View Full Version : Kitty!
So, yeah, Roark and I are getting a kitten. One of his coworkers had a litter and was giving them away, since they can't exactly have a ton of cats.
I know the basics of pet care, but I've always had dogs, not cats. The first step we have planned is going to the vet to get its shots and a check up and possibly declawed (well, first first step is getting food and a litterbox and cleaning up the floor...), but something we're both kind of stuck on is litterbox training. Like I said, I've never had a cat, and Roark had some growing up, but they got them pretrained.
Any advice for a new cat owner on coping with this? Any good books to get, or websites for references? Any other suggestions on things that we may have forgotten?
Crap, we still need to think of a name...
Spilled Milk
05-31-2006, 12:05 PM
if its a girl..GET IT SPAID (or spafe..or however its spelt) Those things multiply like crazy..My cat had four litters in the span of like..6 months..it was hell. Also if he's a he..get him nuetered and give him TONS of attention..and he'll grow up to be the sweetest teddy bear of a cat ever. Socialization is REALLY important for Kittens if you don't whant them to turn out like the typical nasty cat. Most people even recomend getting in and petting/ playing (gently) right from birth (but thats beyond your control prolly). Thats about all i can say..hope it was atleast somewhat helpful..
Yeah, spaying/neutering is a must, though I'm not quite sure yet if it's a boy or a girl cat. I'll find out tonight though :3
And the kitty's going to get as much love as humanly possible.
My biggest worry right now is that it's going to have to be alone for a couple hours for the next few days, during the times when I'm at work at Roark's coming home. I'm going to see what I can work out, though.
LadySage
05-31-2006, 12:13 PM
Cats are pretty much instinctively litterbox-trained. Just present them with a box of sand and they'll go on their own. If you catch them doing something they shouldn't, spray them with a bit of water or just hiss at them; that's usually sufficiently discouraging. Also, kittens are naturally clawful, so be ready for some scratches in the beginning.
Cats are fairly low-maintenance pets; give them a litterbox, toys, and love and they should be fine.
Edited for new reply:
99% of time, calicos are female. For when you're going out, I recommend putting them in a cat carrier; a lot of cats naturally seek out confined spaces, so it should be fine for a while.
Ritalin
05-31-2006, 12:16 PM
Litter Box training is a pain for the first few weeks. If you catch them going to the bathroom somewhere other than the litterbox, just pick them up and move them there. Eventually they get the clue. Of course, this means having to keep an eye on them almost constantly.
Putting the food/water tubs next to the litter box helps as well.
KITTY!!!!!
i like kitties!
my friends cat is in constant heat... and leaks... fluids all over the place... very nasty... so yeah... i think my other friend has lesbian cats...
Luggles
05-31-2006, 12:29 PM
Already posted this on IRC, but for anyone else wanting to know what to do with bringing up their pets, wikipedia is always there to spood feed us answers.
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_choose_your_pet_and_take_care_of_it
Kagome654
05-31-2006, 01:19 PM
I'd have to make the suggestion that you exhaust all other options before considering getting your kitten decalwed. Declawing your cat should not be considered part of the 'kitten package' as it is a fairly serious operation (which involves removing the first digit in the kittens toes) that has ireversible detrimental effects to your cats well being. It's actually illegal in parts of Europe as it's considered inhumane.
Aside from that annoying and unsolicted PSA I have nothing of value to add, other than all of my cats took to the litter box pretty much right off the bat and it's generally not difficult to train a young cat to use the box at all.
I'd have to make the suggestion that you exhaust all other options before considering getting your kitten decalwed. Declawing your cat should not be considered part of the 'kitten package' as it is a fairly serious operation (which involves removing the first digit in the kittens toes) that has ireversible detrimental effects to your cats well being.
That's why I said "possibly." Everyone i know who has cats has their's declawed, but I've heard that it's harsh, painful, and even illgeal in some countries, and can cause balance and walking problems. As of right now, I'm not too keen on the idea, but I definately want to be with the cat for a while and research into it more before I make a final desicion.
