I really really want a kitten... advice on claws needed...
 

I LOVE cats- we always had a couple in the house growing up- when my sister and I moved out, "our cats" were in their teens, mine had survived cancer, and my parents wouldn't let us take them from the house, they said it would be too hard on them. Then my sister and I got a cat while we were living together, but the cat adored my sister, so when I moved out- my sister kept her. So I have been without a cat since then. I have been wanting to get a kitten so bad.

Yesterday I was at the vet and they had a little kitten in the office, the little guy is ADORABLE- all black- and not even 8 weeks old- he was abandoned at the office before his eyes even opened and one of the techs had to take him home and bottle feed him. They let me hold him and he is a BRAT- so feisty, just the kind of kitten I like. I am leaving tomorrow for a three week trip- so obviously I couldn't take him- but they said he will likely still be there in three weeks and if he is, I could adopt him. I am trying to decide what I want to do.

My issue is all the other cats my dogs have been around were declawed long ago- but after doing my own research, I would never do this to a cat of mine- so I worry about those sharp little claws around the dogs- does anyone have a kitty with claws and how do you keep little yorkie eyes safe?

Fatso has his claws, and whoever had him as a kitten got him used to nail clippers so I trim his nails when I trim Rizzo's. His are much easier because they're clear. It'll definitely be important to get the kitten used to clippers early on. I think the main problem when Rizz plays with a kitten is the cats claws get caught in his threads, generally around the face so he winds up dragging the poor kitty around accidentally. Since you have two pups, it's best to introduce the kitten to one pup at a time, rather than letting both of them just run up to him/her to investigate. The kitten may run and the yorkie instincts may kick in. **Just my 2 cents.**
Good luck, I love little kitties! and my big ol' Fatso-kitty is wonderful.

I agree, just get the kitten used to having his paws handled and nails trimmed. If he is at the vets office, I would think that they could certainly do that for you. I used to trim my cat's nails all the time with no problems. You can see where you need to cut.

I am so glad that you have learned about de-clawing a cat and what it really does. Ughh. anyhow, I would slowly introduce them and things should all work out. Congrats if you decide to adopt him. :)

Awww I say go for it!!! I love Cats I have always had kitties and have never had one hurt my yorkies...infact they are the best of buds and play together all the time..

And I think getting a kitten is a great idea so they can grow up around your Yorkies and not fear them and most likely be BFF's LOL, a grown cat might fear them and hurt them...just get your new kitten use to you touching his feet and start triming his claws early. Mine will let me do just about anything to them, the only thing I can't do it brush their teeth they will not let me get near their month. If you feel you can't do it, take him to your vets office or a groomer and let them do it, most won't even charge you...and I'am so happy that you did research on de-clawing a cat...its cruel!!! My best friend was gonna have her cat de-clawed, I tried and tried to tell her how they did it and she didn't believe me...she thought they just pulled the claws out...so I asked her if I could come to the Vet with her so we could talk to Shane about how they did it...well thank god we left there, kitty claws intact...She told me she was sorry she doubted me, she really just thought they pulled them out, like pulling a tooth. but anyways, I'm so excited for you. good luck with your new baby kitty when you get him...and I'm sure everything will work out. :)

Awww, I too say go for it! I have had dogs and cats live comfortably always with no problems. Not saying it can't or won't happen, but you have kitty experience. This kitty, being in the vet's office and being bottle fed, has been socialized a lot. That's a big advantage in bringing it into your home with dogs. Sounds like a win win. Good luck.

I have 3 kitties, one had already been declawed when I adopted him. He tends to bite more than the other two. And, yes, I do trim their nails, just snip the tips off. The one had to get used to it as he was older when he came here, but he's done very well. I used to have to almost sit on him (he's 22 lbs) to restrain him, but now he lets me do just about anything to him.:D

I've heard of some cat owners buying cat claw caps. Here's a link:

Alternatives to Declawing, Nail Caps for Cats

Dont know too much about them due to the fact my cats' claws never bothered me. Maybe this can be an alternative?

My sister tried these, and the poor cats just chewed them off. I can imagine they weren't to comfy.

I agree about not declawing. They have Soft Claws on Amazon, and the reviews look pretty good. I have no experience with them, but it may be worth looking into. Kitties are awesome! I had my last cat until she was 20, I miss her :).