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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

WE ARE GETTING A KITTEN!!

37 replies

MrsPeeWee · 10/09/2013 10:32

After over a year of asking, tonight we're finally getting our 5 year old a kitten. We are so excited. She's 9 weeks old and is a beautiful tortoise shell kitt. Grin

I need major advice. This is our first pet, so we are looking for tips on looking after her. Food's, beds, what should I buy? How should we help her adapt to her new home when she arrives later this evening? Looking at any advice you could offer. Thank you.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 10:54

YAY!

I'm pretty reductionist on these matters. Litter tray/litter and kitten food for starters. (Check with previous owner what she's used to.)

Keep things calm and quiet. This is the biggest change in her whole life so she'll likely be a tad discombobulated.

Oh - and don't buy out the shop. Kittens love cardboard boxes, squirls of paper etc etc.

How is DD reacting ?

cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 10:56

PS - never had a cat yet that used a 'cat bed' so I'd recommend keeping your purse closed.

LegoAcupuncture · 10/09/2013 10:57
Envy

I want a kitten, DH says no as apparently two cats are enough.

If you can afford it get one of those cat trees with a box in it as kittens/cats like to sleep in enclosed spaces where hey feel safe.

cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 10:59

PPS - sorry. I have no idea where I picked up DD from. Ignore that.

yegodsandlittlefishes · 10/09/2013 11:14

Are you getting the kitten from a rescue place, and will she have been checked over by a vet, be up to dare with vaccinations, etc?

You just need something for her food and water, litter tray and time to spend with her.

Ideally, start her off in a room where you have an easy to clean floor and nothing she could get herself stuck or tangled in when left alone. I agree that cat beds are often a waste of money. We have fleecy blankets we use and the cats love to sleep on those.

One of our cats has a small kidney, so we have water bowls and pet fountains so that she can find water easily.

Original poster
MrsPeeWee · 10/09/2013 11:21

Haha, no problem Cozie

We haven't told DS, its going to be a huge suprise! He was even practically begging this morning for us to go and get him a kitten while he's at school. We have a cardboard box we was hoping to put a blanket in and take that with us tonight to collect. DS doesn't even know he's getting a kitten and has already told me what hes naming her! Grin Grin

Very exciting day!

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsPeeWee · 10/09/2013 11:26

Yego - No, the kitten is from a neighbour. She's already been wormed etc, not sure about litter trained, but I am sure she has been.

Thank you for the advice! Definitely no kitty bed! I have lovely blankets she can use.

OP posts:
yegodsandlittlefishes · 10/09/2013 11:40

So good idea to get her registered with a vet and book her in for shots. Also good to have her spayed and to keep her I indoors for first few months.
We also had a little harness for ours. We used it when they first went outside and whenever on long car journeys. Not all cats will learn to use them, but you have a better chance if they are kittens and learn that you can be trusted not to control them by the harness. It was a safety measure for when on holiday which we don't regret.

cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 11:41

Go with the flow, MrsPeeWee. Other than a liitter tray and nosh, they don't need a lot - apart from LOVE of course.

Horsemad · 10/09/2013 15:17

We need pictures please! Torties are my favourite Grin

Sparklingbrook · 10/09/2013 15:25
Envy
Original poster
MrsPeeWee · 10/09/2013 15:28

Of course, horsemad

Why the Envy face, sparkling ?

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 10/09/2013 15:36

I have a cat MrsP so I can't have a kitten, she wouldn't like it and nor would DH. Sad Very envious of anyone who gets a kitten. Grin

eddiemairswife · 10/09/2013 15:37

She's still a baby so will need to sleep a lot, so try to dissuade your little boy from waking her too much. It's fine if he just lets her snuggle on his lap.

Original poster
MrsPeeWee · 10/09/2013 16:01

Thank you for the advice eddie.

Ah, I see sparkling Sad

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 16:02

When are you getting her?

cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 16:05

I think it's safe to say that you have no idea what you're in for.

Original poster
MrsPeeWee · 10/09/2013 16:25

I've researched like crazy today! I do know what I am letting myself in for (haha) - I just like a lot of reassurance.

I am feeling a lot more confident this afternoon. Grin

We get her this evening. Grin

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 16:27

Well - we're here when the reality hits home. (Remember to put away the Ming vases.)

Grin
Horsemad · 10/09/2013 16:28

Having a kitten is like having a toddler on speed Grin

Looking forward to the pics, my cat is a tortie, torties are ace, they have 'tortietude' Grin

Almostfifty · 10/09/2013 16:46

They can get into ANY tiny space, so make sure they're all blocked off properly.

I've found mine behind the cooker, the dishwasher and in the wine rack this week. Grin

cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 17:22

Shall you be taking DS to collect the kit or looking to surprise him? It's one of the few occasions in life (eg Xmas) when a little gentle lying is no bad thing.

cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 17:22

Shall you be taking DS to collect the kit or looking to surprise him? It's one of the few occasions in life (eg Xmas) when a little gentle lying is no bad thing.

cozietoesie · 10/09/2013 17:24

Ho hum - Tech is having a day off, I think.

Sparklingbrook · 10/09/2013 17:28

There's a thread in Site Stuff about the double posts cozie-they are everywhere.

I am looking forward to kitten pics. Smile