Getting a Kitten, What to Expect?

[sweetpeakaris]

Well, I might be adopting a 9-10 week old Kitten this weekend for my 10yr old DD. She's been wanting one for years, & has been begging for one almost every single day. I always had a cat around growing up, but sorta forgot what to expect and what it's like living with them.

Will there be cat hair all around the house? Do cats have odors? Where to keep the litter box? What Brand/kind of Food/Litter to buy? Who has the best deals on Litter & Food?

Besides Food, Litter, Toys, & Vet, do I need anything else?

Any additional info, greatly appreciated!

 

[cglaura]

Well, I might be adopting a 9-10 week old Kitten this weekend for my 10yr old DD. She's been wanting one for years, & has been begging for one almost every single day. I always had a cat around growing up, but sorta forgot what to expect and what it's like living with them.

Will there be cat hair all around the house? Do cats have odors? Where to keep the litter box? What Brand/kind of Food/Litter to buy? Who has the best deals on Litter & Food?

Besides Food, Litter, Toys, & Vet, do I need anything else?

Any additional info, greatly appreciated!

I have an 11 week right now (along with a 12 year old and an 8 year old).

I forgot how crazy they are! Take a look around and see if there is anything that can be jumped up onto, and then remove anything breakable. He has brought so much fun into the house though, my older cats are running around like kittens again

We keep the box in the laundry room, using Tidy Cat Scoop Instant Action litter. And we use Purina One Kitten Food. I have found that Pet Smart has the best prices. Other than that WalMart.

I have found the best toy to be crumpled up paper. He goes nutzo for them, bats it around the floor, carries it around like a mouse. So funny.

Cats are pretty good at keeping themselves clean, so no real odor. Just the litter box, but if you scoop it daily then that shouldn't be a problem.

As for shedding, it depends on what kind of cat. We have short hair, and yes they do shed, so have to be careful with the black cat when wearing white, and the tan cat while wearing black! But as far as around the house, not furball crazy or anything. But I vacuum daily since I have teens in and out all the time, and off-white carpets, so if I miss a day it is instantly noticeable.

Good luck! And post a pic!

 

[Carl]

You can expect a lot of cuteness!

 

[soxfan11901]

Don't buy a bunch of toys. An aluminum foil ball is cheaper and played with more.
Get a scratching post.
Watch out for any houseplants. Some are poisonous to cats and even if they aren't, cats love to chew on them and dig in them.

 

[Gina]

You remember what it's like having a toddler? It's like that, except the cats can also climb like mountain goats, lol. Kittens/young cats get into EVERYTHING... Heck, my youngest feline is 2, and still when the lights go out at night it's Super Happy Extended Fun Time to him. I can't even count how many things of mine he has broken in the past 2 years. But he's so sweet and cute, I love him -- he's just a handful!! I keep waiting for him to outgrow the nutso stage, but it hasn't happened yet. My 10yr old cat still gets pretty crazy too, so maybe I should quit hoping.

But nothing is as entertaining as a kitten... you could cancel cable and just watch the kitty, LOL. Try wadding up a piece of foil into a ball -- that could keep mine entertained for literally hours. Except that the youngest one plays fetch with it and will keep bringing it to you and meowing incessantly until you throw it again looooong after your interest has waned!

 

[njmom47]

I have an 11 week right now (along with a 12 year old and an 8 year old).

I forgot how crazy they are! Take a look around and see if there is anything that can be jumped up onto, and then remove anything breakable. He has brought so much fun into the house though, my older cats are running around like kittens again

We keep the box in the laundry room, using Tidy Cat Scoop Instant Action litter. And we use Purina One Kitten Food. I have found that Pet Smart has the best prices. Other than that WalMart.

I have found the best toy to be crumpled up paper. He goes nutzo for them, bats it around the floor, carries it around like a mouse. So funny.

Cats are pretty good at keeping themselves clean, so no real odor. Just the litter box, but if you scoop it daily then that shouldn't be a problem.

Good luck! And post a pic!

Couldn't have said it better! We keep our litter boxes in the basement, though, and Brody is 11 months old, and Jr is 15 and Boo Boo is 9 and Brody torments the old guys alot. Other days, I'll come downstairs in the morning, and they are all asleep on the couch (in different spots of course).
Brody plays with the milk carton strips, ties from the bread bags, just about anything that slides around on a wood floor (which I sweep or Dirt Devil frequently).

 

[bevgray]

At 10 weeks old, it will still be a baby which means...not much common cat sense. Check cords (electrical/blinds) to make sure that it can't get tangled up or chew. Kittens aren't quite as bad as puppies but they are so little and quick, they can get into trouble. Since you have a young child, make sure she understands the kitten is NOT a stuffed animal. Just try to recall things you did for your daughter when she was a toddler to baby proof but remember that this one can jump and climb. Fortunately, kittens grow pretty fast so once it is around 16 weeks it won't be quite as fragile. If you sew or work with other crafts, make sure the kitten cannot get into threads or things that could hurt it. Contrary to popular beliefs, kittens aren't very sensible when it comes to eating odd things and long threads can be fatal since they can't digest them.

Crumpled papers are good. Also boot laces (making sure you keep it out of reach when not playing with the kitten). Your local pet store will have lots of fun things that your daughter and kitten can play with together.

If you haven't already, make an appointment to take the kitten into the vet so that it can be checked and given the appropriate shots. Also, cats do NOT need to go outside. They live quite happy lives as INDOOR pets. If the kitten has never been outside, don't show it the great outdoors. Otherwise, you'll have a problem with it trying to get out.

