What do you think? (opinions please)

[Kfamr]

That's for the input, everyone.

Originally posted by jazzcat

I have one concern though. You are 16, right? Well do you plan to go to college in two years? If so who be taking care of your pets and if you plan to leave them at home what will happen to the cat? Will it be abandoned to the outside run until you come home? If there are no issues of you going away anywhere then I think it might be okay.

Yes, i'm 16. I doubt i'm going to college, even if so, I would NEVER abandon my pets. And, my parents aren't the type to just let an animal die or suffer.

[jazzcat]

Originally posted by Kfamr
Yes, i'm 16. I doubt i'm going to college, even if so, I would NEVER abandon my pets. And, my parents aren't the type to just let an animal die or suffer.

I didn't mean it like that. I just mean that even though your parents will take care of the cat it might not be quite the commitment that you would give.

Whatever you decide I'm sure you will give it 100% and I look forward to seeing pictures if and when you do.

[Fox-Gal]

I've meet you and your dad, I honestly belive that you do great with a cat or kitten, what everyone you want. And this is coming from a person that doesn't like cats in cages, but I belive that you will make it a roomy cage, you will be sure the cat has everything it needs, including LOTS of love and in time, I have the feeling that your dad will give in and you will have a house cat soon. He just seems like a soft hearted man, that cares.

When we got Ginger, she hated cats also, we found out after we got her, but it didn't take long for that to change and it could be the same in your case too. Ginger never got to where she sleep with a cat, but she learned to live with them and never tried to hurt any of our cats, just barked at them sometimes. LOL

Build the cage, get it all set up right and let me know. If you want to try out cats, I still have my kittens and you can see how it all works out with one of them. If it doesn't work out, you can always bring them back to me, I'd be happy to know one of them got a great mommy like you and if for some reason it doesn't work, it's not like they weren't going to live here anyway with us. It will just be like they where on vaction for awhile. LOL

Just trying to help you out here, without having to take in a cat from the shelter that might not work out and then you would have to try to re-home them again. This way they have a home to come to, that you know will love them.

Just an idea. Think on it.


NOW THIS IS FOR WILLIE:

I thought we worked this out, if you die......I GET MARIO!!!!!!! LOL I want the will written out tomorrow, with me as Mario's foster parent. I already have a cage built for him for when he goes outside, with fans and everything.

[trayi52]

Okay, Libby you get Mario, and Kay gets the rest of the gang! I'll be sure to get the will made, so I can rest, while I am dead!!!

You and Kay are so funny, and I love you two a lot!

Willie

[shais_mom]

Personally, I would rather see a cat in an outside run like Kay is describing then an indoor/outdoor cat that is allowed to cross the road and possible meet head on with a car, regardless of where they live.

What about keeping that kitty in a spare room until Simba gets used to it.

[Kfamr]

It would be in the spare room partially, I just think the kitty would like having time outside in a large enclosure like that.

[Corinna]

Kay I think you should find the thread thar Miss meows did showing her cat run it was a great one. Don't waste energy on response to any one . Most of us know you and your family would never do any thing harmful, cruel,or bad for any animal. You and the folks are some of the most responsible people I know. You have brought Simba so far from where he came from. Getting Nala shows hes able to adapt to new things.
I get that it would be a safe secure PART time area for a cat I don't know why some can't get it.
IVOTE GET A KITTY!!!!!!

[zippy-kat]

Originally posted by Kfamr
It would be in the spare room partially, I just think the kitty would like having time outside in a large enclosure like that.

I know the outside enclosure would only be a part-time thing but I just wanted to comment that not all kitties like it outside. K'Cee is generally TERRIFIED of the outdoors (this is the backyard - I've never had her out front). She does have rare moments when she enjoys rolling in the grass but they are few and far between. But, then again, she was found by a sheriff on the side of a highway (someone probably dumped her ) so she has every right to be terrified!

If and when you choose a kitty, you might ask if they are/were inside-outside cats, it might make a HUGE difference in the success of your idea/plan.

[leslie flenner]

I am totally against placing a cat in an outdoor run where they have no say in when they go inside. I don't see, though why an outdoor enclosure has to be built at all. There's your own bedroom and there's the guest bedroom. Plenty of people live in one room apts. and have cats (I did in my twenties- lived in studio apts. with 2 cats). I don't know Simba but it would be hoped that he would learn to get along with an additional family member, right? I think fostering is a great, even a super idea! IN YOUR BEDROOM! Simba would learn about cats and you would be doing what very few people are willing to do! My ferals who obviously were outdoor cats, are now terrified of the outdoors! They love the security inside, the human contact, the interactions with each other 24 hours a day! They love the windows, but when the door to outside is opened, they scamble for under the bed! For the most part, I'm afraid I agree with PIF and Rose-
Also, what's the rush? Do the honorable fostering and later, when you're in your own space, adopt, adopt, adopt!!

