New member (and new kitten owner) !

necrius · Jul 10, 2005

thought i'd register and get to know some people, as i'm about to take on a little kitten, and i will need to post questions somewhere from time to time, and maybe share some of the antics the little thing gets up to.

i'm a uk resident, 27m. i'm getting the little kitty on wednesday this coming week, and really looking forward to introducing it to my flat, and starting to get to know each other.

here are some pics of the little samurai warrior.

would be great to get to know some people that raise kittens like this, i really want to do the best job i can for it, so i'll need advice.

huggles · Jul 10, 2005

Welcome to TCS

YAY!! YAY!! YAY!! another black kitty to join

awww I just love black kitties - not that I am biased at all

Is it a she or a he? and the name? awwww so precious

so glad you joined us and what a great idea to get all the information together that you can to help you raise your new friend

we have all been there before so ask any questions you need - we will all do what we can to help.

welcome again from me & my boys

Let us know how Wednesday goes

miss mew · Jul 10, 2005

Welcome to TCS!, I'm sure there will be lots of people to answer any question you might have about your kitty. He's a real sweetie pie!. Hope you enjoy your time here!

necrius · Jul 10, 2005

Thanks! Well 'she is a girl' ( doh ), about 6 weeks.

I am scrambling a name together right now. It's either going to be something really elegant, maybe an elvish name ( one or two sylabals only though, nothing silly ) ... or .. something scary, like Lucifer, or Wrathium, something that really symbolises power and strength. It's currently called 'Twinkle'. Nothing wrong with that, it's a nice name, just I really want something 'different' (....and, well, something that I don't feel silly saying, being a guy).

talon · Jul 10, 2005

Oh yes, another black kittie! Welcome to you both!

huggles · Jul 10, 2005

Originally Posted by necrius

or something scary,

awwww she so doesnt look scary does she? she just looks adorable

looking forward to hearing whichever scary or elvish name you choose

arielrain · Jul 10, 2005

Welcome ! What an adorable kitten!!!! You'll find a wealth of knowlege here at the site. Here's a tip for you; You can spend a fortune on toys for your kitten but chances are she'll have as much if not more fun with an empty paper bag or box. Dangle a piece of ribbon in front of her, or a bookmark tassle. They love feather toys though, or a ball. Any questions and we'll all be more than happy to help. Have a wonderful day ! hope to see you around !

daidreamer · Jul 10, 2005

Hi

Welcome to TCS

Such a cutie of a kitty

tnr1 · Jul 10, 2005

Originally Posted by necrius

Thanks! Well 'she is a girl' ( doh ), about 6 weeks.

I am scrambling a name together right now. It's either going to be something really elegant, maybe an elvish name ( one or two sylabals only though, nothing silly ) ... or .. something scary, like Lucifer, or Wrathium, something that really symbolises power and strength. It's currently called 'Twinkle'. Nothing wrong with that, it's a nice name, just I really want something 'different' (....and, well, something that I don't feel silly saying, being a guy).

If she is only about 6 weeks....can you wait an additional week? The rescue I volunteer with will only adopt out kittens once they reach 8-12 weeks of age.

Katie

necrius · Jul 10, 2005

Originally Posted by TNR1

If she is only about 6 weeks....can you wait an additional week? The rescue I volunteer with will only adopt out kittens once they reach 8-12 weeks of age.

Katie

not really, it's all pretty much agreed etc. what sort of difference would an additional week make to taking the kitten in?

tnr1 · Jul 10, 2005

Originally Posted by necrius

not really, it's all pretty much agreed etc. what sort of difference would an additional week make to taking the kitten in?

The kitten would have additional time with mom and siblings. The rescue I volunteer with has found that kittens that are placed younger than 8-12 weeks have shown a higher incidence of behavior issues/thus being returned than when they are placed between 8-12 weeks of age. Additionally, in my state, it is actually now illegal for a rescue/shelter to place a kitten or puppy under 8 weeks of age.

Katie

necrius · Jul 10, 2005

my mistake it's 10 weeks.

i only got this info through yesterday really, whoops.

eatrawfish · Jul 10, 2005

Aw, what a cute little black kitten! I am sure you will have lots of friends with her.

tnr1 · Jul 10, 2005

Originally Posted by necrius

my mistake it's 10 weeks.

i only got this info through yesterday really, whoops.

Understandable...you must be sooo excited to bring home your little one.

Katie

necrius · Jul 10, 2005

thanks TNR1.

i bought a book yesterday in town. Kittens for DUMMIES. Actually really good information for a beginner like me.

I've learned loads of little things we'd normally think insignificant, but which are a real big deal to a kitten. So I've read most parts of the book that I think I need to cover but I'm going to go over it again to pick up more, and hope it sinks in. I really want to make a good impression for <unnamed samurai warrior princess> and make sure shes relaxed when she gets here.

I have a question actually. The book said for the initial settling period in the new house, let the kitten stay in a room for some time, before you show it the rest of the place. Let it live in one room basically. The author said it seems a bit cruel, but it's generally a good idea. I'm all for this idea, but in my flat (I share with a workmate), the only real 'one room' suitable for that would probably be mine. The bathroom is an idea, but I don't like the thought of it being subjected to any kind of germs or anything like that as such an age. It could live upstairs in the kitchen for a while (it's a large, open-plan area upstairs, really weird), but it's a large area, and I don't know how comfortable I'd be leaving it alone initially at night up there. I'd probably want to check on it a lot.

