Getting a kitten today!!!

[Nicola&Matthew 0]

We found a beautiful kitten at the animal shelter at the weekend and we pick her up today! She's 5 months old and was abandoned because her owners thought she was ill and couldn't afford the medical bills.

She has her own play room with a baby gate, I was going to "release" her in there and let her get used to that room before we let her out to explore! And then return her back in there at night times so she doesn't destroy our apartment! We are totally stocked up on scratching posts, toys, food, litter etc. etc.

I haven't had a cat for about 7 years so I'm wondering if any of you have any good tips for introducing a kitten to our home and any general care tips that you may have!

I'm off to kitten proof the apartment now!

Nicola&Matthew

[Fuzzness 2]

a lot of patience and kitty treats! and if you have anything that makes loud noises, turn it off. let the kitty get accustomed to its new home but also encourage it to come out and play. playtime will help take the stress away somewhat.

[Reba 2]

squirt gun! Wonderful tools for training cats to stay off things you don't want them on! Like kitchen counters, or scratching the arm of the couch.

Other than that, cats are easy and very independent. Just make sure she's got food and water and attention when she wants it, and everyone will be happy.

[ajames79 0]

Congrats!!

My kitties love looking out of the windows at things...

Maybe make sure that a blind is open so she can see out??!!

Water bottle is a good idea...I use it a lot.

Baby gate never worked for me as they could jump over it!

My girls like trash more then toys! Crumpled paper or bottle tops!

They have one mouse they like that is a little catnip thing. But the smell has worn out of that so I think they just like it...

One cat likes treats the other doesn't. Both like a little canned tuna if I am making it.

Resolve carpet cleaner it fantastic for accidents!

[TracyTN 237]

Aww!!! :) Will this be the only kitty in the house?

My general rule is to try and introduce it slowly to the new environment, which is especially important if there are other cats in the house. But if she will have free reign, I would just let her go and see what she is comfortable with - though I would do that (at first) only when there is someone home. As you said, though, I think a small, quiet room for her to sleep in at first makes sense (with her litter box and food there too). You may find, though, that she may prefer cuddling up with you at night.

If she is not litter trained yet (she probably is if she was in the shelter), just stuff that nose in the litter once or twice. She may have a few accidents, but then she should be fine.

A view out of a window (or two) is a great idea, as is plenty of stimulation (toys). What food are you going to feed her? Science Diet for kittens is great, but a little more $. Kitten Chow is just fine, too. Crunchy food is better for her teeth, but you can for sure give her tuna or moist food sometimes as treats. Cats are naturally lactose intolerant, but there's nothing wrong with her having a little milk every now and then too (if she seems interested).

I'm sure there's more but I've blabbed enough, LOL.

We want pictures!!!!!!!!!! :D I love kitties!!

[beetee4ever 0]

Awww, a little kitten... how adorable I think that it's a wonderful idea to adopt an animal from a shelter. I plan on doing the same when I get back to the US, also a little kitten.. I once saw one that was all white and sooo cute.

My younger brother has a cat, she is about 2 yrs old but she looks like a big kitten haha, she is soo cute. She is going to have kittens soon, this May I guess, her tummy is getting big - I'm so excited, I love kittens they are so adorable - have you seen the newborn ones, they are so tiny and cute.

Enjoy your new kitten

[Nicola&Matthew 0]

Bless you guys, thank you so much for the tips! I'll pop to wally world and pick up a squirt gun and some treats!!!

I've set up the room for her with plenty of toys, litter box, bed and food bowl. She has a scratching post with a platform next to the window, so she can watch the birdies and squirrels through it!

She will be the only cat in the house, aparantly she doesn't get on too well with the other cats in the shelter so she has to be put in a cage on her own. That suits us really because two cats would be a bit too much for us! I've never been to a shelter before and it was really emotional for me seeing all of those poor homeless kittys. I wish I could have taken all of the cats in the shelter home with me!!! (Hubby wouldn't be too happy!)

Now for us to decide on her name! We have a shortlist thanks to hubby: Kaia, Mia, Mika, and Maiya!

I'll definately post some pictures of her once she's settled in! I'm so excited

Thanks once again!

[Euro 3]

We found a beautiful kitten at the animal shelter at the weekend and we pick her up today! She's 5 months old and was abandoned because her owners thought she was ill and couldn't afford the medical bills.

She has her own play room with a baby gate, I was going to "release" her in there and let her get used to that room before we let her out to explore! And then return her back in there at night times so she doesn't destroy our apartment! We are totally stocked up on scratching posts, toys, food, litter etc. etc.

I haven't had a cat for about 7 years so I'm wondering if any of you have any good tips for introducing a kitten to our home and any general care tips that you may have!

I'm off to kitten proof the apartment now!

Nicola&Matthew

Awwwwwww, we adopted 2 when i got here, they are soo cute, but anyway tip 1 most important, make sure she knows exactly where to find the litter box!! , mine have been realy good with this by the way!!, and say bye bye to nice neat curtains...lol, oh & they LOVE the toys with feathers on!!

Baby gate wont hold her.............but most of all enjoy her & love her & she will show you the same in return!!

I Love cats!!

Edited May 15, 2006 by euro

[Euro 3]

0ops forgot to say..................cardboard box!!!, they love to play in empty boxes

[Reba 2]

chicken soup brand foods are great. Check their website for a retailer near you. It may look a bit more costly than other brands, but truthfully they eat less of it so it costs about the same. I used to keep some of the cat food around when we used to have the neighbour's cats come visit all the time. My dogs only eat Chicken Soup for dogs, anything ele they've had just goes right thru them.

Less poop is good! Even with wee cats. Nobody likes cleaning litter boxes!

[ajames79 0]

0ops forgot to say..................cardboard box!!!, they love to play in empty boxes

What pretty kitties!!

They look like one of my cats..Sarah..

ANY ONE have a good idea for pet hair!! Seems to get everywhere.

Not that there is an answer for this one except for vacuum all the time!

BTW my cats hat the vacuum!

[sukie175 0]

She has her own play room with a baby gate, I was going to "release" her in there and let her get used to that room before we let her out to explore! And then return her back in there at night times so she doesn't destroy our apartment! We are totally stocked up on scratching posts, toys, food, litter etc. etc.

Nicola&Matthew

This is exactly what you need to do, we got a kitty in March and she was totally freaked until I read on the internet to put her in a small room on her own and gradually introduce here to the whole house. At first they need alot of peace, time to explore and love. Let her come to you, I used to sit in the room and read until she came of her volition to sit next to or on me.

Good Luck

Edited May 15, 2006 by sukie175

[almaty 19]

congrats on your new kitten...

[Ephesia 0]

We want pictures!!!!!!!!!! :D I love kitties!!

#######, I totally forgot to take pictures of Peyton for you, Tracy! And I was at our friends' apartment two weekends ago !!!!!!! Urgh.

[Flames9_RN 359]

Everyone has their own way of introducing a kitten to a new house. One needs a lot of patience. The kitten may be a bit timid at first but before you know it she will be ripping around. Ensure she knows where her litter box is, some take longer than others to use it. I have a water squirt gun at the ready to keep Bella off certain pieces of furniture. We bought a cat condo, she loves it. Very reasonably priced, much cheaper than the stores and Ebay!! Just google cat condo, cat tree and you wil find many places selling them, some seem cheap until you figure out the shipping, but if you look around you can find some great deals with low to no shipping. Best of luck

Found the site: http://armarkat.com/

Edited May 15, 2006 by flames9