What supplies do we need for a new kitty?

[bicentennial_baby]

Ok, looks like we are getting our kitten on Sunday, hopefully. I have had cats for most of my life, but I've never had to start fresh with a new furbaby. I know we need a litter box, litter, food and water dish, food, toys...

Anything else? We're going to be bringing him home in a cat carrier, about 100 miles. What's the best way to make him as comfortable as possible? Should I just sit in the back and hold him instead? He's around 8-9 weeks old, I think. Already eating cat food, and quite plump and happy.

Thanks! :hi:

[Shakespeare]

1. *squeals*

Keep him in the carrier on the way home, even if he cries. Maybe you can sit in the back seat next to the carrier and try to comfort/distract him. Mine are 10 and 12 years old, and they still yowl like somebody's trying to kill them whenever we go for a ride in the car (in the carrier). Strangely, though, they LOVE hanging out in the carriers inside the house if I happen to leave them out. They'll fight over one, and both eventually squeeze inside. And they weight 15 and 22 pounds.

I highly recommend getting one of those corrugated cardboard scratching pads (in addition to a climbing tower if you want one of those). He probably won't have much interest in catnip until he's a little older, but a great way to train him to scratch on the pad (and not your furniture) is to sprinkle a little catnip on it.

I want PICTURES.

[bicentennial_baby]

3. I was thinking about the climbing tower...

Mainly b/c we have a carpeted apartment, and I want him to have plenty of distraction. :)

He's grey and white and a big fluffy furbaby...we wish we could get him tonight!! x(

[Mrs.Matcom]

10. ooooooooooo!!!

Kitty! Um, you have a carpeted apartment...do not introduce a 'carpeted' scratching post. Why? Because he will think that 'any' carpet is ok to scratch! Been there, done that three times before I learned. Get the cardboard or sisal kind. I have a cardboard one I lace with nip and the girls go crazy on it. They also have the sisal floor mat kitty scratchers. I just saw one at Shaws, has little tassles on the corners. too cute! you must post pix this weekend!!! PLEEEEEEEEEZE! :hug: :loveya:

[bicentennial_baby]

11. Thank you so much for that!

Duh! You rock! :D

And of course, pics for you, love... :loveya:

[Mrs.Matcom]

12. my oldest girl

used the scratching post until it got a 'little bald' in places then went right to the carpeting! Now I own my house, so it wasn't like I was going to lose my security deposit, but what a mess!!! The Vet told me 'you are teaching her to scratch on carpet, doesn't matter where it is, just as long as it is carpet she thinks she is being good'...Duh! So we have since ripped up the carpet and replaced the post, but she will still go after the area rugs. Hey, happy to help!!! Don't want you to lose your deposit! :loveya:
Thanks in advance for the pix! What are you going to name the little fur baby??

[bicentennial_baby]

13. Heehee...I'm letting Sniffa name it...

"Practice Baby"...Aka, "Baby"

His idea, I swear! :rofl:

[Sanity Claws]

2. Congratulations!

The only things I can think of to add to your list are a scooper (to scoop out the used litter), a bed, some catnip, a scratching post. Why you need a scooper is obvious. A bed is not really necessary - a cat will sleep where it wants to sleep. A soft folded towel or blanket in a quiet space in your bedroom could do. My guess is that kitten will most likely want to sleep on someone's bed. Be kind -- remember he was most likely sleeping with a litter of kittens in a pile, until you brought him home. Catnip is good for marking his toys/ sleeping area, etc. A scratching post is a good way to teach the cat where he can scratch without getting into trouble.

You might want to bring a towel with you and wrap him in it securely on the long drive home.

I wish you and your family (including its new addition) all the best.

[bicentennial_baby]

4. Great suggestions!

I forgot about the scooper, absolutely! :)

I assume he might end up in bed with us, which is fine, 2 people and 1 kitten in a queen sized bed :)


Thanks for the towel suggestion for the trip, excellent suggestion. :)

You will get pics, promise!

[grasswire]

5. a playmate?

Are you sure you can't take one of his siblings? They're so much happier in a pair, and lord knows the world needs more cats to be in good homes.

[bicentennial_baby]

6. His one sibling is 'taken'

By my Dad's nurse...But, we may add to the family, of course. :)

[Tektonik]

7. Resolve

:P


but seriously get him a lil sibling pronto!

[Catshrink]

8. A hint about catnip toys

they seem to lose their punch after a while so here's something you can do to refresh them. Get a large jar and put some catnip flakes in it. Add a few toys and set it on the shelf. Once a week or so, give the kitty the incubated toys and put another set in the jar to freshen them. It works and it saves money. I tell my kitties "fresh drugs" and they come running -- they know they're getting fresh catnip.

Another thing you might want to get is "Video Catnip." It's about two hours of backyard bird feeder footage. My cats go nuts over it -- here's a link to it on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Video-Catnip-DVD-squirrels-birds-for-Cats-Kittens_W0QQitemZ150125702660QQihZ005QQcategoryZ617QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Good luck -- and definitely post some pics!

[bicentennial_baby]

9. I like to knit my own catnip toys!

I used to do it all the time for my Mom's cats...takes about an hour, fill with catnip, seam! Cute catnip mice :)

[Mrs.Matcom]

14. Oh and a

squirt gun...keeps the little one from getting on the counters or where ever else you don't want him/her! Gentlest training tool out there. Oh and don't buy Arm & Hammer's 'multi cat' clumping litter. it is too humid here and the whole box will turn into one big clump during the summer...their other litter is awesome!

[bicentennial_baby]

15. I need a squirt gun!

Counters and herb plants (Basil and Rosemary, not *that* kind!)...You're wonderful. I hope you know that. :loveya:

[Mrs.Matcom]

19. oh gee...

:blush:

Just trying to help!

oh and I love the name! Baby P!!! :rofl:

[bicentennial_baby]

21. I simply adore the few times I get to talk with you..

U R Speshul... :P

:*

[graywarrior]

16. Subserviant uniforms. You are now slaves.

[Mrs.Matcom]

18. BWAHAHAAHHAAA! n/t

[bicentennial_baby]

20. Tell me about it...

I'm already kitty-proofing in my head... x(

[poiuytsister]

17. An empty paper bag

My boys can't wait for me to do the weekly shopping, the first bag I empty gets tossed into the living room for them to play hide and seek in.

And obviously I subscribe to the more than one cat philosophy!

[bullwinkle428]

22. Laser pointer - best $6 you will ever spend on that cat!

Trust me, this is like crack for my cat...just the jingle of the little keychain on the end of the pointer makes her start shaking with anticipation and hunkering down into a "stalking position", ready to leap at the glowing beam!