Hi everyone,
Here's my situation:
I have an 8-year-old black lab, who I 'inherated' from my parents when they sold their house and couldn't take the dog with them. They were, however able to take their cat with them, who got along with the dog fine for a number of years.
I work 40+ hours a week and am frequently on the road for a few days at a time for work. I live alone, so when I'm gone, the only interaction my dog gets is a few minutes with whomever comes to let him outside.
I've considered for some time getting him a friend, however a dog is really out of the question and a puppy/kitten just wouldn't be practical with as much time as I have to spend at work. I would like to getting an adult cat.
I will not be traveling for work for the next few months, so I think now would be the best time to bring a new cat into the picture, because I would have more time to spend with the animal. If everyone thinks this sounds like a good idea, my next question is how to deal with clawing furniture.
I have a couch that I purchased 4 months ago that I would really be upset to see destroyed. I know declawing is an option, however I did some reading and discovered that is terrible for the cat. I trim the nails of my lab weekly, and I have seen various pet stores carry cat nail clippers--would taking the sharp tips off the end of the claws be an acceptible solution?
Thanks for your suggestions!!
Here's my situation:
I have an 8-year-old black lab, who I 'inherated' from my parents when they sold their house and couldn't take the dog with them. They were, however able to take their cat with them, who got along with the dog fine for a number of years.
I work 40+ hours a week and am frequently on the road for a few days at a time for work. I live alone, so when I'm gone, the only interaction my dog gets is a few minutes with whomever comes to let him outside.
I've considered for some time getting him a friend, however a dog is really out of the question and a puppy/kitten just wouldn't be practical with as much time as I have to spend at work. I would like to getting an adult cat.
I will not be traveling for work for the next few months, so I think now would be the best time to bring a new cat into the picture, because I would have more time to spend with the animal. If everyone thinks this sounds like a good idea, my next question is how to deal with clawing furniture.
I have a couch that I purchased 4 months ago that I would really be upset to see destroyed. I know declawing is an option, however I did some reading and discovered that is terrible for the cat. I trim the nails of my lab weekly, and I have seen various pet stores carry cat nail clippers--would taking the sharp tips off the end of the claws be an acceptible solution?
Thanks for your suggestions!!