Getting a cat. Need startup advice.

[Peacemaker]

Sliding your feet more is important since a cats truly favorite place to be is right under your feet.

QFT. And the little buggers sometimes like to attack your shoes (especially loose laces) without warning. Has anyone else also had the kamikaze kind who leap on you from bookcases or other heights?

Haven't had that myself, but my ex has one that has figured out how to open the freezer door at night. That's so lovely to wake up in the morning.

And mine know where the Q-Tips are and how to open drawers.

 

[trekkiedane]

After having seen a video on YouTube I (re)searched it and found an instruction-set on how to teach cats to do their business on a human toilet -which is what I'd do if my cat couldn't do her business on the big loo (the outdoors).
For litter (in those situations where I'm not home for a day or two) I use compacted saw-dust; it weighs a lot less than any other kind of litter I've been able to find

Right, cats will sleep anywhere they like... but some of the preferred places are on high ground and/or in a 'small' confined place (others have mentioned this: cardboard boxes and paper shopping bags for some unfathomable cat-reason seem to be favourites ).

Any orchards near where you live? If so (and you have the room for it) see if you can get a big branch from an old apple-tree (possibly for free): Mount it (securely) on a wall (in a corner?) and let the cat scratch and climb to it's hearts delight... not only is it more decorative than most of the buy our crappy cat-stuff-models around it's also bound to be cheaper.
(You should add one or two (padded) 'shelves' or 'caves' for the cat to lie on/in though.)



Good thing you put up this thread it reminded me it's time for the annual visit to the vet!

 

[MacLeod]

^I found my cat liked to curl up on sleep on my bed.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Try different kinds of litter. I've lived in small apartments, and I've had the best luck with World's Best Cat Litter and Nature's Miracle.

And Nature's Miracle is a lifesaver for any upsets or messes you might have along the way. All of their products are great.

I had to use World's Best Cat Litter. My parents use a different brand with their cat, that I just CANNOT tolerate because of the dust. World's Best does virtually no dust. If you get it, though, consider getting the Arm & Hammer litter box deodorizer, since it doesn't absorb the smell as well as your more "typical" litter brands.

A scratching post--multiple scratching posts--and cat trees if possible, are a MUST.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Have you sourced out a vet yet? Be sure you have a good relationship with your vet. You will hopefully only see your vet when you need to bring your cat in for its annual vaccinations, but you still want a vet who genuinely cares for your pet and with whom you get along.

This is VERY important. I didn't know it when I adopted my cats, but I turned out to have adopted two cats with special needs (one with an incurable respiratory virus and the other with severe allergies). Having a good relationship with the vet saved me a lot of time, money, and heartache.

Bear in mind--you are committing to the cat NO MATTER WHAT. If you cannot handle finding out that you have one or even two special-needs animals, either financially or emotionally, then do not get an animal. Sorry to be tough about that, but that's how I feel. They're not toys to be dumped when it gets inconvenient.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Sorry for one more post in a row...

for the litter tray itself, i used to use an office document tray.

So did you call it your outbox?

 

[Sheep]

Never owned a cat before. All my pets were always in a cage or aquarium.

What kind of litter box should I get? I've been looking at the automated ones but the user reviews aren't helpful as they're either gushing over how great they are or crying that they're the worst thing in human history.

I've never been a fan of the automated boxes as the automated parts tend to break prematurely, leaving you with an overpriced regular litterbox. Also some cats are afraid of the noise that the cleaning mechanism makes.

Covered vs. open boxes: If you adopt an older cat who's already been trained, it might not know how to use a covered box (like my cats who wouldn't go in it, meaning I had to remove the cover and use it as a regular box).

One more litterbox thing you might want to keep in mind is to get a box that has high sides. One of my cats is a high pee-er who occasionally overshoots the top of the box. For this reason, I also got some grippy rubber material to put under the boxes to make cleaning easier.

Do cats need a place to sleep like their own personal pet bed? One person told me cats will sleep anywhere.

Most cats pick out a handful of places to sleep and will regularly crash in those spots (usually a soft padded spot that's not in a high-traffic area). Mine occasionally use their beds but that's the exception and not the rule.

I don't know how scratchy or clawy the cat will be, so would a play tree thing be a good investment from the start?

Yes.

Would a pet gate be a good idea so they don't get out when the front door is open or will they just jump over it?

Unless you're talking about a full-on screen door, pet gates are largely useless to keep cats from entering/exiting an area.

EDIT #2: http://derpycats.tumblr.com/post/26581428442

Keep us updated!

EDIT:

I would like to say one other thing that I learned this year. If your cat throws up after eating, this is normal. They are cleaning their throat, according to our family vet who concedes it is one of many ideas on why they do this. They will throw up on a surface that is solid, will do it at least twice a month, and will always throw up on the most expensive carpet, again according to our family vet.

