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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

Getting a new kitten just before Xmas

36 replies

Pohtaytoes · 15/12/2021 19:43

After losing our beloved cat a couple of months ago. I decided to just have a wee look at our local cat rescue, just out of curiosity... and of course they have the most adorable kittens desperately needing homes.

How could I say no?

We would probably be taking her home very close to Christmas and I'm worried about forgetting to get something essential only to have the shops closed.

I have my previous adult cats litter tray, would a 12 week kitten need a smaller one?

What kitten food would you recommend?

And what are good toys. My previous cat was an adult rescue to it's a long time since I have looked after a kitten!

Any tips would be appreciated Smile

Ps sorry for no pics yet.

OP posts:
JorisBonson · 15/12/2021 19:46

A shallot litter tray is best for their little legs, as well as a wee hidey bed if they're feeling overwhelmed.

Christmas Eve 2018 was gotcha day for my kitten and it was a hoot, he loved all the wrapping paper and climbed the tree within minutes!

Congrats on your new arrival.

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 15/12/2021 19:47

My only advice is to get two kittens.

(And yes the adult litter tray will he fine)

AwkwardPaws27 · 15/12/2021 19:47

A bigger tray is fine.
Ask what the rescue currently feeds - you'll need some of that too as you need to switch it gradually.
Long toys - feathers or mice on a stick - are great so they don't associate your hands with play Grin
The rescue may ask you to wait til after Xmas - some do as too many visitors and things going on in many households and kittens have a habit of getting underfoot!

Hellocatshome · 15/12/2021 19:52

It depends how old and how big the kitten is and how deep your litter tray is. We had a tiny kitten (she is still a tiny cat) and there was no way she could get into the litter tray our other cats use. We actually used a tea tray for her until she got bigger. I would keep her on whatever the rescue centre are feeding her to begin with. As for toys literally anything is fine, in fact you don't even have to buy toys if you don't want to just use bottle tops, scrunched up wrapping paper (I'm sure there will be loads), toilet roll tubes etc. Anything that moves and can be pounced on.

Original poster
Pohtaytoes · 15/12/2021 20:59

Thanks for the tips everyone.

They did ask me to take two kittens but it got vetoed by my other half. I would take 4 if I could. I think the charity are desperate for space so are fine with a few days before Christmas. I'm also on holiday for two weeks so seems a good settling in time.

OP posts:
Snowywintersundays123 · 15/12/2021 21:21

Kitten food wise (Ours are slightly older -Toddler kittens when we adopted them) Asda own brand tiger, dry and wet kitten. They do good kitten treats too.
Our love laser light pens, they chase them around like crazy! Feathers on stick, mice with catnip in them.

We have two, siblings and they chase each other around all day every day! I’d totally recommend two.

Suzysuz · 15/12/2021 21:25

Another recommendation for two! We got sibling boy/girl kitten in September, honestly they scrap and play with each other (we get the cuddles 😊) and I think it has definitely saved our own hands, feet and (some - not all 😳) furniture!

SparklingLime · 15/12/2021 21:33

Two is so much kinder and easier. Show your OH this: www.kittenlady.org/twokittens

RodJaneFreddy · 15/12/2021 21:35

We used a cut out cereal box with some kitty litter in it for a few days until kitty started using proper litter tray like our other cat. Kept putting kitty in the litter tray every now and then and she got used to climbing in and out

EachandEveryone · 15/12/2021 22:01

Honestly get two especially as you are planning on going away. It makes a massive difference to kittens.

GoodVibesHere · 16/12/2021 08:07

We got just one kitten, she's been absolutely fine without a sibling. Please come back with some photos once you've got your new arrival 😀

icedcoffees · 16/12/2021 08:12

You really should get two - it makes life so so much easier. We've had pairs and solos over the years and it was much easier when they had a sibling or playmate.

Our latest kitten was only a solo as we had two older cats in the house who were both still quite playful. Kittens thrive on having a
a fellow maniac to play with!

cherrypie66 · 16/12/2021 08:18

Most good rescues will not rehome kittens before Christmas

Santahatesbraisedcabbage · 16/12/2021 08:20

I am intrigued with a shallot tray!!.

dancemom · 16/12/2021 08:34

Definitely get 2, company and entertainment for each other.

JorisBonson · 16/12/2021 12:01

@Santahatesbraisedcabbage fat thumbs 🤦🏻‍♀️

Furries · 17/12/2021 00:08

Am going to add to the chorus. Getting two would be much better. Am sure your DH thinks it will be harder work, but having two can actually reduce the burden on you re keeping them occupied etc.

Shmithecat2 · 17/12/2021 00:16

Chiming in with another vote to veto your dh and get 2. I've got 6, it's really no more effort than having 1 or 2.

kikipie · 17/12/2021 00:23

I’d get rid of the other half and get two kittens

kikipie · 17/12/2021 00:24

By the way, we currently have 13

Furries · 17/12/2021 00:52

@kikipie

By the way, we currently have 13
Please can you add me to your household 😂
BobbieT1999 · 17/12/2021 01:02

Sneak the 2nd one home and don't tell DH till he notices lol a sob story will help! He won't be able to part with it once it's there Grin

You are going to have so much fun!

Santahatesbraisedcabbage · 17/12/2021 10:33

Read a great story on Pinterest about a man who had 4 black dcats and his bff thought just 1!! It's hilarious!!. But seriously 2 dcats means less damage to your soft furnishings and arms. Surely that's a selling point to dh?

Original poster
Pohtaytoes · 18/12/2021 13:33

Lol @ the get rid of DH comments and get two kittens instead! Poor DH.

Guess what, I'm bringing home two ginger kittens on Monday. He had his heart melted :)

OP posts:
Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 18/12/2021 13:39

I'm bringing home two ginger kittens on Monday.
How's that for the power of Mumsnet? Grin
Seriously - very good call OP. Two kittens are less effort than one but with twice the entertainment value. Looking foward to the photos.