Oops I am sorry. Is Paradox a male?
I do apologize I just looked through some of the older posts and see that you are indeed going to be a kitty daddy and not a kitty mommy. I hadn't read that post before.
Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Cats & Kittens
Buying a Kitten for my birthday: TIPS PLEASE!
(312 posts)-
-
Yay, In about 2 hours I'll be making my way there!
It's all good Petpntr :)I just filled the litterbox with a bit of deodorizer and litter... the deodorizers perfumed scent is waayyy too strong, I don't like it...and having bought a 6 liter supply of liter, I used half the bag to fill up the litterbox to 5cms. Looks like I need a bigger pack of litter!
By the way, what should I bring for the kitten in the car, as it's a 1 hour drive? I don't want to scare it with too much attention, as I'll probably get excited with it, not to mention my sister...
-
Hi, Paradox, we're all super excited for you! Don't worry if you don't find your furry buddy tonight though, good things can take time, it may take a couple of visits before the right cat comes along... (However ragdolls are supercute and friendly, I suspect we're all hoping you come home with one of those sweet kittens...)
You don't have to fill up your litter tray for a little kitten, a couple of scoops of litter in the box is fine, doesn't matter if the bottom of the tray is showing in some places, you can always add a bit more when s/he's used it. Kitty is too young to want to dig to China just yet... If the deodorizer is too strong for you, it's bound to be too strong for kitty, can you scoop it out again?
Keep us posted... we're all dying to hear how it goes...
-
When you get to the shelter they will probably have cardboard kitty carriers. You might want to give them a call and ask if they have them on hand to give out for adoptees. If not that is something you will need to get and not one of us thought about it. Oh dear I am sorry. You will always need to have a kitten carrier on hand for times when you need to take the kitty to the vet. You can never take a chance that it will get away from you and you do not want a kitten loose in the car while someone is driving.
-
Ohh okay. I should have a large cardboard box around, that with a towel, is that good enough for the kitten? I should be going anytime now!
Hopefully I'll come back with my ragdoll, I can't wait to post pictures for you guys!EDIT: Yay I'm on my way now! ... See you guys tomorrow... hopefully with the pictures and the kitten!
-
-
Good luck, Paradox!!
Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
-
Oh Paradox, I'm so excited for you and looking forward to learning what special kitty adopts you and brings you home. :-)
I cant' believe we all missed remembering you need some way to transport kitty. *bangs head on desk*
Wonderful good luck and many blessings be yours as you and the right kitty find each other.
-
Hey guys, Guess what?!?
A Domestic cross ragdoll came home with me! Quick story and concern (Pictures later on, sorry guys!)
The two were still there waiting for me (One male, One female)! I was so relieved. When I picked them up, they instantly started scrambling to get back with the lady that was supervising me, I didn't notice the bloody cuts it gave me until they started to sting! They look more domestic than ragdoll, but gosh are they cute, they have pointy hair similar to ragdolls. They also told me, that the previous owner was feeding them food SCRAPS... such as chicken wings (raw) ... And they've only been in the shelter for about a week.
I picked the female over the male, because it seemed more relaxed in my hands.
The trip back home for the kitten was... I guess, hard. It was meowing every second, as I would meow back, so did the kitten! It's really hard for me, to tell if it's angry, sad, happy etc. ... The face seemed quite neutral and her tail was low.Once it got home, I immediately placed it in my bedroom, once it settled in a little, it started a low humming, much like a computer. I didn't stop since then? I'm worried, is this normal ?!
It also hasn't used the litterbox yet... And I did let it eat it's new food... Just a little tho.
Oh, and it has a tendency to bite and cling onto my finger, whats up with that?!... It doesn't hurt at all tho... but If I rub it's stomach, it's back leg kicks my hand off and it starts biting it. Is this okay?
I also hear when the tail is high, it's happy, but it's been a mix with this kitten, I'm not sure if it happy?
Sorry for the quick questions, I'm ecstatic. It's SOOO CUTE!
I'm off to to keep the kitten company again! I also need to name it!
Pictures tomorrow, I promise!PS: When I let it roam around besides my bedroom, it's tail is high up... Is it happy? Should I let it roam around?
-
Paradox, concats on the new kitten.....the biting is normal, sometimes kittens and/or cats may show you their stomach but don't like when you touch them there...they aren't any different than people when it comes to being touched, some like it and some don't...she hasn't had the time to adjust yet, so give her time and let her come to you when she's ready. Any idea how old she is, she might not know how to use a litter box. This link is good for tips on kittens/cats, health, behaviour, etc., http://www.petplace.com/cat-behavior.aspx ....and again, concats on your new baby...and forgot, they purr for many different reasons, when they are happy, scared, ill, unsure of the surroundings.
Posted 2 years ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #
-
Ohmigosh, how exciting! I'm so happy for you! I hope you and this little one will be best friends for a very very long time! On the trip home, she was talking to you! Look at it from her point of view, she's tiny, she's been moved about from pillar to post and having to get used to new people every time and she's still only a baby and she's on her way to who knows where with who knows who? No wonder she's asking questions...!
