new cat or kitten advice (merged)

sandy2_2

As a temporary measure, litter tray in every room. Are they All avoiding the litter tray or is it just one or two offenders...might be they just don't like that particular brand of cat litter....size of granules, smell etc remember they are still very young (they have very small paws and with pads where litter can get stuck in, you know what it's like if you get a bit of grit in your shoe)and won't learn or remember overnight. Their mum would have given them the right idea, so now you're the substitute, Their mum would make them toilet just after they've eaten, so perhaps you could take them to the litter tray in the same way, they'als lick their bottoms to stimulate them into going.. I don't suggest you do that but a little rub round their tail might work in the same way.......just keep persevering with kindness and NEVER EVER rub their noses in it!
Use biological wash for your soiled bedclothes and anywhere else where mishaps have occured.

WeirdoMagnet

nealallen wrote: »

When you find/see the offending kitten, take him/her to the mess, point their faces right at it, quite near too and in a firm voice say, NO!

Doing that is likely to exacerbate the problem, as they will start going when you're not there, or where you can't see them, and also gives you less opportunities to praise.

Like others have said, keep them confined to one room, try different types of litter, and as sandy2 mentions, you may have to stimulate them to go as their mother would - I think you can use a damp piece of cotton wool.

For more information on orphan kittens, I'd ask my vet.

cherryfield

A friend of mine has some kittens that are 6/7 weeks old, that I'm quite intrested in getting 1 of. We have a 2 year old Lurcher though and slightly concerned about how he will react. Also worrying about the cost of feedin another mouth. The dog has working dog food which is VAT free, and cost's £6.60 for 15kg which lasts 3 months. But cat food is obviously more expensive. Also I would love to not have a litter tray in the end, I know will need one to start (as this would be something the dog would love to eat/play with) but can't have a cat flap as the back door is all glass (HA house too so can't change it really and they're french doors) and the front door leads to the road. Not sure what need to buy either as have litter tray, and cat carrier, need bowls and what else??
The more I think about it the more it seems such a nightmare, but I love cats, but have never had my own kitten, I was 1 when my cat came to live with us at home, he died when I was 20, and its now been quite a few years since. Thought I'd be happy with just a Dog, but they are so not the same, even though he is lovely!
Thanks in advance.
Cheryl
and her potential new Kitten Aslan (the kids have named it already, even though still deciding!!!)

Chollita

If the cost of the food is a worry, then please don't take on the cat. At any time it could need veterinary treatment (or you will need to get insurance).

Don't forget vaccinations, flea treatment, and the cost of neutering. I help out in a cat shelter, and we are constantly taking in pregnant mums (please also encourage your friend to have her cat neutered, if she is not a professional breeder). If the cat will go outside, then I would strongly recommend getting it microchipped as well.

You will need a scratchpost (which should save your furniture!), and a few toys, which won't be expensive (I'm fostering a kitten, who loves playing with the inside of toilet rolls!).

Kittens are also full of energy, mine runs around like Speedy Gonzales on acid ...

I don't know anything about dogs and kittens, if the dog won't accept a cat you could always volunteer with a cat shelter as well!

wuno

Chollita has covered the list of costs pretty well. You're not going to get much change from £300 a year if you do everything right - Could be double in the first year to include neutering, microchipping and extra preventative treatments needed for kittens.

I would add that Lurchers have been bred to chase, catch and kill small fluffy animals. They are about the worst breed of dog you can have if you want a cat.

Your decision, but sounds like you won't be popular with the kids if you make the right one.

And I completely agree that you should try and get your friend to neuter her cat. Littering is not socially responsible.

cherryfield

Thanks for all your advice, I'm still not really sure what to do. Going to take DS to see them as he hasn't seen them yet in person only in pictures.

I've just heard from the FOS today that I'll be getting some money back, and will hopefully be in the next 2 months debt free, so we will not have such a tight budget to work on.

I will of course be getting the cat insured if we get it, and having all the relevant treatment and of course neutering done, but was just concerned about what to feed that isn't really over priced.

The dog is really the main issue, we have 2 rabbits who he loves to lick, but when they move he chases them of course, but they just hide where as a cat would surely defend its self.
So I think I'll have to see what my DS thinks once he gets scratched, he may change his mind!

narabanekeater

If you dont mind me asking how does just 1 one bag of food last so long?

oneandonlyboy

I buy a 2 kg bag of royal canin its £12.99 and lasts about a month and ontop of that buy a large bag of litter £10(catsan)which also lasts a month and petplan insurance is £9 a month.So about £30 a month for out little one.

refused

How does your dog react to cats if you come across one when out for a walk? Is the dog aggressive towards it?

As for the cat defending itself, it all depends on the cat. We have a large Maine Coon tomcat, and when I have my parents German Shepard cross to stay, the cat really put's the dog in it's place, although never with any violence.

If the dog gets too close, there is lots of hissing, and showing of teeth but not much else. They get bored of it after a minute or so. To be fair, the dog is a bit of a wet lettuce though.....

cherryfield

narabanekeater wrote: »

If you dont mind me asking how does just 1 one bag of food last so long?

The dog has 2 feeds a day of the reccomended amount for his weight, (about 2 large handfuls at a meal) and the bag lasts us over 3 months. I'm sure its a 15kg bag. so that is quite a lot of food.