12 years on DU. 39K posts. And now, four words I never thought I'd type:

[Robb]

I haz ... a SQWEEE!!!!



This is Marcelle. She is my and my daughter's first kitty. She named her. We're utterly smitten.

I'll eagerly accept any words of wisdom from DU's well-catted folk. And apologies in advance for any future onslaught of kitteh pics.

[HarveyDarkey]

1. Looks like mouse poop on the sheets

Just sayin'

[LiberalElite]

4. too orderly to be poop

[Robb]

7. I have Type A mice.

(it's stitching on the comforter)

[sharp_stick]

50. I'd call it more

a bunch of diagnosed OCD mice.

Cute kitten, I've been promising my daughter one for ages and now she's starting to hold me to that promise.

[pam4water]

44. Don't troll the kitten!

[maddiemom]

57. More like scary, HUGE rat poop.

[B Calm]

105. fleas maybe?

[In_The_Wind]

2. She is adorable!

[Rhiannon12866]

3. K&R! What a little cutie! Thanks for sharing her with us!

And kudos on 39,000 posts! Here's to 39,000 more!

[Skittles]

5. SCHEDULING ROBB FOR ASS KICKING

CUTE OVERLOAD *EGREGIOUS*

[MH1]

6. SQUEEEEE!!!! what a cutie!!!

You can post pics of that cutie anytime!

[Paulie]

8. Yay!

Next picture will have said cat on Throne with human servants bringing treats.

[Triana]

9. Awwww. She's adorable!

I suggest indoor-only unless she insists on going out (and even then they can often be trained to be indoors). Kittehs are much safer from parasites & predators inside.

If she scratches stuff, note what she likes to scratch and provide it for her and train her to use her scratchin place and not other ones! Put her scratcher on or near other stuff she scratches then gently coax her to scratch her spot (and not other ones). Catnip can help kitty identify her toys and spots to scratch and rest as opposed to places where she isn't supposed to. Some kitties like cardboard. Some like wood. Some like cut carpet/rugs and some like the looped kind of carpet or rug. You can get kitty scratchers and scratching posts made of any of that or some combo. You can even make her one yourself if you're handy - that's much cheaper. Please please don't declaw!

I'd also recommend a cat tree since kitties like having a high up place to climb and sleep and watch their humans from. If she can climb and claw and scratch it and play on it, all the better! And, a box with a nice soft washable blanket or towel for her to snuggle or play in. If she likes catnip, crumble some of that in there, she'll love it!

Cats respond to positive reinforcement rather than hitting or heavy-handed scolding. A loud hand clap or whistle with a "no!" for immediately getting kitty to stop bad behavior, and consistent positive reinforcement and praise when she does what you want instead might work best. A spritz with a water-filled spray bottle also stops mischeivous kitty behavior. They hate that, yet its's harmless.

[Ednahilda]

46. You didn't mention that young kittens are often unimpressed with catnip

until they're at least a few months old. I have heard that some cats never go for it, but I've never met one like that.

The kitty is beautiful!

[Triana]

48. That's true. Some cats are never affected by catnip

at any age. I've got two. One goes nuts over it. The other one could care less!

[liberalla]

10. She's ADORABLE - look at that face! what fun and joy you have coming your way

You'll wonder how you made it all these years without a kitty in your life.

I found your post on Greatest Threads... I can never see too many kitty pics, so please post away. The Pets Group is where you'll find a welcoming crowd of cat lovers, and lots of knowledge and support if you have other questions or concerns.

