new cat or kitten advice (merged)

red_bertie

Hi bindi

There are several helpful threads on pet insurance - it's a minefield and none comes out top, but you will learn which insurers to avoid. Good luck.

katherinef1974

Recommend Petplan for insurance
Vet will advise on worming etc. As a rule of thumb the over the counter treatments are useless. I use Advocate for my cat but I've never had a kitten so couldn't advise on treatments for youngsters. Your vet will advise.
Generally speaking its a waste of time getting a cat a bed they decide where to sleep thanks! My lad prefers the sofa or the window sill.
Cats like fresh food little and often really - the main thing to remember is always keep a bowl of fresh water topped up for her especially if she is on a dry diet.

bindiboo

"Your little Cleo is really lucky to have you"

we have backed up again and me n kids want to call her cookie dh wants to call her cleo!!!!!

hev_2

bindiboo wrote: »

"Your little Cleo is really lucky to have you"

we have backed up again and me n kids want to call her cookie dh wants to call her cleo!!!!!

Welcome to the world of cat - all logic has gone out of the window whether you like it or not!

emslondon

We got two kittens, Petal (girl) and Puma (boy), from a local shelter, back in November. Unfortunately last week Puma got run over. Our road isn't very busy - it is 20mph and has speed bumps - but these things happen. We're obviously really sad and Petal misses the company.

We'd like to get another cat but I don't know what age. Petal is 8-9 months old. We don't really want to start again with a 12 week old kitten with all the expenses of neutering etc. Ideally we'd like to get a cat 6-12 months old - does that sound about right?

I would rather get another female cat as I think they're less likely to climb over the (high) garden gate and get into the road, but my husband would prefer a male cat. Does anyone have any advice? I think we will get some cat proof fencing to try to stop them getting over. Also, do you have any tips on settling a new cat in and introducing them to each other?

lucielle

Hello. We are shortly going to be getting a kitten (approx 2 weeks to go). I have never had a cat before and was after any help, tips or general advice. I have been to the pet shop and got the general items bed, litter tray and scratching post. My oh will fit a cat flap. Is there anything else I need to get? Any tips on litter training? The kitten is a tom and he will be getting the chop when he is old enough.

L

spookylukey

Sorry to hear about Puma, I think a younger cat 6 - 12 months sounds ideal as a friend for Petal as they will have similar energy levels. As for the sex, I don't think it's too big an issue either way as only un-neutered males (which any reputable rescue cat will definitely NOT be!) are more inclined to wander. Go along to your local rescue and describe Petal's personality and they should be able to match a cat to suit her. So as an example if she's very nervous and timid they wouldn't choose a bolshy confident cat as it may be inclined to bully her. They'll be able to find one that complements her personality.

As for introductions have a look at http://wizz-catz.co.uk/introducing.html It's excellent advice written by an animal behaviouralist who runs her own cat rescue.

Good luck with your search for a friend for Petal

tealady

Hi. Just remember when he arrives it will be a big scarey place for him. At 1st just alow him to explore one room, let him find nice things (bed, toys and litter tray).
Kittens should be either full of life or fast asleep and when they are very young they can just drop off very suddenly, this I found an ideal time to put them on my lap for a fuss.
Cats Protection website has some useful advice on introducing a kitten to your home.
Just one thing though watch their claws, they are like hypodermics so expect the odd scratch as they practice their climbing on you.

orlao

Maybe hold off fitting the cat flap until he has had his jabs and knows here he lives???

Good luck, kittens are great fun!

emslondon

Thanks for that. She's a really outgoing cat who loves people, and I really hope we can find another outgoing cat!

The weekend we got them originally we were having a party, which was slightly bad timing, but we shut them in our bedroom with food, litter tray etc. When we went to check on them they were desperate to get out so we brought them through to say hello and they had a wonderful time having everyone make a fuss of them, and stayed for the rest of the party! I love fearless, sociable cats (except when they don't develop a healthy fear of cars...)