So we got the kitten today, there's just one BIG problem...

[Pinkjenny]

I'm absolutely terrified of it. I honestly thought I had given it appropriate thought, but I am completely petrified. I have never owned a pet before, and I really thought that I would be OK once she was home. But I'm not.

I feel like I have been invaded. The dc and dh are fine and very excited. I am panicking because dh is away on Monday night and I will be on my own with it.

Will it get better? We only picked her up yesterday, do I just need to get used to her?

Oh, she loves you already by the sound of it. I would love a kitten to climb on my chest.

She's a vulnerable, fragile baby, looking to you for everything she needs. She can't possibly harm you. Your 2 year old can easily harm the kitten and shouldn't be allowed to be less than gentle or the kitten will scratch to get away.

I felt a bit like this when we got our kittens. First day was fine, they were only here for an hour before I had to collect DD from holiday club, then DH came home. But the following day I took DD to holiday club, came home, and was suddenly overwhelmed by OMG STRANGE CREATURES IN MY HOUSE. They were so unpredictable, I didn't know if they were okay at any given time, and having not had a pet before I didn't really know the kind of things they might do. Yes, I'd done the research, but reality wasn't quite like the theory. A bit like when DD was a newborn really, only at least I always knew whe she was!

It wore off after a couple of weeks, and was nowhere near as bad when someone else (human!) was in the house. The cats are three now, still utterly unpredictable, but at least I know the kinds of stupidity they might get up to now - and they are FAR too big to climb my legs.

The claw thing sounds like what they do to get milk out of mum. It's a bit like being kneaded! Put a towel or blanket on your lap.
A friend of mine had a loopy kitten who used to climb me as a kitten. He soon settled down and developed manners!

The kitten has adopted you as mummy!! Enjoy it. My 7 month boy was neutered today, I rescued him when he was 4 weeks... baby kittens are lovely, he will be a bit mad but he can't hurt you!!

How are things looking this week?

The clawing thing? It means she's absolutely at her ease with you. It reminds them of being with their mum. My big boy still does it now at 9 years old.