Huh, I never knew that. I just thought the infrequent vomiting was due to eating too quickly, which one of my guys tends to do all the time. Good to know!

 

[captcalhoun]

Sorry for one more post in a row...

for the litter tray itself, i used to use an office document tray.

So did you call it your outbox?

never occurred to me. good one.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

I want more cats.

So do I, but the only other animal our cat ever tolerated was her own sister, who had to be put to sleep 2 1/2 years ago. Our dog's been trying to make friends with our cat for 5 years now, but the cat still hates him. In fact, she hates every other non-human creature on the planet, so for her sake we're not getting any other cats for now.

When I had to adopt Teacake I figured my 9 year old boy cats would make her life hell. They love each other (they're brothers) but they HATE all other animals. However Teacake was such a bitch and so semi-feral if she didn't know you I knew no one else would take her. Much to my shock she has established her place here and other than the occasional skirmish they leave her alone. They even sleep within 5 feet of each other at times. She claims prime positions too. The boys are now consumed with making sure they keep re-establishing their territory, it's been very exciting for them, LOL.

If you do get another one Macloudt you could have a kitten. Your old cat won't attack a kitten and will be tolerant though careful to make sure the kitten knows she is the Alpha cat of the household. The kitten will grow up in a subordinate position and be no threat to the old cat, as long as you don't end up with a huge male.

 

[Crusher Disciple]

Try different kinds of litter. I've lived in small apartments, and I've had the best luck with World's Best Cat Litter and Nature's Miracle.

And Nature's Miracle is a lifesaver for any upsets or messes you might have along the way. All of their products are great.

I had to use World's Best Cat Litter. My parents use a different brand with their cat, that I just CANNOT tolerate because of the dust. World's Best does virtually no dust. If you get it, though, consider getting the Arm & Hammer litter box deodorizer, since it doesn't absorb the smell as well as your more "typical" litter brands.

Really? I had great odor control with World's Best. I tried both with the cats, and I think since Nature's Miracle is softer to walk on, they really preferred it more.

But I wanted to use World's Best cause it's much much better at hard clumping.

I let them have their way, though. I don't want to piss them off about litter, and they're always so good natured about everything else I put them through.

 

[Mary Ann]

I want more cats.

So do I, but the only other animal our cat ever tolerated was her own sister, who had to be put to sleep 2 1/2 years ago. Our dog's been trying to make friends with our cat for 5 years now, but the cat still hates him. In fact, she hates every other non-human creature on the planet, so for her sake we're not getting any other cats for now.

When I had to adopt Teacake I figured my 9 year old boy cats would make her life hell. They love each other (they're brothers) but they HATE all other animals. However Teacake was such a bitch and so semi-feral if she didn't know you I knew no one else would take her. Much to my shock she has established her place here and other than the occasional skirmish they leave her alone. They even sleep within 5 feet of each other at times. She claims prime positions too. The boys are now consumed with making sure they keep re-establishing their territory, it's been very exciting for them, LOL.

If you do get another one Macloudt you could have a kitten. Your old cat won't attack a kitten and will be tolerant though careful to make sure the kitten knows she is the Alpha cat of the household. The kitten will grow up in a subordinate position and be no threat to the old cat, as long as you don't end up with a huge male.

I'm glad to hear your Teacake tolerates your other cats. My main fear with Holly is not so much that she'd beat the crap out of any other cat, but that she voices her displeasure by urinating on beds. She's ruined quite a lot of bedding since we adopted her, and while she hasn't done The Nasty for several years it's not a habit I want her to re-establish. We may consider a kitten, though, if some become available for adoption.

 

[Gov Kodos]

Sliding your feet more is important since a cats truly favorite place to be is right under your feet.

QFT. And the little buggers sometimes like to attack your shoes (especially loose laces) without warning. Has anyone else also had the kamikaze kind who leap on you from bookcases or other heights?

Haven't had that myself, but my ex has one that has figured out how to open the freezer door at night. That's so lovely to wake up in the morning.

And mine know where the Q-Tips are and how to open drawers.

We had a couch that had a spread that went just about to the floor. The cat loved hiding under there and attacking unsuspecting feet. On a side note, DK publishing has a book 'The Encyclopedia of the Cat' by Bruce Fogle which the OP might like, or others for that matter. It is a lovely book.

 

[PopBoy]

CATS ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!! Have an amazing time with this new addition ta ya household.

 

[Mary Ann]

For lessons in the realities of cat owning, you can't beat Simon's Cat:

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s13dLaTIHSg[/yt]

 

[trekkiedane]

^Indeed, Simon really catches all the joys of living with a cat.

I just made an appointment with the vet to have my Füb come for her (second) annual check-up and shots...

