How to make kitty happy?
July 7, 2011 12:26 PM Subscribe
How do I give my new kitty the best home possible?
My boyfriend and I adopted a kitty today. He is ~1.5 years old, was rescued as a stray in February, and has had one previous owner before us, who couldn't take care of him and returned him to the shelter. I want to know how to make him as happy as possible. I would also like to ensure that he warms up to both of us/would like to maximize his potential as a cuddler without freaking him out.
Things I already know/have:
Food
Water
Toys
Cardboard scratchy thing
Litter box
Help us be the best adoptive parents ever!
My boyfriend and I adopted a kitty today. He is ~1.5 years old, was rescued as a stray in February, and has had one previous owner before us, who couldn't take care of him and returned him to the shelter. I want to know how to make him as happy as possible. I would also like to ensure that he warms up to both of us/would like to maximize his potential as a cuddler without freaking him out.
Things I already know/have:
Food
Water
Toys
Cardboard scratchy thing
Litter box
Help us be the best adoptive parents ever!
It will probably take some time for him to warm up to you both, and, as with most things involving cats, trying to force it will only ensure that it takes much longer. As for cuddling, some cats are really cuddly and some cats just aren't, and I don't think that there's anything you can do to turn a non-cuddler into a cuddler.
posted by amarynth at 12:34 PM on July 7, 2011
posted by amarynth at 12:34 PM on July 7, 2011
Give him as much space as he wants to explore. We let our kitty play in the closet the first day she was home with us. Within about an hour, she came out and wanted to watch TV. Not near us, but within striking distance.
Within a week, she was all cuddles. We've had her for two years, and now she refuses to go to bed anywhere but between us.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:59 PM on July 7, 2011
Within a week, she was all cuddles. We've had her for two years, and now she refuses to go to bed anywhere but between us.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:59 PM on July 7, 2011
You can't make cats do what you want them to but with time you can "trick" them into thinking that's what they want as well.
Add to the list: Treats and one of those little mice that squeaks every time you touch it (I've got a toy skunk that does it)
If you're the person your cat relies on for food and treats then you're much more likely to get some love from a pain-in-the-ass cat, which most are. :)
More often that not, your cat's personality is what it is and you'll just have to make the best of it. One of the worst things I've ever done with one of my babies is to play aggressively with them. It turns them into an attacking machine.
posted by Paalen at 1:04 PM on July 7, 2011
Add to the list: Treats and one of those little mice that squeaks every time you touch it (I've got a toy skunk that does it)
If you're the person your cat relies on for food and treats then you're much more likely to get some love from a pain-in-the-ass cat, which most are. :)
More often that not, your cat's personality is what it is and you'll just have to make the best of it. One of the worst things I've ever done with one of my babies is to play aggressively with them. It turns them into an attacking machine.
posted by Paalen at 1:04 PM on July 7, 2011
Tips we find are good for various little friends we have enjoyed:
Hiding places where the kitty feels safe and in control, can be a box or a covered chair with a cloth.
All cats are either high dwellers or tunnelers, or both, so a good high spot or a good low hiddie hole is welcome.
Use the same friendly voice when giving treats
A collar bell when a kitty is new can save the day, escapes can happen and the bell makes even a scared cat easier to locate.
posted by Freedomboy at 1:06 PM on July 7, 2011
Hiding places where the kitty feels safe and in control, can be a box or a covered chair with a cloth.
All cats are either high dwellers or tunnelers, or both, so a good high spot or a good low hiddie hole is welcome.
Use the same friendly voice when giving treats
A collar bell when a kitty is new can save the day, escapes can happen and the bell makes even a scared cat easier to locate.
posted by Freedomboy at 1:06 PM on July 7, 2011
Laser pointer. Catnip (you can get the stuff in a spray bottle now, so no cleanup!).
posted by litnerd at 1:23 PM on July 7, 2011
posted by litnerd at 1:23 PM on July 7, 2011
your cat adoption story sounds like mine! my 1.5ish year old cat turned out to be less cuddly and more of an energetic nutbar. Most likely your kitty will eventually tell you what will make him happy, but here are some requests that I never would have guessed if my cat Souvlaki hadn't "told" me:
- No need to place water bowl next to food bowl. Nope. Water must be from a glass on the table. Preferably the one you just filled up for yourself.
