Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with kitten

Why is my feverish kitten twitching?

wo — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:19:17 -0800

Why is my feverish kitten twitching? My 9 month old kitten has had a fever since Sunday. I took her to the emergency vet when she didn't seem to get better on Sunday, and he gave her some antibiotics and an antiinflammatory, and a subcutaneous fluid injection t okeep her hydrated.

Today (Monday) I brought her to my regular vet because she wasn't any better-- still not eating or drinking. She still had a fever, and my regular vet took blood and gave her another fluid injection-- she thinks it might be a virus. She gave me a syringe and suggested I try force-feeding her some high-nutrient wet food if she doesn't start eating on her own. Since she refused food when I got home, I followed the vet's orders and have given her three syringes full of food (mixed with a bit of water)-- 30mL each-- over two sittings.

Now she's doing this weird twitching thing. Her skin and paws twitch, then she starts frantically licking it. Her ears twitch wildly and she starts shaking her head. It comes and goes in little fits... is it just from the stress of the last two days?

Thanks in advance for any help.

I haven't seen one of these in a while...

tybstar — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:46:44 -0800

We need a name for a kitten, before he's not a kitten anymore. We adopted a little (for now) Maine Coon kitten and so far we haven't managed to keep a name stuck to him. Pictures! Details below. He is a very high-energy kitty. He loves water: he'll hop up onto the side of the tub and lick at the faucet after we've showered, and he loves it if we splash a bit of water on the floor in the kitchen doing dishes. He's going to be a big kitty--he's growing by a pound every two weeks, and if he does have significant Maine Coon blood in him, he'll keep growing slowly for a few years.

I want to call him Sylvester McMonkey McBean, but Ms. Tybstar doesn't like that. Something short and two-syllable would be perfect. Previous animal names have included: Speedy, Sorsha, and Minerva. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Cat Drama. The cat's the sane one.

cgg — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:22:44 -0800

What is the best way to get my mom a kitten? Obviously, it's not quite that simple. Warning, overly long description of a ridiculous problem ahead. My mom has a cat. A spayed female 7 year old calico cat that's scared of everything thats not my mom or dad (and even then, its sorta of hit and miss). She's not affectionate, won't cuddle, runs away from spiders and other neighborhood cats, and is generally a little neurotic. This cat used to be mine, but my parents took her in when I moved, and then, oddly enough, didn't want to give her back. My mom adores this cat, and all her quirks. Thats not the problem.

However, my mom is getting older, is a total cat person, and is worried this will be her "last cat". Given our family history with cats longevity, this one's probably got at least another decade in her. Trouble is, my mom really, really wants a cat that is affectionate and cuddly and all that good stuff some cats have to offer. But she refuses to do anything at all that might upset her current cat. Her exact words are "I would rather put her down than upset her safe haven that is my house". I think this is completely ridiculous, complete insanity, and that if my mom got a little cuddly kitten, there is no way this older cat could have any problems with it is they were introduced properly. Worst case they might never be best cat friends, but it certainly wouldn't be a quality of life issue. Certainly nothing worth putting a cat down! Jeezus! When I think of all the homeless cats out there and how many are put down, this gets me *so* angry.

If you go through my posting history, you'll notice I recently fostered a resuced momma cat and her litter. I wanted my mom to have one of these kittens, and she probably would have taken one -- if the entire litter hadn't been black cats. My mom has an irrational superstitious fear of black cats. However, 8 months later, she's actually asked me to bring one of my "kittens" over. Unfortunately, they're not kittens anymore, and are definitely the kind of cat that would harrass my mom's current cat. So that's not an option. My cats would be okay with it (new playmate!) -- my mom's cat, not so much.

So -- how to I solve this? This is partially due to guilt on my part; I feel bad that my parents got my old neurotic cat (who I would've taken back, quite willingly!), and now I have three lovable affectionate cats that are exactly the kind of cat my mom wants (with the exception of their color!)

