New cat

[TwinkleSparkleBling]

So we got our lovely new cat yesterday (lunchtime) and she is settling in, just in one room until tomorrow.

The thing is, she hasn't used the litter tray. I've checked all the floor and can't see anything.

Is this normal?!

[thecatneuterer]

Yes, don't worry. I've known them go 24 hours, particularly when a bit upset/unnerved.

So do tell us all about her:)

[TwinkleSparkleBling]

That's a relief.

Now, I was just waiting for you to ask about her!

She's from our lovely local animal shelter. They think she is between 12-18 months and was handed in as a stray.

She is the most beautiful jet black, glossy cat I have ever seen

At the moment she is in the dining room with her basket/litter tray/ food etc. We've been going in for short visits and she seems quite happy. She comes to us and wants to be stroked. She doesn't seem to be phased by DDs (3 & 2), although they are disappointed she isn't playing with her new toys!

I plan on letting her out this evening to look at the rest of the house as DH is out and DDs will be in bed.

Any tips?

[thecatneuterer]

She sounds beautiful.

No particular tips. Just make sure all doors and windows are securely closed and let her take things at her own pace and makes sure she can get back the the dining room (which she will now regard as 'safe') at all times.

You know you can post photos here now?

[TwinkleSparkleBling]

Yes, they said at the shelter she needs to have a place to go to (if the DDs get too much). They know that they must leave her alone if she goes back in there , hopefully it'll all work out.

We've left getting a cat until they were a bit older so they could understand how to behave around her. Oh and we've been too tired until now! However, although she's only been here a day it feels great to have a cat again. I keep thinking "oh something lovely has happened" and then I remember she's in the dining room .

Will add some pics when I've got them.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Well done getting a black one. I bet she's like a little panther.

[cozietoesie]

.... I keep thinking "oh something lovely has happened" and then I remember she's in the dining room.....



First use of tray is always anxiety-making with a new cat, however old they are. Once she's used it, you'll feel loads more relaxed.

Enjoy.

[TwinkleSparkleBling]

Yes, she's just like a panther, I was really surprised when they said at the shelter that no one ever wants the black/ black and white ones. I love a black cat!

So she's used the facilities to their full extent. I think both she and I are much relieved! We have spent a lovely evening with her prowling round the living room and kitchen, until she had a little snooze on the rug.

I am a cat bore. Official.

[cozietoesie]

Yep - just look at the shelter internet sites and see how many of their rehoming candidates are black/black and white.

Glad she's finally used the facilities - now that she's done that she's started her routine and will feel much happier psychologically as well as physically.

All sounds good.

[EnlightenedOwl]

I remember much the same being said to us - no one wants the black/black and whites. Whereas we have always ever only had black and whites - latest addition being ginger and cream a departure from the norm!

[cozietoesie]

Yes - but he chose you, Enlightened and not the other way round.

[EnlightenedOwl]

I've just embarrassed myself actually. Of course he was neutered during the week and just now he was lying upside down when I saw something pink on his underside. I said oh God look is that his wound?
Lets just say it wasn't his wound but a fairly important piece of his anatomy.
You wouldn't think I've had cats for years would you?

[cozietoesie]

Don't worry - it took me years to realize that most cats have pink paw pads etc and not brown ones! (Years of Siamese.)

[sadiekillmouski]

Do most cats have pink paw pads? Really? My beloved Nigel Killmouski is an all black cat with a black nose and black paw pads...bit surprised that his tongue was pink, not black.