But the BEST thing -- that low humming, like a computer, that hasn't stopped since? That's her purring! That means she's happy. You will get very used to that sound. The purrier the cat, the better... As Deb says, cats purr for many reasons but if she's purring after settling in a bit, that seems to indicate contentment to me.
Re the biting and clinging -- she is trying out her teeth, and the tummy/kicking/biting thing, that's a normal way of kitten play. But it's best to gently discourage her from that now because when she's full grown and she's still doing it, it's gonna HURT. Just gently take your finger away and/or immediately distract her by throwing a crumpled piece of paper or dangling one of her toys in front of her or whatever. As Ann, one of our most knowledgeable TDKers always says, it's important for her to learn that hands are not for playing with and biting and kicking, they are for giving treats and gently stroking.
Of course you should let her roam around, she's exploring, but keep a gentle eye on her and make sure your door is closed. If her tail's up, I'd say that means she's happy and confident. She sounds like an absolute darling! Just keep talking to her and stroking her gently -- everything gentle and slow, so you don't accidentally startle her -- and you'll be getting along like a house on fire in no time. If she's hungry, let her eat. I wouldn't worry about a kitten eating too much, she needs to grow, just check with the vet about roughly how much she should get at each meal. Looking forward to the pix and learning her new name!
-
Thanks so much Azdebra and Jcat!
Wow is that sound really purring? I was expecting something different, but I'm really glad that it's enjoying it's time here!
I can barely write this post! It constantly meows while I'm on the computer, right now it just jumped up on my lap and it seems to be sleeping next to the mouse pad...Kodak moment. Hmm, Gotta get the camera!
It hasn't used it's litter since, do they use it often? I've tried placing it in the litter then using it's paws to scratch the litter, but nothing...guess it doesn't want to poop :)
It really is beautiful, inside and out!
Anything I should know before I hop into bed? It also seems to ignore it's bed I made for it haha. -
Just place her gently in the litter tray after she's eaten (but let her scramble out again if she wants to) and she'll soon get the idea. Kittens don't poop very often, just a few times a day (how old is she by the way, did they say at the shelter? If not, check with your vet when you take her in); they pee more often but I'm sure when she needs to, she'll head for the litter tray. Jumping up on your lap -- good sign!
I'd be surprised if she's not sleeping on your bed before long...
-
-
Yes, It is normal for kittens to bite and kick with there back paws, my Maine Coon/Siberian mix kitten, Mickey does it. He was 8 weeks old when I got him and now he is 4 months.
Name suggestions:
Mitilda
Mabel
Cleo
Samantha
Nella
Nala
TheraWhat markings does she have?
Posted 2 years ago by Catfancier #
-
Yay, a new TDK kitten!!!! We can't wait to see her, Paradox! Congratulations!!!
Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #
-
Congratulations, Paradox!! Your new kitten sounds adorable. :)
Can't wait to see pictures!! You'll get lots of help here on naming her.Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
-
Congratulations Paradox on your new baby. Oh what fun you are in for. Don't pay too much attention to anything she does today. It is all very strange for her with new sights, sounds, smells and she will need a few days to become accustomed to everything. When she gets her hind legs going immediately stop whatever you are doing. That is something like tickling. She might laugh but doesn't really like it and it will reinforce her habit of using her back legs for rabbit kicks which you don't want. If you are going to rub her tummy it must be done very gently because it stimulates her actions, not like you would do on her back or behind her ears. Best for now to maybe steer clear of that area.
She won't poop on your bed unless for some reason she can't get down to go to the litter. Cats are meticulously clean and do not like going to the bathroom any place except where they are supposed to.
Like people the number of times a cat goes to the bathroom will be determined on when she eats. It's important to start a schedule with her so she is eating at the same times every day. That way it is easy to determine that she is using the toilet as she should and its better for her digestion to be on a schedule.
-
-
How wonderful for you Paradox and for New Kitty! It is so much fun reading your posts and hearing your excitement over getting your first kitten. Twelve weeks is a great age for her to be, she is old enough to know how to handle a few things, like she should know what a litterbox is for!
And for all the changes she has already been through in her young life she sounds like she has a really good temperament because she settled right in with you if she was already purring and jumping on your lap.
It is not too soon to start training her NOT to bite and scratch your hands. When she does that just stop, gently remove your hand (you can also say NO), and give her a toy to play with (that stuffed animal you had on her bed would be perfect.) She will learn to chew and "fight" with it instead of your hand and that is a much better idea.
Posted 2 years ago by DancingCatHill #
-
-
Thank you! It would not of settled in so perfectly if it wasn't for the super duper tips you guys have given me!
@CatFancier - It's chocolate brown with white feet, neck area and stomach.
It's favorite toy at the moment is probably the soft dangling thingo (The thing that goes around your neck for passes and such) ...Its quite vicious when it plays with it!, it will do anything to grab and bite it to pieces. I love it when it pounces :DLast night was ... I don't have a word ... Magical? (I really can't hop on the computer, as right now, whenever I don't keep a eye on her, shes always wondering around, she is the most curious thing ever! Be right back, shes going downstairs haha)
Anyway on with the story... I managed about 3 hours of sleep last night, my head is spinning. I managed to figure out the kittens routine, Sleep for 2 hours (It snuggles with me! ... Oh so cute!) then wakes up to eat and drink, plays with it's toys and reflection on the mirror, jumps on my chair to kneed at...Then back onto my bed usually to play with my fingers while I'm half asleep haha, or it walks around my head to snuggle with me, which is too cute to fall asleep to!
