I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

UPDATE on kitten we found: We are definitely keeping him. He's been in our house over a week (and at our house for a few days longer than that) and everyone loves him--even the dog. Stewie, my dog, tries to play with him like he's another dog (running, nudging), which makes the cat scared sometimes. Other times, the cat will roll over in front of the dog and the dog will lick his ears. So cute. They also will cuddle at night (see pic).

We named him Chad. We found him on election day, so DH and I were trying to think of things that had to do with elections. I mentioned Chad because of hanging chads and it just stuck.

Here are some pics!

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Message edited 11/15/2014 9:38:54 PM.

I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

Kittens really don't have accidents like puppies. Make sure that the kitten knows where the box is, put her in there, and move her paw in the litter like she was digging. She will get it.

If I could suggest other items, handle the kitten a lot. All family members. And touching everywhere (face, ears, paws, open the mouth, etc). Having the kitten used to all family members touching all of those spots will help when the cat is sick in the future and you need to give a pill.

Also, cut nails weekly and groom daily. First of all, again to get the cat used to being held those ways. (Even if you don't really cut the nails, at least get the cat in the position and extend the claws so they get used to it) and same with grooming. Doing this often will help with your furniture and shedding.

Good luck and pictures please

I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

Thank you! This is all really helpful info. I will post pics soon!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

I would gradually introduce the kitten and puppy. I think if your dog is good natured, it will be fine, since the kitten is young.

Kittens are amazing when it comes to instinct. They learn quickly if not immediately to use a litter box.

The scratching, not sure what to suggest, since our cats ruined so many things growing up. So I don't have advice there.

Definitely have the vet check the kitten before allowing her in your living space.

Congrats and it really is amazing when a pet finds you unexpectedly!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

I have an english bulldog who was 5 when we introduced a rescue kitten (2 yrs old). I know people recommend a slow introduction, but we didn't really do that and found the kitten hid for a couple of days and they have been fine ever since. My dog was more interested in messing with the kitten when we were trying to hold the kitten or slowly introduce them. Someone was always home with them though for those first couple of days and we were able to baby gate off the stairs in a cape so the kitten had an easy escape route if she got uncomfortable and we put her litter and food up there. The dog couldn't get up there and the kitten was able to watch things from the high ground and get comfortable gradually so that may have helped. Happy to answer any questions you may have. Good luck!

I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

I read somewhere that a good way to introduce two animals is to put them on opposite sides of a closed door so they can sniff each other under the door and get used to the scent of each other first. Don't know if it works, lol, but sounds reasonable. For my little Thumper, a scratching post did the trick to stop him from going elsewhere. Also, he took to the litter box right away with no accidents. Good luck and enjoy!!!!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

All good tips so far.

My cats are pretty good with using the scratching post. I just rewarded their good behaviour.

One more tip-- don't play with her using your hand. If the kitten starts play biting, stop playing and replace that with a toy.

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

Posted by Domino

Posted by MayBbaby21

We spoke to a local rescue group and we are going to foster her through them and most likely adopt.
TIA!

I dont know why that is necessary since the cat was in your yard and came to you. Did they tell you if there was an adoption fee should you want to adopt after you foster the kitten that you found?

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

Thanks for all the advice. We're a few days in and so far it's going pretty well. First off, she turned out to be a he! whoops. The first night, we brought the kitten into the house in the carrier and put it in the middle of the room and let the dog and cat sniff and see each other through the door. Then DH took cat out on other side of a gate and held him for dog to sniff. My dog started licking him like crazy. It was adorable. On the floor they are fine, unless the cat starts to run. Being a spaniel, my dog has a strong chase reflex. If he ever caught anything, he'd probably lick them to death. But still, cat takes off and heads under the couch. My dog is being playful, tail wagging, but the cat will growl and hiss. The couch seems like neutral territory. They will lay on the blanket next to each other no problem. Also, if cat is calm and lying on the floor, the dog will come over and sniff him. The cat is fine with this too. I think they are going to be fine.

He seems like a pretty good kitten and likes to cuddle. He is doing well with litter box. He isn't scratching too much. He gets really playful at night, but likes his toys. When he goes after our fingers and toes, we show him the toys.

I promise pics soon! I have to upload them from camera.

Message edited 11/11/2014 1:52:24 PM.

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

This toy is a must, especially for a kitten. Amazon seemed to have it the cheapest. Walmart also has it for a good price. She will also sit in the middle. As far as furniture scratching, you must invest in one the spray bottle of the Cat Training spray. We just got new furniture and spray this on it every other day and it has been working. They will still sit on the furniture but will not scratch it. (I suggest to explore if its safe for your furniture and it won't fade the material-most are ok) I suggest having some form of scratching post toy in your living room, bedroom or any main room where all of you hang out a lot. Good Luck to you and your family.

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Message edited 11/11/2014 3:38:44 PM.

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--any tips?

It sounds like the cat and dog will be fine. That is great!!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

Updated with pics in original post.

Thanks for all the tips/advice!

I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

Adorable! I found and fostered 4 kittens 3 years ago, I kept one, my neighbors kept the other who looks just like Chad and I found homes for the other two. Chad is a lucky boy, he looks very happy and very loved!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

I love Chad

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

wow. that is one cute kitten!!!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

I love all the pictures. The one with your daughter is priceless. She is so cute....Your kitten and dog are adorable. Best of luck.

I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

Congratulations on the new addition..Chad is such a cutie!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

OMG so cute!!!!!!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

omg precious kitten!!!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

SOOOOOO cute!!!!

I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

YOU FOUND A FRIEND FOR LIFE!!!!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

OMG what a cutie!!!!

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

Thanks all! I'll admit, I never had a cat before so I didn't know what to expect, but I have totally fallen for this little guy.

Re: I think I'm going about to become a kitten owner--UPDATED with PICS

He is gorgeous and seems sooo sweet!!! Love the pic of them sleeping together (dog and cat). Love your DC holding Chad and LOVE the name. ADORABLE!! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You did a wonderful thing taking him in.