And thanks to everyone with the litterbox help. With the exception of a couple hours everyday, the cat is pretty much going to have constant company and attention, so hopefully we can keep an eye on it and get her train pretty quickly. I was good with both dogs I had growing up, so at least I have something to base it off of.
Not to mention that I now have an excuse to buy a water gun and a laser pointer. Hurrah!
Finnf00
05-31-2006, 02:17 PM
I... HATE cats.
Ninja Realist
05-31-2006, 02:25 PM
Don't declaw your cat. Besides the fact that it will hate you, declawing severely hampers a cats' ability to move around which makes them really unhappy. I have two cats, one with her front claws gone, and the other with all his claws, and the clawed one is happier, more sociable, and less skittish.
Spilled Milk
05-31-2006, 02:45 PM
OH! when my cat had kittens, every litter had to be in my room (because it was my cat dumb rule parents made up). Kittens tend to Chase and attack whatever moves. I move alot in mysleep, so imagine waking up to five or six kittens attacking your feet, legs, and butt. It hurts! and i didn't sleep for like 8 weeks.. so yeah...you might not whant to let the thing in your room at night >.>
Tremolo
05-31-2006, 02:55 PM
Another "Don't declaw the cat!" post, I'm afraid.
Declawing is illegal over here, as far as I know - either that or it's extremely uncommon because I've never even seen one in the flesh, but it SHOULD be illegal everywhere. It's completely inhumane and simply shouldn't be an option when getting a cat. I think a few things getting scratched is nothing in comparison to doing something completely horrible and unnatural to an animal like that. I have to say, it is one of the things that Americans do that makes some people over here think you're a bit barmy.
The wiki article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declawing) echoes some of what I've said and provides some helpful links.
In summation, I love cats and think it's a hideous practice.
Tyrdium
05-31-2006, 02:55 PM
Not to mention that I now have an excuse to buy a water gun and a laser pointer. Hurrah!Better yet, tape the laser pointer to the water gun. :D
PsychoSaiya-jin
05-31-2006, 03:05 PM
DO NOT DECLAW.
How the hell are they going to climb trees without them?
I have no problems with my cats claws because they know that they are not allowed to claw things in the house.
Also remember to fuss the kitten like there's no tomorrow for best results as it grows up. You can even teach cats to like water, so I hear.
Illjwamh
05-31-2006, 03:35 PM
When I was little we had a cat, and she was declawed (I had no say in the matter). She could climb up trees but she couldn't climb down. Poor thing kept getting stuck on the roof and in high branches, scared to death and mewing for help like there was no tomorrow.
As has been said, litter box training is easy. Moving them to the box if you find them going somewhere else works...if you don't mind them peeing on everything in your path along the way. Best way is it rub their nose in it (briefly, don't grind the poor thing into the carpet) and then move them to the box. They get the idea pretty fast.
Ritalin
05-31-2006, 03:37 PM
Actually, nothing is wrong with declawing if it's an exclusive indoor cat and it tears up everything (I'm talking chunks of fabric ripped off couch corners...). Even if you have toys/posts for it. We had to do this with all our cats. Hell, our oldest one (who was older than me!) hunted down and killed birds with no no claws at all. But, if possible, it should be a last option. All too often though you might need to declaw anyway. So don't feel too bad.
It's only illegal in some countries because it's the cats main defense on the streets. Not so much for inhumane reasons.
And no, your cat won't hate you... all mine are and they are the most lovable kitties ever. Active and perfectly balanced too. -_-
The wiki article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declawing) echoes some of what I've said and provides some helpful links.
Did anyone else notice this paragraph from the wiki article?
In Australia, legislation concerning animal welfare is enacted at the state level and is highly inconsistent. There are ongoing efforts to develop a National Animal Welfare Act; in its current state, the bill would prohibit the declawing of cats except for medical reasons. However, some pro-wildlife campaigners advocate declawing (and possibly defanging) to protect native wildlife from pet cats.
