Getting a new kitten...any advice?

[worm761]

We had a cat when I was growing up but I've never had one as an adult. We have a dog. He's old and doesn't do much these days.

What all does a new kitten need? I am thinking a few toys, a scratching post, litter box... but what else? Any advice on best cat litter? Food?

 

[kymom99]

I use tidy cat scoop. I have a rescue cat and they fed him Proplan so kept with that. It isn't cheap but if you portion it correctly, it lasts a long time. Your kitten will go through lots of toys, so be prepared for that. They tend to hide them and then you can't find them. Mine loves to chase a lazer pointer.

I suggest you get a cat that is a little older, like 6 months to a year. Little kittens are really cute, but in my opinion it is easier to adopt a cat that is out of the kitten phase.

Good luck

 

[supersnoop]

We use "Worlds Best Cat Litter." I swear by it. Not only does it trap urine odors better than anything else I've ever used, it's flushable. I keep the litter box next to the toilet and it gets scooped out multiple times each day.

For food, remember that cats get most of their water from their food. It's important to feed wet food on a regular basis. They don't drink very much water directly. We feed ours Wellness Core and Avoderm (the small cans).

 

[sersee05]

We use Tidy cat scoop also and it works pretty well. ..but have been contemplating using worlds best...
We use Blue to feed our cats and they do very well on it. My tip is don't waste your money on big expensive cat toys. Half of the time they don't play with them. I could buy the best rated most expensive toy out there and my cat will choose an empty shoe box everytime. When mine were little they did enjoy the laser pointers here and there and they also seem to like the hanging toys that are on sticks. But everything else, just go cheap. We buy really cheap play mice because they always lose them.

I highly recommend a cat tree. It has been a lifesaver for us and personally I think it's best to get it as a kitten. We tried it when my cats were older and they never clawed it . But my kitten was introduced to one right away and claws the poop out of it.

We always make sure we have more than one litter box too.

 

[AquaDame]

I'd actually suggest investing more in scratching posts than toys, especially towers or shelves that allow them to get up high which they love. Having something for them to scratch on in most rooms they hang out in keeps them from being tempted by the carpets and couch though! My cats have always been happier with common items more than cat specific toys - toilet paper rolls, milk carton rings and tops, boxes and paper bags (with the handles cut) that sort of thing. I stay away from mice and strings on a stick because my cats will chew them off and swallow them... I have heard too many stories of cats having surgery to remove blockages from string. Yarn can be a death sentence if you have a chewer. I'd recommend acclimating them to having their nails trimmed up now vs later too - it helps with random snagging on things. Male kitties especially can benefit from wet food since they are more susceptible to kidney stones, and I'd try several kinds of litter to find one that works for you/your cat.

 

[BLAZEY]

Watch out that kitty doesn't chew cords. Keep them hidden or keep kitty out of the room where phone chargers are kept. I use Max cat litter. I also have more than on litter box. I use the covered ones to help keep the litter IN the box. Invest is a cat tree. Our guy loves his and will give him and escape from the dog.

 

[kymom99]

My cat has stolen all my coke caps! I was saving them for the codes until mycokerewards changed to that beta thing. He would take them and bat them around then I would find them under the stove, in closets, etc. Quite entertaining, and fee!

 

[buzz2400]

If you get the kitten or cat at a rescue place, they will give you instructions. It really doesn't cost much to have a cat (especially if it is an indoor cat, which is highly recommended). You will need to have a kitty litter box, scoop and litter. Scoopable is the best. I get mine at bjs. For food, they really don't eat much. I feed mine friskies dry and also the wet food. For toys, you can pick them up for hardly anything if you know where to look. I don't buy mine at the pet store because they tend to be more expensive but I find toys that look like mice at walmart. they also love balls. You can also improvise. Some cats like to bat around the toilet paper thing that you end up throwing out. Sometimes you can fold up cardboard for them to bat around. You will need some kind of scratch post for their nails. You can buy the kind that hang up on the door or they have some that you can place on the floor and you replace when it is worn out. the best thing you can do is just go to walmart or a pet store and look around the pet area and see what the prices are. the one thing about getting a kitten who will be by itself and staying indoors is that you will have to interact with it because it will get bored and possibly start causing trouble (like scratching at furniture). But as long as you play with it every day, it should be alright. For vet bills, you will need to get the cat a rabies shot every year (sometimes the vet will give you a three year if the cat is indoors) and a distemper shot every year. If the cat is also indoors, you will not need to give it a flea or tick medication (frontline). You really only need that if the cat goes outside. Good luck.

 

[MichelleB]

I have volunteered at our local cat shelter for the past 7 years. I'd suggest adopting 2. They keep each other company when you may not be home and they do better typically in pairs. It truly is no more work to have 2 than one but does make a big difference to them. Also, if you're not set on a small kitten, the 1-2 year old cats have a much harder time getting homes (simply because most want the cute little kitten and bypass the slightly older cats that can be true gems) and are starting to pass the "spastic kitten energy" phase.

