My Cat Scratched My Baby...I Need Advice
Replies
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I'm sorry you have to deal with this. :frown: I love cats. The lesser of the evils is declawing. I don't like it, but I'd do it if necessary. Or at the very least, cut his claws down. I hold the cat while hubby trims his claws.0
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One half of an inch higher, and my son would be in the hospital right now, being fitted with an eye patch. His life would be ruined forever.
Dramatic much?
My cat scratched my eye a few years ago. She scratched my cornea. I had an eye patch for a day and got goop in my eye. Lol! That hardly ruined my life.
Pay attention to your kid and what's doing. He shouldn't be unsupervised, and clearly, if he was bothering the cat badly enough to get scratched, well, he deserved it or you just plain weren't paying attention.
See? Your infant child will only have scratched corneas and need to wear an eye patch! What on Earth are you whining about?
Especially since it's the kid's fault for bothering the cat. THE CAT IS NOT TO BE BOTHERED! If the cat is bothered the kid gets clawed! Your child was just asking to get hurt.
You people are ridiculous.0 -
"If you do get her declawed, you may also want to rip out your child's fingernails so that they can't scratch themselves. It's only fair."
Seriously?
Gosh, cat people can be such weirdos.
Not really. Declawing a cat is like ripping the fingernails off of your own hand. Actually it's worse than that. Could you function with your fingers snipped off at the first knuckle? I would rather be weird than heartless by putting my cat through an inhumane and unnecessary procedure that leaves them defenseless.
If I were going around scratching toddlers in the face with my nails when they pissed me off, then maybe yeah, I could see it as a valid suggestion.
You're acting as if the cat is the aggressor here. She's not. The little boy was bugging her, she had no way to escape him and unfortunately she lashed out. You can't corner a cat and expect it not to defend itself. The less drastic solution would be to trim the nails. It's fairly simple and if you're quick enough, takes but a few minutes. I do it all the time. My oldest cat lets me do it with no issue. My youngest screams like a banshee, but since I've been trimming them, I haven't gotten a single scratch in a very long time.0 -
My options as I see them:
*Make her an outdoor cat. SHe has little to NO outdoor skills, and between her yowling outside the door to get back in, and joining the pack of wild cats that infests our apartment complex, this option seems pretty irresponsible. Plus, it wouldn't solve the problem; what if she just went and scratched somebody ELSE'S kid and blinded them? :noway:
This is NOT an option. She is 6 years old and has been indoors all that time, yet suddenly she is supposed to survive outside, navigate roads, cars, other animals, etc? You are right, it would be wildly irresponsible and cruel, and more likely a death sentence.If we get rid of her, we will get a replacement baby kitten,
Please rethink this. There is no guarantee of an animal's personality, any more than there is with a person. Kittens are active and like to play, and a kitten is even less likely to leave a baby alone, simply because a kitten will want to play with anyone and anything.
The cat needs a safe place to which to retreat from the baby, something always available and not just when you remember to provide access.
I have used the claw tips from PetsMart before on one of my cats, and they need to be replaced as the claws grow, but they do work by making a rounded, soft tip to the claws instead of sharp.0 -
One half of an inch higher, and my son would be in the hospital right now, being fitted with an eye patch. His life would be ruined forever.
Dramatic much?
My cat scratched my eye a few years ago. She scratched my cornea. I had an eye patch for a day and got goop in my eye. Lol! That hardly ruined my life.
Pay attention to your kid and what's doing. He shouldn't be unsupervised, and clearly, if he was bothering the cat badly enough to get scratched, well, he deserved it or you just plain weren't paying attention.
Yes because a 14 month old child should know better..0 -
One half of an inch higher, and my son would be in the hospital right now, being fitted with an eye patch. His life would be ruined forever.
Dramatic much?
My cat scratched my eye a few years ago. She scratched my cornea. I had an eye patch for a day and got goop in my eye. Lol! That hardly ruined my life.
Pay attention to your kid and what's doing. He shouldn't be unsupervised, and clearly, if he was bothering the cat badly enough to get scratched, well, he deserved it or you just plain weren't paying attention.