I've thought of getting her to foster a kitten, but my mom is afraid that she'll fall in love with the new kitten and the older cat won't get enough attention. I've thought of just getting her a male kitten myself and bringing it over and just making sure everybody deals. (There really is no risk she'll put the other cat down -- my dad wouldn't let her). Or getting my dad to not listen to my mom and just bring home a kitten anyway.

Sorry this is so long. I know it seems trivial, but this is actually causing major strife and arguments in my family. And here's the question -- given all this, how can I get my mom a new cat!?! How can I convince her it won't cause the current cat to have a mental breakdown? Added difficulty: it also has to be a cat with the desired personality traits of cuddliness and friendliness, otherwise we're just compounding the problem.

What sex for a new kitten?

CollegeNelson — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:49:36 -0800

What is the best sex for a new kitten? And should I get one? Right now I have three cats that have learned how to get a long. Two girls and a boy. Now someone at work wants to know if I want a kitten. Her cat just had a litter and if I want a cat I can pick the sex. I am not sure if I want to get a boy or a girl. The girls(14 and 11 years old) get along with each other and tolerate the boy(3 year old). Also I know I am moving out of state in three years hopefully into a new home but I am not sure so is adding a new cat into the house the best idea. I love cats and have had four cats before I just want to make sure I am not saying yes just because the whole oohhh kitty thing.

Cat, I don't like it like that.

xiaolongbao — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:04:52 -0800

My kitten is dry nursing me at night. She won't let me pick her up or pet her during the day. What can I do to strengthen our bond while preserving my sanity? I adopted my kitty from the local Animal Care & Control in early July. She was listed as 4 months, but the vet said she was probably closer to 9 weeks when i took her in for her first checkup. Obviously, she was taken from her mother too soon, right? The nursing behavior is something I've seen documented on various websites. I've read suggestions on forums and whatnot, but would appreciate the wisdom of Metafilter on this one. I know this behavior must provide comfort to her, but it's driving me a little nuts. I want to stop it without further alienating her from me, if possible. She doesn't seem to be growing out of it - a few months have passed and it's about the same.

I guess she probably thinks I'm her mother because of my long hair. She'll knead my neck with her paws (I started clipping her claws because this hurt). Then she'll try to get at my neck with her mouth. If I block my neck with my arm or a blanket, she'll cry pitifully, then resign herself to going away and sleeping elsewhere, or nurse/chew on my hair instead. I think she's sort of biting me a little bit, but it doesn't hurt. She also drools on my nightshirt. She doesn't nurse on my boyfriend. Presumably because he doesn't have long hair, and is away working most of the day, while I stay home?

Confusingly, or perhaps not, she doesn't like to be touched or petted during the day. She'll often rest on the floor with her paws and tail tucked under her, which looks rather defensive. If I pet her while she's napping and looking relaxed, she'll often get up and walk away. I've tried "letting her come to me" but she never has, except when she brings something for me to throw for her (yeah, she likes to fetch). It's perhaps worth noting that I do have another kitten, also adopted from AC&C, roughly her age. He's a loving little guy, though a biter/electronics cord destroyer. (Any suggestions for stopping this? Spray bottle? Bitter apple?) She calms down considerably when he comes over and starts licking her, but usually he's off sleeping at the foot of the bed, and I don't want to disturb him.

So, Metafilter, I'm asking you...what can I do? I love this cat and want her to love me, just not like this. Thanks for any suggestions!

best book for a new kitten

amtho — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:51:01 -0800

Looking for the perfect book to give people who adopt our foster kittens. Hoping for one which will lead to a fabulous relationship and rich life for both the people and the kittens. We have three awesome foster kittens. I'm finding that I care a whole lot about how they will be treated after they are adopted into a permanent home. Please help me find the perfect book to send home with them!

One in particular is very sensitive and wouldn't do well if someone tried to discipline him the way my family would have when I was growing up -- spanking, yelling "no" at him, that kind of thing -- although he's very observant and seems to care more about pleasing people than the other two. Though he's a little shy, he's intelligent and finally starting to blossom, but the slightest expression of displeasure has him hiding and ducking his head.

