Just got a cat and have some questions.

Welcome to the forums Bryce.

It's completely normal for a cat to be shy and cautious around people for the first little while. It's in a completely new environment and it wants to get used to where everything is. After a while it will feel more at home and comfortable.

Depending on the age of the cat as well as its breed (which I would guess is just a domestic short hair) and its surroundings, a cat will behave in different ways. If it's a kitten, you can expect a lot of changes in it as it grows. If it's an adult cat, its behavior will probably stay pretty much the same once it gets used to the house and the people.

As far as jumping goes, cats love to be up high but until they become comfortable they will most likely just hide under a bed or behind a couch or something like that. Soon enough it will find a perch as close to the ceiling as possible.

Cats make incredible companions but they also require a lot of time. As long as you can fulfill its basic needs and put aside some time for bonding with it, it will be your best friend.

And since you're new to the world of cats, I have to tell one more thing. Please do not have your cat declawed. It's truly a horrific and unnecessary surgery that I think should be illegal. It is very painful and can also lead to many physical and behavioral problems. There are many alternatives, such as Soft Paws, which are very easy to use and they won't hurt your cat or your wallet. And if you haven't already, get your cat spayed/neutered.

If you have any other questions, just send me a private message (click on my user name, then contact info, then send a private message)

See you around the forums.

Congrats on your kitty! Cats do take some time to settle into a new environment but it sounds like she's doing pretty good. Just dont rush things, let her come to you, give her some treats and talk softly to her. Im sure in no time she will be demanding attention
Upper respiratory infections are common in shelters, did they give you medication for her? Best to take her into your own vet for a checkup once she is done the meds to make sure its cleared up.

As far as the kitchen goes, just repeatedly putting her down when you see her on the counters is the best solution. Also, once you see the signs that she's thinking of jumping up, sharply (not loudly) say "no" and then praise her when he doesn't jump. It will take a while, so be sure to tell your mom to be patient (it's taken about a month per cat for us.)

Be sure and get some scratchers for kitty! Ones that lie flat and ones that are vertical to cover all the bases.

Oh yeah, and get ready for tonight! Don't be surprised if there is some wandering and crying out once the lights go out. I just went through 3 weeks of that with my latest addition, but she was also 3 years old when I got her.

As far as the dog goes, go slowly and let them sniff each other through a screen or crack in the door several times before mixing them up. If your dog is generally non aggressive I don't foresee any big problems.

You're in for the time of your life with your new kitty. Congratulations!!!!

Yes, especially if she's not been used to wearing one. a good guide to fit is that you should be able to slip 2 fingers under the collar. Less and its too tight. More and she might wiggle out of it. Though some cats are geat escape artists when it comes to removign collars. Make sure it has a safety or break-away latch so she will not hang herself on it if the collar gets caught on something.

Some cats adjust to collars and some are good at losing them. Microchip ID (which you can get at your Vet) is another good means of identifying the cat as yours. I think collars are still good if your kitty will wear one as its an easilly spottable visual clue that 'hey, this is someone's pet', as opposed to a stray or feral if it she gets loose outside and lost. Most shelters and Vets will scan for a chip ithese days if someone presents them with a stray kitty.

It might be the bell. One of my cats was scared of the collar until I took the bell off. Once I took the bell off, no problems.

Soon enough she'll be up there. She's still just a little scared.

Please be patient and don't stress so much. She can pick up on your emotions and will respond likewise. Just pretend you're Jane Goodall and "observe...." LOL

LOL! Jane Goodall is a scientist who lived decades among the wild chimpanzees, observing and learning about their complex social networks, etc. She now champions causes which protect wild and captive primates.

Cally

She will find plenty to climb on. You'll be surprised.

Cats are very different animals from dogs. Rather than being your "child" or "fellow pack member," a cat is more like a friend. They don't take well to commands or control, but they
ARE very perceptive about your moods, stresses, etc.

Some cats are "cuddly." Some aren't. A lot of cat behaviors are peculiar to cats, such as the "figure 8 around the feet" maneuver. Some cats are very talky, some are nearly silent. Watch for purring; that's a sign of contentment or a request for attention.

To some extent, it works best to ignore the cat unless he comes to you for attention. And, if he's a typical cat, he will. But figuring out cat behaviors for a dog person can be very difficult and puzzling, so don't hesitate to ask questions.

Be especially attentive to the litter box. Use a clumping litter and scoop it at least once every day, but twice a day is better.

Yes to the Turbo Scratcher! Most cats love them.

Also, avoid direct eye contact--staring into the eyes. I've found making "blinky eyes" (slow blinking) while looking slightly to the side is very good for bonding with a scared or shy cat (I've even gotten an ocelot in a wildlife park to come to me using that approach!)

Hissing will sound just like a hiss, usually with the mouth wide open and fangs showing. It's defensive as much as offensive, usually a warning to leave the cat alone. Some theorize it's supposed to imitate a snake.

A hissing and growling cat. Note the mouth position and ears.

