I want a kitten!!

**rg_girlca** · 02-22-2004, 10:04 PM

A warm hearty welcome to Pet talk Lori. I'm glad you like it here and I hope you find the perfect kitten to get along with your dog.

My Buddy is also a cat lover. Whenever we walk him, he thinks the stray cats that are around here are his friends. He has found out that some of them aren't. But we do have one that we call Smokey, that walks with us, so Buddy is happy about that.

Again, good luck on your find for a kitten and also, congratulations on your pregnancy.

**PayItForward** · 02-23-2004, 02:19 AM

Originally posted by Sirrahsim
I want to apologize for some of the comments that fellow PTers have made. All of the people here have a deep love for their animals and sometimes tactfulness is hard to find if the person feels strongly enough about a subject.

Please limit YOUR apologises to YOUR actions not others. I find my comments direct and to the point and I do not need to apology for pointing out basic facts, which any cat lover would know.

The sad truth is that there are some people who only want a kitten during the tiny stage and then choose to "get rid" of it. I'm sorry that you were questioned right off.....

Yes, we should question those who reject a 24 week old baby cat because they want an 12 week old baby cat.

And in 12 weeks what will they have ....GASP....a 24 week old baby cat, just what they didn't want !!!

Doesn't this sound familar !!!!!

**moosmom** · 02-23-2004, 08:40 AM

gotalonglildoggie,

I have ALWAYS had that saying in my signature. It's a part of who I am and what I believe. At first I was quite annoyed that you took it as a personal "bashing". I knew eventually, if you didn't figure it out for yourself, that my friends here would set you straight. Thanks guys!

I have 8 years experience in animal rescue, including working to socialize and place feral cats and kittens. I try to help people by educating them about their cats, without pointing an accusing finger at anyone.

I hope you are successful in finding a kitten. Believe me, they are ALWAYS around! It seems lately that kitten season is non-stop.

Please limit YOUR apologises to YOUR actions not others. I find my comments direct and to the point and I do not need to apology for pointing out basic facts, which any cat lover would know.

That's why I like you so much! You ARE direct and to the point!

**gotalonglildoggie** · 02-23-2004, 10:21 AM

Well I am new to this forum and I didn't realize that was merely a part of your signiture. I didn't see the line that seperates the signature from the rest of the message. That's a whole different story there!! I would never have said anything if I had known. I know there are a ton of stupid and irresponsible pet owners out there!! Sorry for getting upset with you!!!! I hope we are still able to get along great! We need more people like you who are willing to go through all that work to make animals lives better!

I know that kittens grow up fast, buuuuuuuut... a 12wk. old kitty has 12wks. more to adjust to a new life than a 24wk. old kitty. Not that I've completely ruled out the possibility of getting a slightly older kitten, my preference is just a smaller one. Around here it doesn't seem anybody has any yet. I didn't know if it was just because of the winter season. Do they have more in the spring or summer??

**guster girl** · 02-23-2004, 10:57 AM

I said this to someone in dog general, too, because he's looking to get a specific type of puppy, and, even has his preferences down to the eye color. He was saying that he was being too picky. But, ya know what? I think you have the right to be as selective as you want. Yeah, an older kitty might be easier in some ways, but, there are cons to it as well. Younger kittens need more work, for sure, but I agree with you as far as it just gives them those few weeks longer to adjust to a new life. You seem to know what you want, and, have put some thought into it. I think I'd be more concerned if you were just looking for a kitten, and, then just picked the first one you saw. I still stand by the whole concept of DO NOT pass up on a kitten if you connect with it. I mean, if they tell you it's horrible with dogs or kids or something, that's different. But, if you find one, even an older cat, that's good with kids and other pets, and, you fall in love with it, don't pass it up because it doesn't fit one of your requirements. And, it didn't seem like you were ever at any point saying that you never wanted to have a 6 month old kitten, just that you'd prefer to start with a younger one. Yeah, you're young, expecting, and, already have a dog. That's a lot of work, but, if you're willing to do it, then, great. There are people I know and on this site that have multiple pets, and, it just makes their lives better, albeit more hectic sometimes.