Of course I'll be careful to try to match kitten personality with adopter personality, but there's only so much one can do. I've had some basic behaviorism/psychology education, but is there a nice readable book that will do this for a new kitten owner?

I remember a book called "No Bad Dogs" from way back in the 1970s (more about "problem" dogs than training puppies). Even though the basic ideas of listening to the animal, looking at the world from its point of view are now pretty widespread, I've not heard any really good things about kitten guides.

Can anyone recommend a book that would help a new kitten owner really tune into and bond with, and prevent problems with, an adopted kitten (probably 12 weeks or older)? Bonus if it includes how to work with them on training (fetch, other commands), since that kind of activity can really increase closeness and cat-happiness in many cats.

Information about things like kitten-proofing a house and selecting food would be nice, also, but I'm mainly interested in behavioral information.

A quick look around Google and Amazon showed some titles that were related to one area or another, but not "Here, read this and you'll be on your way to being a superb friend to your new kitten".

Kitty Home Alone

elder18 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:48:07 -0800

How do I keep my kitten comfortable when I'm on vacation? My wife and I are going on a road trip for 5 days. We have a 3 1/2 month old kitten. We have people who are going to feed her, play with her, etc., while we are gone, but what else can we do so she's not so lonely?

We thought of boarding her, but we think she'd be more comfortable at home in a familiar setting. Thanks!

Attack of the Three Pound Killer

elder18 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:17:56 -0800

Is my kitten going to kill me? Lately, my three month old kitten has developed the habit of pouncing at me when I stare directly into her eyes.

She doesn't attack with claws or anything, and it's really pretty cute, but I'm curious about what might have led her to develop this behavior.

Is it just kitty playfulness, or is she trying to establish her dominance? She's a very personable kitten, but I'm curious if anyone has experienced this before.

Can you identify this short story about a kitten found during breakfast?

maudlin — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:26:47 -0800

This question about eggs reminded me of a short story I read years and years ago. It features a kitten and breakfast. The story was in an old collection for high school students I found in a secondhand shop, probably published in the 1960s at the latest. A fussy, stodgy middle-aged American man is sitting down to breakfast, which should usually consist of a perfectly soft-cooked three minute egg, but it's interrupted by his wife's discovery of a forlorn kitten under a bush in the backyard. Man's comfortable life is turned upside down when his wife adopts the kitten and is completely distracted (burnt toast and hard-cooked eggs!) but he eventually warms up to the kitten. The kitten is not eaten.

I can't remember anything else about the story, but it would be nice to find it. Any ideas?

From zero to crazy cat lady in 13 short weeks.

cgg — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:59:09 -0800

3 cats, one small apartment. I'm looking for as much advice, strategies and product recommendations that I can get. The goal is happy healthy kitties, with my sanity intact. Long story short (background here, here and here if you're really bored) -- I fostered an abandoned pregnant mommy kitty. 13 weeks later, after considerable doses of both heartbreak and happiness, mommy cat and her surviving kittens are doing well. One's been adopted out to a great home, and the two remaining kittens are still with me. One is the runt who has already had her share of problems, but right now is doing well. The other is pretty much a clone of her mommy. I've made the decision to keep all three -- now the trick is making this work.

(Yes, I realize I'm now the crazy cat lady. Somewhere, somehow, I've made all the rookie fostering mistakes, have gotten too attached to my babies, and can't give them up. 3 cats is a lot, especially given the small space -- I will concede that. But I can't choose just one or two -- they all have awesome yet unique personalities, they get along great, they make me happy, and this fostering experience has made me realize that I can provide them a good home. I feel good about saving these otherwise abandoned cats. Plus, all three are all black, so at least they only shed one color.)

So, with all that out of the way -- what do I need to know?

