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!

The right cat is out there @GigantosaurusRex. And worth waiting for. Good luck.

@GigantosaurusRex

If they don't seem to have one just contact them - they have loads not on the Facebook page.

Because they've often had a rough start in life (they've been abandoned and living on the streets) they're so loving and very adaptable.

Thank you all and apologies for hijacking the OPs thread!

Ha @GigantosaurusRex - no worries at all!

Finally managed to get a picture this morning. They've been out of hiding a bit in the last day. Indy has come forward for a few head rubs but Nell is still very reluctant.

Sorry - picture might be a bit dark.

It's good that they've grown a bit in confidence to come into the lounge in the evening when we're home but have wanted them to only have use of kitchen/utility whilst we're all in bed. Goodness me, getting them out of the lounge at night is hard work! They hide in all sorts of tricky places!

No plans to let them outside yet but at the same time, I'm very keen for them to go to the toilet outside. Do you think a couple of weeks is about right to keep them in?

Thank you

Only let them out once they know their names/come running for treats and food. That's going to be longer than a couple of weeks especially if they're shy.

When you do let them out, do it just before feeding time so that they'll be hungry and want to come in.

Oh so pretty. I would say keep them in for at least a month. You want them to be confident and feel safe at home. You’ll always need a litter tray anyway. It’s part of having a cat!

Keep them in longer. They are so lovely looking. Let them out when hungry and when you are around.

Have you looked at microchip catflaps - the are really useful.

How long will they be staying in the kitchen for? They are lovely

Thanks @TheLongRider

They definitely are not coming or reacting when I call at the moment so will keep working on that!

And yes, just before I feed them is a good idea.

Thank you @Wolfiefan I think they're pretty too!

Was thinking I needed to keep in for at least two weeks but will go for much longer then.

It's funny you say about always needing a litter tray - we never had one in the house with family cats when I was growing up. I checked with my mum (as quite possible I've just forgotten!) but she confirmed she never has litter trays past kitten hood.

Hopefully they'll soon get the hang of going outside as at the rehoming centre they used a cat flap to go to a little outside area to use their tray. Will keep trays available inside just incase.

Yes @BarkHoneyBark - just looked today!

Have seen one for £50 so will check reviews and look at getting it in new year.

@EachandEveryone - when we're out the house (730am-430pm ish) I close doors to bedrooms and lounge so they've got use of downstairs wet room/utility (size of a garage), large hallway, kitchen, stairs and upstairs landing.

When we're home, they can go anywhere.

At night, when we go to bed, I'm putting them in utility area (has bed, litter trays, water and toys).

We have a microchip cat flap although we've taken the batteries out to make it a normal catflap. They are very good but they aren't foolproof, we had a stray turn up 5 years ago (who is currently purring at me) who learnt to hook his claw under the flap and pull it towards him to open it! I would definitely be keeping your new cars in for longer than two weeks.

They look gorgeous. We have never had any litter trays passed kitten stage but we do have a cat flap so our (many!) cats have constant access to inside & outside. No official cat beds either as ours have never used them. We do keep any boxes parcels get delivered in for a few weeks though, as they love nothing more than a new box to sleep in (especially if it’s on the right side to fit in!)

They will need to be in at night so should have a litter tray available.

@Wolfiefan
Yes, of course.

They're currently tearing up and down the stairs like lunatics and are thoroughly enjoying the cardboard boxes I've got by the door for recycling!

Mine LOVE cardboard boxes.

I wouldn't overthink this.

Yes you need a litter tray for a good while yet but past kitten hood, I've never ever had a litter tray and it's never - in 22 years of day ownership and numerous cats, been an issue. I don't want litter trays in my house and it's not a given that you simply have to. So you'll find your own way with that in good time.

I'd keep them in for a month. I've never had a cat know it's name though they come to dreamies being shaken or just calling them.

I'd have them in the room with you as much as possible and you don't need to give them free roaming at night unless you want a cat on you at 3am. Just shut them away downstairs

They're beautiful!