new kitten testing my patience

kittypoopyface · Nov 27, 2015

Thanks everyone i really appreciate the advice and encouragement.

I get really upset with myself for getting in a state about this. I know he's only a little kitty and learning but I know you know it is a lot to handle. I had a good cry cuddling him tonight feeling guilty about giving him the cold shoulder.

All advice will be heeded

talkingpeanut · Nov 27, 2015

KITTYPOOPYFACE said:
Thanks everyone i really appreciate the advice and encouragement.

I get really upset with myself for getting in a state about this. I know he's only a little kitty and learning but I know you know it is a lot to handle. I had a good cry cuddling him tonight feeling guilty about giving him the cold shoulder.

All advice will be heeded

You're going to be fine! This is just a learning experience for both of you. Feel free to continue to post!

Mamanyt1953 · Nov 27, 2015

Donutte said:
Gah, I was thinking it, forgot to type it!

Not sure I believe the getting used to it part though, haha. My Oliver still acts like I'm murdering him. We have to take breaks between each nail, lol.

Oh, your'e doing fine, Hekitty goes to the vet, where they give her a veeeeeeery mild sedative. Clipping her claws is like giving her a bath, and that resulted in a trip to the emergency room the last time I tried it. She is not a girl to allow liberties with her person. At all.

See, Kittypoopyface (and don't I just grin every time I read that), we all have problems with our cats. They get better, or we get better at handling them. As for holding your kitten and crying, we've all pretty much been there, too...with cats and small kids. I can remember holding both, and saying, "I'm so sorry, I love you so much...but DANG, could you give me a tiny break?"

donutte · Nov 27, 2015

I remember when they were much younger, like the first couple months I had them (I got them at 8 weeks and they are 6 months now), I remember watching them as they slept and thinking, "Awww what little angels." And then they'd be awake in the middle of the night, flying over my bed, sometimes jumping on my pillow and on

Lucky (who was 16), then hearing him hiss at them... and I would think, "Omg, what little monsters!" Haha, I actually called them "my little monsters" for awhile.

kittypoopyface · Nov 28, 2015

Very reassuring to know it's not just me that seems to have adopted the Devil'd own spawn. Lol. I clipped his claws last night - he was actually remarkable cool about it. i have a scratch post winging it's way to me also.

Picked up a bigger litter tray today too, and some worming powder. the litter tray has an edge too so it will hold the bag in place and prevent him covering it. Just injections and neutering to organised. Work underpaid me!! so have a battle on to get that resolved. it should only take a few weeks though

Here's a piccy of him getting intimate with my arm pit.

20151128_002544[1].jpg

kittypoopyface
Nov 28, 2015

kittypoopyface · Nov 28, 2015

I'd also like to congratulate you on what a wonderful community you have here. You have all been so lovey and supportive - and most importantly NON JUDGMENTAL!!!! You don;t understand (maybe you do) how important the latter is to me as a new pet owner. I has a really hard time on facebook when i initially posted seeing if anyone had an unwanted pet. I was accused of wanting something for nothing and being too lazy or cheap to go to the pet store (i don't drive and didn;t want to put a new pet on the bus - especially if someone local had a littler they needed to re-home). I did respond with some sarcasm which led me to be accused of not being fit to own a pet - a seed i think has caused all of this fear and insecurity.

It has freaked me out - i'm 35 and childless - in the worst moment i worry crickey if i am like this over a kitten then oh my word a child is not even worth thinking about!!!

you have all been great though and i know it is one step at a time. Got him a wand today also. he loved it. However he hated the new vaccum!

i previously used to sweep but got a pet vacuum which is quieter than usual

thanks eveyone - i will pop by with updates and cries for help

xx

Mamanyt1953 · Nov 29, 2015

Oh, they're all spawns of Satan at that age. They grow.

And this is one of the friendliest groups I've ever been part of, and I've been knocking around the internet for a good few years now. Don't just come by when you have questions...linger, take your shoes off, make yourself at home. Scamper around the forums, there's a ton of information on everthing from fleas to raw feeding to leash training on here, and lots of new webfriends to make. We're glad you found us.