To protect wildlife from pet cats, you remove the claws and fangs from the wildlife animals? (Or I'm reading this wrong when it happens to be the other way around, though it still doesn't make sense that way...:eyebrow:)
Anyways, on the kitty topic, cats learn almost anything faster than dogs, from the litterbox to 'not to attack every single thing that moves', just try to be a little bit patient with it at first it gains an unstoppable love for ripping your curtains, bed clothes and shoes. Another thing: if possible try to paste all cables (not electricity only) to the wall, when my cats were younger they loved to unplug (read tear) the telephone cable and play with the cable mess behind the computer.
Phate
05-31-2006, 03:54 PM
Did anyone else notice this paragraph from the wiki article?
To protect wildlife from pet cats, you remove the claws and fangs from the wildlife animals? (Or I'm reading this wrong when it happens to be the other way around, though it still doesn't make sense that way...:eyebrow:)
It's saying that people are advocating to declaw and defang pet cats so that the pet cats won't be a detriment to the wildlife, such as songbirds.
* Phate adds another "Don't declaw!" to the pile
Declawing may not be illegal in the US and Canada, but that doesn't mean that it isn't cruelty (at least, I consider it to be). If you absolutely must, then consult your veterinarian heavily first, as it's a permanent operation and not all cats will respond to it in the same manner.
Akimichi Choji
05-31-2006, 04:08 PM
Well get there are certain kinds of kitty litter rocks that have a scent that attracts kittens to em. Buy a set of those and your cat will go to it when he/she needs to use the litterbox. Also helps to put them on it once theyv'e gone to the bathroom someone where else, may take some time but they'll get it.
Two-twenty
05-31-2006, 04:44 PM
DO NOT DECLAW +1
If they really become a problem, just trim them like you would your finger nails. We used to do that with our old cat.
My household just recently adopted a kitten too (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/Twotwenty/squee.gif) and it reminded me how fscking psycho they are when they're young. Although you both have alot of love to share, I hope you also have alot of energy because it will attack anything that moves.
21 posts, and no pictures?
I demand pictures...please? :cute
*Addition: Jumping on the "don't declaw" wagon.
7Raven7
05-31-2006, 06:27 PM
Better yet, tape the laser pointer to the water gun.
Better yet, tape the laser pointer to a real gun. Bad kitty!
Also, I for one do not mind the declawing aspect, might I also recommend de-fanging, de-sexing, and de-skinning (I don't like cats much either).
Other than that, have fun with the evil furball (watches suspiciously as cat licks lips).
Perfect_Cheezit
05-31-2006, 06:32 PM
What's the point of having a cat if it's declawed. It would be too hard for it to kill mice and keep your house rodent-free.
That being said, if the furniture is a problem just get it a scratching post.
Phate
05-31-2006, 06:48 PM
21 posts, and no pictures?
I demand pictures...please? :cute
*Addition: Jumping on the "don't declaw" wagon.
=O! Can I post mine?
Links:
Rawr (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/Ph4t3/IMG_0029_2.jpg)
Garfield? (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/Ph4t3/IMG_0019_2.jpg)
Eyes. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/Ph4t3/IMG_0002_2.jpg)
Lazy. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/Ph4t3/IMG_0158_2.jpg)
>______>
Well, I've actually seen the cat now ^____^
It's a girl cat, and was actually is an orphan, not from the co-workers litter like Roark and I had originally thought. A different co-worker found her abandonded near the building. So, I feel really good about adopting her now.
She's small and calico, with a redtan and black upper, but the bottom of her face, her belly, and her legs are pure white, with a pure black tail. We don't know quite how old she is, of course, but she's taken to kitty kibble already, and hungrily at that. She has full thumbs, and has made most her her evening home trying to explore as much of the house as possible, and figuring out the best places to jump and climb. She hasn't really scratched much, but she does enjoy climbing with her claws, mostly onto pillows so she can gnaw on the top corner. We named her Lady Deathstrike, or Yuri for short. She is rather psycho, but in a cute way. She also doesn't seem to have much of a water-phobia, and she slashed in and jumped into her water dish several times.
