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Original poster

Are kittens hard work?

44 replies

MortgageConundrum · 07/07/2023 19:45

A friend of a friend has a cat that has just had kittens. I’m tempted, as we lost our cat a few months ago. However, I’ve never had a kitten before. Are they a lot of hard work to get them through the kitten stage?

DP and I both work full time, out of the house. Do kittens need someone at home during the day?

OP posts:
Twatalert · 08/07/2023 10:31

OP whether or not or how much affection they show their human also depends on personality. So it's not something you can foresee. They are all different and mine only likes affection in very small doses. It really is like having a child - you don't know which character traits they are going to have but they are your family. I think you need to leave any animal be as they are and focus on giving them a good life rather them giving you something.

Regardless, you will look after them and they will keep you somewhat busy, which is always going to form a bond between you. Animals also change as they get older and some become lap cats with age. I had very affectionate cats and it used to annoy me that they wanted to sit on me all the time and I wasn't allowed to move. Be careful what you wish for.

toochesterdraws · 08/07/2023 10:38

If the kittens are left with their mum for long enough and aren't rehomed too soon, mum will litter train them for you.

MenopauseSucks · 08/07/2023 10:42

I read somewhere that it's good to get 2 kittens.
Apparently kittens only learn how painful their scratches & bites are when they're play-fighting with each other.
A single kitten is more likely to hurt its owners when they're playing as they don't know how powerful their jaws & claws are!

Shopper727 · 08/07/2023 10:47

I’ve got sisters. One is very affectionate and the other is a bit grumpy but she is not aggressive or anything just not as friendly as her sister. Def not too engrossed in each other to show affection. The grumpy cat gets on v well with the dog and is ok with my kids.

Original poster
MortgageConundrum · 08/07/2023 20:10

@chohiad i take your point, so it was worthwhile me asking for advice and information before making any decisions.

Popping home partway through the day to check on the kitten(s) and the devastation they may have caused would be difficult, so I think kittens are out of the question.

thanks everyone for your input and stories of kitten mischief.

OP posts:
chohiad · 08/07/2023 20:13

@MortgageConundrum sorry I didn't mean to come across harsh, I just think in your case 2 kittens would probably be easier than one (probably less destructive too, our girl stopped chewing once she was suitably entertained, which for her was letting her outside, not something I was keen to do, but without another kitten I think she got bored, even with me home!)

chohiad · 08/07/2023 20:15

Or an older cat that doesn't need as much entertaining and may be used to time alone, older cats tend to be relatively independent. It's just hard to guarantee a cuddly one, I wish my girl was more affectionate!

chohiad · 08/07/2023 20:17

(I know it's easy to assume raising from kitten age will mean a more affectionate one, but not always, personalities dominate!)

magnolia1997 · 08/07/2023 20:23

Both times we have had a set of two kittens. Lots of fun with each other but also very loving to the humans.
I would always get two together.
I didn't find them much trouble. They use the litter tray and then the cat flap when old enough.
I would imagine we will always have cats.

Original poster
MortgageConundrum · 20/08/2023 22:22

Update! You’re probably not interested in an update, but I’m going to type it out anyway.

We decided that kittens would be too energetic for us, so we got TWO (see, I did listen!) adult cats! They’ve been with us for just over a week.

OP posts:
StuntNun · 21/08/2023 06:35

Wonderful! How are they getting on? Did they come from the same home so they already know each other?

Original poster
MortgageConundrum · 21/08/2023 08:18

Yes, they are mother and daughter. The mother has settled in quite well and is being friendly but we’ve barely seen the daughter as she has been hiding under our bed ever since she arrived. They didn’t eat for the first two days, however, both have been excellent at using their litter trays.

OP posts:
punchthecake · 02/09/2023 09:15

OP you seem to have forgotten the necessary cat tax when posting questions about cat ownership.. we need photos please!

Viewfrommyhouse · 02/09/2023 09:17

MortgageConundrum · 20/08/2023 22:22

Update! You’re probably not interested in an update, but I’m going to type it out anyway.

We decided that kittens would be too energetic for us, so we got TWO (see, I did listen!) adult cats! They’ve been with us for just over a week.

Pics or it didn't happen 😉

Original poster
MortgageConundrum · 02/09/2023 20:38

Here they are

Are kittens hard work?
OP posts:
purpleme12 · 02/09/2023 20:55

I've had 4 kittens.
I wouldn't say any of them were hard work to be honest.

purpleme12 · 02/09/2023 20:56

Just seen your update ❤️❤️

GuppytheCat · 02/09/2023 20:58

Those are truly excellent cats!

Viewfrommyhouse · 02/09/2023 22:03

😍😍

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