We're getting a kitten...would love advice!
Aug 15, 2015 2:56:22 GMT
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gryroagain, reedina, and 2 more like this
Post by penny on Aug 15, 2015 2:56:22 GMT
Crumpled up paper is a great free toy...
Close the lid on the toilet
Flip your toilet paper the wrong way around (hanging down behind the roll)...
Shuffle your feet when you walk - kittens are small and like to stay close, shuffling means you'll nudge them rather then step/squish them...
Get a cat tree or scratching post... They love having something of their own, and always redirect them to it when they're young and they'll learn that is what they can scratch... They also like having a tall place to watch the world and to hang onto with their paws/claws so they can really stretch their muscles...
Touch their paws and toes, and their lips/mouths a couple times a day... Get them used to you touching and holding their paws for when you clip their claws... And getting them used to having their lips/mouth touched makes checking their teeth and brushing them easier... Brushing them a little bit a day gets them used to that too...
A push broom or DustBuster next to the litter box is super handy...
When they figure out that the best water in the universe comes from your bathroom tap, you'll be stuck giving them water from there forever... The longer it remains a mystery where the water in the bowl comes from, the later you'll be able to sleep in...
Get them microchipped... It works! And most vets will do it at the same time as a spay/neuter... Go for the spay/neuter too...
There are great lists of what foods and plants are harmful/dangerous to cats...
Two things that I feel are important, but I know that others have different opinions:
Keep them inside... Just too many dangers outside... Other cats, other animals, pesticides and people putting harmful stuff out... Plus, it's annoying as all else to find someone else's pet's mess on your property or have birds scared of your feeder...
Don't get them declawed... Lots of information available about how it's the removal of the first part of their toe... You're starting with a kitten and can train them right from the beginning what they can/can't scratch (kittens learn soooo quickly), and get them used to having their claws trimmed... Im going to sound cheesy, but it's beautiful to see them stretch out their paws and how gently they use the tip of their toes to touch and inspect things... Gets me every time
Congratulations!
Close the lid on the toilet
Flip your toilet paper the wrong way around (hanging down behind the roll)...
Shuffle your feet when you walk - kittens are small and like to stay close, shuffling means you'll nudge them rather then step/squish them...
Get a cat tree or scratching post... They love having something of their own, and always redirect them to it when they're young and they'll learn that is what they can scratch... They also like having a tall place to watch the world and to hang onto with their paws/claws so they can really stretch their muscles...
Touch their paws and toes, and their lips/mouths a couple times a day... Get them used to you touching and holding their paws for when you clip their claws... And getting them used to having their lips/mouth touched makes checking their teeth and brushing them easier... Brushing them a little bit a day gets them used to that too...
A push broom or DustBuster next to the litter box is super handy...
When they figure out that the best water in the universe comes from your bathroom tap, you'll be stuck giving them water from there forever... The longer it remains a mystery where the water in the bowl comes from, the later you'll be able to sleep in...
Get them microchipped... It works! And most vets will do it at the same time as a spay/neuter... Go for the spay/neuter too...
There are great lists of what foods and plants are harmful/dangerous to cats...
Two things that I feel are important, but I know that others have different opinions:
Keep them inside... Just too many dangers outside... Other cats, other animals, pesticides and people putting harmful stuff out... Plus, it's annoying as all else to find someone else's pet's mess on your property or have birds scared of your feeder...
Don't get them declawed... Lots of information available about how it's the removal of the first part of their toe... You're starting with a kitten and can train them right from the beginning what they can/can't scratch (kittens learn soooo quickly), and get them used to having their claws trimmed... Im going to sound cheesy, but it's beautiful to see them stretch out their paws and how gently they use the tip of their toes to touch and inspect things... Gets me every time
Congratulations!