From: nvonstein@memstvx1.memst.edu
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: Re: rubber bands and milk rings
Date: 20 Nov 92 16:47:29 -0600
Organization: Memphis State University

In article <4209@unisql.UUCP>, collene@unisql.UUCP (Collene Pearce) writes:
> 
> My precious Tamora (2yr old, red persian, indoor only) has been after
> my couch again.  She only scratches it when I am gone (during the day). 
> She has been so good about this in the past.  We had had discussions about
> it and I was sure that she understood that that was totally unacceptable
> behavior.  However, she must have lost her memory and talking isn't working
> this time.  :-(   Since she never does it while I'm at home, I can`t use
> any other method to train her not to do it.
> 
> I think it may be because I keep leaving her alone for longer and longer
> periods of time.  So, I am looking for a little brother for her, but 
> haven't found one yet.  After I get the new brother, I will watch to 
> determine if she is still scratching while I am gone.  If so, then I will 
> have to do something about it. 
> 
> So, my question is -- is there anyone out there who has (or knows of)
> a declawed cat which still plays with things like rubberbands and milk
> jug rings?    These are Tamora's favorite toys and I want to know if she
> will still be able to play with them after being declawed (if that 
> becomes necessary).  I suspect not, but am hoping she could.   
> 
> Perhaps it would depend on the procedure used?   My vet will use 
> whichever procedure I request.    What do you think?   Will she be able 
> to play with them in any manner (now she picks them up with her mouth and 
> slaps them with her hands and then chases them; repeat)?  Do you know 
> another kitty who does?

My Chili loves rubberbands (BTW she is not declawed -- and that is not a flame. 
I have seven cats and cannot afford having everyone declawed).  Anyway Chili
will hold the rubberband down with one foot and then pop it with her mouth. 
Then she will chase it for a while batting it back and forth and talking loudly
to the rubberband all the while.  I can tell she has a rubberband before I even
see her.  As for the rings off the top of plastic milk jugs, if anyone finds
one, an immediate free-for-all hockey game begins.  It is so much fun with all
seven of them chasing the ring around.  

As far as 'will your cat stop playing with rubberbands after being declawed?'  I
haven't had any experience with that, but I don't see that declawing your cat
will change the games he/she enjoys playing - after the paws heal.  But that is
just my personal opinion.


Nancy - who lives with Elvis, Chili, Seymour, Pookie, Mike, Stripe and Shorty,
Josh (dog), Pup (dog), Hillary (ferret) and Chivas (iguana).  Without them I
would be in an 'asylum'.  They keep me sane.  God bless them!
> 
> (Please no flames about declawing.  They will have no effect on my decision
> and are a waste of bandwidth.  I just don't have any "anti" values about it.)
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> ********************* #include <std_disclaimer.h> **********************
> * A. Collene Pearce (512-343-7372, x114) * Organization: UniSQL, Inc.  *
> *                                        * Austin, TX                  *
> * unisql!collene@cs.utexas.edu           * 512-343-7297 or 7383(fax)   *
> ************************************************************************
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats