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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

So I think we're about to be enslaved by a kitten..

59 replies

DoucheCanoe · 03/04/2022 19:10

What are you absolute must know tips and general advice on taking care of kittens/cats?

I've done a bit of research in to insurance, vet pet plan, basic necessities and different types of food so I'm aware of the basics I think!

OP posts:
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neonleopard · 04/04/2022 18:58

We picked up two kittens yesterday! Have one elderly cat (somewhat unimpressed) but she was a nightmare as a kitten but these two are super easy so far as they play and snuggle with each other. Trickiest bit is confining them to part of the house while they settle - they have access to two bedrooms with one litter tray (they shared previously), food and water bowl each, off cuts of carpet on the floor to protect from accidents / scratching and a heap of toys from an Amazon multi pack. Recommend using same litter and food from breeder and getting insurance asap as it doesn't kick in fully for 14 days. (We have used pet plan, more expensive / comprehensive than some- will prob drop down to a cheaper alternative in a year once we are sure they are healthy and past the hazardous kitten phase!)

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 04/04/2022 19:05

We don't have tons of spare cash but I think we could stretch to 2 - is it literally double everything or can they share some stuff?

Your main cost is going to be food and litter - I buy everything online in bulk which works out much cheaper.

We have three cats and I'd say we spend £50 a month on food and litter combined. Insurance for all three is less than £20 (they're all on one policy) and then you have to think about neutering/spaying, flea/worm treatment etc.

Most vets have a pet health plan for about £10 a month per pet which covers routine check-ups, jabs etc. so that might be worth looking into :)

Original poster
DoucheCanoe · 04/04/2022 20:59

Not the best picture but meet Parker and Nano (white paws) - named by the kids after an iPod and Spider Man 🤣

Will be bringing them home in 2 weeks 😍

So I think we're about to be enslaved by a kitten..
OP posts:
MyTwoBengals · 04/04/2022 22:01

😻😻 so cute

NewbieDivergent · 04/04/2022 22:09

Omgosh 😻😻😻😻

custardbear · 04/04/2022 22:37

Get 2
Girls are more independent and can be more aloof
Boys are more affectionate on the whole
Visit local CPL as you can adopt kittens and cats
My boys ❤️💕

So I think we're about to be enslaved by a kitten..
So I think we're about to be enslaved by a kitten..
So I think we're about to be enslaved by a kitten..
custardbear · 04/04/2022 22:39

@fairylightsandwaxmelts

We don't have tons of spare cash but I think we could stretch to 2 - is it literally double everything or can they share some stuff?

Your main cost is going to be food and litter - I buy everything online in bulk which works out much cheaper.

We have three cats and I'd say we spend £50 a month on food and litter combined. Insurance for all three is less than £20 (they're all on one policy) and then you have to think about neutering/spaying, flea/worm treatment etc.

Most vets have a pet health plan for about £10 a month per pet which covers routine check-ups, jabs etc. so that might be worth looking into :)

Which pet insurance?
custardbear · 04/04/2022 22:40

....^^ and shock online supplier?

Just seen update OP 💕💕💕

Arucanafeather · 04/04/2022 22:46

Aw they’re adorable!

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 05/04/2022 06:39

@custardbear we're with Tesco on their 15k lifetime policy.

I took it out six years ago for one cat and I've just rang them and added the others as we've gained them over the years Grin

I think you can only have three cats per policy though. All mine are indoor, neutered moggies which may help bring the cost down as well.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 05/04/2022 06:52

Don’t expect them to use cat beds, scratching posts, water bowls or cat flaps. They might if they feel like it, but they probably won’t.

YetAnotherSpartacus · 05/04/2022 10:14

Mine must be weird. They use beds, water bowls (but not the expensive fountain one), they love their scratching post and happily share a litter tray. I've not yet seen them turn their nose up at any cat food either.

StellaAndCrow · 05/04/2022 19:25

Excellent photo OP. And excellent names, Nano and Parker. They look like No Trouble at All! You'll hardly know they're there. :) :)

Very good choice, if I ever get kittens again I'll definitely get two.

refraction · 05/04/2022 19:34

Definitely agree with getting two. We have two and they play so much together. Its so cute.

So I think we're about to be enslaved by a kitten..
Chikapu · 06/04/2022 17:29

How old will they be in two weeks? They look very young.
If you can put the tree in front of a window that way they can watch cat TV :) Wand toys are great for wearing them out.

Original poster
DoucheCanoe · 08/04/2022 02:47

Absolutely gutted, just found out this evening that they are the 3rd "accidental" litter in 2 years as they can't afford to get Mum neutered and they want £100 for them. So basically a bloody kitten farm 😓

So conflicted. We've gotten swept up at the thought of bringing them home to be part of our family in a few weeks - but the thought of fuelling the trade makes me feel terrible. The kids will be devastated but then they'll need a home regardless. Bloody arseholes.

OP posts:
avamiah · 08/04/2022 03:03

Sorry I’ve just found this post so apologies in advance.

How much do they want for a kitten?

Original poster
DoucheCanoe · 08/04/2022 03:07

£50 each. If they are so last with the Mum I very much doubt that the kittens will have had any vet checks or treatment so I suppose that would all be extra too.

OP posts:
avamiah · 08/04/2022 03:26

That’s a lot especially if they haven’t been flee and worm treated but you would be surprised what some people will pay for a kitten.

So there are 2 kittens ?

Original poster
DoucheCanoe · 08/04/2022 03:31

There are 5 but we were taking in 2.

OP posts:
avamiah · 08/04/2022 03:44

So £50 a kitten and they have 5 of them😬

We have 3 cats, 2 rescued and one we bought from a school friends mum about 3 years ago as a kitten and we gave £30 for him but he was wormed and flee treated.

I personally would offer her £70 .

Fluffycloudland77 · 08/04/2022 07:54

They can definitely afford the neuter her. Offer to buy mum instead.

Save her from a death in labour.

YetAnotherSpartacus · 08/04/2022 10:47

I'm so sorry. I guess you could offer to get mum neutered instead of paying for the kittens ... and take her yourself. But I think you are right in guessing kitten farm. :(

Fluffycloudland77 · 08/04/2022 11:01

I wonder if HMRC know about this income stream they have have?

Original poster
DoucheCanoe · 08/04/2022 11:47

My cousin knows the bloke, apparently he's just lazy and hasn't bothered taking the cast to get neutered. She just roams then comes home and he gives them away normally but apparently with the cost of things going up he's decided to charge this time so he can neuter her Hmm

Really don't know what to do now, the kids (and me) were so excited!

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