I finally caved...I'm getting a cat

[VelmaD]

It's a long story. Basically someone abandoned a kitty out by my best friend's house. It had a tag on it with a contact number so my niece picked it up and played with it thinking they'd call the owner and return the kitty and it would be no big deal.

Well, they called and the person at that number said, "it's not my cat". So, since my niece played with it and it seems a little wigged out and doesn't know what to do with itself...it won't leave their front porch. They can't bring it inside...my best friend has allergies and 3 dogs. Everyone was upset about the situation.

It whined last night. I was heading out to the car to go home and it sounded so pitiful...I felt bad about leaving it. So after mulling it over...I'm gonna go get the cat sometime in the next couple of days once I've had a chance to get all the stuff one needs to have a cat in the house. My best friend is feeding it til then.

So, I've never had an indoor pet before. All advice will be gratefully and cheerfully considered.

And for the curious...her name is Carmine and she's gray and white and very pretty.

[Taverner]

1. YAY!!! Go Velma!!!

Cats are cool, second only to dogs...

First piece of advice: Don't shave the cat when bored. It may seem like a good idea, but then again so did stopping the ceiling fan with your tonuge. Both result in the same.

[VelmaD]

2. What if I use Nair...

or Neet? ;)

[Taverner]

3. I think you get the same result

Ever seen Return of the Living Dead 3?

[VelmaD]

4. Eep...ok...

I'll find a different solution if the cat sheds a lot.

[Arugula Latte]

5. Yay!

Get a double-wide scratch box -- kitties usually love 'em and they may save your furniture. Sprinkle w/ catnip to entice.

Also, did you know that all cats (including big cats like lions) communicate affection and contentment by squinting their eyes? So, when you catch your new kitty's eyes, give her a few squints in a row. She may reciprocate, and it's a wonderful way to bridge the human-animal divide.

[VelmaD]

6. Thanks for the advice...

I don't have much in the way of really scratchable furniture...but I would like to save my sofa.

[Taverner]

7. carry a water bottle

Spray the cat if she does something you don't like.

Works like a charm :)

[VelmaD]

8. That one I knew about...

my best friend used to have cats before her allergy to them got so bad. We used to have fun hitting the new cats with the water gun until they figured out what not to climb on. :evilgrin:

[no name no slogan]

27. Watch out, though-- some cats LIKE water

My two boys actually like getting wet, believe it or not. One of mine once jumped into the tub with my ex-wife. So unfortunately the water bottle trick has never worked with them.

However, I find that if I pick the cat up and phsically remove it from the "bad" place, and yell "NO" in his face, he'll usually get the message after a couple times.

Best of luck to you VelmaD!!! :toast:

[barb162]

43. I heard a vet saying this shouldn't be done...they stop what

they are doing but they don't really understand why they are being punished...is it because they are standing, breathing, you are just being mean, etc.

[Patiod]

71. Didn't work for me - just resulted in angry wet cat

running over my head in the morning.

[MN ChimpH8R]

9. Welcome to the club!

I adopted a cat from a shelter just over a month ago. He's great company and a wonderful addition to the house. Get yourself one of those mitts (they look/feel like Velcro) to pick up loose fur. My long-haired kitty proved this to be one of the best investments of five bux I ever made.

[VelmaD]

10. Heeee...cute kitty smiley

Sounds like another good piece of advice. Hopefully it'll work on my hair too...I have a lot of hair and it ends up everywhere. I'm a little scared about what adding a cat to that is gonna do to my poor vacuum cleaner.

[davsand]

11. Your world is about to change!

NOTHING will ever be the same once one of "them" gets paws on your heart... :)

DO check your house for electrical and computer cords that the cat might be tempted to chew on. The same goes for pull cords on stuff ike mini-blinds and drapes. Cats have this amazing ability to find ANYTHING they can mess with.

I strongly urge the investment of good quality cat food. I know it is open for debate with some folks but if you buy Premium brands of cat food they poop less and--and THAT is a very good thing.

I would suggest an immediate trip to the vet if that cat has been outdoors. Get flea treatment early and you won't deal with an infestation in your house. The same goes for having her checked for worms and ear mites and all that stuff that outdoor kitties pick up.

Take one of your old socks and stuff it with a few of your other od socks. Put a pill bottle don in the toe with a bean or dried pea in it, and tie the top in a knot. You can try sprinkling it with cat nip, but some cats do not develop cat nip "fancy" until after they are over a year, but give it to your cat to wrestle with. They will rake it with the hind claws and bite the knot like they do when they are hunting. ANY time the cat tries to play with YOU in a manner that involves claws or teeth, give it that stuffed sock.

