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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.

Bringing our new girl home - help!

5 replies

WaffleDogg20 · 18/11/2024 10:01

We had had a beautiful girl called Demelza who sadly passed away 2 years ago. Iv never been so heartbroken and regularly cry over her. She was nothing like a normal cat, didn’t hunt, didn’t go out (her choice) and followed you around like a puppy. She was our world.

We have fell in love again with a little girl. She’s a British short hair cross (mum escaped one day!). But everything I knew about having demelza has escaped my brain! I just remember those kitten days were hard! And to top it off we have a golden retriever now (who adored Demelza).

what do I need to buy? Any recommendations? She’s litter trained so do I just leave it where she can find it?

what bed/toys etc do I need? Do I need a cat tree straight away?

pictures of my girl, Prudie 🌸

do you think she looks like a BSH?

Bringing our new girl home - help!
Bringing our new girl home - help!
Bringing our new girl home - help!
Bringing our new girl home - help!
Bringing our new girl home - help!
OP posts:
stormsandsunshine · 18/11/2024 10:32

When we brought our kittens home they were 11 weeks old. We set up a single room for them with everything in it (for them, this was essential as they didn't want to leave it for a couple of weeks - being in a new space can be incredibly daunting for kittens). Make sure there are safe hiding places and put the bed somewhere that feels sheltered. Put as much space as you can between litter tray and food, and don't put the food next to the water. Don't be surprised if it takes her a while to settle, even if she's been a confident kitten before.

Make sure the room is safe for kittens, e.g. put cable protector on any wires, check there aren't aren't small things lying around that she might try to swallow, remove any breakable ornaments, if there are any plants, check they are not toxic to cats. If there are any hiding places that could cause issues in terms of her getting into a space she could get trapped in (e.g. a chimney breast with a gap in it, or a loose plinth under a cupboard), make sure it's blocked up.

Take it very slowly re introducing the dog.

The advice I was given was to open the carrier when they arrived, and leave them to come out by themselves, but if they didn't, after half an hour, take them out and show them their litter tray, food and water. Ours just sat in the carrier so after half an hour I took them out and put them in the litter tray. They then started exploring the room a bit by themselves and found themselves a space space on the bookshelf, but they knew where the litter was and we had no issues with them using it. Make sure you start with the same litter as she is currently on, to avoid any confusion (you can change later if it's not one you like). Also stick to the same food at first.

I don't know if a cat tree is essential immediately, but I'd say do get a scratching post. If it's possible, create an area where she can climb onto as being high can make them feel secure. But if you plan to get a cat tree anyway, no harm getting one now.

Toys: cats are all different so you could get a bundle and see what she likes.

As she is coming by herself, you may want a heat pad in the bed as she will be used to curling up with mum and the rest of her litter. You'll also need to be around for her a lot as she won't have a companion to play with or keep her company.

GoFaster83 · 18/11/2024 11:30

Mine is 7 months now. He loved toys from the very beginning, but he's just as happy with house treasure! He's particularly fond of pencils and has a favourite cable tie that he found one day! Great advice from pp about the litter tray. Mine rejected his soft fluffy bed and prefers to sleep in the dog bed (or on my face) . I gave his one away in the end. He also rejected the fancy cat fountain and prefers the sink and the dog bowl! And the cone when he got neutered lasted about 3 minutes when we got home from the vet. My best piece of advice is to make sure everyone in the house knows to keep the toilet lid down. That was a lesson learned. Twice...

GoFaster83 · 18/11/2024 11:36

She's adorable. Has she got a name yet? My boy went through multiple names in the beginning!

WaffleDogg20 · 18/11/2024 11:42

Her name is Prudie xx

OP posts:
Pudmyboy · 18/11/2024 12:11

That is a gorgeous little kitty @WaffleDogg20 ! I hope you have many years of joy with her😻

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