My best wishes to you and your daughter with that beautiful Marcelle. Enjoy!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1161

[liberalla]

15. Check your home for little things that may look like toys to a kitten (and even adult cat)

and keep them out of reach (in a drawer or something.) Things like rubber bands, safety pins, and string or thread (hair ties) can be dangerous if swallowed. One of my cats goes crazy for dental floss (maybe it's the mint). I have to be sure and throw it away in the tall kitchen trash container because he has gotten it out of the small bathroom trash can, and that could be very dangerous if he swallowed it. (twisting, pinching or tying off a section in the intestines... bowel obstruction is very serious)

That reminds me of chicken bones--- dispose of them where a cat can NOT get to them.
When I was in high school, our cat got to the chicken bones in the garbage under the kitchen sink. My Dad had put them in an empty milk carton and thought that would be safe, but it wasn't. Took 2 or 3 days but Missy became very lethargic and obviously uncomfortable. The Vet wasn't sure what it was. The Xray (this was in the 70's) showed something in there. Luckily, a couple doses of Laxatone (I think?) got it to move along and sure enough, it was chicken bones. Missy avoided surgery but my Mom was pissed. (at my Dad)

Some plants are poisonous - Poinsettias are the first ones I always think of, but you can find complete lists online. Onions are toxic... as are some other foods.

And I agree with Triana - make her an indoor cat. They live years longer. Turning an "outdoor cat" into an "indoor cat" can be trying, but she's a kitten, and it should be easy keep her indoors.

[Ms. Toad]

49. One of our free kitties became a $1000 kitty

when she swallowed an entire bobbin of thread and the middle of the long thread anchored around her tongue so she couldn't pass it. (She had a rough go of the surgery to remove it, but survived more than a decade after that).

[narnian60]

11. What a little beauty! nt

[livetohike]

12. She's a sweetie! May you all have many years of fun

together

[zbdent]

13. Congrats on the new family member!

Hope you get nearly as many years of joy as I did ... 20 with mine.

[Shampoobra]

14. Advice: If you take her with you on the bus...

...don't let her ring the bell at every stop. She kind of looks like the type who would do that, and the bus drivers all hate it.

[amerikat]

16. Beautiful kitty

Judging by the ears and tail she just may be a long haired grey tabby.

[GoCubsGo]

17. She is adorable!

I look forward to any future onslaught of kitteh pics.

[loudsue]

18. She is so beautiful!! Cat advice: Ok. Just do everything she tells you to do

It's soooo easy!!

[hay rick]

19. Robb haz a dingcat.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[progressoid]

58. +1

[redwitch]

20. congratulations Robb!

You're not such a dingbat after all. Marcelle is definitely full of sqweee!

[Flaxbee]

21. Oh boy, it's all over for you. You're toast. You have succumbed to the cuteness of the kitty-cat

Marcelle looks like such a doll (with a streak of mischief)!

I wish you, your daughter and Marcelle much love and happiness in the years to come!

PS - More kitteh photos, please! ASAP!

[avebury]

22. She is adorable!

You know cats are like potato chips don't you? You can't stop at one. Marcelle needs a playmate for when you and your daughter aren't home.

[nikto]

42. Good point

Animals need companionship just like people.

Especially for those long hours alone in a quiet house.

Having a radio on softly in the bkgrd (with, for example, sports-talk, NOT political hate-talk)
helps too, IMO.

[eridani]

23. The only thing that could make more SQUEEE--

--is a picture of your daughter holding the kitteh.

[JohnnyLib2]

24. Lotsa fun, in between moments of calling yourself a true dingbat......

:

[mountain grammy]

25. awwwwwww. and that's from a dog lover.. what a cutie.

[SheilaT]

26. You thought life was good before this?

It's going to improve.

My only advice, other than to pay attention to what others have already said, is to simply drop from your life anyone who doesn't think cats are the best. Seriously.

I'm envious. I used to have three cats, and they have since gone on to that great litter box in the sky. Or wherever they go. Right now my life is simpler without a feline companion, but someday, someday.

[maddiemom]

56. And if you have visitors, your cat will automatically go to the one who is not a cat lover

and make him/herself a nuisance.

[NRaleighLiberal]

27. words of wisdom? Enjoy! The teeny kitty part goes by way too fast...

your toes will get nibbled. You will be awoken early. As you sleep, kitty will play.

You know about entropy? Kitties create disorder.

You will want another at some point....and another....

signed, owner of two dogs and three cats and probably adding more someday soon!