[DogLover9501]

Kay,
I also know how much you love Sim and Nala, and I have both dogs and a cat, and they love each other, but the cat was here first lol so I can't really help you on that part.

I want to post some great tips that really helped a friend of my moms, who introduced a new cat to her 7 year old German Shepherd.

If your dog does not already know the commands "sit, down, come, and stay" you should begin working on them. Little tidbits of food increase your dog's motivation to perform, which will be necessary in the presence of such a strong distraction as a new cat! Even if your dog already knows the commands, work with obeying command in return for a tidbit.

* After the animals have become comfortable eating on either side of the door(not sure what that means), and have been exposed to each other's scents, you can attempt a face to face introduction in a controlled manner. Put your dog's leash on and command him to either "sit" or "down and stay" using food tidbits, if needed. Have another family member enter the room and quietly sit down with the cat on his/her lap. The cat should also be offered some special tidbits. At first, the cat and dog should be on OPPOSITE sides of the room. Repeat this step several times until both the cat and dog are tolerating each other without fear, aggression, or other uncontrollable behavior.

* Next, move the animals a little closer together, with the dog still on leash and the cat gently held in a lap. If the cat does not like to be held, you can use a wire crate or carrier instead. If the dog gets up from its "stay" position, it should be firmly repositioned and praised and rewarded for obeying. If the cat becomes frightened, increase the distance between the animals and progress more slowly. Eventually, the animals should be brought close enough together to allow them to investigate each other.

* Although your dog must be taught that chasing or being rough with the cat is unacceptable behaivior, your dog must also be taught how to behave appropriately, and be rewarded for doing so. (e.g. sitting, coming when called, or lying down in return for a tidbit) If your dog is always punished whenever the cat is around, and never has "good things" happen in the cat's presence, your dog may redirect aggression toward the cat.

* You may want to keep your dog on a leash and with you when the cat is free in the house during the introduction process. Be sure that you cat has an escape route, and a place to hide. Keep the dog and cat separated when you aren't home until you are certain the cat will be safe.

PRECAUTIONS: Dogs love to eat cat food because it is very high in protein, and therefore very tasty. You should keep the cat food out of the dog's reach (in a closet, on a high shelf, etc.) Why dogs like to "raid the litterbox" is not well understood, but eating cat feces is a relatively common behavior. Although there are no health hazards to the dog from this habit, it is usually distasteful to owners. Unfortunately, attemps to keep the dog out of the litterbox by "booby trapping" it will also keep the cat away as well. Punishment after the fact will NOT change the dog's behavior. Probably the best solution is to place the litterbox where the dog cannot access it such as behind a baby gate, or in a closet with the door anchored open (from both sides) just wide enough for the cat. Another helpful hint is to buy a covered litterbox and turn it toward the wall with a space big enough for the kitty, but not the dog.

I hope that helps a bit

Good Luck, Kay!

[DogLover9501]

Originally posted by trayi52
Okay, Libby you get Mario, and Kay gets the rest of the gang! I'll be sure to get the will made, so I can rest, while I am dead!!!

You and Kay are so funny, and I love you two a lot!

Willie

Hey Who do I get?

[trayi52]

Robyn, who do you want? I have two chihuahuas, and a ferret. Oh yeah, I have a cockatiel and a horse too!

I know I'll let you and Kay work all this out, after I am gone.

Girls, be fair!

Willie

[Kfamr]

There is no "rush"

As I said this is a THOUGHT. Not an actual set plan.

Also, the outside cat area would just be for the cat for fun. It wouldn't be for a permanant living area, as I said a billion times. It would be allowed in the guest bedroom and in my bedroom. Eesssh.





It is a possibility that I will be "cat-sitting" one of Fox-Gal's fosters. In hopes for this to work out, and if not.. He will go back to Fox-Gal. Libby and her husband agreed, and my parents are thinking on it.




Thanks you for the tips Robyn.
And thanks everyone else for ideas/opinions.

[heinz57_79]

Ahem.. WIllie... What about ME??? I'll take the horse... but I want all the bunny butts to add to my collection! Can I at least have joint custody with Kay?

Kay, we all know you are a responsible pet owner. I think whatever you decide to do, any cat you have will have a wonderful home. I don't think you'd ever let an animal be ignored or neglected. Keep us updated!

[NoahsMommy]

Kay,

I agree 100% with what Pam said.

Some ideas:
*I would put a roof on the enclosure/cage so kitty cannot jump out. I think you meant you would, but you were thinking of putting an actual ROOF. If you just wanted the cage to have a top, you can check these out:
Shade Panels

*This might help for cooling: Cooling Mat

I know you will always do the right thing when it comes to animals. You've shown us all that you love them with all your heart and would never, ever give them a life anything other than the best.