okay, I just got a new kitten

[Mari333]

He was found, along with 5 others, under a porch of my gfriends home. She asked me if I wanted one, otherwise she would have taken them to the shelter. I said yes, as I already have 2 cats and a dog and parrot. I specified a male.
Anyway, the little kitty was traumatized out in the cold, and is now on my warm front porch (it has 3 cat beds and a litter box for him out there and 2 bowls with food and water).
My other cats are not allowed out there for now, until the little kitty gets used to my place.
The other cats use the basement to go to their litter box, but this little guy is too small to go down the stairs so I will leave him on the porch for a few months to grow up a bit.
He has been here one day, and I have been going out there and he is hiding, which is what little ones do until they feel safe.
I am going to go out there every day for an hour or so and sit in my chair out there and paint like I always do, and occassionally leave him some tuna..until he gets used to me.
That might take a while. When he does finally get used to me, I will let him meet the dog (who is little and sweet to cats) and the other cats. I think, however, he needs a little growing time. Maybe a couple months.
Does this sound like a good plan? My other cats were never traumatized. This one was. I dont want to overwhelm him.
all suggestions are appreciated.

[thrift_store_angel]

1. How old is he?

Is he old enough to eat the food that you put out for him? Also have you taken him to the vet? Whiskas makes cat milk that is good for little ones if they are in a transitional eating period.

[Mari333]

2. Hes old enough to eat kitty food

hes been eating it at her house. I dont know his exact age. he will go to the vet next week. They arent open this week.

[skooooo]

3. He'll get used to you..

Sounds like you're doing the right thing.

:thumbsup:

[LisaL]

4. Make sure vet tests him for cat diseases. Since you already have

other cats you have to be careful.

[Mari333]

5. yes, feline leukemia and etc

in the meantime, he sure is hiding well. I think hes behind my empty canvasses.

[Lorien]

6. This should help:

http://organizedwisdom.com/helpbar/index.html?return=http://organizedwisdom.com/Introducing_a_New_Pet&url=www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/cat_behavior_tip_sheets/introducing_pets_to_a_new_cat.html

[applegrove]

7. Yes. Good of you to keep this kitty's feelings front and centre. Bring

out some string and try and play with the little guy every day. Kittens cannot resist string and this may be the way you bond with him sooner rather than later.