[maddiemom]

63. My former neighbor, who had no children and never had a pet, let alone a cat,

reluctantly took in an adult cat from a friend who was moving. After about a month of adjustment on both parts, she told me that she didn't know how she'd lived without a cat all those years. The macho male cat haters, who would brag about trying to run over cats on the road, seem to be dying out. Most of my daughter's male (30 something) friends) are cat owners. An amazing number of fictional private eye types have cats (tough, independent ones, of course--as many cats are). All of us who have any love for animals adore kittens. Adult cats are a whole 'nother story---and an never-ending education in themselves.

[NJCher]

28. that has to be

One of the cutest cats I've seen in a long time, and I do my share of looking at cat photos, let me assure you.

Congratulations, Robb, and to your daughter, too.

Cats are endless amusement. I just walked back from the other end of my house and saw my three hanging out together. There's just something really funny about some cats that have to guard the bird seed that is stored in the entry way. They think a mouse is going to come and break into the bird seed bag. They will sit there for hours and hours waiting for what I call the "mousie boy."


Cher

[Samantha]

29. She is beautiful and I know just the right boyfriend for her

His name is Dane, and he is one of "Nikita's kids." About four months ago, a cat adopted me. I had never had a cat, just dogs. So I started writing threads for cat-savvy DU'ers asking for advice. If you want the links, I would be happy to give them to you. They are filled with questions and answers by DU's extremely cat-savvy experts, and the advice these members gave me got me through the whole experience. Oh yes, and Nikita was pregnant and delivered 5 kittens. Dane is a real sweetie-pie.

I am sure you will experience a lot of joy from the new addition to your family. Congratulations.

Sam

[Blue Owl]

65. Another keeper!

What an adorable kitty!

[Shrike47]

30. Cats (and other pets) can make your life so much richer. Congrats!

We got two kittens a year ago. Which is why we have chicken wire over the fireplace.

They make me smile.

[maddiemom]

60. Good advice. We had our fireplace openings enclosed. Ever had a bird come

down the chimney? Crazy-making for cats and no picnic for you to take care of.

[2naSalit]

31. Oh!

She's beeeyoootiefull!!



Makes me miss my lunathe2nafish... who used to like to scratch on firewood sections with the bark on them when I converted her to an indoor only cat at five years old. I found her in a hay barn and she was kind of wild when I got her so after I got her spayed I gave her a pet door and she patrolled the yard like a sentry every night before going to bed! Sadly, after we moved to a new home where there were owls, the first night she got out and they got her.

I agree that if you start her as an indoor kitty she'll be safer... or have an outdoor playpen similar to a dog run but smaller mesh including on top, she can still enjoy being "out" sometimes.

I hope you have many happy years with your new bundle of joy!!

[nolabear]

32. Say goodbye to furniture and dignity

Well worth it.

[hrmjustin]

33. Too cute!!!

I got 5 of them and they give me joy everyday.

[laundry_queen]

34. Aw.

She's totally adorable. I love little kitties but I'm severely allergic so I can't have any. Instead, a few months ago we got a non-shedding dog that is probably smaller than your kitteh, LOL. I love wee baby animals. Good luck and looking forward to the photo onslaught. If I can't have a kitteh, I can live vicariously through your kitteh pictures.

[orleans]

35. she is so beautiful

i wish all of you a long and happy life together

[backwoodsbob]

36. as many have already pointed out..kitty proof

no small objects within reach...things you would say she will never look at will be the thing she will decide is the coolest shiny evah.
If you play games with string NEVER let her walk away with it....she will try to eat it

NO CHICKEN BONES EVER!!!!!

NO CHOCOLATE!!!

as she gets older she will find her own *safe* spots to relax...when she is in her *safe* spot make sure the daughter knows she want's to be left alone to relax.