Any suggestions on handling the multi cat litter box situation? So far they're all sharing well, but who knows how long that will last. I barely have a good place for one litter box, so multiple boxes are going to be a challenge. Recommendations for a good covered litter box? I've read those fancy auto-cleaning boxes don't work in multi-cat households, because they tend to freak out / interupt the cat second in line at the loo. Anyone have experience with that?

How can I best keep my apartment from smelling like "cat"? I'm not talking cat urine, specifically -- i just want to keep the place from smelling like a vet's office. Difficulty: kitten proof solutions. Right now everything is a potential toy.

Do cat trees really work? With limited horizontal space, I know I need to go vertical, and have been looking at those giant 6 feet+ cat trees. But I don't want to spend all that money on ugly furniture if it's not going to be used.

Any other random bits of information you wish you'd known earlier?

Thanks in advance!

Mother cat in basement/crawl space, nursing two newborn kittens (likely less than two weeks old) soliciting solutions.

weakcore — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:50:35 -0800

I just moved into a duplex two weeks ago, and yesterday I discovered two kittens (w/ mother) underneath my unit ... I can't afford (both financially and emotionally) to care for them at the moment .... Three main questions:

1. Does anybody know how high a cat is able to jump with a one/two week old kitten in her mouth? What is the best way to encourage a mother to relocate her litter?

2. What can I expect from animal control should I choose to call them for removal?

3. What do you think is best way to handle this? Call the local animal control to have them come get them or "encourage" the mother cat to relocate her litter?

context:

The kittens are probably one to two weeks old, they look like they've just begun to open their eyes and are [clumsily] stumbling about.

There is a trap door in one of my closets w/ stairs that leads down to about a 15x8'x5' (LxWxH) hole dug into the crawl space underneath the unit that functions as a tiny basement of sorts, containing two water heaters and some other odds and ends like paint buckets, tarps, etc.

The mother cat is able to exit and enter using various objects as a step ladder (said object is some sort of large iron anchor about 3.5' tall and REALLY heavy--too heavy for even two/three people to lift by my guesstimate, unless they're recent competitors in The World's Strongest Man). I imagine that she'd be able to make the 5' jump if she really had to, but I think the height makes it difficult/impossible for her to relocate her offspring. Maybe I can give her some help by making a serious of shorter jumps for her .... What would be the best way to encourage the mother cat to relocate should I choose this path?

I'm leaning towards animal control as opposed to encouraging relocation, but can't really decide (thus my post). I don't really want to just let nature take its course (I don't want a bunch of cat pee and poo down there and I don't think my landlord would be very happy). I am open to any other suggestions (that may be more ethical/humane?) that I might not yet considered too. Thanks in advance.

I would like to reintroduce a second cat to the house.

bDiddy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:43:02 -0800

How long can I wait before getting another cat? My wife and I had two cats, both about a year old. Due to FIP, we had to put one of them to sleep this past weekend. We had these cats since August. They weren't from the same litter, but they were from the same shelter and seemed to enjoy each other. Also, my wife and I enjoyed having two cats in the house. So, I think we'll likely be getting another cat some time soon, but I don't know if I can do it now. If I wait too long, will my other cat not get along with the new cat? Or is it not really an issue of time.

I know there are tricks to acclimating cats together. I am just curious if there's a window of opportunity I should be worrying about. Like if I don't get a new cat within a month, the current cat will definitely hate the new cat? Is that even a concern? Or is it going to just depend on the cat?

If we don't name him soon, he'll be Thumbsy Meowlebottome Junior the Third.

fiercecupcake — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:13:50 -0800

Name my kitten! Relevant info below. My family has always had a Big Fat Orange Cat. Since I moved out, my parents' BFOC has died, and my partner and I (and her Big Fat White Cat) bought a house. So: new kitten! But what to name him?

Previous BFOCs' names: Miro, Shrimpy, and Scooby.

Names of other pets in our household: Bella (cat) and Hazard (dog).

Previous cat names: Sprocket, Worm, Oreo, Foot Foot.

Kitten details: orange; male; blue eyes; he's got two thumbs on each front foot and one thumb on each back foot.