Make sure you keep an eye on your house plants--some cats are plant munchers.

Have fun. Most of all, please have fun and enjoy this wonderful creature that is about to take over your life. I have had cats all my life and can't imagine NOT having one.



Laura

[VelmaD]

12. Eeek...

"Take over my life"...:scared:

Seriously though, thanks for all the good advice. I'm spending the next couple of days cat-proofing the apartment before I pick the kitty up and I'll be sure to make sure the cords and such are outta the way.

[Taverner]

14. Just remember, if you die alone

The cat eats your corpse!

HAHAHAAHAHAHA :evilgrin:

[VelmaD]

15. Oh stop it...

you can't freak me out about this any more than I already am...so don't even try. :P

[LSK]

25. i have been toying with the idea of getting a cat for a while

But I'm kinda a computer geek and I have a lot of computers running throughout the house. I was always worried about a cat knawing on the wires. I also travel from time to time and would wonder what to do with the cat then.

So I am still catless as of now.

[crispini]

38. Mine are fine for up to three days by themselves.

I just leave lots of food and extra water and make sure they have a clean litter box. I wouldn't leave them much longer than that though. But you can always have someone to come over and check on them and give them extra food. It's pretty minimal work and they don't mind too much although they are always pretty affectionate (or mad) when I get back!

[davsand]

54. Pipe insulation is a great low-tech solution to chewing on wires.

That foam-rubber insulation that you can buy to insulate water pipes is a GREAT cover for wires. It is split on one side to fit on your pipes--and that makes it REALLY easy to just tuck your computer cords inside there for protection from chewing cats. Twist ties do a great job to secure it all if you feel the need.

I have only had one cat that ever messed with stuff like that--the current one. He's a terrible plant muncher and loves to gnaw on wires--I have NO idea why. He's also about 15 pounds and an absolute love to everyone in the family so we forgive his trespasses.

Leaving cats for any length of time can be problematic, I agree. They can stay alone a just a few days, but they really DO need a person to take care of them if it is much more than a long weekend. You can board them with a vet or some place else, but frankly, my cats have always hated that because they are so turf-oriented. Cats want THEIR stuff--ya know?

The best solution I have found is to fill up the fridge and invite some trusted friend to come and "house sit" while we are gone. Seems to keep the cats from committing larceny and keeps my house from getting carted away by burglars. YMMV.

Kitties are worth all the minimal problems they cause. They really have enriched my family.



Laura

[AuntieM1957]

56. Great idea about the pipe insulation

i've a litter of kittens (only 3 thank goodness) born to a stray I took in - and she was preggers at the time. didn't know it, and so didnt have a chance to terminate it before 3 more kitties in the world without homes.

but they're all going to stay with me because they're just too beautiful to ever let go.

just needed a tip to get them to stop chewing on the light cords.

thanks to you, I have that.

[caty]

13. When you bring her

into the house take her to where her food bowl, water bowl, and litter box is. Sort of introduce her to them. Then let her go and wait for her to come to you if she seems scared. Sometimes a new cat will take to you immediately--but sometimes they need a few days to get acquainted with a new home and human.

[VelmaD]

16. Given that I've never...

had an indoor pet before, that was something I really needed to know. Thanks. :)

[Cathyclysmic]

17. Welcome to the club, Velma

I assure you, we were all like you once. Pretty soon, the cat will be charming you to death. At that point, you must post about it on DU and post a pic so we can all coo. :hi:

[VelmaD]

18. I already made GOPisEvil promise me...

if he ever heard me use the word "furbaby" he would beat me to death with a shovel. :)

[Taverner]

21. It's not a furbaby

It's a midget predator

[VelmaD]

23. Oh...

I like that MUCH better. :)

[GOPisEvil]

19. Hahahaha! I'm already teasing her about being a kitty-picture-poster!

Do it! Post a picture! You know you want to!

[VelmaD]

24. Too much effort today...

It would require getting my best friend to get her camera out, take a pic of the cat, email it to me, I upload it to photobucket, then post it here. Too much hassle. :P

[GOPisEvil]

28. There will be plenty of time.

Hehehehe...:)

[fudge stripe cookays]

41. No kitty will ever be as cute as the mini Coleman.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

He's probably maxi Coleman now, huh?