It'll probably cost me in the neighbourhood of $ 60-70 -and that's just one of the many fascinating things you have to be prepared to do when you have an 'outdoor' cat

 

[Spot's Meow]

I attempt to write this as my cat stands on the desk in front of the monitor. Cats also love keyboards and blocking the television when possible.

First off, as others have said, no need to buy a specific cat bed, lots of toys, expensive feeders or automated litter boxes. These things will either break or go unused. Cats will pick out certain spots they like to lay in and frequent them often. You will have little to no choice in this matter - in fact, if you attempt to remove your cat from a specific spot, they will just go right back, or if that isn't possible they will find an even more irritating place to call their own.

A gate will be meaningless to a cat; they are (most of them) great jumpers, very nimble, and able to get through doors and into spots that you would have never thought possible. You will find yourself saying, "how the hell did you get in there?!" on more than one occasion.

The main thing to keep in mind is that cats very much have different and unique personalities, so you may want to hold off on investing in certain things until you know what they like. For example, I've had cats in the past that would only scratch carpet posts, and cats that would only scratch cardboard items. I've had cats that loved people food, especially drinking my leftover cereal milk, and it was a constant fight to get them to leave me alone while eating. And then I have my current cats, who couldn't care less about people food. I have two cats now, and one of them always darts to the front door and cries to get out when we open it, and the other doesn't care to go outside at all. I've had cats that will use any litter, and cats that were very picky and only used a certain brand. One of my cats loves sleeping in little cubbies and dark holes, and the other always needs to be out near the humans or he gets lonely and starts howling for us. Some like the fake mice, some prefer dangling things. Some cats love to be out among the people, others will hide under the bed all day long. Each cat will present its own challenges as well, such as my cat that eats plastic until it makes him sick, so we have to hide every plastic bag before he gets to it. Or my other cat who is jumpy and squirmy and can't sit still, so it's difficult to cuddle with her. And that's really special and different as well - the way you bond with each cat will be different.

So really, it is hard for anyone to give you great advice, until you've brought the kitty home and gotten a sense for who they are. Luckily cats are a lot easier to potty train than puppies are. With both of my cats, the minute we set them down in their new litter box they just "knew" what to do and have ever since. One of my cats has gone to the bathroom outside of the box a couple of times, but only when he's really pissed at us...that sounds funny, but it's true. Cats can be real bitches when they don't get their way.

But honestly, having a cat is so rewarding that you will forget about that kind of stuff.

Let's see...you will also want to buy a cat carrier. Doesn't have to be an expensive one, the simple plastic ones will usually do fine. Also buy a special mat or carpet (sold in litter aisles) to go near the litter box so that it catches the stuff the cat drags out with its feet. Buy a brush to cut down on shedding (and cats usually find brush time a treat). They love sleeping in boxes and bags. Some mix of dry and wet food is probably best.

Also, keep in mind that both you and the cat will need time to get into a routine. If things don't seem to be going according to schedule at first (i.e. the cat wakes you up every morning at 4 am), don't freak out, it will get better over time as you learn each other schedules and form your new rituals.

Have fun with your new kitty. I hope that everything goes well for the both of you!

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

If you get a carrier...go for the top-loading kind, if possible. Let gravity work for you when you have to get a reluctant cat who's spreading their paws and claws to try to do the "I'm too big for this opening" act.

 

[Spot's Meow]

If you get a carrier...go for the top-loading kind, if possible. Let gravity work for you when you have to get a reluctant cat who's spreading their paws and claws to try to do the "I'm too big for this opening" act.

I think it was Miss Chicken who once mentioned a great way of getting the cat into the carrier - holding the carrier so that the the opening is facing up (assuming it's not top-loading to begin with) and then wrapping the cat in a towel and dropping them through the hole. Works every time!

 

[trekkiedane]

If you get a carrier...go for the top-loading kind, if possible. Let gravity work for you when you have to get a reluctant cat who's spreading their paws and claws to try to do the "I'm too big for this opening" act.

I've heard of this behaviour before, but never encountered it; all cats that I've known love their carriers -to the extent that they use them for 'beds'.

The trick is to let the carrier (with a bit of carpet or a blanket in it) just stand somewhere where the cat can get to (and into) it and most cats will then treat the box as they would any box: make it their own and possibly even use it for a bed.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

I remember when I got one of my big males spayed. He was well under a year but still very big and heavy. I had a lightweight cat carrier from the RSPCA made out of some corrugated material. The vet told me the cat must not go outside for a certain amount of days because of his stitches etc.. and I had everything ready at home for this unpleasant housebound experience before him. He was very calm going to the vet, very calm when I picked him up, very calm on the bus ride back. We got within 10 feet of the house when he suddenly EXPLODED in the carrier, shredding a huge hole in it and falling out onto the street. He took off like a rocket, LOL. He did come in later that evening and went to his confinement room however.

So yeah.. get a decent carrier.