Early morning, I found it doing it's thing in the litterbox! I was so proud of it! I sneaked in 2 hours of sleep, after waking up to find it staring at it's reflection in the mirror very closely, and almost purring a "WALL-E" sound (Wall-E the movie) It must still be missing it's brother right? It seems to be meowing much more today, what is it trying to say?!? I wish I knew...
Whenever I walk away, it usually runs to block my way or either grab my slippers and if I do manage to get away, it usually stays at it's post and meows until I come back, how will it cope with me going to school ?!? Oh, I'm not at the excursion thanks to me catching a cold, but hey, quality time with the kitten!
Last thing, while it's looking around, it usually sneaks into dusty dusty places, and comes out very dusty, how do I remove the dust off? I'll probably comb the fur today.
-
Soooo cute, Paradox! But this little one needs a name! (see the other thread)
She may think that her reflection in the mirror is another kitty and it might be stimulating her "flight or fight" instinct. My Willow as a baby would see herself in a mirror and puff up to scare that other kitty away!
It sounds like you are in love! :-)
Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #
-
You sound like such an awesome kitty parent. I can feel your excitement through the computer. It's wonderful and so are you.
Paradox have you ever heard of "kid proofing a home". That's when parents have a little toddler who gets into everything and is too young to know what is safe and what isn't so they have to go through their home and figure out what the toddler might get into which could hurt it. You have to do the same thing with a kitten. They get into the tiniest holes and openings and sometimes have a hard time getting out or get lost. So look for all those little spaces that are at the level your kitty is and plug them up with a towel or newspaper or something like that. I once had friends whose cat found its way through the vent in the floor to the furnace. Luckily the cat stopped somewhere between the vent and the furnace in the duct system but they had to remove a bunch of piping to get it out. You can't be too careful.
You might want to reread some of the tips you got here as a reminder. The kitten will sleep a good deal when you are at school. Cats are actually asleep more then they are awake and it will get used to your schedule. Is there anyone at home during the day when you are at school?
-
Awwwwwwww.......you got your kitten!!!! How absolutely wonderful. It sounds like you two are going to be the best of friends for life.
That sound she's making is purring. Gently put your hand her chest and you can usually feel the vibration. That's a happy, contented, I feel part of the family sound.
Yep, kittens sleep, eat, play, play, sleep, play, play, eat, go to the litter box, sleep, play, play......
As to coming out dusty from exploring places, gently wipe her down with a tissue. And then make sure you clean in all those hidden places to avoid future problems.
Like was suggested, you have to think like a small, curious, inquisitive little cat creature out to explore her new world and then make sure you have made that world a safe one for your kitten.
Again, good idea to review all the suggestions and information you've been given. But I must say, you are doing great and we are all so happy for you and proud of how you are working to be such a good kitty daddy.
You are in for such wonderful times learning about your kitten, watching her grow, and becoming more and more a cat person with each day you two share.
Take your time picking a name. You'll know the right one when the time comes. There is another thread with lots of fun suggestions but they are only that, suggestions, and you will know what name fits your kitten when the time comes.
Be sure to ask any more questions you want or need to. We'll do our best to help.
And we are soooooo looking forward to pictures when you are able and to keeping up with many frequent updates on how you and kitten are exploring this new world of boy/kitten bonding.
Great birthday present, huh?!
-
I just thought of something Paradox. I agree with Marnet, the name suggestions are only ideas to help you. You need to decide on a name that you are comfortable with and which suits your new baby but I can't help but notice that you described her as "magical". Maybe some version of that word can be incorporated into a name for her.
By the way is she a birthday gift from your parents? Did they place any restrictions on what you chose. I think they must be wonderful and can you tell us what birthday you are celebrating and when exactly it is?
Inquiring minds need to know these things.
Oh one more note of caution. You must keep in mind that whatever kitty gets on her fur will go into her mouth when she licks herself. If she gets dusty or dirty I would take a damp towel or cloth to wipe her off so she doesn't injest dust and dirt.
-
Petpntr, the wet cloth idea works wonders! She doesn't even mind me wiping her down... she hates me combing her tho; Wouldn't stay still and would bite my hand!
The kitten was a happy 16th birthday gift from my parents, although my birthday is on the March 24th haha! Really early present I guess. I'm leaning towards "Bella" short for "Isabella", As it often responds to Bella... still deciding!
Thank you for the tips, for the BILLIONTH time! I just vacuumed upstairs, it was REALLY dusty all over the place thanks to the kitten, anything for the kitten anyway :)
Give me a minute, I'll upload the pictures soon!
-
Can't wait to see the pictures, Paradox! You sound very happy with your furry baby. :)
Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
-
-
Are you trying to upload them to a photo-sharing website like Flickr or Webshots?
Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
Reply »
You must log in to post.