New here with some kitty questions

Hello all, My name is Corey and my wife and I have been talking about adding a cat to our household. We have 2 daughters ,6 & 3, who have been asking.

I have been looking for the gear that I will need. It's been quite a while since I worked for the local pet store. Can anybody tell me how well those auto-scoop litter boxes work? I don't mind scooping, but if it makes life a little easier, I will look at it. Also, what is a good litter? I want something that controls odor a little bit and clumps. Also, what kind of brush should I use, assuming cats like to be brushed?

We have been looking at cats at our local shelter. We think we know that we don't want a kitten and all the energy that comes with a youngster. How should be go about selecting a cat? I have read that the cat will actually pick you. Also I have read about introducing the cat to a new place by putting it in a room all alone and letting it come out when ready. Well in a house with 2 kids, we really don't have any rooms that are out of the way and that don't get used. Any suggestions?

Hello Corey & welcome to tcs. I haven't used an auto litter box & don't know much about them but from memory they are not to everybodys liking. I use a natural, shredded pine type of litter & I like it the best of all the ones I've tried. Didn't like those crystal ones.
A brush or comb appropriate to the length of coat. I use a rotating tooth comb & a pin brush on my semi long haired cat. That is when she lets me. Fortunately she doesn't need doing very much.
With 2 young children I think it wise to get an older cat. Blossom was very wild as a kitten & scratched & bit a lot. You need to go as a family to look at the cats & ask a lot of questions of the staff as to the temperament of the cats & if they know their history.
I have heard of that way of introducing a cat to the household especially if you already have a cat but I've never done it. You could get a crate & put the cat in there, with the door open at 1st to see if it likes it. Its a bit different to a dog, I've only taken Blossom to the vet in her crate. You will need a scratching post or tree. Cats will get out of the way of trouble & will usually find a high place to go & watch the world go by.
Hope some of this helps & good luck with your search.

Hi there

we're so happy to get the chance to welcome you to TCS. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay with us - we're one great big family and you'll find loads of friends here. If I can help at all while you're finding your way around TCS just click on my username and send me a Personal Message - I'll do what I can to answer your questions

When you go looking for your cat, make sure the whole family is with you and judge the cat's reactions to all of you and you to the kitty. Our first rescue kitty "chose" my daughter on their very first meeting at the shelter and they both absolutely adored each other.

We don't use auto-scoopers so I can't help you there.

When you bring kitty home, if you don't already have other kitties in the house then keeping the kitty segregated in a room isn't so much of an issue. However, with two youngsters around, you will want to make sure that the kitty can acclimatise gently. We had great success by keeping the kitty in the room with us and keeping things calm around her. We also had some toys waiting for when she came home so we could play with her when she felt ready.

Good luck with finding your new kitty

Hola y bienvenido a TCS, ...Catulina

y Milky

te saludan!!!........

(Translate: Hi and Welcome to TCS, Catulina and Milky say hello to you!!!... )

See you on the forums!

Welcome to TCS. You'll really like it here . Our Feline Family is full of lots of great people and lots of great advice .

Peace, Love and Tie Dye ,
Rob & Sport

Welcome to TCS!