Which is worse?

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

When we hear of a cat that has been booted outside for whatever reason, we say "How can those stupid people be so mean, especially when the cat is declawed?"

When we hear about a family dropping off a 10 year old cat at the shelter because of urinating problems or some such reason, we say "How can those stupid people be so mean as to just dump a family pet like that?

But my question is, which is worse? You have three choices, either the cat gets booted outside to fend for itself, the cat is brought to a high-kill shelter because none of the no-kill shelter's will take her or she is brought the vet and put to sleep.

The cat is a 10-11 year old female who has grown up with the family kids. They are heartbroken but dad says the cat must go because twice now she has peed in his bed. She is declawed and has always been an indoor cat.

Taking her to the vet to see if it's a UTI is not an option. Why you ask, because he doesn't believe that's what it is and isn't going to spend any more money on her to try and find out.

So, these are the options he has given, which do you choose? And yes, this is a real life situation with someone who is very important to me but who, sadly, I have very little influence over.

[jazzcat]

I think booting a declawed 10-11 year old cat outside is probably worse, especially if she has always been an indoor pet. At least at the shelter or vet she will be humanely put down but on her own she may be attacked by another animal, abused by a cruel person or hit by a car and suffer needlessly.

I wished you had more influence over this person.

[Logan]

So impossible for me to answer that I can't vote.

Given the choices, if it were me, I guess I have to choose allowing the cat outdoors, but I would only do it in a protected environment (a cat run, supervised trips outdoors, something......). Darn declawing! If the cat had it's claws, introducing it to the outdoors would be so much easier! Is there no way to try to find a home for this cat before taking the choice of the high kill shelter? Surely that can't won't be adopted, especially if the history of inappropriate wetting is disclosed!

This breaks my heart, Debbie. I know you feel the same way.

[moosmom]

ALL of the above!!!

[heinz57_79]

If it were up to me, I'd keep the cat and put the owner to sleep.

Suggestion: Can you offer to take the cat? They might be willing to give her to you. You can then take the cat to a no-kill shelter or to a rescue, or if you'd be willing, take it to a vet then find it a home. I realise the latter can be expensive, but it may be something simple that just requires anti-biotics.

Just an idea......

[CatMama78]

YUCK!!!! I cannot pick - it's all so awful. There has got to be a no kill shelter around that will take it! I guess if I HAD to pick, I'm talking there's a bullet at my head, then putting the kitty outside would be the worst option. Here's a thought, if they take it to the vet, perhaps the vet will not put it down without a fight to find someone. With all the animal lovers coming in and out of a vet office everyday, I bet one would adopt the cat.

[kimlovescats]

Gosh, talk about being between a rock and hard place!!!

Well, let's weigh the options ....

Being put outside .... if there were an enclosed area, cat run, or something of that nature, this would be best ... because she would still be near her family. If she is an older cat, spayed and such ... hopefully she might not be one to roam, and therefore not prone to cat fights. But then there are the other animals .... big dogs, etc.... Hmmmm .........

Taken to a high-kill shelter .... older cat, not very good odds. She spends a given number of days in a cage, strange environment, scared and confused, only to be coldly PTS by a stranger. This I think is the worst fate for her ... possibly.

Taken to HER regular vet (assuming she has one) and being gently PTS by a caring and experienced person, with hopefully a kind and loving person loving and petting her during the process ... the best of 3 evils!

[PayItForward]

Debbie,

I would opt for a no-kill shelter, they must BE one near the cat.

[ramanth]

I can't vote.... How terribly sad and how horrible of the dad.

[lynnestankard]

What a terrible decision - couldn't a new home be found for the fur lady?
Otherwise I'd have to vote for a no-kill shelter - sorry it's the only way to go. I can't decide any other way. I didn't vote vote Debbie.

Lynne

[CatMama78]

Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom

The cat is a 10-11 year old female who has grown up with the family kids. They are heartbroken but dad says the cat must go because twice now she has peed in his bed. She is declawed and has always been an indoor cat.

I really do not understand this. The cat is 10/11. What did they expect as a cat ages? She's getting on in years and her body is responding. Pee in the bed doesn't equate to throwing away a precious life. I know you know this, but I'm just venting. Hmm maybe when Dad gets older and loses control of bladder function, his kids might be kind enough to put him away somewhere, leave him outside.

Do they have a family member that might take her? Or have they tried giving her to someone else, maybe taking out an add and doing some strict interviewing? The cat could still have a good 10 years+.

[Grace]

Originally posted by heinz57_79

If it were up to me, I'd keep the cat and put the owner to sleep.

I second this!

[DJFyrewolf36]

Originally posted by heinz57_79
If it were up to me, I'd keep the cat and put the owner to sleep.

Yep, what a jerk!! Grrrrrrrrrrrr wheres a fly swater when you need one?

If I knew this person, I'd probibly be so mad that I A couldn't make a choice and B Id prolly smack the crud out of em.

I know I have bad temper but yeesh!

[leslie flenner]

tell them to go ahead and throw out their pet and wish it good luck. Hide around the corner and pick her up. Then call authorities and charge them with "abandonment" under neglect/cruelty charges. Make sure you have the vets name so authorities can get paperwork proof that they are owners (rabies vaccine is proof of ownership). Let them ride out the consequences and send cat to me (or my friend there who lives in Aurora!). Please let us know what this is all about!

[catlady1945]

I vote for having Dad PTS.