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Parenting
DID you have pets before DC
did you get rid of them after DC came home?
we're really not taking care of them as much as we should and they're getting to be a nuisance. we want to find a loving home....more than we can give.
How did you advertise or find them a new home?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: DID you have pets before DC
are you for real?
you better duck... because the Pets board people will be throwing things at you soon.
and to answer your question- Yes, we had 2 dogs before DS came, and would never think of "getting rid" of a pet. They are part of our family.
Yes we did and no we didn't. I love my dogs, I can't imagine getting rid of them. They were my babies and always will be.
Do you really think they'd be more happy with another family? My dogs don't get the attention they used to, but they still get plenty of love from us. They would be heartbroken to be away from us forever. They're much better off being with us, we're their family, than to go to another family who may have a bit more time on their hands.
We had our dog for about 2 years before DD.
If you're thinking of parting with your pets, I would reallllly try to find a loving home for them rather than sending them to the pound.
well I had a feeling people would seriously disagree w/ me, anyway, would you rather a pet be miserable in a current home or find a better home and be happy.
that was the point and back to my question
Join our wiki and tell us what your baby eats for finger foods.
Also, we have 2 cats and a dog. We're keeping the dog. The cats are getting litter everywhere, it's grossing me out, and we never play with them.
Join our wiki and tell us what your baby eats for finger foods.
Uh no. I'd never get rid of my dogs as we made a committment to them for the rest of their lives. They are part of the family. They may not get as much attention as they used to, but they are still part of our family. And DS loves them and they love him.
Be careful, you WILL get flamed for this.
take steps to keep the litter at a minimum.
you don't "necessarily need" to play with cats. Cat's are more than capable of playing with there toys alone (a dog is much more reliable on playtime than a cat is). Our cats don't get the attention they used too, but they still snuggle with us and we do find time to play with there fishing pole toy every now and then. Preston plays with them ALL the time too.
and someone, likely the same person will soon enough, if not already, C&P this over on Pets just to get their jollies on seeing how many people can jump my ass
seriously, if you can't answer my question, leave
Join our wiki and tell us what your baby eats for finger foods.
Join our wiki and tell us what your baby eats for finger foods.
Yes, we had a dog before we had Kate and no we did not "get rid" of her after Kate came home. When I got a dog I knew that she would probably live 10-12 years and would be my responsibility for that entire time, come what may. I also knew that I would likely have children during that time. Having a kid doesn't exempt me from the responsibility I signed up for when I brought my dog home.
I adore my dog, and Kate adores her, too. I love seeing them interact with each other. Kate's first three words were Tess (dog's name), ball, and doggie. I expect that Tess will teach Kate the same things she's taught me, about responsibility, unconditional love, empathy for animals, and true joy.
It is really not that hard to have pets and kids, you just have to make the time. I lived for a year with a 75 lb dog and a newborn in a tiny 2 BR walk up apartment in the city. I still found time every single day (even during the winter. In Boston.) to walk my dog, pay attention to her, and love her.
If you do decide to "get rid" of your pets, please do the responsible thing and work through a rescue. If you advertise in the newspaper, who knows what sickos will take them. If you dump them at a shelter, they will most likely die there. I'd think really, really hard about whether your pets are truly better off dead, abused, or at the very least separated forever from the only home they've ever known. I know I couldn't do that to my dog just because she was a "nuisance."
I don't know anyone with adult cats that actually "plays" with them after they're kittens. All the cat owners I know say their cats spend their days under the bed/couch/whatever. I'm not sure about your cat litter situation - I've never had cats.
The only thing I could think of would be to put an ad in the newspaper or tell your friends, family and acquaintances about it and ask them to spread the word. Our post office also has a message board that people always post dog info on.
If your cats are peeing everywhere, there is a medical or behavior issue there. Have you taken them to the vet? I'd actually consider posting on the Pets board for how to help with the litter and pee smell (don't mention that you're thinking of getting rid of them, or you'll get slammed). Lots of girls there have had issues with cats and peeing and would have good suggestions.
They have the type of litter box now that the cats get into from the top. It looks like a big tupperware box with a lid, but the lid has a pretty big size hole in it. When the cats jump out of the hole, there litter from there paws gets trapped in the grooves on the lid. It helps a ton to keep the litter trail at a minium and keeps the smell from there waste to a minimum as well.
