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I am gonna be a mum ...

Started by beckster, August 09, 2007, 02:40:17 AM

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beckster

Heya Everyone, its true - I am going to be a mum in a few weeks when I get my kittens, lol !!

I have always been more of a dog person but since my dog died in December things have been a little lonely and I am not ready for another dog.  So when one of my best friends offered me two kittens I said I would have a think about taking them and have now decided that I will take them.  Thing is that I know nothing about kittens or cats, am sure I will be fine with them but does anyone have any tips or advice for a newbie to the world of cats ?

Becky
xx
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no_id

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tinkerbell

Awww..that's so cute, Becky.  Well, at the very least, your kitties will need food, a place to sleep, a scratching post or pad, and a litter box and litter. Of course, you could get them some toys as well.  Small kitties will play with anything really.  I used to tie an old baby sock to a dental floss and they would chase it around the house.  LOL.

You could purchase a special bed for kittens, but if that isn't doable, then you can always make a bed yourself out of a cardboard box lined with towels or a small blanket. 

As far as kitty food, I'd recommend anything (perhaps IAMS or SCIENCE DIET if available) especially formulated for kittens so that they can grow strong and healthy.  Also vaccinations (i.e, feline leukemia, feline AIDS, tapeworms, hookworms, and rabies) are very important; however I don't think that kitties can get a rabies vaccine until they are eight weeks or older.

Also monthly topical medication is needed to keep them free of fleas and ticks.  My kitties are in-door; I never let them out but still sometimes fleas may get into the apartment from outside so it is always best to be prepared IMO.

Good luck and I hope you are able to post some pictures.   ;)

tink :icon_chick:
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Buffy

Just watch the breast feeding... them Kittens will have sharp teeth beckster.

Buffy

;D
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Jay

Quote from: Buffy on August 09, 2007, 03:56:40 AM
Just watch the breast feeding... them Kittens will have sharp teeth beckster.

Buffy

;D

Too Funny....

I personally don't have cats and never had a cat, something about me and cats we just dont get on..... however I would recommend lots of cuddles ;D


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Manyfaces

Forget getting them a bed; they'll be wanting to cuddle up with you in yours! 

Kittens are a world of fun; it's all about playing, whenever they're awake.   Small light toys that they can toss and chase are great; all cats love to play with a piece of string or yarn dangled for them, but put the strings away when you aren't there to supervise, because kittens especially can swallow bits of them or get tangled.  Boxes and paper bags are great fun for kittens.  Kittens are much easier than dogs, usually they instinctively use the litter box---likely you'll only have to plop them in there a time or two.  Be sure to take them to the vet for a checkup and shots, and as someone else said, keep them flea-proof.

Enjoy, and be prepared to be greatly entertained! 
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Dennis

Have the camera ready. Kittens, especially when there are two of them, do the most insanely cute things.

And post pics of course!

Dennis
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Butterfly

Kittens do best eating small amounts over the day. Maybe 3-4 small meals, let them know where their food bowl is and keep a small meal there. Your Kittens will know when they are hungry. 

Dont use your hands or feet to play with them. That will teach them to bite. Instead use a long plastic pole with something fluffy on the end to get their attention. They will also know when they have had enough play and will sleep. Try and have them sleep less during the day otherwise they will want to play all night when it's sleep time.

If they start to scratch the furniture. Pick them up and take them to their scratching pole and show them that is where they need to scratch. Just like potty training them.  How exciting!  ~laugh~
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HelenW

I was going to write all sorts of great advice and I see that everyone's pretty much beat me to it!

They will run around your rooms, chasing each other haphazardly.  Make sure all the breakables are very secure (even the ones that are pretty high - they can climb like, well, cats!).  And if you like to set up a Christmas tree for the holidays you may want to make sure you put the least favorite/expensive ornaments near the bottom.

Have fun, Beckster, two kittens in the house will certainly be an adventure.

hugs & smiles
Emelye
FKA: Emelye

Pronouns: she/her

My rarely updated blog: http://emelyes-kitchen.blogspot.com

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beckster

Thanks for the advice everyone !!