So, the book says, wherever you choose. Put it's litter there, it's toys etc. Now, my own room isn't massive. I figure it's a good enough 'starter room' though, and I certainly haven't got a problem with having it's toys and stuff in here. I mean, if it means it won't be lonely, and it bonds with me better, then I guess that's a bonus too.

So, I guess I'm just asking what you guys think about those options, and even the idea that the book put forward.

ty!

halfpint · Jul 10, 2005

Welcome to TCS you and your furbabie

I

Black Cats my favorite, but I have 3blk, 3 blk and white, 3 gray and white, and 1 very beautiful big fuzzy Female tabby, the 5 are rescued babies that will be having new homes

after Vet trips this week, I also have there Mother who is B/W, and a full brother to her who is B/W. and I

them all. You will get lots of help here this is a Wonderful helpful site

they all helped me rescue 16 kittys from a very busy parking lot, if you need anything just give a Meow

tnr1 · Jul 10, 2005

Originally Posted by necrius

thanks TNR1.

i bought a book yesterday in town. Kittens for DUMMIES. Actually really good information for a beginner like me.

I've learned loads of little things we'd normally think insignificant, but which are a real big deal to a kitten. So I've read most parts of the book that I think I need to cover but I'm going to go over it again to pick up more, and hope it sinks in. I really want to make a good impression for <unnamed samurai warrior princess> and make sure shes relaxed when she gets here.

I have a question actually. The book said for the initial settling period in the new house, let the kitten stay in a room for some time, before you show it the rest of the place. Let it live in one room basically. The author said it seems a bit cruel, but it's generally a good idea. I'm all for this idea, but in my flat (I share with a workmate), the only real 'one room' suitable for that would probably be mine. The bathroom is an idea, but I don't like the thought of it being subjected to any kind of germs or anything like that as such an age. It could live upstairs in the kitchen for a while (it's a large, open-plan area upstairs, really weird), but it's a large area, and I don't know how comfortable I'd be leaving it alone initially at night up there. I'd probably want to check on it a lot.

So, the book says, wherever you choose. Put it's litter there, it's toys etc. Now, my own room isn't massive. I figure it's a good enough 'starter room' though, and I certainly haven't got a problem with having it's toys and stuff in here. I mean, if it means it won't be lonely, and it bonds with me better, then I guess that's a bonus too.

So, I guess I'm just asking what you guys think about those options, and even the idea that the book put forward.

ty!

I agree with the author to start the kitten in one room. The only thing I would consider is where you would normally want to have her/his litterbox. If the answer is the bathroom...even though that sounds a bit cruel..I would start him/her there....so that she/he knows to return to that location for the litterbox. We have found the transition to be easier when you don't have to move both the litterbox and the food. If you would like to keep the kitten with you (so it doesn't become lonely....now, be prepared that a kitten has absolutely NO concept of 8 hours of sleep so it will most likely want to wake you up to "play" after it has taken a "cat nap") then you may want to consider having 2 litterboxes...one that you keep in your room and the other in the room where the litterbox ultimately will be (that way if the kitten "forgets" to go to the other one...there is still one in the room he/she is familiar with). It's also a good idea to check for anything that your kitten could accidentally play with that would do him/her harm....electrical cords come to mind..and definately if you have any plants at all...move them out of the room until you can determine if they are harmful. I remember very well when my 2 were 8 weeks of age....it was a very fun, exciting, sleep deprived time.

Katie

necrius · Jul 10, 2005

thanks for the advice. i think i have no set plan, but i do have ideas now, and some direction and focus, so close to a plan. but, it's all subjective, and i'm ready to play it by ear, and see what works and what doesn't, as time goes by. ensuring the little 'planet destroyer' is safe and happy is the main objective. during the day,while i'm at work, i think i'll try keeping her in my room. i'll power down everything, and setup the place so she has plenty to keep her occupied. i have a big window in my room, and the ledge is literally 20 cm from the floor, so i'll put the blinds up, and she'll have a bit of a view (it's not great from my side of the flat, but it'll do until i know she's cool upstairs during the day).

does all that sound good? is it good to leave a television on? or some soft music on low volume? i work 8:30 - 5. i'll start biking ino the town centre so i can get in and out quicker than walking definitely.

tnr1 · Jul 10, 2005

Originally Posted by necrius

thanks for the advice. i think i have no set plan, but i do have ideas now, and some direction and focus, so close to a plan. but, it's all subjective, and i'm ready to play it by ear, and see what works and what doesn't, as time goes by. ensuring the little 'planet destroyer' is safe and happy is the main objective. during the day,while i'm at work, i think i'll try keeping her in my room. i'll power down everything, and setup the place so she has plenty to keep her occupied. i have a big window in my room, and the ledge is literally 20 cm from the floor, so i'll put the blinds up, and she'll have a bit of a view (it's not great from my side of the flat, but it'll do until i know she's cool upstairs during the day).

does all that sound good? is it good to leave a television on? or some soft music on low volume? i work 8:30 - 5. i'll start biking ino the town centre so i can get in and out quicker than walking definitely.

Sounds like a great plan.....I've heard good things about leaving the radio on and I know they sell tapes for the television to entertain cats (my cat really enjoys watching animal programs). You will definately want to provide her with balls (I like the free variety made of crumpled aluminum foil or paper), perhaps some stuffed mice and definately get her a nice scratching post so she will use that and not your furniture.

Katie

necrius · Jul 10, 2005

i guess i'll check wires are left untouched for a while before i leave any appliance on for her.

i have a scratch post and some toys. i'm lucky in that the lady who has raised the kit so far is handing these items over for the kit to keep. really pleased.

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