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.

Its to do with dander and saliva as far as I know. One DD isn't allergic to cats until she left home and got her own. She's only snotty so lives with the allergy but antihistamines do help (if she can be bothered to take them).

Other DD is very allergic to most. Think itchy eyes, skin crawling, sneezy, contant nose running, even with antihistamines. She found out one day she wasn't as bad with a friends cat. Anyway, in the end cats protection allowed us to do a 5 minute contact time where dd touched, and sniffed a kitty she wanted (yes, face right in that fur...kitty kisses are the best). No sneezes or itchy eyes!! We took that cat home. Just a bogstandard little tabby. She still reacted to other cats during this time. Obviously we were meant to have her

If you really want two, then now is the right time to get another kitten. They will get rid of energy by playing with each other rather than playing with your house 😉

@Pixiedust1234 I agree, this is the best time to get another one.

Glad you found one kitty that your DD isn't allergic to, definitely meant to be 😊

Our kitty, Fifi (came with the name) is following me around the house like a puppy. Then shows me what an acrobat she is. I realise how much I missed having cats 🐈.

I've just got a little rescue cat and she's absolutely adorable, the cuddliest, sweetest cat I've ever known, and yet I've been having the collywobbles the last few days that I've done the wrong thing. I think it's normal and will pass.
Your kitten is gorgeous!!

Thank you, I've stopped panicking after 3 days.

Congrats on your kitty 😺

Oh she’s gorgeous.

I have two indoor cats (live near a busy road). I’ve had cats all my life but never indoor ones, but honestly they’re perfectly happy. I have a small enclosed yard and they come outside with me and mooch around from time to time but otherwise never try to escape or show much interest. However, my house is basically a massive cat fun house. I have cat trees in every room, toys everywhere, beds everywhere… one thing they absolutely love is a window seat I bought from Amazon that sticks to the window with little sucker things - you can get double decker ones and they’re always on there watching the birds and chirruping away:

amzn.eu/d/ikDM9me

Oh, and my first cat (female) arrived age 12 weeks, and the second (male) the same age but 4 months later. Unrelated. They are ridiculously close and can regularly be found cuddled up together and playing together. I think the slight age gap made girl cat a bit maternal and she loved looking after boy cat! So yes definitely recommend another!

And finally another shout out for cats best litter from zooplus!

Thank you. The window seat looks very cosy, I'll put it on my list of things to buy :)

I was thinking the same about the second cat, if we get one in a couple of months then she'll will get very maternal towards it and they'll develop a lovely friendship. DH is not keen on the second one now so will see.