Lol, no probs with the curtains as I dont have any but I have been making the house as kitten proof as possible over the last few days !!  And that comment about breastfeeding made me laugh so much Buffy, they are so sore at the moment that I dread to think what breast feeding would actually be like  ::)

It really does sound from what you have said as though its going to be a real adventure with them.  My best friend has two cats so I think I will try and persuade her to help me bring them over from our other friends when I get them to help settle them in.  Plus, I am off work sick again at the moment so hopefully I will have a bit more time with them during the day.

Am not sure on their sleeping arrangments yet, I know once they can manage the stairs they will be wanting to snuggle on my bed but for the moment I think they will have to sleep downstairs.  And as for playing with them - I just cant wait but must admit I am always a bit scared of getting bitten or clawed by cats but suppose that's something you just have to get used to as a cat owner.  I just cant wait, its going to be so nice having them around the house and there will be plenty of pics when I get them.  ;D
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saraswatidevi

Please really read the ingredients list on any food you feed them. The vet might recommend something pricey he sells but the average vet knows about as much about animal nutrition as the average doctor knows about human nutrition. Very little. When you read the label make sure you choose something that does not contain by-products. By-products are, by definition, not the food part of the prey animal. And preferably, no grains. There is no need in cat nutrition for grains and the high carb content makes them sick. Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivors. That means they have to eat high quality protein to live. Meat. No gluten (this is what killed so many animals recently. This one of the additives that were included to increase the protein count without really adding meat. And the additives were contaminated.) Some real meat would not be out of line.

Sorry, I don't want to make you crazy. This is a hot button topic for me.

Enjoy motherhood.
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beckster

Woot, getting the kittens tomorrow evening !!!! Cant wait - watch this space for lots of cute pics.
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NickSister

Do you have any names for them?

My cats are called Elvis aka the big gay cat,  and Jelly Meat (she is what she eats).
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Suzy

Becky, we are anxiously awaiting those pics!


Kristi
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beckster

Well everyone, here is the first piccie of Smudge and Tiger ...



(Smudge is on the left and Tiger is on the right)


I brought them back from my friends this evening and they spent about 3 hours in their carrier fast asleep with the door open.   At one point I didnt think they were going to come out but since they have woken up and started to exploring they haven't sat still. 

Tiger is the brave one, she was the first one out the carrier and wandered around the living room and dinning room as though she owned the place.  Her favourite place seems to be under the TV stand and she is great at getting up the stairs but isn't so hot on getting down them.  She has enjoyed snuggling with me on the sofa and loves playing with her kitten toys.

Smudge was a little nervous to start with but once she left the carrier and started to explore she has made herself at home.  Her favourite place is on top of the printer as you can see from the picture below.  She likes climbing up the side of the sofa but seems a little confused when it comes to playing with her toys.



(Smudge on her printer)

Both kittens seems quite happy, they have eaten this evening and have taken straight to the litter tray !!  They love chasing each other and seem to find it quite easy to get into places where I cant see them, I keep thinking I have lost one of them only see a cat whizz past, lol, much to my relief.

Becky
xx
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Jaiden

Aww congrats to the new arrivals...They're adorable  :D
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Kat

Oh no... here I go.....

KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY! KITTY!



KITTY!


okay I am finished  :P
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tinkerbell

Awwwww Becky they are so precious!  I'm glad you finally got them.  They are very lucky indeed to have such a pretty mommy :)  Congratulations!

tink :icon_chick:
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Suzy

Adorable babies, Becky!

Good thing you live so far away.  There might be a cat burglar otherwise!

Kristi
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beckster

Quote from: Tink on September 07, 2007, 08:14:27 PM
They are very lucky indeed to have such a pretty mommy :)  Congratulations!


Aww, thanks Tink !!

Dear me, its certainlly has been an experience so far with the kitties but they are just so cute.  I dont know if I just need a good clean or if I taste nice but they keep licking me and nibbling me, they are just adorable.  They also seem to think that I cant use my laptop as whenever I start typing on it they just love to help out by jumping on to the keyboard.  Cross stitching will never be the same again either, all those bits of thread are an open invitation for them to start playing, lol  ;D

One of my dads cats jumped over the wall from his house next door this morning and was sat on my kitchen step with a moody look on her face whilst the kitties were having something to eat.  She often sneaks in to the house and begs for food so it will be interesting to see how they all get along.  But all is well so far, its really lifted my mood just having them around though, the house doesn't seem quite so lonely and quiet anymore !!  :)

Becky
xx
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