- A private shelter is desired, in the form of an ikea laundry basket on its side
- Non-toys are the best toys. (I recommend electrical tape to wrap up bite marks on your computer cords)
- Non scratchy things are the best scratchy things. (sigh, I bought one of those cardboard scratching things too)
- Those long boxes that cans of soda come in = MEGA FUN TUNNEL. Open both ends and leave it lying around. combine with laser pointer for maximum effect.
Other:
- If your kitty is indoors, cat grass seeds can be bought at a hardware store, and grow really quickly and easily in a pot.
- Catnip plants are fun to chew also.
- LASER POINTER laser pointer laser pointer. laser pointer. they sell a $3 keychain one in the pet section at CVS.
- Hartz Mini Mice are the best toy.
posted by ghostbikes at 1:40 PM on July 7, 2011
- No need to place water bowl next to food bowl. Nope. Water must be from a glass on the table. Preferably the one you just filled up for yourself.
- A private shelter is desired, in the form of an ikea laundry basket on its side
- Non-toys are the best toys. (I recommend electrical tape to wrap up bite marks on your computer cords)
- Non scratchy things are the best scratchy things. (sigh, I bought one of those cardboard scratching things too)
- Those long boxes that cans of soda come in = MEGA FUN TUNNEL. Open both ends and leave it lying around. combine with laser pointer for maximum effect.
Other:
- If your kitty is indoors, cat grass seeds can be bought at a hardware store, and grow really quickly and easily in a pot.
- Catnip plants are fun to chew also.
- LASER POINTER laser pointer laser pointer. laser pointer. they sell a $3 keychain one in the pet section at CVS.
- Hartz Mini Mice are the best toy.
posted by ghostbikes at 1:40 PM on July 7, 2011
You've done a great job of covering the basics and it sounds like Mr. Hermes has lucked out with his new owners & home. He's a fine looking fella!
A couple of extra goodies you may want to consider:
- The Cat Cave: Most cats, especially former outdoor cats, love having a small, enclosed space where they can go to feel relaxed/safe. (Something with a single entrance, walls and a "roof" so that they don't have to worry about what's above/behind them.) Overturned cardboard boxes & laundry hampers work great for this; you can cut a little "door hole" and place the cubby in a room where you and your boyfriend spend leisure time. (TV room?) When Hermes wants to be "alone with company" he can wander into his box and relax in the same room as you, on his own terms.
- Kitties who enjoy hunting love love love this mouse toy. It's got an electronic chip that apparently squeaks just like a real mouse when batted about. Two of our three cats think it's the greatest thing since canned tuna. (The other cat doesn't get excited about anything but canned tuna.)
- Cat sills make for very happy cats if you are working outside the home during the day.
- Supplying your kittie with a tiny bit of canned tuna/salmon/chicken (by hand) during these first few weeks will help him associate you with happy. (A small pouch should last a week in the fridge.)
- Cats often slowly blink and squint at each other to say, "I trust you," or "I don't mean any harm." You can actually communicate with Hermes this way, and it will probably make him more comfortable. If you catch him making eye contact, and he's in a fairly quiet mood, gaze back at him and slowly blink your eyes as if you were about to fall asleep. He'll probably "answer" you in kind. Yea, cat sign language!
The most important advice I was ever given is to approach your cat with lots of love and little intent. They're pretty good at sussing out when humans "want" and for some cats, that's a major irritation. If they're not into cuddling at first, just be patient and easy with them. Some cats need time (months, not days) while others will never be an ankle-rubbing, eskimo-kissing furball. You'll know they like you just the same. CAW, which is why we love them.
posted by muirne81 at 2:21 PM on July 7, 2011
A couple of extra goodies you may want to consider:
- The Cat Cave: Most cats, especially former outdoor cats, love having a small, enclosed space where they can go to feel relaxed/safe. (Something with a single entrance, walls and a "roof" so that they don't have to worry about what's above/behind them.) Overturned cardboard boxes & laundry hampers work great for this; you can cut a little "door hole" and place the cubby in a room where you and your boyfriend spend leisure time. (TV room?) When Hermes wants to be "alone with company" he can wander into his box and relax in the same room as you, on his own terms.
- Kitties who enjoy hunting love love love this mouse toy. It's got an electronic chip that apparently squeaks just like a real mouse when batted about. Two of our three cats think it's the greatest thing since canned tuna. (The other cat doesn't get excited about anything but canned tuna.)