If you decide to get her catnip dont be a cheap bastage and buy the preloaded toys.Get her FRESH catnip and put it in a toy you can reload as needed.You will understand the first time she gets some fresh catnip...crack for cats

ABOVE ALL..remember cats aren't dogs...she will decide when and if she wants attention and forcing the issue just stresses her.Let her have her freedom and she will come to you for attention and she will love you that much more for it.

SHE IS BEAUTIFUL...enjoy her

[Locut0s]

37. As I dog lover I have to say she's hard to resist!...

So cute!! Congrats. You will have lots of fun loving memories to come!

[backwoodsbob]

38. oh one other thing

this wont apply to every cat but many like bones just as much as dogs do.

NO CHICKEN BONES

Some cats like things like babyback rib bones and such to chew on and parade around just like a dog would.Not all cats like bones but many do

[davidpdx]

39. Very cute

I'm jealous.

[mnhtnbb]

40. Definitely a sqweee!

What a cutie!

[nikto]

41. Get her a buddy!

There will be times when she will be left alone at home for many hours at end.

If you quickly get another kitty, they will easily adjust to each other and be company for each other
when the humans are out for the day.
Perhaps another female?

The sooner you get cat #2, the easier the adjustment will be.

Animals need companionship, just like people.

If you get another kitty now, they will be companions for each other for most of their lives.

IMO, this makes a HUGE difference in the quality of life, for HER.

And it is truly a blast (and funny as hell) having 2 cats.

I have 2 cats, a male and a female. They aren't super smoochey/lovey-dovey with each other,
but get along with each other just fine, and are good companions,
and often hang out in the same room, or near each other when outside in my enclosed back yard.
Occasionally, I have seen them sleeping right next to each other on the couch (in winter, when the heat is down at night).

2 cats are not really much more work/hassle than 1 cat.

And you will feel better about being away and leaving them alone for the day, or more than 1 day.

I also, when out until late, or for more than 1 day, leave a radio or tv on, softly but audibly, with a sports-talk station on it, and the (again, NOT loud), continuous sound of a human voice
in the background is comforting to them, I have read, and I believe it is true.

Just my 2 cents.

Enjoy your pretty kitty!
(And think about my suggestion)

[meti57b]

45. Yes, definitely get her a buddy, and also, stock up on Quake Hold.....

seriously.

http://www.quakehold.com/

[NuclearDem]

52. This. Totally agree with this.

I adopted a four month old kitten a few years back. I lived with my friend who had adopted two puppies at about the same time, and I'll never forget the moment I walked in and saw all three of them curled up together on the couch for a nap.

[maddiemom]

55. As to leaving her alone, the real advantage with cats is that they can be left alone overnight or

for a couple of days(but best to have someone check on them if more than overnight). Just leave extra litter, maybe an extra box, and plenty of dry food and water. We have had only one of many cats who would pig out on dry food, which is better for healthy teeth. We give ours only a dollop of soft food as a breakfast treat. Here again, better to have another cat as a companion early on, as others have pointed out.

[Arugula Latte]

84. Yes! Two kitties together -- totally agree.

She's young and could really use a playmate/buddy.

[tclambert]

43. Don't worry about training. The kitten will have you trained in no time.

[life long demo]

47. Awwww. Such a cutie

Hello Marcelle and welcome to DU. We love kittehs and doggies and all the other members of the non-human animal world.

[NuclearDem]

51. So. Damn. Cute.

I'm having such a squee here I think I need to go throw a rock at something to reclaim some manliness.

[CRH]

53. Welcome to becoming a slave, ...

Soon you be thinking what I say to myself every day.

If there is life after death, I want to return as a pampered house cat.

Ah, wisdom, let me see, ...