Growling and Hissing Cat

Purring is a gentle rumble. Research has shown that petting a purring cat actually lowers human blood pressure!

Here's a cat purring.

Purring Cat

Note that purrs vary among cats. Some are so loud, they shake the walls. Others are so gentle, you can only feel it by putting your hand on the cat's throat.

But cats have many other vocalizations, from a loud meow, to trills, brrrts, chirps, chatters, etc. They all mean something; just what, we may never know.

I'd give you both some time to get accustomed to each other - you're nervous, she's nervous - and she does feel your anxiety. But, she's also going to feel your love - just give her a little time. If she's starting to play (and 10 minutes is a long time for a cat!), I think she's starting to feel more at home. But, cats have long memories, and she probably remembers being in at least one scary, lonely place - and doesn't quite realize that she's in her forever home now.

What I did when I got my girl was to sit down in the same room, but very carefully not look at her - I just got out a book and started reading softly to myself. That gave her, I think, a chance to get used to me without feeling too exposed herself.

Also, if she starts looking toward you, I'd suggest just holding your arm out toward her, with your hand out but curling up your fingers - making a soft fist. I've read that since that's about the size of a cat's head, they feel more comfortable coming up to sniff that, than even an open hand. Don't forget, cats are predators, but are also prey - it's natural for them to be skittish in a new situation. But, believe me, once she realizes that this is home, even a non-lap cat can be extremely affectionate...my 'never hold me mommy' cat is the one who always greets me at the door when I come home, and will come up to me insisting on petting - you'll get there too, I think.

My girl is not a lap cat - but, I realized she liked me when she started flopping over in front of me (after I called the vet hysterical thinking that it was a brain injury or something wrong with her legs) and started sitting with her butt toward me - I learned both are signs of deep trust.

You don't have to spend all your money buying toys (although, yes, that can be fun!) - a cat tree is nice, but she'll find stuff to climb on, and even a nice cardboard box (just make sure the edges are not too sharp) will make a great toy - you might want to cut out holes in the box for her to use as windows and entry ways. The most important thing for her is feeling your love and patience - she will definitely be picking up on that.

How often are you cleaning the box - ideally, at least twice a day, every day. A lot of kitties do not like stepping into a box that's been used (my boy, for example). Some kitties even like having two boxes - one for #1, and the other for #2. The rule of thumb is to have one box per cat, plus one more (thus, two boxes for one cat). That said, a lot of only cats will deal well with just one box, but most will insist on it being cleaned.

What sort of litter are you using? Some cats do develop strong preferences.

Also, in my experience, you will need to clean the area with an enzyme cleaner to make sure the odor is completely removed (but you have dogs, so you know). Otherwise, she may keep going back to that area.

If she keeps going out of the box, I'd suggest taking her to the vet to make sure she hasn't developed a UTI - lots of times cats will not use the box if something hurts, because they think the box is making them hurt.

Good luck - that cat is so lucky to have such a caring parent.

I would recommend using a scoopable/clumping litter. It is easier to get all the waste out that way. Needs to be cleaned EVERY SINGLE DAY. or you'll start finding presents around the house.

Interactive play is a great way to bond. Get a ball (mine is rainbow colored of medium weight) from the petstore and throw it against the wall and the cat should go chase it as it flies the other way. or a laser pointer is great also! Da bird is a fun toy as well, mimics real bird movement. They go nuts! I played with my cats every day when I first got them and we are best buds!

Can't rush a relationship that will last a lifetime. Enjoy watching your relationship grow and her coming out of her shell. It will change constantly. I am still amazed by things that happen and its been 3 years!

If it's a clumping litter, you just scoop out the solids (the pee will make clumps, thus the name) and toss that out - I go for twice a day (morning and evening). I toss out all the litter and wash the box (with Ivory liquid and very hot water, and replace with new litter, once a month (I have three boxes). the good news is that you never have to actually walk the cat during sub-zero weather! And scooping isn't that bad, really, if you just make it a daily routine.


If you're using non-clumping litter, I think you will still have to scoop the poo every day, and then toss out the litter and replace it every 3-4 days tops. You have to sort of stir the litter around to absorb the pee, but it does start to smell fairly soon. I remember mine used that from the shelter - it was sort of hard to see the pee at first, because the clay just got a little darker. Clumping is much easier to maintain, IMO.

I'm sorry, how old is your kitty - I've had very good luck with a boy with box issues using Cat Attract litter (from Petsmart), and they also have Kitten Attract.

Do you know what sort of litter they used for her when you got her? Ideally, you use the same stuff at first and slowly change over if you want to try something different. In my experience, non-scented litters are best - the scented ones may be ok for us, but too smelly for our kitties - they have a very keen sense of smell.


The reason I said vet check if she doesn't start using a nice clean box with nice new litter is that sometimes stress can cause urinary tract infections (UTI) - you always want to rule that out if you have recurring box issues.

You poor guy - you're both going through a lot now (and I've been there) - but, honestly, for me it was all worthwhile and things did settle down. But, yeah, I read up a lot on box issues!