So we are thinking of getting a pet

Specifically a kitten/cat...

Anyone care to enlighten me on what I would need to care for one???? (Ive never had cats- just dogs)

Anything specific I need to know about them?

I do have a 2 yr old- who hasn't shown any allergies to any animals (he's been in others homes which had pets)

We are gonna head out to the Shelter- and take it from there..


TIA

Message edited 10/27/2007 5:49:34 PM.

Re: So we are thinking of getting a pet

If you're unsure that the 2 yo. has cat allergy, you may want to foster a kitten for now.

I have 4 cats in my lifetime and can tell ya, it's really nice to be able to cuddle up to a cat after a long day at work. Some cats are cuddlier than others so fostering one will help you test what you prefer.

I bought one cat, a birman, and foster another cat which I eventually adopted after we found out she makes a nice balance. Our foster cat actually LOVE to be held and cuddled while the other one is a very friendly but snotty pest.

Go to petfinder.com and look up some, or go on craiglist.org to find one.

Then to prepare for one, buy the cat a start kitten kit with litterbox, cat food and make or buy a cat bed.

Good luck!

Re: So we are thinking of getting a pet

I think the fostering that kimchee suggested is a great idea. It would be terrible to adopt and then find out that someone in your home has a allergy and you have to give the cat back. Thats not fair to the cat.

Personally - I would keep it separate from your DC until your cat goes to the vet. The cat should be dewormed. Some of these pests can be transferred to people. Its not a big problem for adults - because you always wash your hands. But kids put everything in their mouths.

Once your vet gives the cat 2 doses of the dewormer - you should be fine.

Cats are amazing pets. Good luck!

Message edited 10/27/2007 9:27:43 PM.

Re: So we are thinking of getting a pet

Good for you! First things first you need a litter box. Pick a large one as they like bigger boxes and try to "cover up" the mess. I use tidy cat multiple cat clumping and LOVE it. Get the deodarizer(?) litrter pan liners, and a scoop to pick it up. I clean mine every otherday and that works for us. I got a kitten from the shelter and I feed her Neutro kitten food, and wet food every other day. She was so tiny that she struggled with the hard food until she was 20wks so the soft food got us over the hump. 2 bowls one for food and 1 for water, a couple of toys, and a cat carrier. The carrier seems weird but trust me it helps for vet appointments. FM me if you need anything!!! I LOVE my kitty Daisy. There are some pics in my album along with Gus my yellow lab

Re: So we are thinking of getting a pet

If you are really considering, I have 3 rescue kittens that I am desperately trying to find homes for. They are about 16 weeks old now and very sweet. They are already litterbox trained and have had 2 doses of de-wormer.

Plus, they are Reese and Ramsey's brothers/sister (SweetTooth adopted them from me).

Please let me know if you are interested.