her and then wash our hands, but I don't think she could be in the house laying on couches, beds, floor, etc. We may bring her in for a few hours at night to see how it goes. I just don't know. Ugh!!! I hate allergies!

Thanks for listening. Any input would be appreciated. Some folks I talk to say that completely declawed cats can never be outside ever. Others say their cats are out most of the day and come home every night to be let in. We've had barn cats in the past, but it's been about 8 years or so. The other danger here is our road. Most of our cats get killed on the road. After we lost our last one, DH said no more. He just couldn't go through burying another cat.

Two of my cats are declawed (they caused too much damage to other living souls in the home, stitches in me and Hugh the Dog). However, during the day before moving to Los Angeles, I still allowed them outside. My two declawed cats still have their back claws though, so I do not know if that makes a difference. Is there a cat rescue in your area, a declawed cat may be more likely to get adopted because they can't scratch anything. I know that allergies can be a deal breaker. My kitties live for wet food, so that is a really good idea if you want her to keep coming back. Can you catch her long enough to make sure she is fixed, that way you don't have to worry about four more. Good Luck!!!

OH yes..she's perfectly tame and very happy to sit on your lap. I took her to our local vet to see if she was chipped, find out of she was boy or girl, and to see if they could tell if she had been spayed. They said most likely she had been because it's very common to have done at the same time as the declawing. They felt her belly and found what maybe was an incision scar, but there really is no way to no for sure they said. We're assuming that she is, unless we find out differently. ;)

I know I could find her a good home, so most likely wouldn't have to go the rescue route, I'm just not sure we want to send her off. We like her!

With back claws, they can still climb trees to get away if being chased by something, they can still claw to protect their under belly if put on their back, so yes...back claws do help in defense. No claws make them pretty defenseless, although she does know how to use her teeth and has shown them to Dune more than once!

I'd like to say that you could keep her if you all like her and she was totally safe, but with no claws at all, I'd be afraid for the poor cat. The average life for strictly outdoor cats is 2 years. That's not good, is it? If you can find a good home for her, please do. You'd be doing this cat a HUGE favor! Most often, leaving a declawed cat outside all of the time is pretty much a death sentence. :(

I'd like to say that you could keep her if you all like her and she was totally safe, but with no claws at all, I'd be afraid for the poor cat. The average life for strictly outdoor cats is 2 years. That's not good, is it? If you can find a good home for her, please do. You'd be doing this cat a HUGE favor! Most often, leaving a declawed cat outside all of the time is pretty much a death sentence. :(

I know...thanks barb. Guess I just needed someone to come out and say it! thanks.

Could you post a picture? I could put some feelers out for her to find a home! = )

Could you post a picture? I could put some feelers out for her to find a home! = )

Oh, thank you. I don't think I'll have any trouble finding her a home, but if I do, I'll let you know. I don't have a picture yet, but she's just your very average non-descript tiger cat. I had told the vet that and when I walked in with her they said "You're right, she is just a cat!".

truthfully i would not put a declawed cat outside...i don't want her she to be some hungry beasts' dinner. :( and as fast as they can run, without claws they can't climb trees.

but it's a hard decision for you since you're already connecting with this kitty...but darn allergies is throwing a wrench into things! :doh: