Got a cat...and I'm feeling nervous

[Mirabeladawer]

My DD (almost 5) was desperate for a cat. We are all animal lovers, I grew up with cats and dogs and I loved them dearly. But I grew up in the countryside, with lots of land around the house and the pets were independent and easy to look after.

Different situation now, we live in a suburban house with a small garden. I got a kitten today (half heartedly) but I thought DD will love it and it will be worth it.

Of course, it's only our first day, but house already stinks of cat food and cat wee as I suspect she's done something behind the furniture where she spent all day. She's not eaten or drank anything until late in the eve, she's crying non-stop...and my DD wasn't even so fussed about the kitten. We put it down to her being in a bit of a shock that's she's finally got a cat.

Overall a bit overwhelming for everyone.

Please tell me it gets better.

We don't have a cat flap and the cat will be mostly indoors with controlled outdoor play. I dread the mess and the smell in the house, it gives me severe anxiety.

Please be gentle, I just need some advice on how to adjust and what to expect.

Persians rarely behave like most other cats, so basing how you treat this moggy kitten on how they used to behave isn't really all that useful. Persians tend to NOT be climbers, and are generally rather sedate. They also tend not to roam as far as many other breeds - ask @toddlerteaplease about her pair of living decorative cushions! So not getting a cat tree because one pair of Persians didn't "need" one isn't very fair on your kitten.

And regarding the litter tray, yes cats can be fine with a basic open tray (mine have this) but the covered ones reduce the smell vastly, and prevent any litter being scattered; my Boycat digs very enthusiastically sometime, so litter often flies over the edge of the tray across the room!😱

And as a pp said, if your DH is pulling his weight with cleaning up after the cat and entertaining it, then he can have input (not dictate either) as to what you get the cat. Otherwise, if you do all the work then you should decide!

Thank you, she is lovely x

The panic creeps in from time to time, but I'm getting much better 😊

@Allergictoironing my pair of 'living cushions'
Love their cat tree. Most cats use one.

Sorry Toddler, no insult to the beautiful girls intended, only ever seen pics of them doing cushion impressions!. You know I think they are lovely.

Boycat only uses the bottom most platform & cave, he's too scared to climb any higher. Whereas Girlcat likes the highest spot.

They do move occasionally. 😂

Mine wouldn't use his cat tree but he's not the most normal cat. He liked the box it came in
Why climb when you can lie on a human, seems to be his motto

😆

Another issue, DH is allergic to cats. He loves them very much though. He known this for a long time but thought it's manageable. He's now sneezing and got red puffy eyes. Nothing life-threatimg but it's very unpleasant. What do you suggest? I told him to get some antihistamines for now and he's also avoiding the cat, won't be touching her much.

There are different antihistamines so he might need to try a few. GPs can prescribe stronger ones. He needs to wash his hands regularly, not touch his face, rinse his eyes, etc. Is it when he touches her, sits near her or just walk into the room?

If all else fails, can you rehome him?

😃 I would consider rehoming him, totally!

He is washing his hands all the time and trying to stay away from her. Just got himself some Clarityn, will see if that works.

😂😂

Heres hoping the antihistamines work. To clarify I have FIVE different antihistamines in my house right now, four are otc, so it really is trial and error. Also there are antihistamine eyewashes and nasal sprays.

My eldest is allergic to her cat but she only really gets the snotty noses which is doeable, but itchy eyes can be unbearable tbf. Good luck!

Thank you x

Regarding antihistamines, I am a bit reactive to strange cats but seem fine with my own. If it's a mild reaction it may settle down in a few days.
Keep the kitten out of your bedroom though. I'd try drops and sprays first rather than tablets.

He's got some eye drops and a spray too, will see how things develop. Hoping it's something temporary. I think if we are careful about where the cat goes, keeping her out of our bedroom and so on should make a difference.

i think purina now make a dry cat food which is supposed to help those with allergies. I know someone who trialled it for Purina as her partner had a cat allergy. Not sure how it works exactly but you feed it to the cat as their sole diet and it somehow results in less allergies to humans?

Oh really?? I'd like to hear from people who actually tried it.

It could be just a marketing thing

Your kittens beautiful, mines piebald in colouring too. Your phone will soon be full of kitten photos.

Update: kitten has been with us for 5 days now and she settled in so nicely. She's very playful, very active, good eater and very affectionate. DD adores her, only thing is she wants to cuddle her all the time so the kitten hides from her sometimes.

My panic is completely gone now and we are considering getting another one 😂

Brilliant news!! Does sound like you need that cat tree soon though 😉

I'm guessing the antihistamines have worked for your husband?

Yes, we will be getting a cat tower/tree soon 😊

He is fine, he's not touching the cat although she's following him and begging for attention. Antihistamines work but he doesn't want to take them permanently. Hopefully he'll build some immunity...Will take it as it comes. He's on board with getting another cat 🐈.

Cats are addictive. You’ll need the tree for the kitten to escape the cuddles

A friend of the family who was highly allergic to cats moved into the house with family member who had cats for around six months and her allergy resolved she got her own cat after that!!

if you do decide on another kitty get your husband to shove his face in its fur first. One of my DDs is allergic to most cats but we found one that she was fine with. Eight other cats she isn't (friends and family). Its worth sending him first in before you buy/bring it home. We will need more photos though

Or ask the owners to swap. Their kitty for your dh. You might get a taker 😂

DH is having second thoughts about another cat now, he is thinking there will be more mess, more responsibility which is of course true. So will see how that goes, my heart is telling me 2 cats will be more fun 😊

I don't mind swapping DH for another pussy cat..and I'm not even joking 😬

How odd that your DD is allergic to most but not all cats. Why do you think that is? How is this cat different to the rest?