I've nicknamed him Thumbsy but I was thinking of something a little more . . . I don't know. Dignified? I like Salvador (as in Dali) or Dali (as in Dali), but with Dali he'll always be confused for a Dolly, Texas pronunciation considered. My partner's not that thrilled about Salvador, either. And nothing Hemingway related, though he's polydactylic; I'm not a Hemingway fan, to say the least.

Your suggestions are welcomed! I can't keep calling him Kitteh (there's some scale for ya).

Cat gave birth 12 hours ago and still seems pregnant

Melsky — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:00:45 -0800

Cat gave birth 12 hours ago, three healthy kittens, still seems pregnant (bulgy belly) and seems to be having contractions. What should I do? I adopted a stray cat who was pregnant. She just had her kittens at 4 in the morning, three kittens who all appear healthy and are nursing. My cat seemed fine at first but after she got up she still seems pregnant - like there might be another kitten or two in there.

It is now almost 12 hours later and she just took the kittens from the bedroom where she gave birth to them (she gave birth at the foot of the bed while I was asleep) and she took them to a box in my closet in another room. But she now is purring very rapidly, almost like panting, and she's having contractions, like she's trying to expel something.

My vet is not open right now. There is an emergency vet listed on my vet's answering machine. But is this normal? What should I do? Is there any vets who consult by phone anywhere?

Just to be clear, I fix all my cats but this is one who I found living in the basement of a property I manage and we were going to have to board up her home so I adopted her. She's a very sweet kitty.

Here is a youtube video of her and one of her kittens

The tinest kitten puddle.

cgg — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:39:12 -0800

Follow up to last week's question: My rescue foster cat just had her litter of kittens. I have questions, obviously. 6 hours or so ago, my sweetheart foster cat gave birth. I think there's 6 of them -- they're all black, so when they're in a pile, it's hard to tell exactly. I had 6 counted, but it looked like she might have one more and I needed to get some sleep. If she had it and it's in the pile, I have no idea. It wasn't the easiest delivery, but in the end it looks like all are curled up with mom, eating and jostling for position. Momma's napping intermittently.

First question: How soon can I move momma cat and the litter? I have a bigger, better box for them in a better location, one that isn't layered with the icky bloody towel they're currently on. Momma cat trusts me, so getting her kittens from her isn't a problem. I just don't want to handle the newborns more than I already have, and I don't want to stress anybody out.

Two: In the bottom of the pile somewhere is a kitten with a really long umbilical cord. (Mom cut it, there's just several inches attached to the kitten) It cant be good -- it's either going to dry to the towel and get the kitten stuck, or get wrapped around something bad. Can I cut it?

Three: How do I know if the kittens are getting enough food? There's intermittent crying, but it's impossible to tell which kitten is the culprit. Also -- any idea how I can identify 6 seemingly identical kittens? I thought of nail polish, but I don't want momma cat licking that...

And finally: If any don't make it, what am I supposed to with the the bodies? I don't want to just throw them in the dumpster...

Sorry for all the questions. Basically, I'm just looking for new-litter advice from anybody who has been there or know about these things!

Where's the title transfer form for this cat?

Kadin2048 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:32:42 -0800

If I adopt a cat that has an implanted microchip directly from the current owner, how do I get the name and address in the registration database updated to reflect me as the new owner? I'm think I'm going to be adopting a new kitty soon (yay). This would be directly from the current owner, not from a shelter. But kitty came originally from a shelter, and was there implanted with a microchip. I don't know anything about the chip type, and I don't think the current owner does either — except that it was an SPCA shelter, if that helps.

So: what do I need to do, to have the information in the database updated to show my name and address instead of the previous owner's? Do I need to go to the shelter where the cat was originally adopted from, or can any veterinarian or shelter that participates the chip system update records? And what sort of proof do I need to have them make the change — do I need to get a bill of sale or some other form of written transfer agreement?

This can't be that uncommon, but Google isn't turning up anything.