:drinker: This!!0 -
There should be no tolerance when it comes to toddlers, declaw her, she need the attitude adjustment. Violence against humans is a one way ticket in my house.0
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Between de-clawing and putting cat down.... de-claw
Did that to my inside cats when had young baby in house and Cat had a full happy life. Much better option then killing a beloved pet and you can't risk a toddler not provoking the cat again at some point and risk losing eyesight.0 -
One half of an inch higher, and my son would be in the hospital right now, being fitted with an eye patch. His life would be ruined forever.
Dramatic much?
My cat scratched my eye a few years ago. She scratched my cornea. I had an eye patch for a day and got goop in my eye. Lol! That hardly ruined my life.
Pay attention to your kid and what's doing. He shouldn't be unsupervised, and clearly, if he was bothering the cat badly enough to get scratched, well, he deserved it or you just plain weren't paying attention.
exactly.
cat is not aggressive. It was cornered, and threatened.
it reacted defensively, not with malice, not with evil intent, not even with any true force or thought to hurt.
it simply said "leave me the f alone"
the kid probably stopped bothering it after the scratch. end of story, end of problem.
I bet it did not pursue the child or attack the child after the child desisted in pestering/harming it. And it won't. Ever.
if the kid has any brains, it will stop bothering it entirely. if not, the kid and cat can both be trained.0 -
Yikes you guys are sensitive! I used to pester the cat ALL the time when I was really little and that little feline scratched the crap out of me. My mom would wash out the cut and tell me to stop pestering the cat. There was NONE of this freaking out involved. Give the cat a space or room it can be alone in if you are seriously concerned it is going to do serious damage but its not a wild tiger, its not going to prey on the kids so the real concern is kids being kids and running around pulling its tail and whacking it and all the other things that ANY normal kid would do when trying to play. A house cat is simply NOT going to kill a child or seriously maim it. A scratch, even near or on the eye, is not going to destroy your kid as long as its properly washed (kitty claws are nasty.) There are definitely ways to keep them both safe. Give the cat a space it can be alone, raise your kid to not pester animals. I know he's not old enough yet, but it seriously shouldn't be that hard to separate them. I'm massively perplexed by this entire thread.
:drinker:
:drinker:0 -
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From what I'm reading, your son tried to play with your cat and, since her only means of escape was closed off, she scratched him. What would you have had her do? Isn't this how we learn as children not to bother animals? When my brother was little and burned his finger on the stove, he learned not to touch the stove - we didn't throw the stove away.
If, for some reason, you do get rid of this cat for doing something that was instinctual, please do not get a kitten, or any other animal for that matter.0 -
The caps would probably be best. That way your child is safe but if the cat ever gets lost or needs to fend off another animal she can0
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We have 2 cats and 3 dogs. We also have a 2-year-old. They all get along. However, if one of my animals ever did that, they would be gone. It's a cat vs your CHILD. Get rid of it.
And I agree with above posters. Don't get more animals. Once all of mine kick the bucket, we are done for a long time.0 -
I can't believe the amount of grief the OP is getting from some people... I'm starting to somewhat understand the meaning behind the term "crazy cat lady" cause I reading some of those replies and "crazy cat lady" is all that comes to mind.
The OP needs to realize that their actions also led to this. It's not just about the cat and the baby. There was no real supervision, the child was allowed to continue to bother the cat, and the cat had no escape. As such, the cat acted like a cat should act and protected itself from a threat. If the OP had stopped the situation early on or separated the two then it wouldn't have happened.
So the OP needs to see that they also messed up.0 -
One half of an inch higher, and my son would be in the hospital right now, being fitted with an eye patch. His life would be ruined forever.
Dramatic much?
My cat scratched my eye a few years ago. She scratched my cornea. I had an eye patch for a day and got goop in my eye. Lol! That hardly ruined my life.
Pay attention to your kid and what's doing. He shouldn't be unsupervised, and clearly, if he was bothering the cat badly enough to get scratched, well, he deserved it or you just plain weren't paying attention.
exactly.
cat is not aggressive. It was cornered, and threatened.
it reacted defensively, not with malice, not with evil intent, not even with any true force or thought to hurt.
it simply said "leave me the f alone"
the kid probably stopped bothering it after the scratch. end of story, end of problem.
I bet it did not pursue the child or attack the child after the child desisted in pestering/harming it. And it won't. Ever.
if the kid has any brains, it will stop bothering it entirely. if not, the kid and cat can both be trained.
Stupid toddlers are stupid . . . :noway:0 -
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One half of an inch higher, and my son would be in the hospital right now, being fitted with an eye patch. His life would be ruined forever.