She's made one mess in the house so far, which was while I was at work (Roark was home) and before we had a chance to buy a litter box. Now that we have one, we've brought her over to it a few times, but she doesn't seem to have to go. She's actually very well behaved, and the only thing she's tried to get into that she shouldn't was Roark's pizza. Now, she happens to be sleeping on the chair.
I'm sure most of you will be happy to hear that while talking at my work, Roark and I decided against the declawing, not that either of us really wanted to anyway, I imagine. As we live in a top floor apartment, she'll definately be an inside cat (and mice here aren't an issue), but I just didn't care for the idea of it, especially once I learned what it actually was. Wiki for the win. If the claws start to be a problem, we'll train her away from it, but even though she's so young, she's yet to scratch Roark or I, or do even minor damage to anything, except her mouse.
If I can get some pictures tomorrow morning, I'll post them up. I feel like a proud mother already.
Illjwamh
06-01-2006, 02:26 AM
Hooray for kittens! ^_^
And, because I feel compelled, I'm posting a kitty link (http://kittenwar.com/) that must be viewed by all.
also
www.cuteoverload.com
and the best cat link ever?
www.stuffonmycat.com
~Kei
Illjwamh
06-01-2006, 02:30 AM
That second one is awesome.:XD:
kiyone
06-01-2006, 07:39 AM
A trick to get his to use the litter box is to stick her nose in it.
I also like the second link better.
Not the best picture but here's my kitty.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/kiyone110/2-2.jpg
His name is Frosted Flakes, we call him frosty from time to time.
Tyrdium
06-01-2006, 08:47 AM
www.cuteoverload.com<3 Kei for the awesome link.
This morning, Yuri used the litterbox for the first time, at least to my knowledge ^_^ She seems to be a fast learner. She was mewing at me quite a bit, so it took her over, plopped her butt in, and immediatly quatted and went at it. She's now having fun digging around in the litter, presumably getting her scent into it or something. She also managed to bury the treat that I gave her in the litter as well -_-; Maybe I should give her another one...
Roark
06-01-2006, 06:49 PM
See links.
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds1.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds2.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds3.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds4.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds5.jpg
Jeannie
06-01-2006, 07:23 PM
Oh Mana, your kitten is adorable :hyper:
Congratulations! (is that what I'm supposed to say... well whatever, it all sounds great)
See links.
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds1.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds2.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds3.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds4.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds5.jpg
*This earns Zero's stamp of approval*
ash_chan
06-01-2006, 08:02 PM
Good lord, that is the cutest kitten I've ever seen. <3
Tyrdium
06-01-2006, 08:18 PM
[pics]Nyarrrrrrgh... *dies*
Neo-Hunter
06-01-2006, 08:25 PM
very nice cat. it gets my seal of approval.
Dennis
06-01-2006, 08:32 PM
Positively cute as multiple buttons; I love your kitty.
Major Tom
06-01-2006, 08:45 PM
I love stuff on my cat, mainly for the expressions on the cats. They range from 'what the...!?!' to 'oh....balls' to 'I'm gonna effing kill you when I get out of this....'
Kitty Update:
In less than 24 hours since she's been in our home, Lady Deathstrike used the litterbox on her own, and she has now a few times since. Smartest damn cat I've ever seen.
I plan on taking more pictures tomorrow, possibly, depending on if my sister comes over or not. I can't help it ;_;
Drake
06-01-2006, 11:28 PM
*This earns Zero's stamp of approval*
*gives Drake's stamp of approval too*
Miaka Lee
06-02-2006, 12:09 AM
A simply adorable little thing, isn't she.
Illjwamh
06-02-2006, 12:39 AM
Too...much...cute...@_@
Ritalin
06-02-2006, 04:37 AM
See links.
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds1.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds2.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds3.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds4.jpg
http://xs101.xs.to/xs101/06225/lds5.jpg
!#*(EJJKNC@*(CN
TOO CUTE!
PsychoSaiya-jin
06-02-2006, 05:44 AM
Kitty Update:
In less than 24 hours since she's been in our home, Lady Deathstrike used the litterbox on her own, and she has now a few times since. Smartest damn cat I've ever seen.