Allergic to new kitten despite having had cats my entire life...?

burlsube — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:12:39 -0800

My family purchased a new male Bengal kitten. He is great and everyone adores him. However, I am now experiencing some allergies. My skin is generally itchy after handling him and my chest often feels tight and I begin to cough. I have heard some people can get used to their cats dander. Has anyone had experience with this? If so, how long does it take? Our new kitten is great. Everyone loves him, but I am slightly allergic. After handling my skin feels itchy - kinda like bugs are walking all around it. Also, my chest is tight, eyes sometimes watery. These are all general annoyances, but are detracting from my enjoyment of the kitten. I have had cats my entire life. Most recently I have lived with two Siamese cats and had no reactions and these cats regularly slept in my bed. So I am confused to why I would be exhibiting any sort of allergies now... Also, Bengals are supposed to be less allergenic.

I am not willing to medicate myself an have already given the kitten a bath and used some allergy wipes on him with minimal success.

Is there any hope for life with our new kitten...?

CatFilter - is adult food OK for an older kitten?

CrazyGabby — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:50:22 -0800

Am I hurting my 7-month-old kitten by letting him eat adult cat food? Zappa is a very playful and active 7-month-old kitten. Ever since we introduced him to Gabby, our older cat, at about 4 months old, he has been eating her food. We kept giving him kitten food, but he always chose the adult food over the kitten food. He ate the kitten food if that's all there was, but wouldn't touch it if there was adult food.

We free-feed dry food to both cats. No wet food, and no cat treats. (Gabby doesn't like them, and we haven't started giving them to Zappa yet.) They're eating a mix of Royal Canin hairball formula and sensitive skin formula.

Zappa is very healthy, and seems to be thriving. He's already up to 10 pounds! I just want to be sure I'm not hurting him by depriving him of some vital nutrients that are only in kitten food.

(And since this thread is worthless w/o pics, here's a link to one of him when he was just a little guy. Gotta upload some new ones...)

Thanks!

Do I have something to worry about and if so, what can I do about it?

10ch — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:13:41 -0800

What to do about the woodstove and our new kittens? We've recently added two kittens to our home (one's 5 months, the other's 11 weeks). One of their frequented hiding spots is under and around the woodstove.

I've only ever had one cat and she wasn't very frisky. She didn't go near the stove very often... and I didn't have her when she was a kitten.

What is your opinion? Are cats/kittens smart enough to realize the stove is hot or should I barricade it somehow? (I have no idea how I'll do that at this point... suggestions are welcome, here is a pic of the area.)

We're obviously discouraging them from going under there every time they get near it, but they're going over there at dozen times a night, at least.

Opinions/advice?

What will my kitten need at the vet?

neuron — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:40:38 -0800

Found a kitten. How do I avoid spending $700 billion at the vet? I picked up an apparently abandoned kitten a few days ago. It's a male, a few months old. Appears to be healthy.

I'm taking it to the vet this afternoon as my wife will be away. I've never owned a cat before and I have no idea what a kitten's health needs are. Some vaccinations, of course, and checking for various parasites. Mainly, I don't want to be sold anything unnecessary (teeth cleaning, labs). What is essential or otherwise important?

Kitten boarding in Mumbai?

aletheia — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:55:45 -0800

Help me with the daunting task of finding a facility to board a kitten for a few days in Mumbai, India, which is of decent enough quality to someone from the U.S.

Purebred vs. Pound Purries?

Metroid Baby — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:04:20 -0800

Is there a compelling argument in favor of getting a purebred cat instead of adopting a shelter kitty? I've always been something of a crazy cat lady. I do not currently live with any pets and I have no immediate plans to get any, but I've been giving serious consideration to getting a cat within the next few years.

