I'm not sure this is the best sub-forum to post this, if not I apologize. I actually have a few questions.
As a background: We (my three roommates and I) just got a new kitten (Fish) on Sunday from a friend's girlfriend. She got him from an animal shelter that she volunteered at. Not thinking that cats aren't allowed in her sorority house, she accepted him then immediately realized she needed someone else to take him, so we volunteered. We're not sure how old he is, but we do know he's neutered, has his shots, and eats dry food.
One of my roommates is REALLY overbearing it seems like. I don't think it bothers Fish, especially since he just does whatever he wants instead of coming when my roommate calls him or whatever (he is a cat after all.) I'm more concerned if that could have any implications as he grows, like Fish not only responding to that one roommate. I know cats, like many other pets, often develop one person that they like more than others, and that's fine, but I don't want him completely disregarding the rest of us (maybe I'm just being selfish of a cute kitten.)
On to more important concerns. He doesn't seem to drink much water, but at the same time I don't know how much water he should be drinking. This is his third day here and he's had about a cup of water. Should we integrate wet food into his diet to make up for it, or is this a sufficient amount?
Lastly I've been reading about soft paws because one of my roommates originally wanted him declawed, but I told him there was no way in hell I was letting that happen. How do these effect his "gripping" ability? He likes to sleep and hang out on our stairs, which are carpeted but are the kind that are only steps. As in there is a "hole" between each step. Sometimes he'll start to fall and use his claws to keep from plummeting to the ground (although he did fall once and was fine, it's not a ridiculous height or anything.) He also prefers to get on the furniture by climbing up the back instead of jumping from the front, which we're fine with because we have junky couches.
Sorry, that's so long winded, any help is appreciated! I'm sure I'll have many more questions. While I've been around many cats my life, I've never actually had to raise one beyond cleaning out the box.
As a background: We (my three roommates and I) just got a new kitten (Fish) on Sunday from a friend's girlfriend. She got him from an animal shelter that she volunteered at. Not thinking that cats aren't allowed in her sorority house, she accepted him then immediately realized she needed someone else to take him, so we volunteered. We're not sure how old he is, but we do know he's neutered, has his shots, and eats dry food.
One of my roommates is REALLY overbearing it seems like. I don't think it bothers Fish, especially since he just does whatever he wants instead of coming when my roommate calls him or whatever (he is a cat after all.) I'm more concerned if that could have any implications as he grows, like Fish not only responding to that one roommate. I know cats, like many other pets, often develop one person that they like more than others, and that's fine, but I don't want him completely disregarding the rest of us (maybe I'm just being selfish of a cute kitten.)
On to more important concerns. He doesn't seem to drink much water, but at the same time I don't know how much water he should be drinking. This is his third day here and he's had about a cup of water. Should we integrate wet food into his diet to make up for it, or is this a sufficient amount?
Lastly I've been reading about soft paws because one of my roommates originally wanted him declawed, but I told him there was no way in hell I was letting that happen. How do these effect his "gripping" ability? He likes to sleep and hang out on our stairs, which are carpeted but are the kind that are only steps. As in there is a "hole" between each step. Sometimes he'll start to fall and use his claws to keep from plummeting to the ground (although he did fall once and was fine, it's not a ridiculous height or anything.) He also prefers to get on the furniture by climbing up the back instead of jumping from the front, which we're fine with because we have junky couches.
Sorry, that's so long winded, any help is appreciated! I'm sure I'll have many more questions. While I've been around many cats my life, I've never actually had to raise one beyond cleaning out the box.