 

[squeegee]

Ditto on the multiple litter boxes tip above, especially when they're small, and even more so when they become elderly. Sometimes, a cat won't want to use the same box twice if it isn't immediately scooped out, so having a backup is always good.

Since you have a dog, you'll want to make sure the litter is inaccessible to the dog - they love "kitty crunchies," and scatter litter hell to breakfast getting their "snack." LOL.

Also, I found that my cats have dearly loved the water fountain that has a little spout and puts out a stream. It's like drinking straight from the faucet. LOL. One of my cats bugged us endlessly to turn on the sink faucet until we caved and bought that fountain.

And my number one tip - spay or neuter. Whether you get one from the pound (where it's likely required as a condition of adoption) or wherever, make it THE priority. I spent many summers volunteering at the pound and it's heartbreaking every time some sod brings in a litter.

And beware - kitties are addictive. At one point, I had five, but they have all gone to kitty heaven over the past several years, and I miss having them around. DH does not miss them, though, so we are currently cat-free. Lol.

 

[Redwitch]

I second the cat tree scratchers and water fountains.
When you bring kitty home, provide a small area for him/her to adjust. A bathroom, closet. Just a small area with all his/her needs. (litter box, bedding area and water source.) If you search on "bringing home a new kitten" you'll get lots of advice.
Also, cats are carnivores. Look at your food ingredients. They do not tolerate wheat and other grains very well. I use Merrick, dry and wet, food.
Oh, and cats are like chips - you can't have just one! (check out my signature. )

 

[kymom99]

If you get the kitten or cat at a rescue place, they will give you instructions. It really doesn't cost much to have a cat (especially if it is an indoor cat, which is highly recommended). You will need to have a kitty litter box, scoop and litter. Scoopable is the best. I get mine at bjs. For food, they really don't eat much. I feed mine friskies dry and also the wet food. For toys, you can pick them up for hardly anything if you know where to look. I don't buy mine at the pet store because they tend to be more expensive but I find toys that look like mice at walmart. they also love balls. You can also improvise. Some cats like to bat around the toilet paper thing that you end up throwing out. Sometimes you can fold up cardboard for them to bat around. You will need some kind of scratch post for their nails. You can buy the kind that hang up on the door or they have some that you can place on the floor and you replace when it is worn out. the best thing you can do is just go to walmart or a pet store and look around the pet area and see what the prices are. the one thing about getting a kitten who will be by itself and staying indoors is that you will have to interact with it because it will get bored and possibly start causing trouble (like scratching at furniture). But as long as you play with it every day, it should be alright. For vet bills, you will need to get the cat a rabies shot every year (sometimes the vet will give you a three year if the cat is indoors) and a distemper shot every year. If the cat is also indoors, you will not need to give it a flea or tick medication (frontline). You really only need that if the cat goes outside. Good luck.

No, you will need a parasite treatment because even indoor animals can get parasites. I had 2 different indoor cats get fleas. Revolution is what is recommended now. It is a once a month treatment that covers everything, fleas, ear mites, etc. Costly but worth it to avoid a flea infestation in your house.

 

[vikster1]

We have 3 cats. I use Scoop Away cat liter, fancy feast wet and dry food.

My cats love to chase the laser. They like any box I bring home from Costco and BJs. We bought a cat tower on black friday half price at Pet smart for 90 bucks. Someone is always laying on it. I have it in front of the window. They watch cars/birds/people go by.

 

[worm761]

Thank you for all the advice.

I don't think there will be much of a problem between the dog and the kitten. Oz is mostly just a big brown lump. He is a 10 year old mastiff so on the later end of his lifespan. We lost our little dog a few years ago and I just can't get a puppy yet. It still feels like I'm replacing my sweet Sheba. So a kitten it is. I do plan to spay/neuter as soon as possible. No little kitties for us.

I see Walmart has small tower like things. I think I will get one of those and wait for the Black Friday sales for a bigger one. Nice to know the price on that too!

I am okay with expensive pet food. It usually means better quality.

I planned to get a litter box that has the hood thing to keep the dog out of it. I don't think his big head will fit in there. I will look for the litters suggested.

 

[squeegee]

Thank you for all the advice.

I don't think there will be much of a problem between the dog and the kitten. Oz is mostly just a big brown lump. He is a 10 year old mastiff so on the later end of his lifespan. We lost our little dog a few years ago and I just can't get a puppy yet. It still feels like I'm replacing my sweet Sheba. So a kitten it is. I do plan to spay/neuter as soon as possible. No little kitties for us.

I see Walmart has small tower like things. I think I will get one of those and wait for the Black Friday sales for a bigger one. Nice to know the price on that too!

