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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

New kittens!

44 replies

Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 29/07/2017 19:56

We have 2new kittens that have joined our family today - and I've realised I'm woefully unprepared in terms of knowing what to actually do with them! I bought the right stuff but have already learned they rule the house now Grin they've turned their noses up at the cat bed and blanket and snuggled to sleep on the spare mattress in the den under my 12yr bed ( mid sleeper)! We have decided to confine them to his room for this evening / overnight to let them settle ( we have 3 other younger children) ...

When can they roam the house freely? What about stairs? The gaps in the bannister?! Will they know not to go through them? Also currently windows are closed - but obv it's summer and ideally the small ones would be open at times ... how can we do this safely?

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Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 29/07/2017 19:58

Have an app at the vets Monday morning for a check up and to arrange their flea / worm / vax etc

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DancesWithOtters · 29/07/2017 20:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Papergirl1968 · 29/07/2017 20:14

Welcome to servitude!
Watch out for blind cords as our boy was dangling by his back leg from one of ours when he was a kitten, and we were in the same room. I hate to think what might have happened if we'd been out. He was fine, luckily, but bit me hard in terror as I struggled to free him.
He also jumped on to the balustrade (or is it the bannister - the thing across the landing anyway) and fell from top to bottom of the stairs, but luckily got himself sort of wrappped in a duvet that had been flung over there to air, and again was fine.
Watch out for washing machines and tumble dryers as someone on here a few weeks ago accidentally killed her kitten by gathering it up with some washing.
I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise on windows etc but just keep in mind most kittens tend to use their nine lives - and give owners a few grey hairs along the way.

Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 29/07/2017 20:15

Grin one has already been deemed " the naughty one"

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Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 29/07/2017 20:16

Apologies for the shocking photo - taken by my 12yr old will get better ones tomorrow!

New kittens!
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Papergirl1968 · 29/07/2017 20:24

Ahh, gorgeous!

DancesWithOtters · 29/07/2017 20:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 30/07/2017 08:10

We have been playing manically all morning!

New kittens!
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HipsterHunter · 30/07/2017 10:36

Aw cute but they don't need a collar on, not until you let them outside and even then they are risks.

Please take them off whilst they are so little and just indoor kitties.

CatchingBabies · 30/07/2017 12:00

Adorable!

Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 30/07/2017 12:52

Thanks Hipster Hunter - I did think they seemed big Blush will remove!

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chemenger · 30/07/2017 18:15

They are unbelievably cute! Hunter is right about the collars too. Nothing is as much fun as a pair of kittens.

HolgerDanske · 30/07/2017 18:18

So so cute!

Definitely be very careful with blinds cords if you have any - really they need to be tied up and away.

YesItsMeIDontCare · 30/07/2017 18:21

You put collars on kittens Shock.

You are clearly not fit to look after them properly and must hand them over to me immediately Grin.

Or at least let me borrow them for a bit - they're adorable!

Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 30/07/2017 18:34

they have exhausted me today! Thankfully they've also exhausted the kidsGrin

Collars are off, we only have one blind cord and that's tied up anyway due to little ones. They've mastered the litter tray, seem to be drinking and eating well and have spent the entire day either chasing each other / play fighting or dosing in the sun!

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Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 30/07/2017 18:34

First vets visit tomorrow - anything I should ask?

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CatchingBabies · 30/07/2017 19:28

Get their sexes double checked as boys often change to girls and vice versa once they are home :)

Also have a full check check, get flea and worming treatment if not done, first vaccination. Lots of vets do a kitten pack that includes all this and a microchip so ask if they do something similar. Find out when they will neuter them also, most are doing this earlier now to prevent accidents.

Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 30/07/2017 19:53

Shock def don't want a shock with sexes!

I'm hoping to sign up to their kitten plan - think I get pet and home flea treatments, worming, Vax and microchipping but will ask about neutering!

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EachandEveryone · 30/07/2017 21:14

Yes mines £15 a month and worth it. They are adorable whats their names?

Parmaviolets13 · 30/07/2017 21:19

The thing I noticed with mine (and still do) is he doesn't drink a lot of water, but if you are feeding them wet food don't worry they get like 80% water from that.

Just enjoy them they are great! Ours hid a lot for the first few days then played loads 😁 I have no advice I just wanted to comment and say how cute they are!!

Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 31/07/2017 08:30

The black one is Tom and the black and white one is Whiskers ( not the most original)
They are on wet food - currently I'm doing 1/2 tin between them morning and another 1/2 evening and they seem to be not finishing it all in day so does that sound right?

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LavenderRains · 31/07/2017 08:39

We had to put a collar with a bell on our kitty when we first had her. She is jet black and we have dark carpets and you just couldn't see her hiding on the stairs! The number of times she got stood on was unbelievable. She kept the bell on for a week or so while we got used to her wheraboutsGrin

EachandEveryone · 31/07/2017 10:21

I think put abit if dry down as well to get them used to it. Youll soon realise how much the wet stinks if its left out for too long.

Mines got a collar on because she will need a tracker on it if she decides to go out. Just like her sister. We live in a built up area too many buildings o get lost in. Im half hoping she wont be interested in gpgoing out.

Original poster
Imnotacelebgetmeouttahere · 31/07/2017 13:34

Vets went well, they've been flea treated and worm treated along with first jabs. They are both just under 1kg which she said is normal Smile

She recommended a collar now if we want them to wear them as adults ... still not sure about it tbh! Also suggested some dry food :)

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EachandEveryone · 31/07/2017 13:51

Mine likes hills science plan I don't know if it's any good I'm just happy she eats it. Do u know how inks they are? Mine happily wears a snap away collar but I take it off if I'm away