Short-haired cats will shed but don't need to be groomed as they can manage on their own. If the kitten has a longer coat, you may need to brush it a couple of times a week to keep it tangle free. This will also help with the shedding A lot of cats seem to like to be brushed. You don't need to bathe cats the way you do dogs.

The litter pan should be in a location where the cat feels safe (and preferably in an area where it is less of a nuisance for you). Even scoopable little will be tracked by little kitten feet to some extent. Laundry rooms are great or pantries (if it large enough with the door kept open). Under the basin in a bathroom can also work if you have limited space (although you need to keep the door open so kitten isn't "locked out" of her pan). If you are very limited on space, you can also get a cover to put on the pan (try Petco or Petsmart). These range from plastic domes to elaborate "hiding" furniture.

Most important of all, enjoy your new addition. I hope your daughter really enjoys her kitten!

 

[eeyoremum]

We have a new kitten. He is 14 weeks old now. Bosh is a ball of energy but also a lazy, cuddly guy. He really likes to snuggle in with you. We have not had too much mischief he did spray once though (yuck) likely because he found the spot our old cat use to sleep (poor thing we lost a few months ago to kidney disease).

We have gone the all natural food route for both our dog and cat so we cook chicken, beef and rice for them. They love it.

Bosh gets up really early in the morning though. Not bad on weekdays but on weekends I am sick of getting up with him at 6am.

Good luck with your kitten.

 

[dngnb8]

You need to set boundries fast. Have scratching posts all around or your furniture will be the target. It is a natural behavior. I found it helps to have furniture of different material then the posts.

I dont believe in de-clawing. I consider that cruel

 

[Gina]

Bosh gets up really early in the morning though. Not bad on weekdays but on weekends I am sick of getting up with him at 6am.

Oh yeah... nothing like hoping to sleep in but having a very vocal cat in your face at 7am, lol.

 

[ohiomom28]

duplicate post

 

[ohiomom28]

I've had the best luck with Fresh Step for Multiple Cats. We have 2 though. I've switched brands and can smell it no matter if I scoop daily or not. Maybe I just have a VERY sensitive nose.
Scratching post is very important. We've had ours for about a year and you can already see the wood in places & they rip off the carpet all the time.

 

[Robinrs]

I've had the best luck with Fresh Step for Multiple Cats. We have 2 though. I've switched brands and can smell it no matter if I scoop daily or not. Maybe I just have a VERY sensitive nose.
Scratching post is very important. We've had ours for about a year and you can already see the wood in places & they rip off the carpet all the time.

I agree with Fresh Step. I have FIVE cats, (two kittens and three elderly cats who look like this all day at the babies )

They are VERY energetic at that age but like I remind my son, they grow old FAST!! I feel like I'm living in a daycare and a retirement home!!

 

[7165red]

They are very active but so much fun. The time goes so fast so try to enjoy it. I agree with other posts about using the clunking litter, less mess. I bought a small soft mouse and my kitten love to play fetch.They also like paper bags.

 

[fireflymedic]

boy my cat sheds, he loves to sit on my lap before I leave for work, I'm the first one up. I have to grab a towel or something to put on my lap or I will have white hairs all over my dark blue uniform

 

[sweetpeakaris]

Wow, Thanks for all the info!

 

[bitohoney]

I suggest a cat tree. I have 3 cats and just got a 54"/3 tiered tree in December and I wish I hadn't waited so long because it's all they scratch on now. It's something just for them.
I've had cats for years, and just brought in a new one last year after months of DD begging for a kitten. I didn't want the kitten. My household was peaceful with just my 2 sweet older cats. Now...I can't live without my little Minnie. I feel like I gave birth to her she's such a joy. I even got pet insurance for her for $12 per month.

 

[r3ngels]

I had an older Cat years ago but this is my first go around with a kitten 8 weeks old and he doesn't even weigh a lb... wow does he have energy and plays all the time. I agree never thought he would get into so much stuff. I literally shut him in the refrig the other day.

Question for you experts: He only uses the litter box if we bring him to it... what am I doing wrong? He meows really loud so we know he has to go but how do we get him to go on his own?

Thanks!

 

[tvguy]

You can expect a lot of cuteness!

Yes. Lots and lots of cuteness....and kiss your furniture and curtains and bank account good bye. Our current cat is 9 years old, first cat we've had that wasn't declawed in the front since it is illegal to declaw cats here (although some people seem to find a way around the law). Got her at 3 months of age. She has a scratching post, a scratching cardboard circle, and a scatcher on her "condo", uses them to death. And when we are away, uses the furniture and climbs the curtains. Never see her do it.
But we knew that going in.
And then there is the financial end......I know there are people who can shut off the emotional attachment to a pet when a potentially expensive vet bill is on the horizon and put down a pet......I can't do that. So far this year the vet bill has hit $2,000 due to some sort of stomach issue........we did take the cheaper approach and start medicine that might help, instead of spending the addition $3,000 the vet wanted for more tests...so we don't know what is wrong, other than with $15 of medicine a month and a change of diet, it isn't an issue anymore. And I had just paid off the $4,000 in vet charges from 3 years ago. Oh well, when I die I now know I will go to heaven, and be greeted by all the pets I have owned over the years, the ones that nearly bankrupted me here on earth.

 

[7165red]

bitofhoney, did your adult cats take to the kitten right away. I had two adult cat and didn't take to the new kitten. The kitten wanted to play all the time and they didn't want to. I felt so sorry for the kitten and was able to find a very good home so that he could be king of his kindom, lol.