New to Cats, trying to save a life

I need some help with litter box smell. If I don't get the odor under control and some behavior issues resolved , we won't be able to keep him.

also some suggestions on an in expensive way to get his shots, etc. A 100 vet bill isn't going to help.
thanks Dan

If you have a Pet Smart or Pet Supplies Plus store near you, they often offer discount shots at weekly clinics or in some cases a vet office in the store. I'm not sure if other chain pet stores offer these, but you can call and ask. Some local animal shelters also offer inexpensive vaccinations if they have a vet clinic onsite.

I use basic clay litter and scoop 2-3 times per day (I have 2 cats) and don't have much problem with odors. I sprinkle some Arm & Hammer baking soda in the bottom of the box before I fill it. That seems to help with the urine odor. I replace all the litter every 6 or 7 days and wash the box before refilling it.

What behavior problems is he having?

I checked at pet smart and the guy I talked to said they just did grooming. I'll check back on a clinic.

As far as behavior, its just normal cat stuff. biting and scratching furniture. We're working on that. hissing and putting him down or in his room when he's acting up.

I checked the website and Pet's Smart has this Dr onsite.

http://www.banfield.net/optimum-wellness-plans-kittens#

Any guess what kind of expense this may be for initial visit and shots?

I've a friend who uses Banfield at Petsmart, and she's very pleased with her location. She was especially happy when they were kittens with the first year program. The Petsmart by me does not offer vet services. But, all you can do is check out the location and see how comfortable you feel with vet and staff.

But, I was thinking, you might call round to vets in your area and explain your situation. A lot of times, in order to start a long-term relationship, they will do an introductory full exam for free, and just charge for the shots. I mean, the idea is that you will continue using them, but it can be good to have a working relationship with a vet's office in case of emergency needs down the road

Re litter - I use Dr. Elsey (cat attract, because my boy sometimes had issues) - it's a little more expensive, but I find with scooping twice a day, I don't notice odor, and visitors have told me they don't either (well, except when my big boy decides to poop right then!) But I think almost any litter will do well with odor, as long as you scoop regularly - I've read that nonscented litter tends to work best with most cats, but every cat has his own opinion.

And, he's just a baby - the first year is tough with the kitten hi-jinks and the teen years, but they do get quieter!

Originally Posted by dan10101

I checked at pet smart and the guy I talked to said they just did grooming. I'll check back on a clinic.

As far as behavior, its just normal cat stuff. biting and scratching furniture. We're working on that. hissing and putting him down or in his room when he's acting up.

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I'll answer my own question since some may be wondering.
It costs $50 to test for Lukemia and some other common test. Then they would do the clinic shots for $24.
I'll be going on Sat clinic to see how much we can get done.

Here's another question.
My wonderful little kitten has never seen another cat and the only dog he has seen created hissing and arched back.

Any suggestions on a trip to the vet/clinic for the uninitiated? I anticipate a panic attack, and the kitten may not take it well either...

Get the carrier out now and leave it in a room where your kitten frequently sleeps or plays. Put a towel or shirt with your scent on it in the carrier. Let the kitten play or sleep in the carrier, but do not force him to go in. The idea is that the carrier becomes a comfortable place for him rather than a threat.

On the day you take him to the vet you should be able to get him into the carrier fairly easily ( ). Keep him in the carrier at the vet's until you go into the exam room. Then open the door and let him come out on his own. If he doesn't come out to explore, the vet will have experience/suggestions for getting him out.

Calming for both of you.

Good ideas, but we don't have a carrier.

It's not likely the wife will allow the purchase of one. So, maybe a box w/lid with some of the items from his box bed will give him some comfort.
He hasn't been sleeping it it much, but still uses it on occasion. He seems to prefer sleeping behind the junk in the room.

The carrier is actually more of a safety issue, for you and the kitty. You never ever want a kitty to get out of its housing while you're in the car....and carriers are at all price points. And they last a long, long time - worst case, Petsmart/Petco will have those cardboard carriers. Or, your box may work for the moment, as long as you can be sure someone has defininitely got an iron grip on the top (and punch in some airholes). But, you definitely want something kitty can't escape from.

GoldyCat is right on target with her description - a kitten probably won't be much of a problem to get into the carrier, and vet will be totally able to get him out of the carrier, even if he's hiding in there. They've got lots and lots of practice. Oh, at my vet's office, they like you to keep the carrier closed til vet or tech comes in the room from the back door (the exam rooms have two doors), so that kitty doesn't decide to race into the back of the hospital!

You live in Illinois - you have WalMart or Meijers???? Meijers right now has small carriers on sale for around 10 bucks - can't get much cheaper than that. Also try craigslist... people are always trying to unload pet carriers.

I've seen decent cat carriers for under $10 or $15 at discount stores. Walmart might have them too. You can probably get a cardboard cat carrier at a pet store. Whatever you use, it's good to line it with a towel or blanket he's been using so he feels more at home. I bring a small toy and a couple cat treats.

Another birthday. 9 weeks old. I have no idea how big, but probably over 2 pounds. He's sitting on the back of my chair playing with my hair. (What's left of it).

I was able to find a $15 carrier at Walmart. I picked up some arm&hammer litter. It's the clumping kind. Is it too early to use that with this kitten?

I also picked up some kitten treats. He tried one cautiously, and devoured the other one.

I think I'm ready for the vet visit tomorrow.

The wife want's me to put a sign out "free kitten".
Not likely..

Ask the vet about the litter, but I think you're probably ok. And kitty will definitely let you know if he would prefer a different litter type. Any enzyme cleaner is good to have around the house - works beautifully for non-pet accidents as well.