Dramatic much?
My cat scratched my eye a few years ago. She scratched my cornea. I had an eye patch for a day and got goop in my eye. Lol! That hardly ruined my life.
Pay attention to your kid and what's doing. He shouldn't be unsupervised, and clearly, if he was bothering the cat badly enough to get scratched, well, he deserved it or you just plain weren't paying attention.
exactly.
cat is not aggressive. It was cornered, and threatened.
it reacted defensively, not with malice, not with evil intent, not even with any true force or thought to hurt.
it simply said "leave me the f alone"
the kid probably stopped bothering it after the scratch. end of story, end of problem.
I bet it did not pursue the child or attack the child after the child desisted in pestering/harming it. And it won't. Ever.
if the kid has any brains, it will stop bothering it entirely. if not, the kid and cat can both be trained.
The kid is 14 months old!! You're forgetting the child hasn't even been in the world for 2 years, man...... :noway:0 -
I can't believe the amount of grief the OP is getting from some people... I'm starting to somewhat understand the meaning behind the term "crazy cat lady" cause I reading some of those replies and "crazy cat lady" is all that comes to mind.
I will wear the title of crazy cat lady with pride!
having a baby vs. having a cat
cat wins :laugh:0 -
Declawing is sick.
You can file your cats claws down and have those soft paws put on. They are rubber claw caps. You will need to it once a month but it works and doesn't bother the cat.
I agree 100%, declawing is a horrible thing to do to a cat.These rubber claw caps can be purchased at any pet supply store. I too have an older cat that does not really like children. She was 3 when my daughter was born and did scratch her in the face once when my daughter was about 2 1/2 - 3 years old. I scolded her and sprayed with her water bottle and she has never scratched another child. She is now almost 13 and totally loves my 5 year old son (odd bc he is hyper where my daughter was very calm).
Maybe you could try to give her a little time before you make any decisions. The best of luck to you and Elphaba (love the name!!!)0 -
I'd install a cat door to your cat's hidey hole. That way, closed or not, your cat has an escape route from the toddler. Also, keep in mind, you won't have a toddler forever. This too shall pass.
I think your advice is about the best one here. We have 5 cats. The toddler won't be a toddler forever. Toddlers are known for being rough with animals, they don't know any better. Even a kitten will grow and scratch so that isn't the solution. A pet door can be put in any door -and if you're renting - get a replacement door later. Declawing is cruel, so wouldn't do. Getting rid of adult cat who was actually there first, and replacing with a kitten is just going to repeat when kitten grows up . Children grow up and they do learn. I'm sure the child's life wouldn't have been ruined. Even contact wearers who scratch their eyes don't have to wear patches. It was a scary accident, but don't panic - it will all pass and both will be fine. Maybe a kitten in addition to the older cat may help - I would never go back to one cat, they need companionship, too.0 -
There should be no tolerance when it comes to toddlers, declaw her, she need the attitude adjustment. Violence against humans is a one way ticket in my house.
That is funny. Maybe you shouldn't have any animals in your house because ALL animals have the possibility of doing this. It is not violence. It is protecting themselves when cornered and injured and being threatened. Self defense.0 -
If you can't make a commitment to love and care for an animal for it's entire LIFETIME then you shouldn't be a pet owner. End of story. They aren't disposable. Would you ever think of giving up your child because it somehow no longer fit your life? Do what you can to keep your cat in your home, or at least personally see that it is going to a much better home, with someone you know and trust. It's not a decoration. It depends on you, and trusts you. It could be severely damaging for that cat to go to a shelter and learn to trust owners again.
I'm sorry, I just get so annoyed with people who adopt animals and then can give them up without caring, when it no longer becomes convenient. For then, you are all they have. You are their parent. Have a heart.0 -
One half of an inch higher, and my son would be in the hospital right now, being fitted with an eye patch. His life would be ruined forever.
Dramatic much?
My cat scratched my eye a few years ago. She scratched my cornea. I had an eye patch for a day and got goop in my eye. Lol! That hardly ruined my life.
Pay attention to your kid and what's doing. He shouldn't be unsupervised, and clearly, if he was bothering the cat badly enough to get scratched, well, he deserved it or you just plain weren't paying attention.
exactly.
cat is not aggressive. It was cornered, and threatened.
it reacted defensively, not with malice, not with evil intent, not even with any true force or thought to hurt.
it simply said "leave me the f alone"
the kid probably stopped bothering it after the scratch. end of story, end of problem.