I plan on taking more pictures tomorrow, possibly, depending on if my sister comes over or not. I can't help it ;_;
So wait, Yuri is now Kelly Hu?? <3
Dennis
06-02-2006, 05:57 AM
Mana, pick a solid name for the kitty; something strong, and powerful like Purrfect or Snoogy Woogy Wumps.
*gives Drake's stamp of approval too*
i wish i had a stamp to give... b/c i would.
Mana, pick a solid name for the kitty; something strong, and powerful like Purrfect or Snoogy Woogy Wumps.
Sorry, Lady Deathstrike stays ;)
LadySage
06-02-2006, 10:59 AM
Oh, what a pretty baby! She's almost as pretty as my calico. Of course, no cat is prettier than my Hazel...
mistress #9
06-02-2006, 02:20 PM
Mana, oh my you guys have such a cute kitty. I have two cats, Para-Para a evil, bad, super cute calico tabby cat. She is really bad though, she pees on my clothes and stuff when she is mad at me. The funny thing is she was a good little kitty, not the most friendly for the first year of her life. I then moved from Vancover island to Vancouver and ever sense then she had been bad.
I also have a large black and white hemphodite cat (this is not a lie) she, I call her a she...was given to me two years ago. She is the most friendly, lovin creature I have ever met. Her name is Ellice (pronunced L.C,) which is short for Lost cat. My friend found her in the barn of his old house.
But once again you kitty is super cute. It makes me want to get another cat but I am not going to.
Griveton
06-02-2006, 05:00 PM
Sorry, Lady Deathstrike stays ;)
I vote for Lady deathstrike. I like the name.
Oh, and that cat is really cute. Makes me want to play with her. As a person who has little to no appreciation for cats, that means quite a bit :D
sohryu
06-03-2006, 11:50 AM
You're bringing the cat to Tak Tak, right? RIGHT?!?!?!
* soh dies of cuteness overload after seeing Mana's kitty, Sagey's puppy, and Phate's Gus-Gus
As much as we would love to bring Lady along, I don't think the hotel would let us keep her there, and she'd be all by her lonesome in the hotel room all day for 3 days ;-; As of right now, though, we're not sure what we're going to do with her for Tak Tak, so, it's still within the realm of possibility...
We've gotten her a scratching post now, and she's in love with it, more for the jumping and climbing and playing with the feathers than any sort of scratching, though. She also seems to be settling down a bit more, and she has gotten a big bigger already. She's scarily intelligent, though >_>;;
Drake
06-05-2006, 10:53 PM
I vote for Lady deathstrike.
i second that.
Took a short movie of the kitty for anyone who's interested....
She's definately getting bigger :3
Normally might time is when she's the most active, but she was getting kidn of playful, so I figured I'd try...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3807295049111386126&pr=goog-sl
Syner
06-12-2006, 08:41 PM
wow, she sure doesn't like Maggie Simpson much lol...
I like cats but they seem more playful when they are kittens. WE feed alot of homeless cats (13 or so) and someof them will let us pet them and play with them but others just run away from us lol.
AqueousMessage
06-13-2006, 04:28 AM
Really smart cat + human attacking training = Future overlord of the world?
Ritalin
06-13-2006, 04:42 AM
One day your kitten may suddenly be missing... and I'll swear it wasn't me.
It's even more adorable in motion. ;_;
Really smart cat + human attacking training = Future overlord of the world?
That's the corrent plan anyway. :d
@Rit: It's ok, I understand <3
Now that I actually know how to do it and host it right, I may make some more videos... have to see how playful she's feeling, though, since shes normally nocturnal and daytime tends to be naptime.
lilly1992
06-22-2006, 01:22 PM
you'll get used to haveing a kitten in no time.
D:!! Mana got a cat and I didn't know?! Wtf@!
Mana! Where do you live???
D:!! Mana got a cat and I didn't know?! Wtf@!
Mana! Where do you live???
Near Chicago >>; Same place I've always lived?
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