First Cat/Found Cat

Hey,

I have a two-year old and a 30 lb-dog and was surprised four nights ago to hear meowing outside my back door. When I opened it a little black cat with white paws waltzed in, let me pet it, and continued to explore (the dog was in bed). Well, after having contacted all authorities, town clerk, all local shelters, pet stores, vets, I've heard nothing back and have in fact been told not to expect to, as many people dump their cats. I declined animal control, as I do not want (him? her?) to get euthanized and all of our no-kills are full. Well, the little thing has grown on us. And I have read up on proper intro's and it just needs to learn not to be afraid of the dog. It has a small area to itself behind a baby gate, which it thinks is what's "protecting it" but actually my dog is just well-trained. He jumps baby gates all of the time, but tell him to stay "out" he listens. I've read through all of the cat info on the APSCA and petfinder websites, but know that mainstream info is never the best. What are good cat-oriented up-to-date websites? Well, I hope the people here can help us acclimate to our first cat and help our cat acclimate to us (any suggestions??). She seems reluctant to explore beyond the laundry room, even though I've expanded the gated area to include a small hallway.

Welcome to TCS! Looks like you were chosen by this kitty to be its people! Congratulations!

First off, a trip to the vet is in order to be sure it's not chipped, and to be tested for worms and the other nasties (FIV/FLV). Also, you'll want to schedule a spay/neuter for the little one. As for a good cat site, you've found it! Start exploring the forums, especially the kitten one and the behavior forum and you'll find lots of really good information. Also, ask questions if you have them. Lastly, feel free to share as many pics of your little one as you'd like. We LOVE pics!!

We'll certainly try to help you. Just ask any question, and be prepared to get a lot of answers.

A photo of the little one would be enjoyable, and would help us know about how old it is.

Welcome to TCS! I guess the little thing wasn't going to take "get out" as an answer Good for you for reading up on the introductions. I'd just let him/her be. Kitty will come around eventually. It's probably just a little scared of your dog. You should get it to the vet to make sure it's healthy.

Welcome to the wonderful world of cat ownership! Your cat (kitten?) will start to explore more once it feels comfortable.

Remember flea control! It sounds like you're keeping him/her as indoor only, at least for now. Is the cat litterbox trained?

In addition to food, water, flea control (if necessary), a litterbox, a comfy nest to sleep in, and a vet visit, the cat also needs a scratching post of some sort.

Toys can be made from crumpling pieces of paper into balls (put a piece of food or pinch of catnip in the middle for a more interesting toy). Milk jug caps are interesting. Just make sure it's too big to swallow and tough enough that the cat can't chew pieces off of it, or if s/he does, that the material is harmless (like paper). Some cats like to play in cardboard boxes or paper grocery sacks (cut handles) turned on their sides. And you can always buy toys, too.

If the cat is at least 3 months old (kittens tend to have a weight in pounds equal to their age in months, but I've seen exceptions), s/he can be spayed/neutered. If at least 5 months old, get this done ASAP if the cat is unaltered. Past 5 months, females can go into heat and males may start urine-marking territory.

She will definitely be an inside cat, do I still need flea treatment? Our dog goes outside but he's on Advantix, can he still bring fleas in and onto her? I'll be calling the vet tomorrow for her first appointment, I definitely want her spayed ASAP. I'm interested to find out how old she is, she's either small or less than a year old. Last night she decided to jump the gate and explore our whole house. She has decided the 3rd floor is her favorite, probably because it's barely used and removed from all the noisiness of toddler and dog on the first floor! I moved her stuff up there, and will have to buy her a litter box for the other two floors since we are definitely keeping her =). I can't interest her in playing yet, I was going to buy one of the fishing pole types hopefully that'll get her interested. Gosh, she's so darn sweet though. When we go to see her she does this adorable half purr half meow and loves getting pet.

Here's the little one!

Oh she is darling! Congrats on your new baby!

Have you named her yet?

No, we can't get concurrence throughout the family lol. My toddler offered "yellow" and I tried but I just can't do it! I love old Hollywood, but my suggestions, Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jacqueline, have all been turned down by the husband lol.

I think all those elegant Hollywood names sound great! She's a very pretty girl and looks very Diva-ish in that photo

She's adorable!! I hope you come up with a name for her you all can live with.

As for the fleas, I'd go ahead and treat her since your dog does go outside. They like to hitch rides and can come in on his fur.

Originally Posted by captiva

I think all those elegant Hollywood names sound great! She's a very pretty girl and looks very Diva-ish in that photo

Click to expand...

I think "Diva" would be a cute name for her. Short and easy for your toddler to pronounce cutely: Deeba!

She's so cute--looks like a young adult cat to me. Get the spay fast, in case she's expecting. Doubt she'd be quite as cute X5.

Hi there

we're so happy to get the chance to welcome you and your gorgeous kitties 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.