Take them to a no-kill cat shelter - they will be able to find a good home to them.
Very sad.
they don't pee other places, just in the litter box, thanks for posting aobut that other litter box....at least someone is trying to be helpful
Join our wiki and tell us what your baby eats for finger foods.
Join our wiki and tell us what your baby eats for finger foods.
Cats are super easy to take care of.
Does your litter box have a cover? A mat underneath?
I really don't know that you will find many people who want to help you get rid of your animals just because you don't want them any more.
Actually the Pets board could've been helpful...
It doesn't sound like the cats are miserable but that you are. Try changing cat litter brands before you kick out the cats. I have 3 cats, 3 litter boxes, and no cat odor. We switch when a litter doesn't work out.
I don't think anyone is going to be able to answer your question the way you want it to be answered. I suggest you Google it.
I would never think of getting rid of my dog now that I have DD. I made a commitment to her when I rescued her. I took her from someone that didn't want her anymore and believe me, it screwed her up a little bit. I would NEVER do that to her.
If your cats are peeing all over, I would talk to your vet. It could be a medical issue, or a behavorial issue that's simple to correct. If you're looking for a home, please go through a rescue rather than just taking them to a shelter. Cats especially will most likely get put down.
Annelise 3.22.2007 Norah 10.24.2009 Amelia 8.7.2011
It is honestly difficult to place adult cats, especially if you want to keep them together. Sometimes I see cats for adoption in PetSmart - you can try calling them maybe. I would not drop them at a shelter - they will likely end up getting put down.
I agree with the PP that the litter box may be your problem - I would try one that minimizes the smell to see if that helps. And maybe move the box to the basement (if you have one) and put one of those pet flaps in the basement door? I don't have cats, but that is what my friend did.
agreed it's VERY hard to adopt out older cats
Annelise 3.22.2007 Norah 10.24.2009 Amelia 8.7.2011
What kind of litter are you using? Different litters?definitely?control odor better than others. Also, look into an automatic litter box or one where the opening is on the top.?
Cats are fairly easy animals to take care of. I am amazed that you say, "we don't play with them anymore" like that is a reason for getting rid of them. They are animals and pets, not some toy you outgrew. ?
Was the "litter all over the place" and pee smell an issue BEFORE DC? Or only an issue now because you want an excuse to get rid of the cats?
If you want to get rid of your cats b/c they would be better off elsewhere, so be it. But be honest with yourself about it. Take responsibility for it, own it. But for goodness sake, don't suddenly start blaming the cats!
actually- i'm quite grown up. I don't buy/get pets and then decide they are not fun anymore. I take responsibiltiy for my pets - and don't just toss them out b/c they don't agree with my lifestyle anymore. I think you are the one who needs to do some growing up and be responsible.
Pets are a lot of work.... adults know how to handle this and get it done... it seems you don't. I know plenty of cat owners who do not have issues with litter, stink, etc. Seems like someone here is being lazy and blaming the cats - and the poor cats are the ones who suffer.
yes- i posted on the pets board- b/c jerks like you are often the topic of discussion over there... and they often have the best info on humane resources for people like you who like to discard animals.
how or why are they miserable? Maybe if you helped and explained this we could help to tell you what the best way of dealing w/ them is.
Seriously though, cats=SUPER simple. I barely have to do anything for mine... They get fed, DH scoops litter once a week on garbage night, we leave toys around the house and they run and play by themselves/with each other. So I guess I'm just not getting how or why you think they are miserable or hard to care for.
Nice of you to dump your problem on someone else. I am sure that volunteer thinks so highly of you.
To the OP, good luck finding a no kill that will take them. We don't have room. I tell so many people everyday, sorry, there just isn't anywhere to put your cat. We have so many homeless cats and kittens it is depressing. Yours have a home and they should stay in it.
I suggest you get a second litter box, get a box with a cover to keep the litter tracking down and sweep the litter up when you scoop. I got a little whisk broom and dustpan to do a quick sweep up after I scoop each morning. I use World's Best Cat Litter. I like it, some people don't. It smells like popcorn and our house never smells.
