I have decided I need HELP!! :(

**shais_mom** · 02-14-2005, 01:12 AM

Thanks everyone - lemme see if I can answer the questions asked and maybe make some things clearer.....
Yes she does let me pet her. She lets me pick her up and cuddle her on occasion.
I understand she isn't going to be a lap cat right now - maybe not ever- I get that she has a lot of energy like a puppy does.
While I appreciate the idea of getting another cat - and am touched that Donna would allow me to foster Mandy - I am not entirely sure that is the answer. I have a small small house that is busting at the seems right now and if I bring another animal into the house Kylie will probably have a heart attack.

She is stressed enough with Kloe let alone bringing in another kitten.

I sincerely appreciate everyone's support and telling me I am not a bad meowmie.
I am going to take the advice to heart and please keep it coming!!!

And Jen - while I understand the importance of nail trimming and do strive to do it - I have to wear leather gloves when I do it- and have from the beginning. Any suggestions with that?

{hugs to all}

**NoahsMommy** · 02-14-2005, 01:26 AM

Originally posted by shais_mom
And Jen - while I understand the importance of nail trimming and do strive to do it - I have to wear leather gloves when I do it- and have from the beginning. Any suggestions with that?

You can do it in a small room, like the bathroom, so she cannot get away.

Or...if that'll freak her out..you can do it a few claws at a time, while she's sleeping.

Hugs to you...I know its really hard...especially with a tortie. We don't trim Noel's claws. We made the mistake of not doing that when she was young. Luckily, she uses her cat tree, but I'd be wearing leather like you, if we had to attempt it.

**shais_mom** · 02-14-2005, 01:30 AM

right now the little pooper is ON MY LAP!!!!!!!

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeoNWbNi2as9-

**NoahsMommy** · 02-14-2005, 01:34 AM

Soooo cute!!

Wait, is that a bandana around her neck?? Ooooh! I think there's hope! Noel FREAKS out when we put a collar on her...if Kloe will let you do that, there's hope for nail trimming.

She's adorable Stac! Give her some skritches for me.

**jenluckenbach** · 02-14-2005, 06:46 AM

And Jen - while I understand the importance of nail trimming and do strive to do it - I have to wear leather gloves when I do it- and have from the beginning. Any suggestions with that?

Since the front paws are the most important, start by wrapping her tightly in a towel with head and 1 front paw sticking out. Just do that one foot or even just one claw. And let her go. Then give her treats. Do the rest later. You can later wrap her so the back can be done in the same way. Get a secod person to help if that is possible. Sometimes even just pettine her head will distract her enough.

**Cataholic** · 02-14-2005, 09:14 AM

GIRRRRRRRLLLLLLL...although you have heard it enough already, you and NOT a BCM. Sheesh. Welcome to nawteekittyhood!!! Think Alabama, think Dakky, think Monte.....this is just a stage.

The best way for me to clip Monte's nails is whilest, and immediately after, he has had a long snooze! He is pretty sleepy, and lets me do it nearly all at once. AND you do get quicker and better, AND Chloe will get more accepting.

Trust me, I have had scratches in places I didn't even know I could get scratched! Jonah has been scratched....by B-A-D Monte. Just last week, Allie jumped up into my arms, WHILE I WAS HOLDING JONAH! Allie is nearly 5 years! Some cats.....some cats...

Hang in there, Staci. You are doing great.

**shais_mom** · 02-14-2005, 12:45 PM

Once again THANK YOU everyone !!

I will try wrapping her tighter Jen - Thanks....
Thank you just doesn't seem to say enough to let each and everyone of you know how much I appreciate you're support and advice. I hope that even if I say Thank you 1000x that is enough.
{{hugs to all}}
It is so encouraging to know that this is just kittenhood and **hopefully** a stage. That it is normal and it isn't just me being 'cat stupid'!

Thanks again!

**shais_mom** · 02-14-2005, 01:01 PM

Originally posted by jenluckenbach
Kloe sounds like a fairly normal kitten. When kittens play with other kittens, they bite......and the OTHER kitten lets them know what is too hard or too rough. (was Kloe taken from her family at a VERY early age?) Does Kylie play with Kloe? (if not then Kloe does not have an "outlet" for all her kitten energy)

I just remembered I forgot these important questions!!
I took Kloe when she was about 6 1/2 - 7 weeks old but it wasn't b/c I wanted her at that age when she was about 5 weeks old her entire litter was killed by my friend's dog. And Kloe was the only survivor and that was simply b/c my friend's daughters were screaming and beating him to get him away from her and then he turned on the girls. So I got her about a week later b/c we were afraid her semi feral mother would take off with her and we wouldn't be able to find her again - b/c after that trauma she did come up missing a time or 2!!!
Kylie doesn't usually willingly play - they roll and wrestle but I am not 100% convinced that Kylie does it willingly!!!

**ramanth** · 02-14-2005, 01:32 PM

*HUGS* Don't have any advice that hasn't already been given.

I feel your pain about trimming claws. Ever since Logan bit me, I've been nervous about clipping them. I don't feel like going to the hospital again.

**shais_mom** · 02-16-2005, 11:49 PM

If I would have waited - the new Cat Fancy that came out is the annual kitten issue and it pretty much said everything everyone said! But it is nice to get 'first hand' advice!

**val** · 02-17-2005, 12:28 AM

My two cents worth are coming in a little late but I just wanted to say that in my experience (I have 11 here at my house) I think this is mostly a kittenhood thing. It would have been better if Kloe had been with her littermates a little longer as I have found that the more time they have to interact within a litter the more socialized they become. Also a semi-feral mom may have rubbed off on her a bit but with your patience can be overcome. Also in my experience with the animal shelter where I have seen tons of torties come in, as adults they are usually very, very affectionate lap cats. So hang in there girl, kittenhood doesn't last forever. I guess it's kinda like the "terrible 2's" of toddler hood

!