And ignore those FB nay-sayers. I'm lucky to have a good group, but I think I may be in a very small minority, judging from what I've seen on other pages. Gads. Some people just want to cause problems, and add their two cents worth to a situation they don't in the least comprhend. You did right. If you didn't have the wherewithall to adopt from a shelter, then looking for a litter in need of a home is the next best thing, because, dollars to donuts, half of those litters do end up in shelters.

gonger · Nov 29, 2015

Was just about to post a similar story! I can't lay down at night/morning because Pumpkin hunts me before pouncing on (and biting) my face. She hunts me throughout the house usually doing a sideways hop while she's all puffed up. She leaps at me, climbs my legs, etc. Over the last week she's become a real menace for chasing me when I leave the room because she's too rough. She's fine to my 2 male housemates (one of which sleeps with me but doesn't get pounced on). I've spent a lot more time playing with her and tossing balls away from me before she hunches down to pounce at me as a redirection. I get that she's just playing (I hope though she never growls, hisses or bites hard) but she was so affectionate when she moved in.

Thank god it'll end! I was worried what would happen if she behaves like this when my mum visits. Mum has accused Pumpkin of being like an abusive partner when I try to explain the scratches.

kittypoopyface · Nov 29, 2015

oh dear Gonga - that's terrible. Have the distractions helped? It's difficult to always have a toy at hand. Have you trimmed it's nails?

I'm really annoyed today. Despite the new litter tray, the new wand toy (and a few hours playing), despite the new scratch post my cat is still behaving badly. It came into my room today - where my BRAND NEW goose feather duvet sat peed right on it. The litter tray was fresh, clean and accessible - in the other room where it was quiet and private.

I'm not fully sold with the idea that cats don't leave 'dirty protests'.

I can't see any good reason for this behavior today at all. Unless you factor in the annoyance it must be feeling thanks to the worming powder in its food (which it is refusing to eat).

talkingpeanut · Nov 29, 2015

KITTYPOOPYFACE said:
oh dear Gonga - that's terrible. Have the distractions helped? It's difficult to always have a toy at hand. Have you trimmed it's nails?

I'm really annoyed today. Despite the new litter tray, the new wand toy (and a few hours playing), despite the new scratch post my cat is still behaving badly. It came into my room today - where my BRAND NEW goose feather duvet sat peed right on it. The litter tray was fresh, clean and accessible - in the other room where it was quiet and private.

I'm not fully sold with the idea that cats don't leave 'dirty protests'.

I can't see any good reason for this behavior today at all. Unless you factor in the annoyance it must be feeling thanks to the worming powder in its food (which it is refusing to eat).

I see that you still haven't taken him to the vet. Cats often go to the bathroom in inappropriate places when something is wrong. He doesn't have a lot of ways to communicate with you. You should really go to the vet to rule out a uti or something else that could be causing discomfort. Worms could also be causing this.

He could also not like the litter you are using. You will find a solution that works for the two of you, but you may need to try different litters, multiple litter boxes, etc, and a vet visit is needed.

donutte · Nov 29, 2015

KITTYPOOPYFACE said:
oh dear Gonga - that's terrible. Have the distractions helped? It's difficult to always have a toy at hand. Have you trimmed it's nails?

I'm really annoyed today. Despite the new litter tray, the new wand toy (and a few hours playing), despite the new scratch post my cat is still behaving badly. It came into my room today - where my BRAND NEW goose feather duvet sat peed right on it. The litter tray was fresh, clean and accessible - in the other room where it was quiet and private.

I'm not fully sold with the idea that cats don't leave 'dirty protests'.

I can't see any good reason for this behavior today at all. Unless you factor in the annoyance it must be feeling thanks to the worming powder in its food (which it is refusing to eat).

Is kitty not eating at all? Just making sure I understand. Can't say I've heard of worming powder before, but then again, I'm sure there's a lot I've not heard of. I do agree with talkingpeanut, definitely best to get him to a vet to be checked out and make sure everything is working properly inside.

And remember - this is a baby. Patience is definitely necessary with pets in general, but especially with the babies. It will be a learning experience for both of you. Kittens especially are VERY good at getting into things they shouldn't. I have had some things get destroyed by one method or another by kittens or puppies. You learn very quickly how to prevent it if you don't want it to happen again (like putting items out of their reach). But again, these are just THINGS that get destroyed. I don't remember every little thing that got broken over the years. But the memories I have of my pets? Wouldn't trade all those broken things in the world for that.

kittypoopyface · Nov 29, 2015

No i haven't taken him to the vet - work underpaid me this month and i need to resolve that before i can afford it.