Good job on the carrier - and maybe a treat for the wife would be good too Even just telling her what a generous woman she is for helping to save this baby's life, and how you appreciate her support, probably couldn't go amiss. I think a lot of us have had partners who weren't as keen on the work and care involved with a pet, and maybe even a little jealous of the time and attention we give our pets.

A friend practiced positive reinforcement on her hubby - he really wanted puppy out of the house, but every time he even helped a tiny bit, she showered him with thanks and appreciation. Slowly, but surely, hubby came to really enjoy the puppy, and even just grinned when the puppy started teething on his running shoes and said it was his fault for not storing them away safely. She told me she honestly came to appreciate him more as a partner.

Good luck with the vet!

Back from the Vet. Banfield Hospital.

Everything's fine. I'll post more details later when I have time.

Tiger did great.

We love bendy straws in my house! I cut them in half and attach a pipe cleaner on the end by wrapping it around the tip of the straw. My cat LOVES this cheapy toy! Also, a small wad of paper provides endless hours of entertainment.

sorry, this is long.
Most of you have taken your cats to the vet, but for those that haven't and may be reading this thread, I'll detail it out a bit.

I went to Banfield pet hospital. It was a clinic day from 1 to 3pm for shots. I checked ahead of time to see if they could do the leukemia test as well at the same time and they said yes.

I got there early and was second in line. He wasn't real happy in the carrier, but after a while he fell asleep waiting. Lots of other pets kept my attention, and may have distracted him from his confinement.

This was Tigers first visit to the Dr so we had some extra work to do.
The learning Dr first looked at him and gave an initial assessment that he looked healthy. Took his temperature and even though he was uncomfortable, it didn't hurt him.

Then he took him in back to draw a blood test to check for leukemia and Aids blood test. When he came back he had a temporary bandage on his back left leg and seemed to be relatively calm. Then we waited a while (10 min) for the results. The main Dr. came in and showed us the results of the test were negative, (didn't have the virus's).

He then spent some time doing what the first Dr did to determine if Tiger had and health issues. Looked at his ears, mouth, eyes, heart, breathing, general skin and fur. He squeased his middle section checking for worms or other irregularities. I was surprised how much he could move around and not hurt Tiger. He also did his best at determining the sex of our Tiger. He said "I'm pretty sure he's a male." The first Dr. tried too, but didn't really come to a positive conclusion. I got a chuckle out of that..

In general, he said Tiger was in good health. He recommended a wormer and some other initial shots. The wormer was nothing more than some oral medicine that wasn't a big deal. He game me another dose that I'll give him later. (I need to know how long to wait before giving him another dose). The shot was given by the main Dr with the secondary Dr holding down the kitty so he couldn't move and hurt himself. It didn't seem to hurt him at the time.

We were done. More shots in another 3 weeks.
The bill came to about $96.
Blood sample fee 8.50
Distemper FVRCP vaccine 23.95
Leukemia/FIV test 42.95
Wormer 14.95
Paid out of my golf account, so the wife couldn't complain.

Aftermath.
He was quiet going home. 6 hours later, he's in pain where his shots or blood draw was, but other than that seems ok. He's moving slow. Eating ok.

I forgot to mention the treats. I bought him some Wiskas temptations. Whenever I was trying to get his mind off things, I would give him a treat. Probably not the best thing to do, but it made me feel better.

He did great, was crying a bit, but didn't go wolverine on us. I almost wore a sweatshirt and gloves, but it wasn't necessary. Good thing, it was 103 out there today. That's enough for now. Hope this helps someone else on their first visit.

Originally Posted by stephanietx

We love bendy straws in my house! I cut them in half and attach a pipe cleaner on the end by wrapping it around the tip of the straw. My cat LOVES this cheapy toy! Also, a small wad of paper provides endless hours of entertainment.

Click to expand...

I'm still shocked what simple toys entertain this guy. Tonight it was two simple threads about 8" long. He's now played out and laying on the living room floor sleeping.

We're watching MJ videos.

Sorry, I'm turning this into a blog of sorts. But the initial intent of walking me thru this process of growing a new cat still applies. It was a great help getting me thru today and the first vet visit.

In turn, I'd like to offer my areas of expertise.
If anyone has problems with computers or cars and need advice, I would like to offer my assistance. Just send me a PM and I'll do what I can. I don't know everything, but if you need someone to bounce and problem/idea off of, please let me help.

Thanks to all This has been a long road and Tiger is way beyond the struggling for life stage. He's a cat! A small one, but none the less.

I'll make one more offer, if anyone is in the Modesto, Ca area and would like to adopt this wonderful little guy, well, you know...

I have read this post from the beginning and I must say you have done a wonderful job with Tiger

I do have to say that I am surprised that your wife is offering such resistance to keeping your new baby. Usually this situation is reversed and its the husband who is adamant that the kitty must go

My SO was the same way, boy was he angry when I rescued my oldest. Told me I had to find some other home for my new kitty. I told him that I would find some other place for him to live and then everyone would be happy . We compromised and I got to keep my rescue boy in exchange for my SO never having to touch the litter boxes unless I'm out of town. Flash forward two years and he begrudgingly agreed to take in a 7 week old little girl kitten who needed a home. To say that he fell head over heals in love with her is an understatement. The two are inseparable. We now have six cats total and he has been transformed into the crazy cat man

Good luck with Tiger. I do hope you end up keeping him. The entertainment and love that a cat gives is like no other. They truly are spectacular creatures.

I'm so glad Tiger got a clean bill of health. I'm glad his vet trip worked out well. My kitties usually come home from the vet and sleep the rest of the day from their shots or the stress of it all.