People thought my boyfriend and I were nuts because he has a snake, I have a rat and hamster, and, together we have a kitten and a puppy. So, maybe we are a little bananas. But, I would not have even one pet if I didn't think I could give them a good life. All of our pets are well taken care of, and, I sincerely hope that you are able to give your pet(s) and family the best care and love available. I'm glad you are sticking around, and, not backing down, and, still doing it in a nice, tactful, way. Good on you, gotalonglittledoggie. LOve the name, it reminds of the phrase "get along little dawgies..."

**PayItForward** · 02-23-2004, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by moosmom
That's why I like you so much! You ARE direct and to the point!

*Blush* Thankyou

**joker98** · 02-23-2004, 11:57 AM

I have read gotalonglildoggie posts and I think that some ppl did jump to some conclusions rather quickly. All she did was state that she wanted a very young kitten. There is nothing wrong with that. She also has other animals and a baby. As long as she takes the proper precautions and whatnot there is no reason that all of her loved ones can't live together underneath the same roof. And there was nothing in her post that showed any sort of ignorance when it comes to the care of cats. Cats are less maintenance than dogs are... and from my experience the younger you get an animal the better you can bond with them, be it dog or cat.

I myself adopted a 16 month old calico. And while I love her to death she was mistreated and is still very skittish, especially around men. She loves women but it takes a long time for her to warm up to the opposite sex. I just recently got an 8 week old kitten who, as many of you know, had some serious health problems. Before I got my first cat people told me I couldn't work full time and take care of a kitten (I live by myself). You know what I say to that? HOGWASH! I don't believe that there is anyone out there that could take better care of Dusty or show him more love than myself.

If you want to try and educate ppl about the care of cats and kittens that is one thing. But do it without the negativity. I came to this forum because of my love for animals and wanting to share my joy of my pets with others who feel the same way. My lack of experience in no way affects my ability to care for an animal or my willingness to learn and do what is neccessary and right. I think the fact that gotalonglildoggie came here to talk and ask opinions and advice says a lot right from the start.

gotalonglildoggie if you want a kitten, go for it. Just make sure that you realize the level of work involved. And when you have a question, and I'm sure you will, just ask and the wealth of knowledge in the PT'rs will come rushing to your aid. Oh, and by the way... welcome aboard.

**sirrahved** · 02-23-2004, 12:02 PM

Hey gotalong...

I'm going to ignore everything else everyone has said because they make me grumpy...

TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION!!!!! (I think that's what you were looking for, right?)

I heard on the news just today that early spring is a kind of breeding season for cats, so in another month or two there should be a massive influx of new kitties.

Good luck with your new kitty and new baby!

**Twink** · 02-23-2004, 12:47 PM

Sorry to go wildly off of the thread topic, but sirrahved, I have just go to tell you that your pet names crack me up! You'd better hope that they don't learn to speak English, or they are going to get very, very nervous. Especially Sushi!

**gotalonglildoggie** · 02-23-2004, 01:00 PM

Thanks Everyone!!

So spring is the best time to start looking!! Okay! We did find one cat that we looooooove! She is about 1yr old, good with dogs and kids, but not other cats. That is the only reason we haven't decided on her because with both me and hubby being big time cat lovers, we will probably want another one somewhere down the road. (just one for right now though!) Plus most dogs are waaaaaay bigger than mine so cats seem to have different reactions to him. Even some cats that hate dogs seem to be okay with him and other cats that like dogs seem to get freaked out by him. Which is funny to see either way since he's so gentle and loving towards them. He just runs and hides when they get cranky with him. LOL!! Anyways! Thank you everyone! I appreciate you all!!