FSC

[Cathyclysmic]

59. Thank you, FSC

I think VelmaD needs to learn early that you can never brag or talk about your cat enough.

BTW, I love the pic of your cat hatin' chimpy!:hi:

[fudge stripe cookays]

60. Yes, we must indoctrinate Darth Velma.

Molly is also quite fond of that picture.

When I leaned down to show it to her, she began gnawing it brutally and kicking it with her back feet (the ones that still have claws).

Coleman rules! :hi:
FSC

[CatWoman]

20. Bless you, Velma

and thanks, too!!

:loveya:

[VelmaD]

22. Awwww...shucks...

*scuffs toe in the dirt and looks sheepish* :)

[SOteric]

26. Okay, here's my advice:

I adore my little fuzzy buddy, he's such a comfort in rough times and such a little hoot in general.

First order of business is to set up an appointment with your local vet and have her checked for shots, worms, fleas and all the other noxious little complaints that can make her little life miserable. She might also be microchipped, so have the vet check for a chip.

If she's not, consider getting a chip, please, even if she's to be an indoor pet. There are a host of ways pets can get out and find themselves lost.

Second order of business, she will scratch. It's what cats do. Get her a scratching post. It doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. Go down to your local thrift shop and get an old rug to staple to a sturdy cardboard box, voila, scratching post.

Mazeltov on your new little pal. :hug: I'm so excited for you both.

[VelmaD]

29. Thanks, sweetie...

I promise to take her to the vet just as soon as I possibly can.

I'm taking me to the doc for the first time in ages this week...so maybe the vet won't be too traumatic for me after that. :)

[VelmaD]

30. Geee...what happened to the days...

when any thread with "cat" in the title was sure to get triple digit responses? *snort*

[Callalily]

31. Cats are wonderful

They give so much as ask for so little.

[VelmaD]

32. Heeee...just...

food, water, shelter, and total world domination. :)

[Callalily]

35. Ah . . . so true VelmaD

My cat is a firm believer of "dogs have owners, cats have staff."

[Vinca]

33. We brought a "front door cat" inside and he's the best cat

in the world! We just love him to bits and he loves us back. Sometimes it takes them a little while to settle in, but cats who just show up always seem to be the best.

[VelmaD]

34. I'm feeling better about this whole thing...

thanks to you and so many other wonderful DUers who've shared their experiences and advice today. :)

[barb162]

45. Oh yes, I have had this happen several times, my current 3

of 4 are cats who just showed up.

[Rob H.]

36. That's awesome, VelmaD

If you're anything like my parents and most other cat lovers I know, you won't be able to stop at just one. ;) I'd have kitties myself if the pet deposit at my apartment complex weren't so blasted high.

[VelmaD]

37. Oh no...

there isn't room for me and more than 1 cat. I can stop anytime I want. ;)

[crispini]

39. Two are nice.

They can keep each other company. I found my sweetie wasn't quite as lonely and needy when I got my second. She used to meet me by the front door crying when I came home from work. She doesn't do that anymore, heh! It made me feel really guilty for leaving her alone all day. So having the second is nice.

So far I have resisted all temptations to add a third.

[VelmaD]

40. awwwww...

you got your cat a cat :)

[crispini]

42. LOL!

I did at that. :rofl:

[Arugula Latte]

49. Suuuuuure you can stop.

Just like w/ one potato chip, eh?

[barb162]

44. Cats are the greatest, most wonderful of all creatures

and very loving. Be sure to take her to the vet first thing. She will need a checkup. Don't get all the vaccines if she will be strictly indoor; it's a waste of money and the cat can have a reaction to them. Alwasy make sure the litter box is cleaned at least once a day and that the box is in a nice quiet area where she will feel safe doing her business. Also fill it at least 3" high. Let her snoop around all she wants so she can get adjusted and know where there are good hiding places. Always make sure there is fresh water and food. Make sure she can look out the window; they love looking out the window at the birds, chipmunks, etc. Get her a scratch post and try putting catnip on it too. Ask us cat lovers and long-time cat owners if you have questions. Rub her under the chin for me

[VelmaD]

46. Wow...thanks...

I gotta write all this stuff down. Everyone is being so helpful. I love DU. :loveya:

[barb162]

47. you will love her in no time flat and oh, they like chasing things

like thick strings with little mouse toys atached. Always get a thin rope or extremly thick string so it can't be swallowed. Thin string they sometimes try to eat. Cats are great and they like cheap toys. Milk carton rings, they love chasing those things and batting them around.