I bet it did not pursue the child or attack the child after the child desisted in pestering/harming it. And it won't. Ever.
if the kid has any brains, it will stop bothering it entirely. if not, the kid and cat can both be trained.
The kid is 14 months old!! You're forgetting the child hasn't even been in the world for 2 years, man...... :noway:
exactly and he won't be 14 months old forever. He'll grow out of his baby antics and leave the poor cat alone.0 -
One half of an inch higher, and my son would be in the hospital right now, being fitted with an eye patch. His life would be ruined forever.
Dramatic much?
My cat scratched my eye a few years ago. She scratched my cornea. I had an eye patch for a day and got goop in my eye. Lol! That hardly ruined my life.
Pay attention to your kid and what's doing. He shouldn't be unsupervised, and clearly, if he was bothering the cat badly enough to get scratched, well, he deserved it or you just plain weren't paying attention.
exactly.
cat is not aggressive. It was cornered, and threatened.
it reacted defensively, not with malice, not with evil intent, not even with any true force or thought to hurt.
it simply said "leave me the f alone"
the kid probably stopped bothering it after the scratch. end of story, end of problem.
I bet it did not pursue the child or attack the child after the child desisted in pestering/harming it. And it won't. Ever.
if the kid has any brains, it will stop bothering it entirely. if not, the kid and cat can both be trained.
The kid is 14 months old!! You're forgetting the child hasn't even been in the world for 2 years, man...... :noway:
no, you are forgetting what is hard wired into our brains after thousands of years of evolution.
I chase cat. I pull cat's tail. Fun! *baby giggles*
Cat no like. Cat scratches. OUCH. *lots of screaming and wailing*
I no chase cat anymore.
also hopefully reinforced by parents not allowing child to pester cat.0 -
In my opinion luv you have to get rid of the cat. Hard I know, but at the end of the day a cats a cat and your child HAS to come first.......I'm a cat owner and have owned a dog in the past but my children will/would ALWAYS come first :flowerforyou:0
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One half of an inch higher, and my son would be in the hospital right now, being fitted with an eye patch. His life would be ruined forever.
Dramatic much?
My cat scratched my eye a few years ago. She scratched my cornea. I had an eye patch for a day and got goop in my eye. Lol! That hardly ruined my life.
Pay attention to your kid and what's doing. He shouldn't be unsupervised, and clearly, if he was bothering the cat badly enough to get scratched, well, he deserved it or you just plain weren't paying attention.
exactly.
cat is not aggressive. It was cornered, and threatened.
it reacted defensively, not with malice, not with evil intent, not even with any true force or thought to hurt.
it simply said "leave me the f alone"
the kid probably stopped bothering it after the scratch. end of story, end of problem.
I bet it did not pursue the child or attack the child after the child desisted in pestering/harming it. And it won't. Ever.
if the kid has any brains, it will stop bothering it entirely. if not, the kid and cat can both be trained.
The kid is 14 months old!! You're forgetting the child hasn't even been in the world for 2 years, man...... :noway:
exactly and he won't be 14 months old forever. He'll grow out of his baby antics and leave the poor cat alone.
Yes but there is no need for comments like "If the kids had any brains" That's just plain rude..0 -
If you can't make a commitment to love and care for an animal for it's entire LIFETIME then you shouldn't be a pet owner. End of story. They aren't disposable. Would you ever think of giving up your child because it somehow no longer fit your life? Do what you can to keep your cat in your home, or at least personally see that it is going to a much better home, with someone you know and trust. It's not a decoration. It depends on you, and trusts you. It could be severely damaging for that cat to go to a shelter and learn to trust owners again.
I'm sorry, I just get so annoyed with people who adopt animals and then can give them up without caring, when it no longer becomes convenient. For then, you are all they have. You are their parent. Have a heart.
QFT.0 -
Laser declaw...expensive but worth the extra...not as painful for cat.
Reluctantly had my cat done 7 years ago, cat acted as though nothing happened. No problems. Shes a housecat, dont let her out as she cant defend herself...but good nes is she cant climb our fence...so she does get to enjoy fresh air and bird watching and mice chasing in the safe confines our our yard only! My neighbors have all told me how they appreciate a non wandering cat!!0 -
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