Just got a cat and have some questions.

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'm worried now. What I've been hearing sounded like a purr, but also like a growl almost.

She's still under the bed and won't come out now

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.

Why is it she's used the bathroom literally 2 feet from the litter box. She's been using it all yesterday just fine. Doesn't look like anything was done in there, but could it be to 'full' for her?

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.

So, what, just dump the litter and put fresh litter in there at least once a day? Because I have no clue where all the stuff is in that box right now lol.

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!

I don't think it's clumping, I'll have to check the box about that.

She's 1 year old as well.

Originally Posted by darlili

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!

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It's the clumping kind. As soon as I scooped out all the clumps she jumps right in and dirties it again lol.

Aren't they strange sometimes. Fiona will come over as I clean and actually get in as I am scooping! I have to tell her to wait till I am done.

Now if only she'll hurry up and start jumping up here with me

I am wondering if you put something cozy down as a "bed" for her if that will be enticing also. You can rub catnip on the fabric also.

OK, wait til she starts jumping up there at 4:00 in the morning, chirping and trilling and asking for a head pet - then think about what you just said!

And, yeah, cats are funny - mine also like to make sure I just clean the box and there they are!

She may have been waiting as long as she could til you cleaned up her bathroom - but at least now you know she likes to use the box, and, knock wood, no health issues.

If you're interested, I bet your local library has quite a few books on cat care (and it always seems at least one librarian will have cats). When I was really new, Cats for Dummies was very helpful on the basics. BTW, if she starts wagging her tail, that means she's not happy, unlike your dog probably. But, when you see her with her tail up in the air, she's a happy camper!

RIght now she seems to only really lay down under the bed. I have seen her on her side on the floor a few times though.

Oh, tail wagging means not happy and up in the air means happy.

What if the tail is up in the air and wagging? Or is that only wagging down low that she's unhappy?

Here's one web site that has descriptions. But up and gently waving is usually good - down and waving means agitated, normally.

http://cats.suite101.com/article.cfm...tail_tells_you

But, if she's eating and using the pan and playing, I think she's coming around. My girl was a tad 'stand-offish' when I got her - now she sleeps with me and demands brushing and head pats - just no lap sitting.

Thanks for that link.

Though, she is playing and all, sleeping now I think. But everytime she's with me she seems to be wagging her tail downward. Maybe that's what I think, but I don't know. She just doesn't seem to like me much now. Though when we got her she did like me more than anyone else.

I got a new cat on July 1st and she did the same thing. She was very shy and timid and did not leave the bathroom we put her in for the first couple days. But as soon as we opened the bedroom door, she was ready to go downstairs to scope out the house. Every cat is diferent though, not all of them are so willing to roam the house for the first time.

I also wanted a cat that was very playful and would be all over me, but my cat seems to be a very mellow cat. Since she has been here she has not played once, but she was pregnant so that might be the reason why. But even after the birth she still has the same personality, the only thing that has changed is that she is veryy vocal now.

IMO-Just give the furry one some time to adjust to the new house and its true personality should come out over time

Cats are curious by nature. Give her time, before you know it she'll be jumping on everything.

She's in a new environment so it's going to take her some time to get use to everything, including you.

She'll come around eventually.

She was pregnant as well. When we brought her home, she had free reign over the house from day 1. Except for my mom's bathroom, where we put the fish bowls at for now.

Originally Posted by TashaaM

I got a new cat on July 1st and she did the same thing. She was very shy and timid and did not leave the bathroom we put her in for the first couple days. But as soon as we opened the bedroom door, she was ready to go downstairs to scope out the house. Every cat is diferent though, not all of them are so willing to roam the house for the first time.

I also wanted a cat that was very playful and would be all over me, but my cat seems to be a very mellow cat. Since she has been here she has not played once, but she was pregnant so that might be the reason why. But even after the birth she still has the same personality, the only thing that has changed is that she is veryy vocal now.

IMO-Just give the furry one some time to adjust to the new house and its true personality should come out over time

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