[VelmaD]

48. I've always heard...

they really like big balls of tape. :)

[barb162]

58. and rolled up aluminum foil in a ball, about 1/2 " diameter

there are probably about 300 under my fridge

[graywarrior]

50. You are so fucked now.

Your life is no longer your own. You have become a slave. You will gaze longingly at your favorite chair, and you will be awakened by kitty butt in your face. I pity you.

[VelmaD]

51. Oh gawd...

that made me laugh. :rofl: Thanks. :)

kitty butt...*snort*

[graywarrior]

52. You laugh now....

Wait til he/she/it hangs from your back pants pockets screeching for something you can't figure out what the fuck it is...at 5:30 am...after he/she/it woke you up by slicing through your nostril with his/her/its sharp little paw.

Ungrateful little fluff of self appointed royalty....

[AuntieM1957]

57. well, you have a point - centimeters from blindness today

when the male kitten decided take a swipe at my face.

nice litte scratch he left right below the eye socket.

lucky for him my reflexes were slow - or kitty would have taken a header off the couch.

[LisaL]

53. Mine two are very quite and well behaved.

They spend most of the time sleeping. Of course they are Persians.

[raptor_rider]

55. What a wonderful gift!!

The first animal I had after my daughter, was a kitten that was found behind our warehouse. She was only 2 weeks old and I took her in and hand fed her. She is now 5 and we have 4 other cats, none that we would live without. On top of that, 3 dogs that are totally kitty comfy and 5 (the last of the fish that one of the cats took care of, used to be 8) fish that all are happy.

my hand fed baby


others

[ET Awful]

61. Advice?

Don't feed her grocery store pet foods . . . they're full of nasty things that can be very bady for her health . . . get some good food (Lorien can recommend specific brands, etc.). Mine LOVE Pet Guard brand food that I get them at Whole Foods.

Play with her whenever you can, and give her lots of attention. Don't "punish" her (other than quickie water bottle shots and the like) cats don't react well to negative reinforcement.

Congratulations, you're about to embark on the great adventure that is being a cat servant :)

Also, if you want your cat to have the bestest treats around, get her some of these:



They're price, but cats go bonkers for them . . . no chemicals or additives, nothing but freeze-dried salmon. . . my cats will sit up and beg like puppies for these things :)

Edit: Didn't we go through this whole breaking in a newly adopted person with Abbot's person LynneSin a while back? :)

[VelmaD]

63. Oh no...no feline servitude...

I already know all about the kitty konspiracy to take over the world. You gotta put your foot down early or they walk all over ya with little cat feet. :)

[ET Awful]

65. Well she's going to walk all over you anyway . . .

whether she does it figuratively or literally is up to you (and depends greatly on whether you're awake or not) :)

[indigo32]

62. Cats are easy

and can be very entertaining LOL. I adore their attitude.

Rule #1 They are RULED by their stomach, therefore so are you. They will wake you for breakfast. But thats probably the worst.

Rule #2 Keep the litter clean and private, always.

This little one should see a vet... and here's two words that'll keep you both entertained for hours LASER POINTER

Have fun :)

[VelmaD]

64. We're going to the vet...

the first of October as soon as I get paid.

I have a laser pointer somewhere in my house...gotta find it and get batteries for it. Bwahahahahahaha.

[Mutley]

66. Despite popular opinion...

most kitties are lactose intolerant, so I wouldn't give her milk unless she's already had it and proven that she doesn't have a problem with it. Fish is not supposed to be good for cats either; I can't remember the details on why, but I'm sure a more knowledgeable DUer will chime in with that.

Use a premium quality food like Nutro, Royal Canin, etc. They're a bit expensive but it will be much healthier for your cat and you could save a lot on vet bills (not to mention the litter box won't smell as gross). Don't de-claw! They actually cut their toes off to the first knuckle to remove the claw. OUCH! Plus if she ever gets out she won't be able to defend herself against other animals or mean people.

Check out the Pet Group. There is a lot of great information there.

[Vinca]

67. Here's a second for "don't declaw." It's barbaric.

My "porch" cat enjoys a piece of American cheese now and then, but they do tend to be lactose intolerant. That's why his name is Stinker. I think the fish thing was about cats being fed just fresh fish as opposed to canned, cat food fish. The canned fish has a nutrient added - the name is currently lost from my mind - that is vital for cats to have. A bite of human fish food is okay as a treat. My 2 cats eat grocery store Fancy Feast and Purina Indoor Cat dry food. They hate any of the more expensive brands.