**moosmom** · 02-23-2004, 08:05 PM

gotalonglildoggie

Believe me, there was no offense taken. I talked to my friend in CT who is involved in rescue. Her group holds low cost spay/neuter clinics twice a month. A friend of hers had been trying to trap this female forever!! She finally did, the cat was pregnant and ready to pop anytime! This female had multiple litters up until she was caught. She's now spayed and will no longer produce anymore litters.

So, it seems that "kitten season" hasn't taken a break at all! Sad but true!

Joker98,

If you want to try and educate ppl about the care of cats and kittens that is one thing. But do it without the negativity.

Please elaborate.

**PayItForward** · 02-24-2004, 02:24 AM

Please elaborate.

...Said the spider to the fly !!!!

**moosmom** · 02-24-2004, 06:26 AM

...Said the spider to the fly !!!!

**joker98** · 02-24-2004, 07:15 AM

*sigh* I am so tired of forum arguments. Maybe negativity was the wrong word but that was what I felt when I read the posts. Maybe the word I should have used was without such a condescending attitude? I might be splitting hairs or making mountains out of molehills but this is what I felt when I read these posts.

Originally posted by PayItForward
You do realise after having a very tiny kitten for a few weeks, you have a cat for 19 long years !!!

I ask because if you knew anything about cats, you would know that cats are kittens until their second birthday. i.e. A six month old kitten is a little kitten.

Is there any reason for having a very young kitten ?

If you knew anything about cats??? Please...

Originally posted by PayItForward
I have just read your profile, as you are expecting baby shortly and already have a dog.

I would suggest that you wait until your baby is older before you commit yourself to another pet.

Why are you automatically assuming that she has not though of the responsibilities that come with a baby and owning a pet? That she is not prepared or educated to deal with the situations and difficulties that might arise? And why not present some of those challenges that she might face that lead you to suggest that she wait until the baby is older? And how old should the baby be? I know many groups that will not adopt kittens to families with children under six. There are reasons behind this. Why not present some of these reasons to support your suggestion?

Originally posted by PayItForward
This statement alone worries me. You might not have to walk a cat (well unless you live in the USA) but a cat takes up a lot of time.

But as you have made your mind up, I will not comment further. Good luck with your family.

That was made in response to the "Cats are fairly low maintence that's why we'd rather get one more than a dog." And it is true, when compared to dogs, cats are IMHO, lower maintanence than a dog. Why does this statement worry you? I got my first cat because I live in a townhouse and I did not have the room for a dog to run nor the time to walk it. And I am so glad because I realize how wonderful cats are.

Originally posted by moosmom
I have to agree with PayItForward. When you adopt a kitten, you are in for a commitment of 19 years. Are you ready for that kind of commitment???

Once again automatically assuming that she has no idea cats.

If we look at guster girl's and catnapper's post they address the same issues but they put in their personal experiences as an example as to why one might reconsider or at least examine their reasons for adopting a kitten, especially one so old.

Originally posted by PayItForward
Yes, we should question those who reject a 24 week old baby cat because they want an 12 week old baby cat.

And in 12 weeks what will they have ....GASP....a 24 week old baby cat, just what they didn't want !!!

Doesn't this sound familar !!!!! [/B]

Is there something wrong with wanting to adopt a younger cat? Yes, the difference between 12 weeks and 24 weeks is minimal but there is nothing wrong with wanting a kitten that young. The younger they are, the more dependent they are on you. And maybe that is what she is looking for?

I know I am opening myself up to a lot of flak but I believe there is a way to educate and question without the holier than thou attitude

**gotalonglildoggie** · 02-24-2004, 07:31 AM

LOLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!! I posted that thread on my first day on here and already caused a commotion!! Wow!!

I appreciate everyone's advice!! I am starting to regret posting it though because I didn't mean to stir up trouble!! I want everyone to get along!!! We all are here because of our love for our pets and animals so lets just be friends!!!!