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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

My lovely new cat!

50 replies

JessieEssex · 15/04/2015 12:09

I brought our new cat home yesterday, she's so lovely. Just thought I'd share because this is the first pet I've had (as in not owned by my parents!) and I'm stupidly excited. My two girls are beside themselves but have managed to rein it in on the cat's behalf so far...
She's spent most of her time either behind the washing machine or under the cooker but she's getting braver. She's eaten well and used the litter tray so is doing really well.

My lovely new cat!
OP posts:
thecatneuterer · 15/04/2015 12:41

Oh she's so lovely. She'll soon be out of hiding and eating well is a very good sign.

RubbishMantra · 15/04/2015 12:44

Isn't she pretty!

Those little white feet!

Original poster
JessieEssex · 15/04/2015 13:07

I suppose it's good that she's got somewhere to hide isn't it? She looks so uncomfortable wedged behind the dusty washing machine but it keeps her out of the children's way...
She's three and was very unhappy in her old home (new people and cats moved in and really unsettled her) and I hope we can give her a lovely life.
She's even prettier in real life!

OP posts:
Tigerstripes · 15/04/2015 13:13

Beautiful kitty! Our previous cat was tabby and white; it's a beautiful combination. It's definitely good she has somewhere to hide, as she'll be less stressed. She'll find a more comfortable place when she's more confident. Where did you get her from?

cozietoesie · 15/04/2015 13:26

What a pretty girl! Smile She looks very alert - but be warned. Sometimes, cats who appear to be defensive and apprehensive can become complete lapcats when they decide to trust you all - it's like a complete collapse. Only a possibility, mind you, but don't be surprised if you're suddenly leapt upon one night soon.

DidoTheDodo · 15/04/2015 13:30

She's lovely!
And eating and using the litter tray shows she is not only beautiful, but clever too!

cozietoesie · 15/04/2015 13:33

I love the little dark bit on her white bib - it reminds me of those little satin ties that female croupiers wear in casinos.

Original poster
JessieEssex · 15/04/2015 13:36

tiger she was advertised on gumtree - I had every intention of going to a rescue centre and then I saw the ad and had to go and see her. The owner was very genuine and clearly cared very much for her but she was miserable with his other cats. She's recently been neutered (she's had one litter), vaccinated and chipped.
cozie she already purrs when I stroke her ears so I think that's a definite possibility!

OP posts:
Original poster
JessieEssex · 15/04/2015 13:44

She did sleep on a proper bed last night with a lovely fleecy blanket, and she ventures out when it's quiet so she isn't wedged there all the time!
I'll stop waffling now...

OP posts:
moonbells · 15/04/2015 14:40

Awww! Cutie... She looks like she's wearing a furry little medal!

Ours hid behind the washer too, for a few days after we got them. I called them the Dusters for a while!

Koalafications · 15/04/2015 15:17

She's gorgeous Envy

patienceisvirtuous · 15/04/2015 15:44

What a gorgeous girl.

Zinxie · 15/04/2015 22:46

Pretty girl! I hope she's settling in? She's going to be so happy once she realises she's the only cat in the house, by the sound of things!

ChaircatMiaow · 15/04/2015 22:51

What a beautiful girl! Give her another few days to acclimatise, and I bet once she realises what a good thing she's onto, she'll be queen of her castle Smile

Original poster
JessieEssex · 16/04/2015 11:48

zinxie she's still nervous, and I had to put the washing machine on this morning, which freaked her out! I thought she'd escaped but I found her wedged under a kitchen unit. I left a few treats on the kitchen floor and left her alone and when I came back she'd eaten them, so I'm sure she's OK. She lets my four year old stroke her now, but the two year old is still too much for her...

OP posts:
Zinxie · 17/04/2015 13:23

Aw! That's very good she's letting your four year old stroke her! Maybe this weekend you might get to bond with her when your children are asleep. A good lap session of an evening is a great thing! Boost her confidence, and yours. I hope you have a lovely weekend together.

cozietoesie · 17/04/2015 14:16

How is she with the vacuum cleaner? They've tended to be the cats' nemesis in our house - although, unusually, Seniorboy could care less about them. (I honestly think that anything short of actually hoovering him would be tolerated.)

Wishyouwould · 17/04/2015 17:21

So pretty!! ??

timtam23 · 17/04/2015 17:26

She is so lovely Jessie!

Original poster
JessieEssex · 20/04/2015 09:40

She's still very timid and spends most of her time under the kitchen units unless I can coax her out, but she won't show her face if the children are around. She seems ok under there, and if I bend down and she sees me she will purr. She's coming out and eating, drinking and using the litter tray fine when left alone.
We got some Feliway to try and chill her out but I don't want her to live in fear of us! Should I be doing anything else?

My lovely new cat!
OP posts:
thecatneuterer · 20/04/2015 10:08

No, you're doing fine. Some cats just take longer than others and this is well within the range of 'normal'. Just carry on as you are and give it time. In a couple of months I'm sure you won't be able to believe she was ever this timid.

Original poster
JessieEssex · 20/04/2015 10:16

Thanks - that's good to know! I just want her to be happySmile

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 20/04/2015 10:18

Yes - as TCN said, that's fine. Some cats take longer than others and remember that she's got some history to come to terms with before she gets her full confidence with you.

I wouldn't bother with trying to coax her if I were you - just all get on with your business and ignore her physically (in terms of stroking.) I'd talk to her/the air around you a lot though - cats are big on verbal prompts in my experience.

MissingKittyCat · 20/04/2015 13:13

Congratulations!
I've had cats take months to get used to home life and come out from under furniture. She'll be sat on your knee very soon, I'm sure.
Beautiful cat.

chockbic · 20/04/2015 13:15

She is lovely, even when scowling Smile