- play with her but be gentle, or her play will get rougher when she is not in the mood.
- don't over vet her, let her be natural except for extreme illness or injury.
- try to keep her in for a large portion of the night, less fights less vets.
- control her reproduction, spay when appropriate, for all concerned. Sex for cats is instinctual, not for pleasure; it is male dominate, aggressive, rough and totally lacking affection. Only instinct and hormones drive the action, and she will be subservient to hormones three or more times a year, for many years.
- don't punish her for being a kitten/cat, distract her instead.
- part two for the above; don't allow her absolute rule, even slaves have rights, or should.
- don't over feed, if she starts to get fat cut back on the food.
- realize her power over you (slave), but respect she needs your help and care too.
- give her affection, and realize, she will return it, when she is in the mood.
- have fun with her, she is certainly going to have fun with her new human toy.
- cats have memory when they want to, cats ignore you when they want to.
- enjoy, kept well and respected for what they are, cats are great companions.

[maddiemom]

54. What a sweetheart! But next up: she'll definitely need a companion kitty.

[Myrina]

59. Get thyself to the Pets Forum ...

.. lots of furr kid families over there, lots of answers to questions you probably don't know you have yet.

[benld74]

61. Oohhh she looks like a stinker~who cannot do wrong,,,,

[Raffi Ella]

62. awwwwwwww!

She's SO cute.

[aquamarina]

64. Oh lordy she is cute.

Enjoy the many years of fun you are going to have with this sweet little dolly.

[Blue Owl]

66. K&R

Congrats on the new addition -- wonderful!

[Enthusiast]

67. What a cute kitteh!

Marcelle......lol.

[Scuba]

68. Tough guy, eh? Yet a kitten melts your heart.

[Rob H.]

69. Congratulations!

I've had cats all my life, and you and your daughter are in for a treat.

My only words of wisdom are that kittens sometimes hit a phase where everything not bolted to the floor is a toy and they can be a little destructive. You might come home to a shredded roll of paper towels or a pile of toilet paper where they've pulled every bit of the roll off onto the floor. It also pays to make sure you don't have any plants that are toxic to cats where she can get to them because they sometimes chew on and eat them, too. Other than that, enjoy and take lots of pictures. Cats are the best and Marcelle is a doll.

[CrispyQ]

70. She already reigns.

She's adorable & what a lovely name!

Scratches!

[snagglepuss]

71. So so sqwee. Don't declaw her but starting early clip her claws with a human toe nail clipper.

Last edited Fri Sep 6, 2013, 12:03 PM - Edit history (1)

My mom got a kitty and my sister was adament that Misha should be declawed. I fought hard becasue no one believed me when I said cats nails can be easily clipped. You just take the tiniest amount off the front paws, no need to touch the back as kittehs do the trimming of the back claws themselves. Many many reasons not to declaw, one good reason is that if kitteh it ever escapesit can climb a tree if attacked.


Get kitteh used to a leash. Again I fought for this and my mom couldn't be happier taking Misha out into the yard. Misha took the the leash immediately, as if he knew it what it was for. Even if you never plan to take kitteh outside it's good to accustom her to a leash should there ever be a time you need to travel with puss, with kitteh on you can hop out of a car to let her do her poop. Resulting in one happy puss and one odor free car. Win Win for everyone.

[Lithos]

80. +1

Do not declaw... It's very cruel surgery equivalent to taking the ends of your finger a the knuckle. Do as snagglepuss suggests, start early with trimming them with a toe nail clipper. They will get used to it. Our cats actually like the experience as we also brush them and treat them at the end.

There are few things you should never keep in your house or make available to your cat. Thread, rubber bands. Some house plants are very poisonous to cats, same with some human food. Never feed your cat anything that has onion, garlic, chocolate or grapes with it.

Also, get her shots and spay her at the appropriate times. The Vet can help you here to know when. Also remember cats are obligate carnivores. Stick to wet food and make sure it's balanced and does not have more than about 10% carbohydrates (less is better). Oh, and cats do not make their own Taurine, so make sure whatever you buy has it.

[hopemountain]

97. ++ ^^

excellent & important info

and - if you have blinds or long ties for drapes, do not leave them dangling. my friend's dear cat met a horrible, miserable fate "playing" with them.

brush your kitty every day. my kitty loves a gentle brushing. she asks for it with a gentle paw on the brush. i use a natural bristle brush and it has really helped keep down the amount of cat hair on EVERYTHING.

