I'm a teenager (16) and my parents are letting me adopt a little kitten. I've looked up a lot of information and also have figured out costs too. I haven't decided if I should either get one or two kittens. Also can "soft paws" damage a kittens claws? If you have any other advice, I'm will to accept.
Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Cats & Kittens
I'm a teenager getting a kitten and need some advice
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Well hey Mel. Welcome to TDK!
Hmm, some advice I can offer.
Cats don't NEED to have another cat around, as long as they get enough human companionship. However, some cats are happier with another kitty to play with. It really depends on the individual. My cat, Eggnog, is perfectly happy to be by himself and sleep all day, waking up to eat, drink, use the litter box and cuddle with me.
But I must say, you will also notice an increase in activity level with most cats that have a feline companion.
Just make sure if you're considering getting two kittens instead of one that you can afford all associated costs with two kittens, including food, litter, toys and veterinary care. Vet bills can be expensive and you should bring your cats for regular veterinary check-ups every six months to a year.
And if your cat gets sick, you might be looking at a couple thousand dollars in unexpected veterinary care. So I might suggest that one kitten would be best for now, unless you are prepared financially to get two and look after them properly.
As for the soft paws, I've never used them nor known anyone to use them so I really wouldn't know, but I'm sure someone around here would know more.
Posted 2 years ago by KaylynSueG #
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and they make soft paws in kitten sizes. no they will not hurt the kitten, but the natural nails will continue to grow and you will need to re-apply them every so often...
or you can learn how to clip their claws without hurting them and they will be far less destructive than if you do nothing. this is the route i took with my two, and they are now 12 and 17 years old...
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I would reccommend that you adopt from a shelter. Also it is important to remember that 2 cat of the same litter can be wonderful together! It gives them company to play with, especially when you are a bit busy. Soft paws when used properly according to the directions can be very beneficial. Before you adopt go to a shelter and ask for help from the workers there. They will be able to speak to the behavior that they have seen. They will also be able to help answer more questions. On the weekend not many folks are here. I know if this is bumped to the top you will get more advice. Welcome to TDK.
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Hi, Melix, also, don't spend a lot of money on unnecessary things like expensive beds (kitty will probably decide where she wants to sleep -- on an old sweater of yours, on your bed, in an old box) or toys. (Laser pointers and cat dancers are good but they are also just as happy with ping pong balls and crumpled bits of paper and old soft toys...) If you have money put aside for kitty, it's better to save it up for good food and possible vet bills.
Long-haired kitties are beautiful (my favourite) but if you get one, you must be prepared to comb him or her every day, to keep kitty comfortable and looking beautiful and get ready for cat hair everywhere!
Welcome to TDK, we can't wait to hear about and see pix of your new kitty. If you have any other questions once you get him or her, just ask!
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I'd say get one kitten for now. As cute as it is to have two, they do get really expensive. The other thing to remember with two is that they're twice as much work (twice the litter boxes, food, vet bills, play time, etc.). Plus, if you get one now you can always decide later that you have the time and money for a seccond kitty.
As for the Soft Paws, I've heard good things about them, but I would try keeping your kitty's nails clipped (when they're little, people nailclippers work really well) and training him/her not to scratch. I've had my kitty over a year and the only things she's ever scratched is the inside of my box springs.
When you go to the shelter, don't let looks be your only deciding factor. I wasn't going to look at my kitten at first, but when I met her, I fell in love with her personality, and not only has that gotten better with age, but she's grown up into a gorgeous cat.
Best of luck, and congrats on the new kitten! -
Thank you for all this help. Yes I don't think I'll be spending $60 on a bed for my cat. I'm still a teen looking for a job. My parents will only like spending money for necessary needs anyways. I will be having pictures up as soon as I get them too. Also I still want to get two kittens but after I think about it. If they get sick, I don't know if I can afford two expensive vet bills. But, I will be at school from 7-2 everyday. My family is quiet busy except for me. Something in my heart tells me I should get two kittens though. I'll see....
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If you are prepared to put the time, cost and effort into 2 kittens I say go for it! It can be expensive but worth it in the long run (well in my eyes anyways) espescially if you and your parents are out most of the day its just some company for your kittens so they dont get lonely. Im a teenager and im looking to get a second kitten for my first kitten to be with when shes on her own cause she does get lonely and meows like mad when im not here. Cant wait to hear about your new kitten you will most definately have to post some pictures up :)
Posted 2 years ago by SmudgesMum:) #
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Hi Mel, welcome to TDK! I would also say two rather than one but ONLY if you can afford the associated costs. Look forward to hearing how you get on :o)
Hello Smudge's Mum, when did you sneak aboard? ;o) You're the nearest thing I have to a TDK neighbour, I'm just up the road near Nottingham!
Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #
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Actually Mel, just had a thought. You might ask your vet if they do a budget plan, where you can pay a monthly amount that will cover the cat's annual shots etc. This might help you judge if you can afford 2 or not. Yes, there's always the emergency costs, but they're very difficult if not impossible to budget for - if there was an unexpected bill, would your parents be able to help and you pay them back?
Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #
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madcatwomanintheuk,, Hello :) i am new to this, spotted it on a google search as im getting another little kitten and was doing some research :)
Posted 2 years ago by SmudgesMum:) #
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Hi, Mel, and welcome to TDK! I say definitely get two kittens as long as the costs for two won't be too much for you and your family to handle. Don't forget to tell us all about your new furrbabies when you get them, and post some pics if you can.
I have two kitties, and you can meet them if you click on my avatar.... same with alot of the members here, click on their avatars to meet their feline families ;-)
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Omg, thank you all for the TDK welcomes. Yes my parents and I have discussed and we will be able to budget for costs. Our house is defiantly not kitten "ready" though. I still need to get supplies. I'm planning on getting the kittens in a couple weeks. The only thing is that, the shelters/adoption places that I've looked at only let two kittens get adopted at a time. So I've looked up benefits of having two kittens and even presented an information packet to my parents. As you can see, I'm really into this. I will be looking around at everyone's profiles and tuning in to what you all have to say. Unfortunately I can't really contribute to advice and talking yet, since I haven't gotten the kittens yet.I'm so excited though!!
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You sound like a fabulous person-- and smart too! Getting advice, budgeting, doing research-- man there are a lot of old-timers who could take lessons from you. I cannot wait to see your kitties! I want to second what MadCatWoman said. Just about any vet would let you put money on account with them so as to have it ready. I have done that a half a dozen times when I needed to make sure my cat sitter would have the resources to take the cats to the vet in an emergency, while I was out of town on business.
Have you chosen a vet? If not, I would like to recommend asking all the cat owners you know who they use and really trust. The same names are likely to keep turning up and you can start there. If you don't mind telling us what city you live in, it is just possible someone here might know something. (Don't tell us if you and your family are just about the only folks in town. It is probably a good idea to keep your privacy! But, if you are one in 200,000 you are likely to be safely anonymous.)
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We'll I live in the greater Hartford area of Connecticut. We actually have quiet a bit of vets around here. My parents are taking a long time to officially decide everything. Well my dad is the one taking a long time. I just would love to have them before school starts September 8th. Hopefully though will be able to get two kittens since like I said many adoption shelters only allow two kittens to a family. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying.
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