new cat owner here never had one before

ive had dogs snakes rats ferrrets mice. lizards etc etc. well i now adopted a female cat 10 years old she is fixed.is there any tips i should know? such as litter i should use?im useing the old hartz stuff now that comes in orange bag.also is there a reason she meows?she has food and water and toysive had her like 3 days now she hid the first days but now she will get in bed with me..but the meowing keeps me awake.she has slowed down meowing the last dsay maybe she misses old owner?also how much do i expect to have to pay per month for 1 adult cat for food and litter?

On prices, it depends on what you feed her. The better brands are worth the money because they decrease litter box smell and improve general health, and they tend to eat less of it saving money in the long run. Go to the Nutrition forum to learn more.

Congrats on your new kitty! You'll learn to love her meows... she's talking to you! Talk back... it will increase the bond you have with her. She may just want more attention, or she may just be telling you about her day.

oic i guess ill ask how long will a 10 lb bag of food last the average adult cat?ill get the best i can afford but i always make a budget .

can the cat learn a new name i have trouble pronuceing the cats old name thinking a calling her napster cause she likes to nap and from that old music program

Originally Posted by firsttimeowner

oic i guess ill ask how long will a 10 lb bag of food last the average adult cat?ill get the best i can afford but i always make a budget .

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A good brand costs anywhere from $12-18 dollars here, but we have 8 cats, so I can't tell you how long that will last for one. But since they should only eat about 1/3 to a half cup per feeding, it seems to me it would last a long while!

I highly recommend supplementing dry food with a high quality wet. It encourages water intake and has more natural nutrients, less fillers, and food closer to "real" meat than they get in the dry. It also helps cuts down on constipation, although if you feed a cheaper brand the poos WILL be smelly. I feed my cats dry food freely, and give them canned food in the morning and at night (when I can remember and have the time).

Hope that helps... there are many experienced posters and near-experts in the Health and Nutrition forum to answer any questions you may have.

Welcome to the wonderful world of sharing a home with a cat. They are a wonderful pet to share your life with. My Misty is also female and she will be 14 years old. Check out the Nutrition board but cats over 7 years old may have to be on a Senior diet. You can also ask your vet. I use Fresh Step as a litter, I use the scoopable kind. Most litters are pricey but you can find cheaper brands but they may not be as good as far as keeping the smell down. Stay here and you will find all you need to know, you came to the right place.