Meeting some kittens tomorrow!

[Ladybythebeach]

After ummming and ahhhing about getting a cat, I have bitten the bullet and have been in touch with our RSPCA and we have a viewing appointment tomorrow to meet some cats/kittens. I'm so excited.

I have explained that I have two young boys (7 and 6) and that DH and I both work full time so the lovely RSPCA lady suggested kittens (so will get used to being around children) as opposed to a older and possibly nervous cat.
She also said 2 (!) would be a good idea so that they keep each other company when we're out of the house.

What do you think? We currently only have chickens so getting cats is completely new and I don't want to make a mistake and take too much on.

I'd also love to hear any tips for a new cat owner.

Thank you in advance!

So pleased for you

@Ladybythebeach

I've done it!

Phoned the centre today to reserve Indy and his sister. Am excited but also anxious as to whether I've done the right thing.

We took the boys to see them yesterday and my youngest loved the little girl so didn't feel right to just take the one.

Also have lots of questions running through my head:
How do I encourage them to go outside to poo? (After settling in of course!)
What sort of scratching post/pad do I get?
One bed or two?!

The centre have the litter/food they're on and a second hand carrier so I don't have to rush out and buy loads before collecting them next Saturday - just some food bowls and toys.

Will try to attach a picture - Indy is on the left and his sister is in the middle.

When you've had them 4-8 weeks and feel ready, and want them to go outside, something I did was scatter their used litter around the edges of our garden in the lead-up. That will make them confident that it is safer there, and they may wee outside then!

Best thing I ever got is a large cat tree from Wayfair. Ours has places to sleep, dangling toys and all the columns are scratching posts, so covers a lot of bases. I soo wish I had got one sooner as both cats love it so much and use it a lot!

Ah congrats! Welcome to the cat world!! Best choice ever getting two and from the same litter, they will keep each other entertained!! Cat trees are great for younger cats...a lot of older cats can’t be bothered. You could try one bed to begin with and see if they sleep together...some cats don’t even use the beds at all!!! Kittens learn litter tray etiquette very very quickly and when let out will know what to do...in terms of not going too far....butter their paws to begin with, they will lick it off every few steps and in doing so will remember their route home! Trust me it works!! My oldest cat is now 20. My two new additions are 12 weeks old and soooo adorable but they will be house cats as they’re main coons and we recently lost a cat to the road. Cats have such amazing personalities, they will have you in stitches!! Good luck with them. X

Sorry op but might be a useful question. I would love to rescue a cat but uncertain: Is it tough for new cats to the neighbourhood to establish themselves without scrapping with already established cats. My garden is a through fare for two cats. Not sure how they’d react if another cat established the territory.

Thanks everyone. I'm swaying between being really excited and thinking 'What have I done?' but can't wait to pick them up on Saturday. My youngest DS is so excited.

@sluj - the girl is currently called Dakota. We're going to change it (shelter have named them) but haven't decided yet.

Really appreciate all the good wishes, advice and tips - thank you.

It’ll be great. It’s amazing how much influence a cat can have on your life. They tell you when to get up, when to go to bed, when to sit still for an hour so they can nap on you.

I really wouldn't worry OP- of all the pets I've had I would say cats are the easiest. I have a pair of four month kittens at the moment and although super high energy, they are not as destructive as a puppy.

Just bear in mind cats can internalise stress (e.g. hierarchy issues) which can cause problems so make sure you get that good insurance.

Don't forget to give them lots of space when they come home though I know you will be dying to cuddle them all the time. They may be a bit overwhelmed and hide behind the sofa for a few days so try to be patient.
Also, if they do let you pet them, watch out for signs they have had enough- google ears and tails for cat messages. They can go from "loving it" to "had enough" in a nano second with a bite or scratch to let you know. You will soon learn to read the signs and know your cats but just be cautious at first, especially with children.
I hope you come back soon to tell us how you are getting on. You might surprise yourself with how much you love them

Please let us know how you get on on Saturday!

Congratulations! They are gorgeous, love the markings on them.

You could call the girl Anna - and if you ever got a third one then call it Jones 😂.

All the best for Saturday - and prepare to have your heart completely and utterly stolen 🐾💕🐾

Well, they're here!

Have put them both in our downstairs wet room (sounds fancier than it is - basically previous owners were elderly and converted part of their garage into a disabled access wet room. It's like a hospital bathroom so we only use the loo). They have their bed (Rehoming centre have a blanket which smells of siblings), litter trays and water.

I put some food in their for them about 4.30 as that's the time the lady said they normally feed but they've barely touched it. It's the same food they normally have so I'm sure it's just because they're anxious.

I've popped in a few times to talk to them. Indy has come forward a little bit for a ear rub (had a lovely, loud purr!) but Nell is hiding behind the toilet. At one point they both ran out of the door and hid under a bed upstairs but we managed to get them out thank goodness.

I don't want to hassle them so should I just leave them quiet for the night now? Do I remove their food or leave it down for them?

Thanks in advance for any tips. I will of course post a picture once they're both out of hiding.

Excellent suggestion @Furries. Love it.

I proposed Anna but my youngest son picked 'Nell' and he'd chosen her so we've gone with that.

Thanks @sluj - will definitely do some research.

My boys have been very good and only popped in a couple of times with the cat toys but left them to it when the cats didn't come forward.

I've had mine 6 weeks now and it seems odd to think that they spend the first two days down the back of my wardrobe (I wouldn't have thought they would have fitted).

Now they are cuddly lap cats but every day has been a surprise as they got braver and started coming our more and latterly being fussy about things instead of just grateful for three square meals a day. It's a long haul

I'd leave the food down for them overnight. They may not eat much or use the litter tray often in the first day or so, that's fairly normal.

Go at their pace, if they're interested in exploring I'd let them once you've blocked all possible exits including chimneys.

@Ladybythebeach - ah, lovely that he’s been able to name her.

I have a preference for boy cats, but if I ever end up with a girl then I want to call her Mia - so I can then say I have a Mia cat 🤣

Anyway, don’t want to derail - when they’re feeling comfortable enough, we are all looking forward to more photos!!

They have amazing markings - so unusual. I would leave the food out overnight, I'm sure they'll pick at it. We've had quite a few cats and it's not unusual for them to basically hide away for a few days while they get their bearings.

Like others, leave the food out. They eat when they feel they can after taking in their surroundings.

One of mine hid for a week, but I knew she was coming out after I'd gone to bed to eat and drink. Because she'd see on the sofa!

Just a thought Op - when we've had new kittens we've initially kept them in a room that we spend a lot of time in, so they get used to us being around.
Not pleasant having a kitten litter tray & food in the living room but it isn't for long

Lovely kittens btw and very pleased you have taken two.

I'm envious! We lost our second elderly cat in as many months due to health conditions and I would love to rehome a kitten or young adult. There just isn't anything suitable in our area (either need to be only cat in household, no kids or go in pairs) and people on free ads are asking silly money for kittens (and of course you don't know how reputable they are). Enjoy and I hope they settle down nicely with you.

@GigantosaurusRex

We've got our cats from this overseas rescue. Have look to see if there's a cat just waiting for you!

www.facebook.com/WorldAnimalFriendsAdoptMe/

@gettingusedtothelimelight thank you, I will have a look!

@GigantosaurusRex could you contact smaller rescues and perhaps some a little further afield. (Spent yesterday cuddling cats in rescue!)

@Wolfiefan I think that will be my best step to be fair, I think it's more difficult because we are in a more rural part of the country and I'm being a bit impatient too!