There are quite a few cat breeds I'm smitten with, and if I find a reputable breeder nearby specializing in one of those breeds, I'd absolutely consider getting a cat from there. However, I know I'd also be happy with a moggy from a shelter. I've owned and cared for both mixed breeds and purebreds, and my free-to-good-home tabby was just as awesome as my pedigreed grand-champion-lineage Turkish Van. And although there are some differences from breed to breed in size and personality, it's generally not as dramatic a difference as with dogs, e.g. a Great Dane vs. a Chihuahua, so apart from some basic considerations (minimal grooming, non-extreme personality), it's not necessary that I own a specific type of cat. I have no preference regarding gender of the cat I eventually get, either, or whether it's a kitten or an adult.

Given that I'd be happy with nearly any feline companion, I can think of countless reasons in favor of adopting a shelter cat over getting a purebred: it's cheaper, there are more shelters near me than CFA-registered catteries, I'll have more of a selection, I could save a kitty from euthanasia, breeding cats for certain features can have negative effects – the list goes on.

On the other hand, I can't think of much that tips the scale in favor of a purebred. I have no intention of breeding or showing cats - this would be a neutered indoor pet. Supporting a breeder who does what he loves, maybe? Promoting awareness of the cat fancy and such-and-such rare and beautiful breed? That seems a little weak.

Aside from "but I really want an Abyssinian," are there any good reasons to get a purebred?

Or is adopting from a shelter the obvious choice that it seems to be?

There are a couple compromises I've considered: adopting through a purebred rescue organization is an option, but they generally have few cats available; fewer still that aren't Persians (one of the few breeds I don't care for). I've thought of getting both a purebred and a shelter cat, but I'd rather have only one cat. And I know that there are breeders out there who rehome their older cats, but I'm not sure what that entails or if it's a good idea.

Any input is appreciated, though I'm currently not looking for advice choosing a breed, and I've already got plenty of reasons to favor adopting from a shelter so I'm not so much looking for that. Thanks!

What's up with my weirdo kitten?

sunimplodes — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:26:12 -0800

A couple of questions from a new cat owner. I have a 14-week old early-neuter long-haired orange male tabby. We bought him at 11 weeks from a cat rescue program who had him neutered, dewormed, and got him all his shots. He's exhibiting a few strange behaviors, and I'm having trouble finding answers on the internet, in that most of the stuff I'm finding doesn't seem to quite fit his behavior.

1. The last few days, he seems to have an excess of dark brown earwax coming out of one of his ears. We've gently cleaned him out with a q-tip, but I'm wondering if this is normal, or an indicator of ear mites or some other problem.

2. He makes a lof of unusual mewing sounds, specifically when he's hyper and running around, and also whenever he jumps, but there don't seem to be any physical indications of pain, as he's very playful, very friendly, and seems to have pretty normal body language.

3. He's been urinating out of place a little bit lately. He's very good about using his litter box, and it's cleaned daily, removing 2-4 "deposits" at a time. Nonetheless, he has peed on the couch a couple times, and also on some clothes in the bedroom more than once. It's infrequent. He seems friendly and happy, so I don't think it's a behavioral thing, and it doesn't seem frequent enough to be a urinary tract infection. Any ideas?

With all this said, we have an appointment scheduled at the vet, but I'm looking to go in with some idea of what's going on so I can ask better questions, and I'm also looking to see if there's anything I can do in the meantime.

Thanks!

Kitty needs to eat while I'm away - help!

Sijeka — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:13:19 -0800

Really worried about my kitty! I'm looking for a last minute cat-sitter for next week in London, UK (E2, Bethnal Green). A friend was supposed to be able to house-sit for us but he dropped out at the last minute. I'm left really worried about my kitty Scully, who's six months and has not been spawyed (therefore cannot go in a shelter).

I'll gladly take any recommendations! Where to look for a trusted pet sitter, any companies you have had experience with, etc...

What type of cat is this?

PostIronyIsNotaMyth — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:24:56 -0800

Just got a kitten. Can someone tell me what breed she is? I heard somewhere that cats of this color, orange females with red stripes, are rare and typically exhibit similar personality traits. Anyone have more info on what that means and possibly what I can expect from this breed?