kittens - what are they like to live with

[shuan]

How hard is it to look after a kitten? If you go out where do you leave a kitten so that it is safe? Do they do a lot of damage to furniture and belongings?

I like the thought of a kitten coming to live with us but need to find out more.

Yes definitely get 2 if you can, they are great company for each other.

Good luck with the home visit and let us know how you get on. You won't regret it I'm sure!

It's funny how a lot of you have said get two kittens, the lady at my vets said unless they are two of the same litter they don't necessarily get on and as cats are solitary creatures they prefer to lavish the attention of one to one.

I will let you all know how I get on. I am a bit nervous about it. I think it would probably be more sensible for me to get an older cat. I like what catneuterer has said about knowing their personality and them having settled down a bit.

Hopefully it will go well tomorrow then I can go and see some cats. But I have promised myself to be sensible and wait for the right cat.

I think two cats would be too many cats for me. I think one cat would fit in better here. And also the expense. I would like to buy good food etc for my one cat and it might work out too expensive with two. So I am definitely thinking a single older cat will be better for me.

Do whatever you think is best for you and your family. I am just a crazy cat lady So I would have dozens if I could so don't listen to me!! :) :)

We recently got 2, brother and sister, they're now ten weeks and have slotted in quite happily with our old cat and 8 year old daughter, and are brilliantly socialized, and litter trained.

BUT.. they do leave a trail of destruction and havoc everywhere they go, they are incredibly greedy, litter needs constant changing, they chewed through a phone cable on day one and constantly hare around the house scratching furniture, chasing anything, and crashing into things

They are utterly adorable and we all love them but they are a bit like hyperactive toddlers, if funner, and cuter. We're both at work full time so until the childminder comes they are alone for a few hours but they do have each other, and our other cat. They also sleep a lot. I wouldn't change them for the world though, we are all smitten.

I remembering the curtain climbing, shooting up like a nutter, getting scared and stuck followed by piteous mewling. And chewing through the vacuum power cord.

If it's your first cat, definitely get an older cat (plus 3 years). That way you'll more likely know if they have any toileting issues, confidence issues, likely temperament etc.

The kitten you bring home may well not be the cat you spend the next possibly 18 - 30 years with!

I got a phone call last night from a rescue charity who have a four year old girl cat. She was abandoned by her owner. The owner moved house and left her behind. She has a limp so is getting a full vet check today.

They will get in touch with me tonight to let me know how she got on at the vets. She is an indoor cat and didn't settle well in the outside pen at her foster carers house. The foster carer has taken her into her house and she has settled well.

I think this may be my cat.

What questions should I ask about her?

If she does come to live with me I will start a new thread asking for your advice on how to make her feel settled, and post some photos.

thanks for all your posts which have helped me decide .

questions to ask are quite simple what food does she eat, what litter does she have in her litter tray, what is her basic personality ie outgoing or shy, as she is an indoor cat you wont need to ask how long to keep her in for, what treatments has she had ie vaccinations, neutering, is she chipped, is she good with children as in visitors if you dont have children yourself, good luck she sounds lovely and will look forward to seeing pics of her

thank you issey the home check is being done tomorrow and the cat is coming too! It is very exciting.

How exciting! This is my favourite thread to point novice cat staff owners to for general info:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_litter_tray/1681116-Were-probably-getting-a-rescue-cat-soon-What-do-we-need-to-buy-and-how-much-will-upkeep-cost

Oops - the link disappeared. Here it is. The first few pages should be helpful.

Good luck tomorrow, shuan.

thank you thecatneuterer I will read the thread today so I am prepared

thank you toffee I am really excited

We got two cats from cat protection. They were six months old when got them now nine years old. We kept them in one room to begin with. As they were very shy cats. Now have run of the house. Have become house cats but will go out in garden when warmer.

Everything went well with the home visit. The cat came to visit me too and she stayed!!! So I now have a four year old girl cat living with me and my ds. I have attached a photo of her sitting on ds' bed (hopefully)

Ahh she's lovely! Congratulations.

I just wanted to agree with Pilates- two aren't necessarily a good idea. We got two litter mates and once they hit a year had so many issues with spraying and territorial behaviour we had to rehome one. They were much happier as only cats. We got two in the belief that theyd keep each other company, but our get said once they hit maturity they aren't social animals. A friend of mine got two litter mates and now they're two years old they avoid each other as best they can.

I've just got a single kitten and he has been far, far easier than two :)

Oh she's lovely. And it's wonderful that you've given her a forever home after her being abandoned.

Kittens are cute to have in the house, when I'm out he will destroy the washing up sponge and the toilet roll and will occasionally rummage around in the bin.

Congratulations on your new family member, shuan! She has a sweet face. I hope she settles in well.

thank you . She is really sweet and lovely. I am really happy. I feel I have done the right thing by adopting an adult cat. Less disruption for ds who already is jealous when our cat is sitting on my lap.

She had a limp for a while before she came here. She was checked by a vet and there is no sign of injury. I didn't notice anything until half an hour ago when I noticed her have difficulty walking away from her food dish but she was ok after she stretched her leg.

Is this something I should worry about?

Probably not, mine is sickle hocked a bit but manages. His nemesis has a limp and It doesnt hold him back either.

She has lovely markings.

"he will destroy the washing up sponge and the toilet roll and will occasionally rummage around in the bin" mine too. Also, my kitten, although a different breed to your's (Devon Rex) has almost identical markings to your Ragdoll Minimalist.

Congratulations on your beautiful cat Shuan!