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Expert: - 12/10/2008


Question
Hello,

I hope you can help this dilemma.

My mom and grandma are to be getting a yorkie pup by
Christmas.

Normally I would be happy for them but the problem is that
they have a cat. The cat is actually mine but I had to
leave her behind with mom since I was moving out of state
and I didn't have to finances to care for her. So she
stayed. What worries me is she still has claws, she's
strictly an indoor cat and is aggressive. Those three
things screams to me Trouble with a capitol T.

They're still getting the puppy and mom has made
arrangements with the humane society to get her spayed and
declawed. But it wont happen until the 7th of January.

Its time between the week after christmas and to the 7th,
that is worrying me because the pup will be living in the
town house and the cat will have her claws still and will
more than likely harm the yorkie. The best suggestion I
could give was to keep them away from each other until
then.
But it would be great if you have better advice or
something to add. Thank you for your time reading this and
respond.

Answer
Krista,

I see no reason to declaw your cat. With proper introductions and a lesson in manners your cat should at the very least be willing to live and let live. Your cat isn't likely to feel threatened by a yorkie pup - they weigh less than most cats at adult size...With a bit of common sense and having the kitty spayed there should be minimal territorial disputes so long as there is proper supervision for the puppy. If the pup is allowed to get in the cat's face and be obnoxious and boisterous then the cat will feel that she has little choice but to react. Keeping kitty in a kennel and puppy on a leash during initial introductions should help to minimize stress. I think that it would be a good idea for you to speak with your veterinarian about a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist to get things started off on the right foot for all pets concerned. If you do declaw your cat she will likely resort to biting and could potentially cause more problems than she would by swatting the puppy.

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

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I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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