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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

DP has agreed to us getting a kitten <does happy dance> What do I need to know?

49 replies

Somethingtothinkabout · 27/07/2013 22:33

I had a wonderful cat growing up, she died a few years ago. DP (who is a dog-man but took a little shine to my late cat) has come round to the idea of us having our own little cat. Smile

We are going to visit one tomorrow that was advertised in the paper, it's a litter of 4 little moggies, I would like a little Tabby girl. She won't be ready for another few weeks yet, but what do I need to ask tomorrow?

It's been wormed and flea'd already (she's 1 month old). It will most likely be an indoor cat, so what all will she need jabs-wise from the vet? Does Pet Insurance cover this and getting them neutered and microchipped? If not, how much is this? I've looked at the M&S pet insurance (it looks quite comprehensive) and was going to get the Premier cover, but if she is an indoor cat, would the Standard cover be more than adequate?

DP works shifts so she won't be on her own that often, and I know I will be rushing home at lunchtimes to see her and kiss her little head!

I'm so excited I could literally burst!

OP posts:
MumnGran · 28/07/2013 00:37

So pleased for ytou Smile

Hope thios little one will be thr right kitten for you. If not, so bear in mind that rescue centres are currently awash with kittens needing homes!

When it comes to seeing the kitten ...they are 4 weeks so will be pottering around, but won't have been coming out of the nest for long, so can be a bit unsteady. They should be sociable, interested in little games ....attention caught by rustling little pieces of paper, or pulling a ribbon across the floor (worth while taking a ribbon or string in your pocket, to play with!).
Look to make sure that they have clean and clear eyes and noses (no sign of snottiness sneezing or coughing)
The area they are in should be clean and warm, and Mum shsould look well cared for ...although may look a little thin if she has been feeding a large litter.

Kittens should not leave Mum too soon (GCCF recommendation is 13 weeks for pedigrees) and 9 weeks is ideal, although 8 weeks is very common for 'moggies'. It is important that they are fully weaned and able to lap. 6 weeks is too young to be leaving Mum !!! Many kittens will have been litter trained by Mum before they leave her but do check that your kitten is using a litter tray happily, before you actually pick the kitten up.

Vaccinations will be due at 9 & 12 weeks (both jabs are needed for full protection), and these will not be covered by insurance. Neutering is normally done at 6 months, and also not covered by insurance. Microchipping can be done when they are under anaesthetic for the neuter (it can jeasily be done as a routine vet visit, but mine always do it when the cats are under for spay ....cos it's a big needle!)

Hope it all goes well for you.

NatashaBee · 28/07/2013 02:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Somethingtothinkabout · 28/07/2013 09:10

We went round a few cat rescue centres yesterday but they only had older cats (I was really surprised). I think that it would maybe be tricky to try and make a grown up, or former stray cat, an indoor cat if they've all been used to being outside before, what do you think?

OP posts:
Original poster
Somethingtothinkabout · 28/07/2013 09:15

And good idea about bringing a little ribbon!

The one I'm going to see today will be 8 weeks old when the lady says they can leave, maybe see if we can leave it a while longer with Mum.

I did think about two so they can play, but DP panicked. He might change his mind today when he sees them though!

Thanks all Thanks

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 28/07/2013 09:17

I'd agree - not appropriate unless, say, they'd become elderly and infirm or had acquired a problem (such as lost a leg or their sight in an RTA.) Cats with special needs often gravitate naturally and happily to indoor life.

I'm surprised, though, that the rescues didn't say that to you if you'd indicated that you wanted a housecat and were prepared to take an older cat. Most of them have cats who are waiting for an indoor home.

cozietoesie · 28/07/2013 09:18

Sounds like it's to be a kitten for you though?

Smile
Fluffycloudland77 · 28/07/2013 13:04

I think kittens are better with mum for as long as practicable, if only for the comfort aspect eg snuggling up to mum. It's a big change for a kitten to be suddenly away from mum and in a new house.

When we had our chinchillas the breeder wouldn't let us have them until 12 weeks. The bengal was 17 weeks (last one to be sold).

Original poster
Somethingtothinkabout · 28/07/2013 15:04

Went to see them today, they were so tiny they looked like little squeaky ants scurrying about the floor! All clumsy on their big feet. One came and sat on me and had a little rest, so think I'm going to pick that one Smile

Had a little look at its eyes and nose and ears, all clean (and small!).

Tempted to get one of her brothers too, one was climbing up my leg, climbing on top of my little one and trying to get in my handbag.

Heart is melted.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 28/07/2013 15:08

Ah well - if he came over and chose you to have a rest on, eh.......?

Smile
Original poster
Somethingtothinkabout · 28/07/2013 19:47

I know Cozie, what's even funnier is that DP thought he was actually going along today so we could choose the kitten! Arf!

We've spent all day kitten-proofing the apartment. I can't wait!

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AncientsOfMuMu · 28/07/2013 19:52

I told my Dh that it was best to get two!

iklboo · 28/07/2013 19:55

Oh, you definitely need two! Grin

deliasmithy · 30/07/2013 08:24

Get two!

Jabs - if indoor you could get away with not, but worth it in case you need to take them to a cattery or they have a spell in the vets where they may come in contact with them. A jab is a jab so get them done wherever is cheapest.

chemenger · 30/07/2013 18:02

It is definitely best to get kittens in pairs, they will fight with and play with each other rather than destroying things and they will keep each other company.

