Concerns about adopting a kitten

Hi everyone!

I've had a pet before so please be respond kindly to any ignorance I exhibit.

I'm considering adopting a British Shorthair kitten that will be around 10 weeks old but I'm worried about a few things:

1) How do I accustom the kitten to me and my surroundings if it maintains an attachment to its mother? What should I do to remove the bond between the kitten and its mother?

2) How do I train a kitten to use a litter box?

3) Can a cat exhibit a dominant behavior if I'm too lax with it?

4) Can British Shorthair cats amuse itself when I'm gone or will it exhibit separation anxiety? Can it become spiteful if I don't provide enough attention?

5) What are the best parts to pet?

I apologize if similar threads have been already been posted.

Nephelomancy said:

 
Hi everyone!

I've had a pet before so please be respond kindly to any ignorance I exhibit.

I'm considering adopting a British Shorthair kitten that will be around 10 weeks old but I'm worried about a few things:

1) How do I accustom the kitten to me and my surroundings if it maintains an attachment to its mother? What should I do to remove the bond between the kitten and its mother?

2) How do I train a kitten to use a litter box?

3) Can a cat exhibit a dominant behavior if I'm too lax with it?

4) Can British Shorthair cats amuse itself when I'm gone or will it exhibit separation anxiety? Can it become spiteful if I don't provide enough attention?

5) What are the best parts to pet?

I apologize if similar threads have been already been posted.

Click to expand...

1. The bond between a kitten and mother well it only exists so long as their together. Bond between you and it just play with it and things like that

2. Keep it in a small room initially with the litter box nearby. I personally placed all three of mine in the box the first time and they understand immediately. The mother teaches them to use the box and instinct also takes over.

3. Your thinking of dogs aren't you? Basically you will want to try to remove it and teach it the word no. If it bites let out an ouch, if it goes where it shouldn't just say no (simple term for everything instead of multiple for different things).

4. This has more to do with the cat than any breed issue but...

A. Yes cats can amuse themselves just give him some toys to help him/her but this is one of the reasons most people here usually suggesting getting two so they can play together and keep each other out of trouble. It's fun to watch em too. I can only speak for myself but I do STRONGLY suggest you get a second if possible.

B. As for anxiety it depends on the cat

C. Cats are not spiteful they that is a human concept though I know it's hard to not apply human ideas to animals (been guilty of this myself)..

5. As for where to pet it depends on the cat/kitten but for the most part do not touch the stomach. There are a some that are ok with it but many are not due to it being a vunerable spot (the internal organs are inside of it).

Few other notes for basic information...

1. Feed it all wet food if possible kibble does not clean their teeth and it is not good for them.

2. Good toys for bonding best one I can suggest is  a pole/wand toy Da Bird is one example but there are many others. Laser pointers work too but make sure you have something the cat can physically attack at the end (a stuffed mouse) so the kitty can feel like it has a successful "hunt" instead of it's prey getting away.

I hope this has been of some help to you there are others with more experience too who will have more advice (got my first kittens back on 11/22/14) so less than a year ago.

You should have at least 2 litter boxes.  And once the kitten begins exploring the house you may want to have a couple more depending on how large the house/apartment is.  Small kittens have small bladders and can't always go a long distance to a litter box.  When the kitten is larger you can take the extras away, but you always want at least 2.

A cat tree is a good idea, put it near a window so the kitten can look outside.

Nephelomancy said:

 
Hi everyone!

I've had a pet before so please be respond kindly to any ignorance I exhibit.

I'm considering adopting a British Shorthair kitten that will be around 10 weeks old but I'm worried about a few things:

1) How do I accustom the kitten to me and my surroundings if it maintains an attachment to its mother? What should I do to remove the bond between the kitten and its mother?

2) How do I train a kitten to use a litter box?

3) Can a cat exhibit a dominant behavior if I'm too lax with it?

4) Can British Shorthair cats amuse itself when I'm gone or will it exhibit separation anxiety? Can it become spiteful if I don't provide enough attention?

5) What are the best parts to pet?

I apologize if similar threads have been already been posted.

Click to expand...

1. You don't need to worry about the kitten's bond with its mother. You and your kitten will bond as you get to know each other. Playing and spending quiet time with the kitten will help.

2. At 10 weeks, the kitten should already know how to use a litter box. When you bring him home, show him where it is, and keep him in a small space at first with food, water and litter box close by, until he's used to being in your home. 

3. No. You'll want to teach your kitten the rules of the house so you can live peacefully together, but "dominant" behavior is an idea that has more to do with dogs. 

4. I can't answer the first part; that's a question for the breeder or whoever you get your kitten from. Your kitten might be bored and get into mischief if you don't spend enough quality time with him, but it will only be the kitten trying to amuse himself, not spite.

5. It depends on the cat, but usually the top of the head, sides of the face, chin & neck are good. You can also stroke his back, but some cats get tired of this quickly, or they may get overstimulated and "attack" your hand if you stroke them for too long. 

Offer your hand for the kitten to sniff first, then if he presents part of his body for stroking or gentle scratches, do that. He might offer the top of his head or his cheek, or arch his back towards you, to ask for petting.