New Kitten (Full Version)

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cloudboy -> New Kitten (8/4/2013 7:23:11 PM)


Our cat passed away about two months ago. Today we just got a 10 week old kitten. We purchased him from a breeder in OH and met the breeder in WV to get the silver tabby kitten.

So, after about 8 hours in car today, he has a new home. The good news is: (1) he ate and (2) used the litter box.

Any suggestions for how to make his transition easier and less stressful? How long before he starts to feel at home? I know how do deal with a cat, but a kitten is new territory for me.




cloudboy -> RE: New Kitten (8/4/2013 7:30:00 PM)


Here he is:



[image]local://upfiles/210115/F414C60955384A759E574C4406E7AB3B.jpg[/image]




Winterapple -> RE: New Kitten (8/4/2013 7:34:28 PM)

I imagine he'll adjust in a week or so's time.
He needs to explore his new surroundings and bond with you.
When he puts it together that you're the food provider he'll
start to like you and feel connected to you.

Right now he's probably missing his mom some though if he was
weaned for a couple of weeks less so. Also if he had litter
mates aka siblings he's missing them and will have to adjust
to being the only cat. Pet him, talk to him, play with him.
Try not to leave him alone a lot at first.

My condolences on losing your other cat and congratulations
on your new one.




MasterCaneman -> RE: New Kitten (8/4/2013 7:35:32 PM)

Based on what I know about cats, he was 'at home' about 1/10 of a second after you fed him. Cats are like that.




cloudboy -> RE: New Kitten (8/4/2013 7:41:52 PM)

Its just a huge transition. I tried to imagine my own parents shipping me off to boarding school at age six or something. I'm curious to see how quickly he orients to the new surroundings and a confusing (for him) four (4) story house. He likes to be under (the couch) or behind (anything that provides cover) stuff right now. He can be drawn out with string, though.

His brother went to a family in Arkansas.

-----

TO: MC; The feeding made a good impression. Wiskas tiny bites was a HIT.




Winterapple -> RE: New Kitten (8/4/2013 7:51:23 PM)

My cats love the stairs in my house and love
finding places upstairs to slip off to and explore.
Being small the size of your house and the stairs
are still a little overwhelming. But cats are curious
by nature and as he grows and acclimates he'll start
claiming his territory. He's adorable.




DomKen -> RE: New Kitten (8/4/2013 8:16:31 PM)

FR
You might want to keep him in a room that is big enough for his food and water plus litter box and has somewhere he can hide for a day or two.

Also socialization of a young kitten is key. Hold and pet him for 20 minutes or so a day. He'll learn to like being held and petted and it will make things like trimming his nails a lot easier plus he'll be more likely to seek you out for company.




playfulotter -> RE: New Kitten (8/4/2013 8:45:05 PM)

What a cutie pie..You are lucky to have found that kitty for sure!




Gauge -> RE: New Kitten (8/4/2013 10:07:10 PM)

The part for concern is not if your new little furry friend will adjust, the question is... will you adjust to the kitten?[;)]

Cats can be cagey and can react poorly to change, but when one is as young as 10 weeks I think it is safe to say that it is just happy to be safe, warm, fed and getting attention.




metamorfosis -> RE: New Kitten (8/4/2013 10:12:21 PM)

I have heard you can buy plugins that give off cat pheremones. Don't know if it works, but I know they're very sensitive to smell. I've also heard rubbing their paws in butter helps remove the scent of their old home to make them feel at ease in their new environment. If he was on dry food, try to find out what kind. Switching foods stresses their system.

Good luck.




MalcolmNathaniel -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 12:12:20 AM)

This is absolutely standard practice for a kitten getting used to a new home. Give him a few days and he'll be alright. Don't try to force it - cats are naturally curious and will learn to go exploring.

You will learn to keep anything small and easily batted about hidden.




pahunkboy -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 7:00:28 AM)

Talk to your cat alot. Coo and fuss over him. They love it.

Rubbing the neck area is good too.

Also make your home cat friendly. A cat should be able to freely look at the window. Mine will run and jump the length of the house with windows to look out of alot.


I also would have some doors closed. Cats do not like a closed door... but he has to know that there are times a door WILL BE CLOSED.

Watch for noises like garbage trucks and street sweepers, and blow dryers. Cats dont like that.




cloudboy -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 7:15:29 AM)


Everything is working out well so far. He's turned into a purr nugget. There is still not much appetite and he seems kind of confused / amazed by everything. Thanks for all the replies.




kalikshama -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 7:19:51 AM)

[image]local://upfiles/210115/F414C60955384A759E574C4406E7AB3B.jpg[/image]

awwwwwwwwwwwwwws!




BurntKitty -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 7:31:31 AM)

He's so cute. But what's his name?

Congrats & best wishes, and also my condolences on losing your other cat.




theshytype -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 1:02:07 PM)

What an incredibly adorable kitten!




VideoAdminAlpha -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 1:33:22 PM)

Make sure you give LOTS of attention. If you dont mind them in the bed, put them in bed with you so they can sleep with you( I have at least 5 in bed with me every night, sometimes more, and I dont have enough room for myself.[sm=lol.gif])

The common consensus may be that a cat does not need a lot of attention, but the more you give them and include them in everything possible if they are an indoor cat, the more they will suprise you. I have 10.(yes 10. They are all rescues and strays, and the litter boxes) get cleaned a minumum of twice a day. My house does not smell but it is work). They all have very distinct personalities and get along with people(only one still hides when company comes). One will bring a ball to you for them to fetch, another 2 love to fetch goody powder wrappers, another will sit on the tub side and play in the water with its paws when Im bathing, another is the "go to pillow" for one of the grandkids(for years they have used her as a pillow to nap and she will stay there till they get up). One sleeps on my arm because I sleep on my side and cuddle up till their cheek touches mine and we sleep cheek to cheek.

The point is, the more you help the kitty acclimate and are there for it, the more you will bond, and it will become your furbaby.

ETA: My sincere condolences on your loss. We lost our George of 23 years right before my heart attack, and in that I lost part of my family. I wish you the best with the new baby.




LookieNoNookie -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 5:20:33 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: cloudboy


Our cat passed away about two months ago. Today we just got a 10 week old kitten. We purchased him from a breeder in OH and met the breeder in WV to get the silver tabby kitten.

So, after about 8 hours in car today, he has a new home. The good news is: (1) he ate and (2) used the litter box.

Any suggestions for how to make his transition easier and less stressful? How long before he starts to feel at home? I know how do deal with a cat, but a kitten is new territory for me.


No.

Everything you're doing (and feeling)...meets every test.

You're doing fine :)




TheHeretic -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 6:37:01 PM)

Do NOT, under any circumstances, allow a wolf to raise it.

Otherwise, you seem to have it well in hand.

Sorry about your old cat. We never get to keep them long enough.




dcnovice -> RE: New Kitten (8/5/2013 6:41:00 PM)

quote:

The common consensus may be that a cat does not need a lot of attention,

That's clearly a myth from a non-animal person!




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