[Major Nikon]

72. That particular model has an off button

[many a good man]

73. Robb finally jumps the shark

What a dingbat.

[Curmudgeoness]

74. Squeeeee! What a beauty!

If you run into problems or have questions, come to the Pets Group......we will be glad to help. You have a lot of fun and frustration ahead of you. I hope you have a scratching post----with sisal.

[Jim Lane]

75. Another practical tip: the enclosed spaces issue.

Cats, especially young kittens, are very inquisitive, especially about places they normally can't get to. In addition, most of them seem to have a particular affinity for enclosed spaces. If you open a closet, put something in, and close it, you might be locking Marcelle inside unless you were vigilant. Keep this in mind with regard to closets, drawers, cupboards, etc. Some cats will often try to get into the refrigerator whenever it's opened, just because it's usually not open and they want to explore it.

A related tip: When it comes to her trying to get into enclosed spaces, remember that she's very small. She can get into places where you and your daughter wouldn't even think there were places.

[Autumn Colors]

101. Think cabinet safety latches, too

If Marcelle starts trying to open lower cabinets in the kitchen, please invest in some toddler safety latches, esp. for any cabinet containing cleaning supplies, trash bags, etc.

[steve2470]

76. " Poll question: "Robb is a Dingbat" (semi-serious) "

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x550686

[Liberal Veteran]

77. We are the Felines.

Lower your shields and surrender your home. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile.

Ha-ha! You've be assimilated.

[nclib]

78. Absolutely adorable

Great picture!

[underpants]

79. Maine coon cat?

We have our Pepper and she is awesome

[tartan2]

81. OMG what a beauty!!

I love kitties and even when they reach their adult cat size they still have alot of kitty in them. Just remember you are not the pet owner, the kitty/cat is the pet owner and you're the pet!!!

[AllenVanAllen]

82. Yeah, my wife did the same thing to me. I'm doomed.

And once those kitties sink their little claws into your heart....they hold on tight and never let go!







"LOVE ME GOD DAMMIT....LOVE MEEEEEE!!!"

[Arugula Latte]

83. Yay! Adorable kitty!

Congratulations!

Kitties make life worth living.

I don't know if you've been around kitties much, but if you look them in the eye and squint slowly, they will return the squint. It communicates -- "hey, I'm feeling good, I like you, all is well, we're buddies."

[WoodyD]

85. Thank goodness . . .

because the interwebs are seriously deficient in cat-related content.

[billh58]

86. Congrats Robb

and enjoy your new family addition.

[Bertha Venation]

87. Congratulations, Robb.

[Nay]

88. What. A. Doll. Baby. Congrats on the new family member -- kittens are SO much fun! nt

[MadrasT]

89. Yes you sure do haz a squeeeeee

Bring on the pictures

[Liberal_in_LA]

90. that fancy comorter will soon be plucked

[gopiscrap]

91. Congrats

I have a wonderful cat named Stewie (my son named him after the character on Family Guy) he is 8 years old and was abandoned at a pet store when he was about 3-4 weeks old. He had to be fed around the clock for about 3 weeks. What we did with him was do a huge amount of human cuddling and also passed him around to everyone we knew. It helped that he was born labor day of John Kerry campaign beceuse we always had lots of people around. He is still very very social and loves to cuddle.

[niyad]

92. awwww, what an absolutely ADORABLE little girl. all the advice given here is very good--keep her

an indoor kitteh, and give her a playmate soon.

and don't worry, those of us who are kitteh and squeee lovers know there is no such thing as too many kitteh pics.

[47of74]

93. AWWWWW

Such a beautiful kitty!

[Mz Pip]

94. Kitty proof your house plants

Kitties love to play in the dirt and often use a houseplant instead of a litter box. There were many times I found a pot with dirt dug up and flung around the room. They do out grow that eventually but it can be messy until they they do.

On my large potted tree I put pine cones all around the dirt. Kitties couldn't walk on them so stay out of the pot.

