We have a triangle/corner shaped litterbox that has a lid that goes on it with a cat flap for the cat to enter, Mellow is perfectly happy to use the litterbox with out the lid, how can I get him used to the lid being on there and to use the catflap to enter. I was thinking about removing the catflap as its quite dark, does anyone else have these kind of boxes? (we only got him on Sunday so I dont want to rush things)


How much scratching/itching is normal, we got him from an animal rescue center and he is an indoor cat, He was de flea'd in May with Advantage, should that still be working?

We have a free voucher to get his nails clipped at petsmart which we are planning to do, but the thought of him being put in the cat carrier and in the car agian seems like an act of cruelty as he cried all the way home from the shelter, petsmart is about 10 minutes away, but he was really quite upset. Should we wait til he fully trusts us before taking him, altho he seems settled in the apartment, he gets spooked by loud noises or very sudden movements. Is it easy to trim the claws your self? they are very long and sharp at he moment so they need doing soonish.

Thank you

We have a triangle/corner shaped litterbox that has a lid that goes on it with a cat flap for the cat to enter, Mellow is perfectly happy to use the litterbox with out the lid, how can I get him used to the lid being on there and to use the catflap to enter. I was thinking about removing the catflap as its quite dark, does anyone else have these kind of boxes? (we only got him on Sunday so I dont want to rush things)


How much scratching/itching is normal, we got him from an animal rescue center and he is an indoor cat, He was de flea'd in May with Advantage, should that still be working?

We have a free voucher to get his nails clipped at petsmart which we are planning to do, but the thought of him being put in the cat carrier and in the car agian seems like an act of cruelty as he cried all the way home from the shelter, petsmart is about 10 minutes away, but he was really quite upset. Should we wait til he fully trusts us before taking him, altho he seems settled in the apartment, he gets spooked by loud noises or very sudden movements. Is it easy to trim the claws your self? they are very long and sharp at he moment so they need doing soonish.

Thank you

Many experts recommend boxes WITHOUT hoods or doors, as many cats will not use them or are nervous about using them because they are confined spaces. He may eventually adapt to the one you have, but perhaps you could keep it off for awhile and let him get acclimatized to his quite new environment before attempting to introduce it again? He should do quite well using the box without the door, and if this still makes him nervous, try taking off the lid altogether for awhile.

YES, you can trim his nails yourself! "Pet" supply stores and online sources such as Drs. Foster & Smith (http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com ) have specialized nail trimmers designed for cats' nails (DO NOT USE HUMAN NAIL CLIPPERS as they can incorrectly clip the claw and shred or tear it) for around $10 or less. When trimming, let him get comfortable on your lap, facing out, and gently and calmly trim as many as he'll let you clip at a time, being careful not to cut the pink part, which is the same as on our nails, the quick. You may want to have it done at Petco the first time and observe how it is done; but it is really easy. Naptimes are very good times to trim the claws. I trim my babies' claws about once a month, or more often if needed.

As to rides, he will have to get used to them, as he'll have checkups and vet visits from time to time. Letting him investigage the open carrier while it's not "in service" is a great way to let him lose his apprehension. :eek2:

I have covered litter boxes for Oliver and when I first bought one and left the door on it, the poor boy held it in all night! When I woke in the morning and saw the litter had not been disturbed, I removed the door (left the cover on the box though... the doors usually just pop off) and Ollie immediately ran in and did his stuff! So I just pop the doors off and he uses them just fine... I much prefer the covered boxes because Oliver's a real digger and would fling litter all over with an open box

Nail clipping is easy. I clip every 10 days to 2 weeks. I've never been able to use the proper clippers they sell at pet stores so I use the large size human nail clippers. I did find that the claw tended to shred with the human clippers until I got smart enough to turn the clippers sideways and now I never get the shredding.

Also until a cat gets used to riding in a car (and some never do) they will wail enough to drive you crazy. Both our kitties did that when we brought them home for the first time. Then we took them out so often that now they jump in the car themselves and settle in the backseat waiting for the trip. :nod:

As for the Advantage question, I'd check with your vet whether it would still be working. We apply it to our cats once per month during the spring, summer and fall months since Bijou goes outside and can easily bring fleas back in to Mika.

Right you are! That's a great idea about clippers as long as they're turned sideways. Though personally, I do love my cat-specific clippers.

Advantage, Frontline, and the other topicals all indicate monthly treatment, so that's how we've always applied; but it could last longer, I suppose, in some cases? Interesting question.