[miss_kitty]

68. Taurine

cats need taurine or they go blind.

[Vinca]

77. Thank you. That's the word I couldn't think of. Wonder if it might

help an aging human brain??

[ET Awful]

73. Good advice . . . except for the Nutro, it's quality kibble, but the CEO

is a big reich-wing donor :)

[Mutley]

78. D'oH!

Thanks for letting me know. I was thinking of switching my dogs to that.

[ET Awful]

79. Wellness brand food is pretty damned good too. :)

That's another one my cats like . . . and they make dog food too :) (so does the Pet Guard brand I mentioned above).

Both high quality.

[Mutley]

80. I'll try both.

I have to change my dogs' food once or twice a year because they seem to get tired of it and I have to bribe them to eat it. My local pet store also finally got in the Merrick dry food so I might try that, too. They love the Merrick wet food and the treats.

[ET Awful]

81. What you should do is find a few that they really like and keep both

around, alternate every day or so, that way they won't get tired of the same thing day after day . . . I mean, I love steak, but if I had it and nothing else to eat every day, I'd go nuts :)

[Mutley]

82. That would probably be fine with my younger dog, but..

My older dog (not THAT old, only two years) has a weaker stomach. If I don't slowly switch her food over the course of a week or two she gets poopy problems.

[ET Awful]

83. Even if you get her used to both by mixing and alternating?

Sure I can see a problem with stopping one kind and starting another, but if you're constantly mixing and switching, she should be able to adapt. . . . or so I would think :)

[Mutley]

84. I should try it.

But I'd have to gate her in the kitchen until she got used to it. Do they make doggie diapers? LOL! It would be nice to have more flexability in what they eat.

[ET Awful]

85. Now that you mention it . . . yes, they DO make doggie diapers

:)

http://handicappedpets.com/diaper/

http://www.petdiapers.com/

:)

[Mutley]

86. That is GREAT!

I should have known doggie diapers are out there. The only ones I'd ever seen are the ones for dogs in heat. I might have to invest in some of those. The puppy could use them sometimes; she still enjoys a good poop on the carpet occasionally.

[Patiod]

69. Almost exactly how I ended up w/ our 1st cat (I was a cat-hater)

They just sound so sad.

When someone at the office says "okay, since no one can take it, I'm bringing it over to the SPCA" and you see the little face looking up at you, you're doomed.

[VelmaD]

70. Yup...

I'm a sap...and it sounds like I'm not the only one. :)

[Patiod]

72. One more word of advice

Once she's settled in, if her claws are a problem, you can clip them.

Just buy little nail-clipper-scissors made for pets (Petsmart has them, as do most vets) and make sure you have treats immediately at hand. Cats have no desire to please you, but they ARE trainable with treats.

So they'll let you clip if you start early, and if a treat is supplied promptly after clipping.

Much nicer for them then de-clawing.

[calico1]

76. I am a big sap. That's how I ended up with 6! n/t

[toey]

74. hope this works...it didn't last time

This is Riddy (short for Ritalyn) and Tommy is in the background.

http://photobucket.com/albums/b147/toeykitty/th_riddy.bmp

on edit: word of advice...the first time she pukes, its a hairball...don't worry it'll come up sooner or later

[calico1]

75. Aww, that is good of you to take the

kitty in.

I would advise good quality food. It costs more up front but the nutrition is concentrated and your cat will poop less stinky plus have less health problems. Its worth the investment. I give mine Wellness or Chicken Soup for the Cats Soul. You can get both at pet shops. Not chains. At least the ones I know of don't sell most of the better qualitiy foods. Usually you have to go to a smaller pet store. Other good brands are Evolve, Solid Gold and Newman's Own. Consult the pet store worker if you are not sure.

Scratch boxes. Mine love the ones made of corrugated cardboard. And I get the wider ones.

Catnip. This is good to sprinkle on scratch boxes or for when kitty has an "attitude." Helps mellow them out.

Nail clippers. I find that if I keep my kitties claws trimmed they scratch less. The more active scratching tends to happen when the claws are longer.

Good luck with kitty and please keep us posted. In time you will probably come to realize that you do not own the kitty, but rather, the kitty owns you! :)