It looks like Betty is going to end up staying in kennels, and while that's not ideal, at least she's covered while we're in the U.S.

However, NOW, the person who was going to take in our cats has backed out.

Help! Anyone that can take our cats for 11-21 August? Two male neutered cats, with SoftClaws (nail tips). We would of course supply all the food and litter they'll need, and can probably afford a small stipend for the trouble.

I don't think a cattery is in our budget, as we've already scraped and borrowed to make this trip as is. :/

It looks like Betty is going to end up staying in kennels, and while that's not ideal, at least she's covered while we're in the U.S.

However, NOW, the person who was going to take in our cats has backed out.

Help! Anyone that can take our cats for 11-21 August? Two male neutered cats, with SoftClaws (nail tips). We would of course supply all the food and litter they'll need, and can probably afford a small stipend for the trouble.

I don't think a cattery is in our budget, as we've already scraped and borrowed to make this trip as is. :/

I am unable to help but I just had to google what 'softclaws' are (being allergic to cats I'm not very informed about them!) There like false nails for cats :lol: love that they come in different colours, more importantly do they actually work?

Hope you find someone to look after them.

They keep the cats from tearing off the wallpaper, without taking away all the functionality of their nails (like declawing would) - I love them. The kitties were doing a number on one of our walls, and since I'm not a fan of declawing, it was a nice - and pretty - compromise. :)

Isn't declawing illegal here anyway?

I'd never liked the look of SoftClaws to be honest - interesting to read your experience.

Sorry to send off topic... I'm afraid I can't help as have schizo cat here and you're a little too far to travel to each day! :(

Looks like it is, except when deemed "medically necessary" by a vet. As you know, I'm from the U.S. where it's still legal (although looked upon more and more disfavourably.)

I like that the tips come in different colours, but they do have clear ones, as well.

Personally, I've always been bothered by declawing, and I wasn't even keen on the SoftPaws at first, but after trying them as a last resort and observing the cats, I've changed my tune. Our cats don't seem to be bothered by them, and they can still grip things (I was worried it would affect their ability to climb and such.)

It's senseless to remove cats' claws altogether when there is a reversable, non-permanent, and inexpensive alternative.

(And before someone says it... Yes, we tried for months and months to train the kitties off the walls, to no avail.)

Oh Schiann, I didn't know you were from the US! That's why I found it odd that declawing came up! Sorry :D

Anyway... not really the point of the thread was it... didn't mean to pick on you - just struck me as odd!

Aye, I'm an American. I was sure I'd been in the habit of mentioning it in every post ;)

This relates to why I am so desperate for this trip to the states... I've not seen my kids (and animals left behind) in a year, and I miss them like mad. :( We had to save for a year, sell a bunch of stuff, and borrow money from my in-laws to make this trip, and it's turned out to be one stress after another making it happen!

You need to go Schiann - and if nobody comes up - I'm sure I can ask at our local kennels if they can find space for them at a massively reduced rate if we are lucky.

Hopefully someone can - these things are always so hard when u go away aren't they. but it will be worth it, and yes - you do manage to squeeze in the usa bit - all the time, but good on you - its nice to know how things are different over there to here.

Pity nobody has come forward to look after little Betty bless her
Especially now shes on her meds and is a 'drip clean baby'

It's a shame, cos we go away for a weekend whilst you are away Schiann-I wonder if tehre's any way this could be worked around? If someone esle could have Betty for definate on the weekend of the 15th then maybe it'd work. I'll speak to haddock.

I wondered about trying Mutleys? - we would pay to have her in somewhere so that she didn't have to go into kennels. Because we would have to pay her boarding in kennels anyway and just want her looking after properly - without it being a cold concrete neglected feel again for her.

Cats don't usually bother - but for dogs - its often a stressful time

thanks for trying LittleMermaid

I was going to say we might be able to do something, but with being away from early on 15th until late on 16th, it might be a bit awkward.

That and our 18yr old cat has lost the plot and thinks she's a kitten again!

Are you wanting someone to have them with them or would someone popping in and out everyday surfice????

I know someone who lives in Doncaster and is extremley trustworthy lol

If someone trustworthy would be willing to pop in to feed them each day, and empty the litter tray if needed, that would work great ;)

I think we've talked mother-in-law into dropping by once each day, so if one person comes in the AM and one in PM, all should be well! Just waiting on the final word from mum...

If you would consider a pet sitter, we cover the Doncaster area and may be able to help. We are fully insured, enhanced CRB checked and have references etc

Which were you thinking for Holidayhutch? Do you think Betty would be ok at home?

pm Schiann and see what she thinks - do you often look after pets in their own homes whilst people are away - I would just be worried that they may want to pee and not be able to get out enough. I know even when they are in kennels, its not ideal - there is no right and wrong is there - no wonder we never end up going away without them eh