I am okay with expensive pet food. It usually means better quality.

I planned to get a litter box that has the hood thing to keep the dog out of it. I don't think his big head will fit in there. I will look for the litters suggested.

You you might be surprised at how desperately a dog wants those kitty crunchies. What we did was turn the hooded box to where it was facing a wall, with about an 8-inch gap so the cats could worm their way around, but not the dog. Also, check out the booda boxes with a little "stairway" inside - even harder for the dog to get to. Keep in mind, too, that hooded boxes hold the smell *in* and some cats will have a big problem with it. Gotta be kept darn near spotless, scooped every day, for some kitties. Mine would revenge pee on the sofa if I forgot.

 

[wlake]

I agree with the poster(s) who suggested 2 cats. I had one for almost 20 years, and when she passed away we got 2 kittens. I love having 2 and feel a bit guilty that I deprived my other cat of the companionship now that I see these two together. We go with the more expensive food too -- they were shelter kitties who had terrible starts in life and I figure they need all the help they can get to have a long, healthy life. On the other hand, my first cat lived to 20 on grocery store Friskies. We go cheap on litter, believe it or not -- we use horse stall bedding. Those pine pellets are great! There's no smell and they're easy to dump out. You can buy the expensive "real" cat litter pine pellets for something like $10 for 10 pounds or the horse bedding which is $6 for 40 pounds, and it's the exact same thing. Don't worry too much about toys. I have one cat sitting in a box at the moment and the other one chasing a thick string (the paracord from the craft store is great!).

 

[tvguy]

I disagree about getting 2 cats. We've had 6 cats over the last 35 years and twice we got 2 at the same time and they never got along. First time it was a boy and a girl, both fixed. Second time two fixed females. And my wife's best friend is beside herself with 2 cars, one is the downstairs cat and the other the upstairs cat, both fixed females and about twice a year she ended up with at least one at the vet for treatment of fight injures. While sometimes cats will get along, I think those cats are in the minority.
Our last cat is the only one who ever got wet food, and that was because she was allergic to all poultry and could only eat fish.
But the reality with cats is, they are so unpredictable in their preferences, not sure anyone of us can give concrete advice.

 

[Judique]

We have 3 cats. I use Scoop Away cat liter, fancy feast wet and dry food.

My cats love to chase the laser. They like any box I bring home from Costco and BJs. We bought a cat tower on black friday half price at Pet smart for 90 bucks. Someone is always laying on it. I have it in front of the window. They watch cars/birds/people go by.

We have 2 cats, a prissy black female Persian and a rescue orange and white male from the woods. She's about 9 pounds and he is 17 pounds. She swats the crap out of him and tells him what to do. He looks at her and mews - like what did you swat me for now? They are both fixed. We've not had any fights - just minor squabbles.

We use fresh start litter - 40 lbs for 9.99 at Costco. I have a high walled open litter box that I line with a disposable cardboard litter box and then I use plastic liners from Petco over this. This has been the cleanest system so far. I don't like mess and smell so it has to be cleaned often.

Food is Kirkland dry from Costco and wet Fancy Feast. They like the higher priced cans best, which I give mostly as treats. Target sales work for this. Costco recently had their 36 pack for 12.99 so I stocked up. They also like the Temptations treats. They drink water all day long from a bowl which I freshen a few times a day.

They love their cat tower which is in the window, looking out to the back yard. They bird watch a lot as I have feeders out there and if a fly gets in, they catch it. They love the laser pointer and Xmas trees when it is up. They get along with my Yorkie, but are separated from my Norwegian Elkhound as she doesn't seem to like cats.

We are two cats at a time people. I think pairs from the same litter tend to get along best, but same age cats can bond as well. Guess it depends on them and their personalities.

Pets can get expensive. When we rescued the male, he had some serious issues. He's fine now, but the Vet visits and the work to help him survive were considerable. Yearly visits are several hundreds for both cats, plus about $40 a month in food and litter.

 

[kymom99]

Agree about having 2. I had 2 female, spayed litter mates for 14-16 years. They squabbled occasionally, but they seemed happy with the companionship. Having just one again means we come home to a crazy house sometimes: things from the top of the fridge on the floor, cabinet doors open, etc. Maybe that is just his personality, but I tend to think he is lonely when we are away. He is a very social little fella.

 

[tvguy]

Agree about having 2. I had 2 female, spayed litter mates for 14-16 years. They squabbled occasionally, but they seemed happy with the companionship. Having just one again means we come home to a crazy house sometimes: things from the top of the fridge on the floor, cabinet doors open, etc. Maybe that is just his personality, but I tend to think he is lonely when we are away. He is a very social little fella.

Yeah, I think personality is part of it. When we had 2 cats we'd come home to stuff on the floor, and chunks of fur that had been pulled out!