new cat or kitten advice (merged)

sandy2_2

Perhaps you could have a word with your vet and see if they would give you a discount for a job lot. Explain that they are ferrell farm cats and you want to break the cycle of them always being pregnant and ask if they would spey them even if they were pregnant.
When we took in a cat who was always having kittens the vey spaye dher even tho' she was pregnant, so it can be done.
here in Spain we have a big problem with cats producing litter after litter, we've had 2 of the cats done in our village, one a ginger tom and the other a female. In the countryside, because they are poorly fed, the cats only produce 1 kitten at a time, but down on the coast, because they scrounge around the hotels, restaurants etc and the tourists feed them as well , litters of 5 o6 are not uncommon. In Spain they call them street cats.
Glad to hear your little kitten has found a friend

Cerenia

Want cute pics?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Cerenia87/DSCF1588.jpg <-- 2 of our kits before we gave them away
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Cerenia87/HPIM1229.jpg <-- 2 of my farm rescue cats as sickly little babies - they're now 7 months old
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Cerenia87/Picture417.jpg <-- Max, Mollie and Lilly
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Cerenia87/Picture387.jpg <-- Mollie
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Cerenia87/Picture399.jpg <-- Max
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Cerenia87/Picture184.jpg <-- Squeak , pure ginger queen

I'll post some more in a min, uploading a pic of Simba, one of the cutest kittens ever

Ok - Simba:

Gave him to my old manager, she wanted a kitten, he's sooo cute!

LittleTinker

meeps wrote: »

thanks for all this, keep em coming! I will be taking thousands of photos!!

I was thinking of getting an oversize basket to pop under the stairs with snuggly blankets in the hope she would use it if she needed a retreat from toddlers, but I guess she might pick her own place.

I think I will get insurance, as if I stashed £7 a month it wouldn't cover anything major, and hubbys major hangup about getting pets is big vets bills.

My mum is saving coupons for the go cat gym, and we have some old baby toys that might do too- plastic balls and rattles.

I hadn't thought of the litter tray with the roof but thats a very good idea with kids about, I will see where I can find it cheapest thank you.

I see what you are saying about £7 not paying for very much......but that does add up over time.

And if you never need the vet for anything major then you will have a tidy sum in the bank.

Insurance doesnt pay for things like vaccinations, boosters, worming, defleaing, checkups etc.

eira

For me two essentials are -
pet insurance- but choose very carefully, go for one with lifetime cover and a good claims record


AND- MICROCHIP. This is a total essential- we have had our ferrets returned thanks to their microchips and our Siamese who was stolen and went missing for eight weeks. He was found thanks to a kind person and an RSPCA scan. There are moves from animal welfare societies for all new animals not known to vets to be scanned for microchips-in order to cut down on the number of stolen dogs who are never returned to their rightful owners. Animal charities (and sometimes local councils) do discount microchipping.
Putting a collar on helps but nothing beats the security of the microchip.Our local council scans animals killed on the road for chips and notifies the owners. Not much of a comfort but it is some reassurance.

For cheap good stuff for cats visit a local cat show-you'll save far more than the price of the entrance on food/litter/bed etc discounts

Carrera74

I really want another cat. Everywhere I look I either see them on the TV or my friends have got them or I read about them on here. I've thought long and hard about it but there is only 1 thing putting me off and that is I have a 3 year old tom cat who isn't the friendliest cat in the world. He's a very timid cat and is friendly to us at home (when it suits him!) but he is known in my street as being very dominant and aggressive to other cats. I thought if I got a female kitten he'd still feel like the 'boss' but I'm a bit wary because of how he can be with other cats if they dare come near the garden!! I've read up on how to introduce them to each other and my daughter will be at home for the Summer Holidays to keep an eye on them til they get used to each other. I just worry that it's not the best thing to do but I'd love another cat!

Anyone have any advice or experience of bringing a new cat home to one that isn't the nicest to other cats?

momisa

It's definately a tough decision.

I introduced a 12 week old female to a 6 YO male and 9 YO female. The older two are silver haired chinchilla's and I only ever saw them hiss when they went to the cattery. I discovered that there was no way they'd accept an adult but I could get any kind of kitten which was better for me as I'm a great one for rescue centres.

12 WO was chosen as she was very timid. I sometimes feel my boy is bullied by eldest at home - although he becomes the boss when they're in the cattery!! Now, I wouldn't say that it was plain sailing at the start. Trying to feed one cat kitten food and the others their adult food didn't work out as there was too much jealousy from the older two so they all ate kitten food for a while. There were a few arguments and punches (they didn't use claws though) which were always towards the kitten when she'd play with the others tails. After a few weeks I just kew everything would settle. They all sleep on my bed with me, and sometimes when I come home I see all 3 on the window sill. The youngest doesn't run away anymore when the eldest baths her!! Youngest is now 5.5 YO, boy is 12 and eldest is 15.

In your situation, I'd definately advise getting a female kitten. You'll probably find one in your local rescue centre. You'll need to be patient and strong as they get to know one another. I sometimes felt like stepping into some of the arguments but found that they soon sorted things out between themselves. Let your tom go to the kitten when he's ready, within a few days the kitten will have all the smells of your home and won't be a threat to him but it'll take time for them to adjust to one another.

HTH

rita-rabbit

I put my kitten in separate rooms until the adult tom got used to her, shut her in another room with her own separate bowl, toys & litter tray. The adult tom was not happy but after a while he accepted that she was not visiting & as he was used to the run of the whole flat they became friends. My tip is not to rush things.

Good luck

rita-rabbit

zooplus is an excellent site for litter - esp wood clumping (flushable) & Classy cat (talc scented) - they deliver too
if you don't want 2 spend as much get litter from Aldi or Liddles

cheapest covered cat litter box is @ Argos

best food for cost & cat is burns: http://www.burns-pet-nutrition.co.uk/

Insurance is expensive & does not cover: flea & worming, spaying, yearly injections. Better off setting up an account where u save regularly for it & pay as u go.

Toys - don't buy/spend alot - it isn't necessary - you had lots of good advice in previous messages

Good luck

Carrera74

Thank you both.

I think he knows I'm thinking of getting a new cat because he hasn't left me alone for the last 2 days. I woke up this morning to him purring and trying to make a bed in my hair! He's usually very independant but he's been sat on my knee for about an hour purring at me - so out of character!! I'm not complaining though

I think I'm going to think it through for another week and then go to the Shelter nearby and find a new friend for us all

mich_city

I had a yr old female when I got 12 wk old tom, he was very timid and she hissed and spat at him for a few weeks, then accepted him.. never became over friendly but did play together occaisionally..

a year later I was landed with another 12 wk kitten, this time a female.. the older female hates her (well did until she went missing ) still hissed and gave her a few swipes if she got too cheeky.. my tom adores her, he was a bit wary and took his time to come around to her but now they are great pals, sleep together and are inseperable..