In the meantime i am spending and doing all i can to resolve this situation. I hate it. Everytime i think he will be ok and we will be ok he does something to really upset me again. I'm pretty liberal with him in all other respects. He can roam where he likes and i don't even mind him having a go at the furniture really. I don't however let him sit on my hands or face when i am trying to read, or bite my hands and legs, and going to the toilet outside of the litter box is bloody unacceptable. I live in a flat. i would like someday to maybe, you know, bring a guy back. Not if we are going to walk into poo poo, and pee pee land and sleep under the pee pee blanket.

He had de-wormer yesterday in his food and today (the pack instructs administration 3 consecutive days if it is a first time treatment).

He doesn't appear to be in any discomfort whatsoever when going and he isn't going at an unusual frequency at all. He primarily does go in the letter tray so i can't see him having an issue with the type of litter i am using. We are having a toilet incident roughly every few days and in between he behaves like a perfectly well litter trained kitty. I really do stay on top of keeping the tray clean - it's better to clean that than the carpet and bedding after all!!!

His new litter tray is huge compared to him and again he seems to have no issue using the same box for ones and twos. I have the old box still so am more than happy to put that down too. He used the new tray the moment i put it down and has used it a number of times since so no reason to think he doesn't like it. Everything about today's incident seemed to spell bad behavior. there was nothing he could have wanted or needed other than food without worming powder in it (sorry Mr you have to eat it). I have no idea - other than covering my bed in lemon juice - how to tell him that this particular area is a BIG no go for the toilet.

kittypoopyface · Nov 29, 2015

just today he is refusing to eat. The worm treatment i brought came in 3 sachets that are to be mixed with wet food. He reluctantly ate yesterday and has only had a nibble today. this is the first time he hasn't eaten.

I'm not quite sure how i can put my bed out of his reach - it seems to be his fave alt/toilet. i do keep him out of the room where possible of course but that doesn't stop him dashing in when i use the door.

I will get to the vet as soon as my employer allows it but honestly by all accounts he seems incredibly healthy and active.

talkingpeanut · Nov 29, 2015

KITTYPOOPYFACE said:
No i haven't taken him to the vet - work underpaid me this month and i need to resolve that before i can afford it.

In the meantime i am spending and doing all i can to resolve this situation. I hate it. Everytime i think he will be ok and we will be ok he does something to really upset me again. I'm pretty liberal with him in all other respects. He can roam where he likes and i don't even mind him having a go at the furniture really. I don't however let him sit on my hands or face when i am trying to read, or bite my hands and legs, and going to the toilet outside of the litter box is bloody unacceptable. I live in a flat. i would like someday to maybe, you know, bring a guy back. Not if we are going to walk into poo poo, and pee pee land and sleep under the pee pee blanket.

He had de-wormer yesterday in his food and today (the pack instructs administration 3 consecutive days if it is a first time treatment).

He doesn't appear to be in any discomfort whatsoever when going and he isn't going at an unusual frequency at all. He primarily does go in the letter tray so i can't see him having an issue with the type of litter i am using. We are having a toilet incident roughly every few days and in between he behaves like a perfectly well litter trained kitty. I really do stay on top of keeping the tray clean - it's better to clean that than the carpet and bedding after all!!!

His new litter tray is huge compared to him and again he seems to have no issue using the same box for ones and twos. I have the old box still so am more than happy to put that down too. He used the new tray the moment i put it down and has used it a number of times since so no reason to think he doesn't like it. Everything about today's incident seemed to spell bad behavior. there was nothing he could have wanted or needed other than food without worming powder in it (sorry Mr you have to eat it). I have no idea - other than covering my bed in lemon juice - how to tell him that this particular area is a BIG no go for the toilet.

I totally understand that you are frustrated. You need to take a deep breath and realize that something is wrong - otherwise he would not be doing this. Cats pee and poop inappropriate places when they are stressed. They do not try to be bad or get back at you. It could be that he has a minor uti or crystals in his urine. This causes discomfort and you would not necessarily be able to tell without a vet workup. Cats are very good at hiding when something is wrong with their health.