- Cat sills make for very happy cats if you are working outside the home during the day.
- Supplying your kittie with a tiny bit of canned tuna/salmon/chicken (by hand) during these first few weeks will help him associate you with happy. (A small pouch should last a week in the fridge.)
- Cats often slowly blink and squint at each other to say, "I trust you," or "I don't mean any harm." You can actually communicate with Hermes this way, and it will probably make him more comfortable. If you catch him making eye contact, and he's in a fairly quiet mood, gaze back at him and slowly blink your eyes as if you were about to fall asleep. He'll probably "answer" you in kind. Yea, cat sign language!
The most important advice I was ever given is to approach your cat with lots of love and little intent. They're pretty good at sussing out when humans "want" and for some cats, that's a major irritation. If they're not into cuddling at first, just be patient and easy with them. Some cats need time (months, not days) while others will never be an ankle-rubbing, eskimo-kissing furball. You'll know they like you just the same. CAW, which is why we love them.
posted by muirne81 at 2:21 PM on July 7, 2011
Along with what others have already said, I would suggest:
- Establish a routine. Cats love consistency, especially when it comes to things like mealtimes (and playtime!). Doing some of the same things at the same time every day will go a long way to help your new guy settle in and not feel like he has to be constantly on guard. (And note that a love of routine does not imply a lack of a need for novelty; e.g., it's good to let him expect playtime at 7 PM but also good to mix up the toys now and then, etc.)
- Interactive play. This would include laser pointers (which others have suggested), but it's also well worth having the wand-type or other dangly sort of toy (e.g., Da Bird, Cat-Catcher, Cat Dancer) because that way he actually gets to catch something. Mind you, some cats won't go for this sort of thing (a friend's cat is afraid of sticks, probably due to mistreatment in her pre-stray past) but most LOVE it, and I've even known feral cats who, while untouchable, will romp out joyously to chase a mousie on a string. And when my own ex-feral triplets (they're nearly two now) first moved in, dangly toys were the only thing that got them out from under the bed!
- Unscented clumping litter that gets scooped daily. I know you said you already had litter/litterbox, but sometimes the TYPE of litter (and how well it is kept up by kitty's human staff) can make a huge difference in stress levels for both you AND the cat. Also many cats prefer uncovered boxes; I use large plastic storage containers with a cutout on one side, which helps contain litter without putting the cat in an unpleasant "porta-potty" situation.
posted by aecorwin at 2:49 PM on July 7, 2011
- Establish a routine. Cats love consistency, especially when it comes to things like mealtimes (and playtime!). Doing some of the same things at the same time every day will go a long way to help your new guy settle in and not feel like he has to be constantly on guard. (And note that a love of routine does not imply a lack of a need for novelty; e.g., it's good to let him expect playtime at 7 PM but also good to mix up the toys now and then, etc.)
- Interactive play. This would include laser pointers (which others have suggested), but it's also well worth having the wand-type or other dangly sort of toy (e.g., Da Bird, Cat-Catcher, Cat Dancer) because that way he actually gets to catch something. Mind you, some cats won't go for this sort of thing (a friend's cat is afraid of sticks, probably due to mistreatment in her pre-stray past) but most LOVE it, and I've even known feral cats who, while untouchable, will romp out joyously to chase a mousie on a string. And when my own ex-feral triplets (they're nearly two now) first moved in, dangly toys were the only thing that got them out from under the bed!
- Unscented clumping litter that gets scooped daily. I know you said you already had litter/litterbox, but sometimes the TYPE of litter (and how well it is kept up by kitty's human staff) can make a huge difference in stress levels for both you AND the cat. Also many cats prefer uncovered boxes; I use large plastic storage containers with a cutout on one side, which helps contain litter without putting the cat in an unpleasant "porta-potty" situation.
posted by aecorwin at 2:49 PM on July 7, 2011
Make time to play with him every day. This will make a huge difference.
Try different kinds of toys until you find his favorite.
Teach him to come when you call his name.
posted by amtho at 2:53 PM on July 7, 2011
Try different kinds of toys until you find his favorite.
Teach him to come when you call his name.
posted by amtho at 2:53 PM on July 7, 2011
He looks like a sweetheart!