Original poster
Somethingtothinkabout · 31/07/2013 19:25

Oh I'm still so tempted by two! I think, if them we go back to collect her, any of her brothers are left, then DP won't let one be left.

My dad said it's not a good idea to get a brother and sister, either two sisters or two brothers is better, is this the case?

I'm literally counting the days. I pretend to talk to her already it's possible I'm losing my mind

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cozietoesie · 31/07/2013 20:47

Oh I know I shouldn't be aiding and abetting you but - no reason why a brother and sister shouldn't be fine these days - they'll both be neutered after all. (Your dad might have been thinking back to years ago when people weren't so good at neutering their cats.)

Primadonnagirl · 31/07/2013 20:54

How lovely!! But you do need to know some hard facts...
..say goodbye to nice furnishings
... Say goodbye to sleep.Kittens are after all babies and have boundless energy and when they want your attention they want your attention now!
When they are sat looking at you all sweet on your sofa..they are peeing!!!
Cat pee is very hard to get rid of....
Say goodbye to the top layer of your skin on your hands...they take some time to learn to retract their claws ....
But other than that they are gorgeous!!!

Original poster
Somethingtothinkabout · 31/07/2013 21:57

When they're looking at you sweetly, they're peeing! Grin Grin

Oh God help me!

What are good toys for kittens? Things I remember my old cat loving when she was an energetic littl'un were a fishing rod with a mouse teddy on it, the plastic ring that goes round the lid of a bottle of milk Hmm ( years of fun, that), little ping pong plastic balls, and I read on here about a little laser pen!

Also, I saw this little soft doughnut that goes round the doorknob and has big long legs that hang down with bells on so it's like a little doorbell so the kitten can ring at the bedroom door when she wakes up in the morning, but having read Prima's post that might not be necessary/wise!

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cozietoesie · 31/07/2013 22:17

Tricky and traily and flibbertigibbet things - as well as things which can be disembowelled and cudgelled. The latter are usually small soft toys of some description but otherwise - make up your own with bits of paper and string etc a la Blue Peter.

Oh - and they adore medium to large cardboard boxes: the sort that are big enough to get into and dive about in.

cozietoesie · 31/07/2013 22:18

PS - you'll be in no doubt if the kitten wants your attendance for something, trust me. A doorbell may look cute but it's really not necessary.

Grin
eddiemairswife · 31/07/2013 22:33

Yes get two if you are having kittens. They'll snuggle up together and won't be lonely. you don't need expensive toys, screwed up newspaper is fine. My daughters are on at me to get two kittens, but I only got my little cat's ashes back today so I'll wait a bit. I might get an older rescue cat. Mine have always been outdoor cats.

Original poster
Somethingtothinkabout · 31/07/2013 22:35

Duly noted, Cozie Smile

When my dad unexpectedly brought home our kitten when I was a child, we had nothing at all for her, and we made her a bed for the first night out of an old cardboard box for 6 bottles of wine, and some blankets. She never let the cardboard box go. We ended up putting it up on top of the kitchen cupboards (her favourite vantage point) as a second bed for her.

Is Pets at Home good for toys etc or is there a website that's better?

OP posts:
Original poster
Somethingtothinkabout · 31/07/2013 22:43

Sorry to hear that Eddie Sad Hope you're OK Thanks

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cozietoesie · 31/07/2013 23:05

No really - apart from a laser pointer which they enjoy, I'd always make my own toys or buy old small soft toys from the local charity shop. If I had all the money I've spent over the years on things which looked great fun in the shop and then lay uselessly on the floor ever after - well, I wouldn't be rich but I certainly could have a darned good night on the town!

MumnGran · 01/08/2013 07:06

You sound soooo excited OP. Smile
Lots of good advice here, and I echo cozie in saying that you could go and spend a fortune in the pet shop, but the kitten will be totally happy and occupied by simple household things (changing the bed with a kitten helping is a whole new experience!). Just a paper bag put on the floor will become everything from a pretend hidey hole for an unknown 'something' which needs to be pounced on, to a sleeping spot for a tired baby.

There are a couple of other useful things to know ..........
RE: inappropriate pee'ing: its why I mentioned right at the start, that you should check with the owner that the kittens are using a litter tray. Its not difficult to train a kitten, but there are inevitable 'accidents' in the process.

Kittens are unable to retract their claws at will, when young. Its a developmental protection (like the startle reflex in a baby) which allows the claws to hook in and stop them falling. When you see small kittens mountaineering and sliding on the furniture, you realise why they need it. Do make sure the children know that this can happen, and that the baby is not deliberately scratching.
Speaking of children, do ensure that the kitten is allowed to sleep undisturbed. Just like babies, they need a lot of naps to grow healthy and strong and will benefit greatly from not being woken until they wake naturally.

Not sure where your Dads theory comes from, but it's my experience that a brother/sister combination is probably the best you can have......I know lots where the sister just carries on the mothering job! its sweet. Just ensure they are neutered at 5-6 months to avoid a pregnancy (maybe thats what your Dads theory originates from) With Siamese, 2 boys can be the recipe for disaster as they can become very territorial and dominant when they mature, and lots come into rescue because they are fighting so badly. I personally never homed two siamese brothers together, but have seen many such pairs rehomed. That said.....moggies are not normally quite so difficult.

Can't wait to see the pix. Have you chosen names yet?!