And I agree about getting her a playmate. They do enjoy each others company and watching them play is great fun.

[woo me with science]

95. I like the name.

I've never met a girl kitty named Marcelle before.

She's lovely.

[Left Coast2020]

96. Permission to keep that pic to my screensaver collection.

I'd be scared to death of having my own as I tend to get to attached to the critters. Then I get heart broken when something bad happens.

[calimary]

98. Awwww... what a cutie!!!

More kitteh pics would be much enjoyed and appreciated!

[mike_c]

99. kittens are the finest form of life on Earth....

I envy you!

[Arugula Latte]

103. Yes. Kittens are perfection -- the apex of evolution.

[Autumn Colors]

100. OMG!!!!! (and a tidbit of advice)

She is adorable!!!!!

We adopted two shelter cats almost 2 years ago. Best thing we ever did was invest in the Breeze litterbox system and a Litter Locker. Breeze refills can be pricey but it will absolutely keep your place free of litterbox smell or litter scattered all over the place. You might need to get her some kind of a little ramp to get into the box until she gets bigger. The litter is pellets which do stick to any soft poop and the pee drains into a lower tray that has a special pad in it. The pee and smell stay down there in the pad. The only thing that will smell is the poop right after she goes. We have two litterboxes and two cats. We scoop the pans daily, change the pads weekly, clean the box weekly (litterbox wipes work well), and a package of pellets in each box generally last two weeks unless someone's having some "digestive issues". Once in a while, a pellet will exit with the cat, but they're big, easily seen and tossed back into the pan. One word of caution ... DO be on the lookout for one of them if you're barefoot or in socks because they hurt if you step on them. Neither of our cats seemed to mind walking on the pellets at all. They started using this box without a problem.

Litterbox looks like this (but we don't keep the scooper there):


The Litter Locker will save you trips to take poop out to the garbage can. We found that the refills for this were way too expensive, but that the refills for the Diaper Genie were a perfect fit and cheaper, so we use those). The scooper that comes with the Litter Locker doesn't work well with the Breeze pellets, so we just put the Breeze scooper in the little scoop holder on the Litter Locker. The smell stays inside this thing while it's closed. That looks like this:



We're trying to switch our cats over to raw food because one has a lot of allergies. It's expensive, but if you can afford it, try it. Our vet's been very supportive and says that he sees so many less issues with cats on raw food diets.

Lastly, we started ordering all our kitty supplies from this online place http://www.chewy.com They're amazing! We had tried our kitties on a brand of dry food and allergy kitty seemed fine, so we ordered a second bag. Then she refused to eat it, but we hadn't opened the new bag yet. I called to see if we could return the unopened bag and they credited us the full price and told us TO DONATE THE FOOD TO A LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER.

Others' advice about scratching, getting a cat tree, etc are all great. I'll offer an additional word of caution about kitten-proofing the house. Check to see what her reaction is to plastic (i.e. bags). Our allergy cat chews on them and EATS the pieces!!! We've had to make sure she cannot get to any plastic bags or anything with soft plastic wrap on it (i.e. soft vinyl sleeves for CDs). Our other cat couldn't care less about plastic.

And I agree 100% with Marcelle being indoor only and NO DECLAWING.

Have fun! Your life is going change for the better!

EDIT: These are our babies, Aja ("Asia&quot and Isis

[trof]

102. SQWEEE!!!! gets 102 repilies and 111 recs.

The Lounge does love it's SQWEEE!!!


But seriously...cute blue eyed kitty.
Hope it has a good disposition.
Our daughter had a cat-from-hell that bit strangers.

All the best,
trof

[Iwillnevergiveup]

104. You got yourself a winner, Robb

Congratulations to you and your daughter.

I wholeheartedly agree with everyone who suggested getting Marcelle a companion. Just a thought: if you got a male, you could name him Marceau.

[Flaxbee]

107. lol! Marceau!

[Hotler]

106. You need one more.

It's best to have them in pairs.