At the risk of being a crazy cat lady, I think they're much happier with a buddy of their own. As I read somewhere, "Imagine you were adopted by the nicest elephants in the world. They love you, they feed you, they give you everything. You have absolutely all that you can wish for. Except another human."
posted by cyndigo at 3:08 PM on July 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
At the risk of being a crazy cat lady, I think they're much happier with a buddy of their own. As I read somewhere, "Imagine you were adopted by the nicest elephants in the world. They love you, they feed you, they give you everything. You have absolutely all that you can wish for. Except another human."
posted by cyndigo at 3:08 PM on July 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
Nthing the cat cave. Samuel loves boxes. And bags. And cupboards, which he has learned to open. A box inside a cupboard is pretty much the best thing ever.
And I think "approach your cat with lots of love and little intent" is the best advice I have ever heard. Hermes is clearly a fine cat, and I am sure he will teach you how he likes to play and when he wants attention.
posted by newrambler at 3:12 PM on July 7, 2011
And I think "approach your cat with lots of love and little intent" is the best advice I have ever heard. Hermes is clearly a fine cat, and I am sure he will teach you how he likes to play and when he wants attention.
posted by newrambler at 3:12 PM on July 7, 2011
I've read that it's especially important for male cats to drink lots of water. My kitties much prefer this water fountain over their regular water bowl. We had a plastic one, which they also liked, but it got gross really quickly. This one is much easier to clean!
posted by amarynth at 3:16 PM on July 7, 2011
posted by amarynth at 3:16 PM on July 7, 2011
You need more scratching posts! At least a vertical and horizontal surface, and most cats prefer sisal to cardboard. Feed at least 95% canned food.
Also, the Indoor Cat Initiative.
Good luck, kitty sounds like he's got a great home!
posted by biscotti at 4:55 PM on July 7, 2011
Also, the Indoor Cat Initiative.
Good luck, kitty sounds like he's got a great home!
posted by biscotti at 4:55 PM on July 7, 2011
The thing I most wish I knew when we brought our male cat home was that male cats are very prone to urinary problems. Last week, we had to take him to the vet for a blockage; the vet released him but we had to take him back the next day and they put in a catheter and kept him for two nights; it wasn't just expensive but stressful both to us and mostly to our sweet little guy. We have him on a special food now and are super alert to any future problems. I'd recommend this page for tons of information and recommendations. Try to transition your cat to wet food if he's on dry, and try however you can to get him to drink more water. Our guy loves to drink from the kitchen faucet, so we bought him a water fountain. Totally uninterested. He loves to drink from our glasses, and we let him. A lot of this is trial and error.
Related to this are litter box habits. We have a fancy self-cleaning litter box and I think this did our cat a disservice because it meant we weren't seeing what he left (or didn't leave) in the box. If your male cat isn't peeing, you need to know this so you can take him to the vet quickly. Also, cats can be super picky about their litter boxes and the type of litter. Our cat didn't poop at all while he was at the vet, and he didn't poop for a few days after getting home, either. On a lark, I went out and got him a big, open litter box and he immediately went #2. Again, it's trial and error and it can get expensive, but if something doesn't seem right, try something else.
posted by payoto at 7:12 PM on July 7, 2011
Related to this are litter box habits. We have a fancy self-cleaning litter box and I think this did our cat a disservice because it meant we weren't seeing what he left (or didn't leave) in the box. If your male cat isn't peeing, you need to know this so you can take him to the vet quickly. Also, cats can be super picky about their litter boxes and the type of litter. Our cat didn't poop at all while he was at the vet, and he didn't poop for a few days after getting home, either. On a lark, I went out and got him a big, open litter box and he immediately went #2. Again, it's trial and error and it can get expensive, but if something doesn't seem right, try something else.
posted by payoto at 7:12 PM on July 7, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
As for the cuddling - don't force him to cuddle, because that can put him off or scare him. When you're sitting or lying down, encourage him to come to you and reward him when he does. (With treats or with pets.) It's pretty simple. If he's nervous try averting your gaze, because cats interpret a direct gaze as aggression/dominance. Don't try to restrain him.
One of my cats still hates being held after years of being with me, but he'll gladly sit up against me on the couch or when I'm in bed now. It took a long time to get him this comfortable and I had to fight my instinct to squeeze and snuggle him all the way.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:32 PM on July 7, 2011