I have four cats and a dog and DH and I are getting ready to adopt a child. I have no plans of anyone going anywhere. But, then, I take my commitments seriously. I just don't think anyone else should have to deal with the issues I brought on myself.
Other than an opportunity to wax superior, I don't get why everyone needs to jump all over her and try to "convince" her of something she has decided. She doesn't want to take care of the cats anymore, whther that is a morally reprehensible decision or just a simple fact ( a sad fact, but a fact- she doesn't want to be a cat owner, berating her, telling her how much better you are than her b/c you'd let animals pee in your hair all day long before you would EVER *gasp* "get rid" of them, and trying to solve her problems aren't going to do any good- she doesn't want to own cats anymore.
I wish she did. I wish the cats were happy and she was happy, and that everyone who commited to owning a pet never changed their mind. But- it happens. I don't think she's a bad person because of it. My advice is Craigslist, maybe? you can interview people and feel good about whomever takes the cats- or post something at work?
Good Luck, Saxy.
Everyone else- congratulations on how awesome you are!
BOF, I see what you're saying, but she really asked 2 questions in her post. The first was whether people got rid of their pets after bringing home a child. People answered that question.
Then she said the cats were a "nuisance" with no further information given. People tried to see if she was open to fixing the problems rather than dumping them on someone else.
But the biggest issue here is that it is next to impossible to rehome adult cats, especially ones who may have peeing issues etc. Shelters are FULL of cats, and they will either not take them, or the cats will be put down. Rescues are the same story--too many cats, not enough adopters. Craigslist and the newspaper are just not good options. Even if you interview someone if you are not experienced you can wind up giving the cats to a total sicko--someone who will abuse, torture, etc. No way to know that, unless someone in your immediate circle of friends/family will take the cats, which it doesn't seem like anyone will or she wouldn't be asking how to rehome them.
People offered suggestions, but she honestly seems to have tried NOTHING before just looking to get rid of the cats. I mean, I don't even HAVE cats, but I know that getting a covered litter box, a vet visit, and a litter change are the BARE MINIMUM of things that should be tried before rehoming. Honestly, she was looking for validation that pets are a pain and she should get rid of them and she didn't get it. I don't' think anyone thought they were awesome, just a grown up.
Yes, we had one cat named Joe. We would never get rid of him. He's pure awesomeness. Even if he does get cat hair all over our bed.
We also adopted a puppy about 9 months ago and she can be a pain but she is the sweetest thing in the world.
The problem is really that there are no "better homes" just waiting around for a cat or two. There are way too many perfectly nice cats that are already in rescue or at no-kill shelters. Just take a look at petfinder or craigslist sometime.
If you take them to rescue or a no-kill shelter, their life will not be any better than it is right now, and they will certainly be there for several months before they are adopted, if they are adopted at all. And I know you don't play with them much, but they will be played with even less in that sort of situation. Most of the ones I've seen, they have a big room where 20 or more cats hant out together, or are in cages. Volunteers come in to feed them, and people might play with them when they are looking for a cat, but it's certainly not better than what they have now.
The recommendations for making their litter less stinky and messy were great, and I hope you consider those before rehoming them.
I thought someone made a great point when she said "It's not the cats who are miserable, it's you." (I have a feeling the cats don't care too much about stinky litter, somehow.)
I suppose you could always list them on craiglist and see what happens. . .
A friend of mine has the automatic litter box and loves it. Another one has two cats and has the litter box with the hole in the top. She has a mat under it and she also has a gate in front of the laundry room (where she keeps the litter) that her DH cut a hole in just so the cats can go in and out but the kids and dog can't. It has worked out great. I never see litter anywhere except on the mat in the laundry room and never smell anything. I think she cleans it (scoopable) daily as well...but maybe it is once every other day. She uses some big container from Costco (I think Tidy Cat) and it is scoopable. I know once in a while when she had a different litter box she used some Arm and Hammer stuff. I used to house sit once in a while and take car of them. I doubt they ever play with their cats. The cats have toys and play by themselves.
I have a cat and a dog. I do play with the cat once in a while (once the kids go to bed and she jumps onto the couch to be near me) and my DH plays with the dog.
I'm interested in why you are getting rid of your cats but not your dog. You have time to play with the dog?