just got a new cat, and i have a question

its a 3 month old cat, brought her home yesterday

whats the best way to make her feel comfortable around the dog?

also, i am pretty sure she is litter trained, i am going to keep her in my room for a while, because she is a bit small to walk downstairs where we kept the litter box for the old cat, i showed her where it was, but she still has not used it. in fact, i have not witnessed her go to the bathroom since i brought her home (about 2 pm yesterday, it is now almost 9am)

next question is she isnt drinking water, i am feeding her wet food for now, because the crunchy food is way too big for her to eat (leftovers from our old cat)

any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!

The bathroom thing - right now, I don't think you need to be too concerned, but if it goes on much longer, you probably will want to see the vet. Also, make sure that she is not going outside the litter box. When we first took our kittens in, they didn't go for about a day or so, but then they started using the box like champs (and these were former feral kittens!). What I did with ours was I lead them to the litter box and then I scratched around in it for a minute. They then went to check it out and immediately used it.

Stress can make cats not go. She will eventually, I'm sure, but if you are concerned, a vet visit might ease your peace of mind.

As for the water - good you are giving her wet. She will get moisture from that. Just make sure she always has fresh water available, but most cats don't need a lot of water and she should get quite a bit of her needs from the wet food.

Originally Posted by wendyr

The bathroom thing - right now, I don't think you need to be too concerned, but if it goes on much longer, you probably will want to see the vet. Also, make sure that she is not going outside the litter box. When we first took our kittens in, they didn't go for about a day or so, but then they started using the box like champs (and these were former feral kittens!). What I did with ours was I lead them to the litter box and then I scratched around in it for a minute. They then went to check it out and immediately used it.

Stress can make cats not go. She will eventually, I'm sure, but if you are concerned, a vet visit might ease your peace of mind.

As for the water - good you are giving her wet. She will get moisture from that. Just make sure she always has fresh water available, but most cats don't need a lot of water and she should get quite a bit of her needs from the wet food.

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thanks a lot for the quick reply.. makes me feel a bit better now

What kind of dog do you have? Big or small? Hyper, or low key? Has he/she interacted with cats before? Has your kitten been around dogs before?

Here's a good article: http://www.thecatsite.com/Behavior/5...s-to-Dogs.html

First step, would be to let the cat be comfortable with her new environment through the safe room. Once she is feeling more comfortable there, I would start to let her explore the rest of the house a little at a time. Preferably when the dog is outside/out of the room.

You cat is getting used to her new home and you at the same time. Adding a dog into the mix is probably not the greatest idea right off the bat.

I just skimmed the article, but it looked like it had some good suggestions, so I won't go any further at the moment.

As for not using the litter box, it took my new kittens until the next day to use the box as well. And when the went, boy, did they go! Haha....they are little pee/poop factories now! I wouldn't worry too much about it right now. If it goes on for a couple days despite your cat becoming more comfortable in the room, then yes, you will probably want to take her to the vet.

Ask your pet store if they have fountain type water dispensers for cats - they really prefer them as the water is 'running' (back into the supply container where it goes back up and down again in front). Bring the box back up to where she can use it and show it to her (plonk her in it and scrabble her front legs a couple of times inside), plus don't expect her to eat or even drink for a day or two.

I'd confine her in one room with litter pan, food and water for about a week. What kind of dog do you have? How well trained is the dog? Has the dog been around cats before?

When introducing to a dog, you need to have the dog in a down-stay with a leash on so you can control the actions. Expect the kitten to hiss, growl, and swat at the dog (be sure the kitten's nails are cut!).

When we brought Charlie home, he was locked in the library and we would go in and play with him several times a day. The dog wanted to meet him (she loves cats) and so at first we opened the door just a crack so they could kinda sniff each other. Charlie hissed a few times, but over the next day or two we allowed more visable contact. Keno is well trained and in all cases she was put in a down-stay so she was more level to the cat (Keno's a lab).

Charlie was fine with the dog in about 2-3 days and loved to pounce on Keno's tail.

yeah, the dog has been around cats before, but we got my dog 6 years ago, when my old cat was 11 years old, and the old cat really didnt want anything to do with it

i dont think the kitten has been with dogs before, i have been keeping them separated, mainly because my dog is a bit hyper and gets excited really quick

they will get along great once the cat stops becoming scared of the dog

also, about 10min after i posted this thread, she used her litter box, i just saw that she urinated, but im not sure if she drank any water today

actually i do have another question, how many times a day should we be feeding her?

after next week im going to get some dry food and put it in a dish so she can eat when she gets hungry, but for now all i have is canned food

I would free feed a kitten (kitten food) till they are 4 months old. Then start going to feeding 2-3 times a day. Depending on her health/size, etc. I would start switching to adult foods around 6 months old.

Also if she's not spayed yet, get her done by the time she is 4 months old.

If all you have is wet at the moment, you'll want to feed her 4-5 times a day, as much as she'll eat. Those who have said she should be free fed dry (and most will feed wet 2x a day as well) are correct.

The fountain suggestion is a good one as well. When I brought Belle and Delilah home, they were very nervous. The only form of food/water they touched was once they discovered the water fountain. It didn't take them long to eat the food after that!