He could dislike a litterbox or the litter you use. Try putting the second one down as well. Urine is used to mark territory. He may be feeling disoriented and trying to comfort himself with his smell. A Feliway diffuser could help. You also need to clean with an enzyme cleaner anywhere he has peed or pooped other than the litterbox. Otherwise he'll associate it with a place to go.

Again, worms could also be adding to his discomfort. If he won't eat the food with the medication you may have better luck with a pill.

You will figure out what's going on and this will stop. Your cat is not out to get you! He is communicating with you however he can and now you have to be a detective.

donutte · Nov 29, 2015

In regards to things you can't put out of reach (like your bed) - get a tarp. They are pretty cheap. I got an insanely huge one and put it on my bed after Maple (who is almost 14) decided to pee on it once. An inconvenience, yeah, but it did the trick. The one thing I'll say - I had to put a couple of things on top of the tarp to put it in place, because my kittens decided it made a really *awesome* slip-and-slide, and kept knocking it off the bed.

I had used some cheap tablecloths for awhile, but the kittens made short work of those, so I wouldn't recommend wasting money with those.

Keep in mind, he may find another spot. But hopefully that other spot will end up being the litter box. Or, you may want to get some pee pads. They have some on Amazon that are really cheap but also really good, perfect size for kitties. Unfortunately would take a couple days to get them.

kittypoopyface · Nov 29, 2015

a friend of mine just made a suggestion that i think is the answer - the new duvet was an unfamiliar item and probably carried an unfamiliar smell - so he was nervous and marked it.

No offence but i would rather get rid of the cat than have to live with a tarp over my bed. kudos to you for being so dedicated.

i am going to stop repeating the fact that he otherwise has absolutely no problem with the litter i have been using and goes in the tray regularly.

gonger · Nov 29, 2015

She woke me up pouncing on my face once then curled up on my back and slept for 2 hours haha. Turns out my housemates were encouraging hand games but she still doesn't hunt them.

About duvet, it might be best to go to the vet but I don't really know. Pumpkitty litter trained within an hour. Had one accident on boyfriend's blanket but she may have been trying to mingle our scents, etc.

I watch a lot of Jackson Galaxy to get basic ideas of cat behaviour and behaviour modification.

donutte · Nov 29, 2015

KITTYPOOPYFACE said:
a friend of mine just made a suggestion that i think is the answer - the new duvet was an unfamiliar item and probably carried an unfamiliar smell - so he was nervous and marked it.

No offence but i would rather get rid of the cat than have to live with a tarp over my bed. kudos to you for being so dedicated.

i am going to stop repeating the fact that he otherwise has absolutely no problem with the litter i have been using and goes in the tray regularly.

I guess for me, getting rid of her just isn't an option. For what it is worth, the tarp was only on there during the day, and even then, only for a month. It hasn't been on there since mid-October.

dbljj · Nov 29, 2015

I have never been able to sleep with babies or pets. Opie sleeps and has all his things in the computer room and at present the new kid is in the guest bath with her own litter box, sleeping box, food and water. I also put her in there daily for naps. The boombox is just outside the door with really softmusic on 24/7. and a towel rolled up at bottom of door to keep her from seeing feet walk by. So Far she has done really well...only thing she refuses to use is the scratching posts...I even use the stay away spray and she does not care..

frajude · Nov 29, 2015

We have a feral kitten that we saw eating food late at night. It was living under a shed in the back yard. I started going in the back and feeding it several times a day and we put a litter box in the yard. Lo and behold it started using the litter box. My friend would go out after work and talk to it and the kitten eventually came up to him. It ran away from me. After a short while it was tame enough to come in the house and gets along with the older cats, chases the girl and mock fights with Samson.

Several times I woke up and the kitten was asleep cuddled in my arm. He has a lot of energy and one needs to acknowledge his needs. I would suggest that you talk to the kitten and make sure it knows that this is wrong. BUT also make sure that you praise it for all of the good things. The female cat generally does not come by me. When she does she can be annoying but I let her know and I make sure I pet and love her later. Usually it has been my experience when a cat misbehaves it is telling you something and is trying to get your attention.

new kitten testing my patience

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Rules my home with an iron paw

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