Future Cat Mommy Looking for Advise

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  • #853522

    Hello Everyone.

    I just moved to Texas and am preparing my new home for getting a new kitten. I LOVE CATS!!! Heck all animals. But I haven’t been able to have a pet since I was a kid because my sister is asthmatic. Now that I’m on my own, and can afford to care for a pet I want to get a kitten but I’m hoping for advise as my only experience with kittens is from many years ago and only lasted for a year since she, though only a year old, had to be put to sleep because she had cancer.

    I’m looking to adopt a kitten from a shelter, or maybe 2 if my landlord approves of both of them. But I am a nurse and work 12+ hour shifts. It’s only a few days a week but my kitten would have to be alone for an extended period of time as I wouldn’t be getting home till well after dark. Since I’m new to the area, i don’t really have anyone that can check on my future baby or babies and a daycare or kitty sitter is far too expensive for me to afford. Will a very young kitten say 8-9 weeks old be okay alone for such a long time? or should I get an older one? Maybe one older and one younger so they can care for each other if my landlord approves 2 kittens?

    I was thinking of getting a kennel or playpen, something where I can make sure the kitten is safe while I have to be away, but he or she would have the run of the apartment when i’m home. I have friends that did it and the kennel was large enough to put food, water, a litter box and toys inside.

    My friends back home used something similar when their kitten was a baby and left him out once he was older but I just don’t know if it is a good Idea. I don’t want to confine my baby but i also can’t be 100% he or she is safe while alone. I know how much troubel kittens can get into even when you think they can’t possibly do it. and I’m afraid something will happen.

    I would appreciate any adivese on the the matter and also any advise you all might have for a new kitten mommy whose just waiting to bring home her new baby. I’ve seen some really good ideas but any advise would be welcome and very much appreciated.

    Att.
    New Mommy

    #853528
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Welcome Karim,

    We are the furriest forum around and we love cats, too!

    Make a nest in the “Safe Room.” It doesn’t need to be a separate room, but could be an empty closet, a corner of your bedroom with a protective screen, or a seldom-used bathroom. The important thing is that your new cat has a place he can call “home,” where he can retreat and rest. Kittens cannot regulate their body temperature so they must be kept warm. I think the best way is to place a heating pad, on LOW, covered by a towel and a soft blanket in the nest. Be sure to provide a “cool” spot for the kitten to crawl if they get too warm.

    Kittens/cats are lactose intolerant and can’t digest cows milk. Goats’ milk is full of nutrients, probiotics and gentler on their tummies. This can also regulate their poop. You can find it in the dairy section or the concentrate in the baking aisle. Mix the concentrate 1:1 with water or pedilyte. If, at any time, they seem lethargic put a dab of Karo syrup or honey in their mouth. Sometimes this is all they need to give them the added energy boost to get them eating. Buy the best quality cat food you can afford but do avoid Meow Mix. A vet. friend has had cats that have a serious problems with the food.

    Have friends over and ask them to play with her and give her treats
    Provide appropriate scratching alternatives (such as scratching posts) and reward her with toys, praise or a treat when she uses them. Do not use your hands/feet as playthings because you’ll be setting both of up for behavioral problems.

    Cat-Proofing Your Home
    You’ve stocked up on essentials, and you’ve prepared kitty’s “safe room.” There’s only one step left before Homecoming Day – Now cat-proofing your home to save wear and tear on the household as well as the new arrival. Although it will take a bit of time, cat-proofing your home isn’t rocket science. It only requires your willingness to get down to a cat’s level to spy out hazardous temptations, along with the ability to think like a cat. ouse. Paper bags are great fun, as are cardboard boxes. Jaspurr, pictured here loves to play “box sled” and will let Lance drag him around the floor for hours. As you can see, he is very serious about his play.

    Here is one of the best links for cat care:

    http://messybeast.com/catarchive.htm

    The Cafe is a bit lonely today but other TDKers will stop by that have different advice for you.

    Good Luck
    PG

    #853550
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    You’re working long hours and your wee kit will be lonely. An older cat that’s used to being alone would be a better option but if you want a kitten, I would recommend two kittens.

    Paws crossed that landlord approves.

    #853560
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I’m bumping this up for other TDKers.

    #853563
    JerseyJoan
    Moderator

    Hi Karim – Welcome to the fluffiest site on the internet!
    I hope your landlord will be understanding about the possibility/somewhat necessity, of 2 kittens, but if not, one older cat might be the way to go. Of course, kittens are beyond adorable, but we love them throughout their entire lives and there are so many throwaway older cats in shelters. The benefit of an adult is that they may not necessarily need a companion; we found out after we got Comet that Leela would have been perfectly fine by herself (they are about 1 1/2 years apart in age)! If you want to go with kittens, maybe you can find ones that are a bit older so you don’t have to worry about the infant care and frequent feeding.
    I hope your landlord approves you for 2, because even if you go with one, you will have the option of adding another later if the one you have needs a companion.
    Good luck!

    #854711
    Jaz
    Participant

    I think if you’ll be working long shifts then 2 kittens will be better. I have 1 and I found it overwhelming at first. But it also depends on the breed and personality of the kitten. Mine is more dependant then other ones. I definitely did a lot of research on foods. And make sure to invest more in her diet. I also make sure she drinks lots of water. So it depends on what diet you choose. I have no experience with an older cat, and wanted a kitten that I could train. 2 kittens would definitely be less work for you especially after a rly long day of work. Trust me.

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