Topic: What do I need? (Read 3709 times)

LittleOne · « **Reply #21 on:** May 09, 2009, 22:26:22 PM »

Thanks for the advice guys but if I could get 2 I would, just not do-able right now. But that doesn't mean that in 4 1/2 months time I wont reconsider getting her a playmate.
I also live with 3 others and as I do shifts I'll only be out 3 days of the week and on those days my housemates are around so she shouldn't be alone that often.

Catjane · « **Reply #20 on:** May 08, 2009, 19:59:12 PM »

Quote from: sheryl on May 08, 2009, 09:29:37 AM

Definately 2 if you can stretch to it and TBH 2 really dont cost that much more than 1 - I just wouldnt like the thought of an 8 week old kitten being on her own and it is so wonderful watching kittens growing up together with all the play and interaction.

I agree, if it's at all do-able. I am so glad my three have each other, I know that they are never short of company when they need it, when I go away overnight etc.. And it's double the fun!!

Kittens don't eat much, and by the time their appetites/tummies start growing you'll be earning a salary

Millys Mum · « **Reply #19 on:** May 08, 2009, 19:20:42 PM »

As shes going to be weeny (6wks if my maths is right) then i would suggest you keep her in one secure room whilst out as its amazing where they can fit themselves!
A collar imo shouldnt be put on until 6 months of age and should always have a quick release buckle.
I would still be feeding 6 small meals of a wet food at that age and a small amount of dry food.

Ideally its best to have kittens in pairs but i assume (again lol) that she isnt comming from a rescue and they really wont care much so better shes with someone nice (you) on her own then some useless got on a whim type person.

Mark · « **Reply #18 on:** May 08, 2009, 09:59:32 AM »

Be warned though, one kitten alone all day by itself can be destructive due to frustration - it can also develop behavioural issues. If it was a young cat 6 months+, it wouldn't be such an issue. I really don't think it is a good idea to have one so young alone for long stretches - a bit like leaving a baby alone all day? - I'm sure there are people that do it but it isn't "best practice" - I turned 2 teachers down a while ago as they had agreed on 2 then changed their mind and wanted one. I did it in the interest of the kitten - I think its enough that they are being removed from their mum & siblings but if they are kept with one of them, they will be a lot happier. Sorry if it sounds harsh but I have strong feelings about this. I think 2 together will grow up much more rounded.

Beth · « **Reply #17 on:** May 08, 2009, 09:36:35 AM »

I was in the exact same position as you, and adopted one kitten... then felt guilty she was lonely and adopted another

the essentials for each (jabs, chip and spaying etc.) has probably cost me £150ish, so about £300 all together

but because it's in dribs and drabs it doesn't seem so bad iykwim?

and IMO the company and interaction both recieve from each other is worth any amount of money.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

sheryl · « **Reply #16 on:** May 08, 2009, 09:29:37 AM »

Definately 2 if you can stretch to it and TBH 2 really dont cost that much more than 1 - I just wouldnt like the thought of an 8 week old kitten being on her own and it is so wonderful watching kittens growing up together with all the play and interaction.

LittleOne · « **Reply #15 on:** May 07, 2009, 23:24:23 PM »

Thanks Judecat, will enquire when we go to the vets.

Helen that's exactly how I feel. I would rather have one that I could afford to get the best for than have two and have to make sacrifices with quality.
I have looked into the help with neutering but when she will need the op I wont be a student anymore so not sure i'd still qualify....but also I'd be earning then so shouldn't be a problem.

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 2009, 23:18:14 PM »

It's a tricky one, if things are tight then I think you should be strong and just get the one. I would love another cat (or two

) but I want my two to have the very best when it comes to food, litter, insurance etc and my budget just can't stretch to another.

Having said that as a student you may be eligible for help with neutering costs from Cats Protection - all the other costs will double though, food, jabs, microchipping, cattery fees etc so if a job isn't guaranteed at the end of your studies then it's probably sensible to stick with one

I put the money aside for my cats boosters (£2.50 a month per cat) so instead of having to fork out £60 when they need doing I have the money ready for it.

When my two were babies I came home at lunch time to check on them and feed them as little kittens need 3 or 4 meals a day when they're still tiny babies.

Judecat (Paula) · « **Reply #13 on:** May 07, 2009, 23:16:15 PM »

I would seriously consider getting her microchipped. Cats are the best escapologists in the world apart from snakes. Even if you plan to keep her indoors, or if like Trouble, who just sheds collars, microchip is the way to go. If she gets lost any Vet will scan for a chip and rehome her with you.

LittleOne · « **Reply #12 on:** May 07, 2009, 23:09:05 PM »

I have been thinking of getting another. To be honest the only thing stopping me is money. I'm an NHS bursaried student and have worked out my budget and researched the cost of food, jabs, neutering etc and can comfortably cope with one but it would be a struggle I think with 2. I don't want to take 2 and not be able to care for them properly. However I qualify in 4 1/2 months and will be earning a wage (bliss) so maybe it's do-able...what do you think?
I currently work shifts and can self roster so will be doing mainly short/weekends/nights when there are others at home to keep her company.

Mark · « **Reply #11 on:** May 07, 2009, 22:38:24 PM »

Are you home during the day? as 8 weeks is young for a kitten on its own all day. We only allow kittens to go in pairs unless there is somone around during the day or another cat for company.

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #10 on:** May 07, 2009, 22:31:38 PM »

Sounds like you've got everything covered, just need the actual kitten now! I know you've chosen her already but if she has a brother or sister still needing a home would you consdiering getting two? Twice the fun!

Kay and Penny · « **Reply #9 on:** May 07, 2009, 22:24:37 PM »

you'll find out why you need gardening gloves when you try one tummy rub too many

maryas · « **Reply #8 on:** May 07, 2009, 22:20:47 PM »

Bonnie gets plenty of tummy rubs from me don't you worry. When you look at everyone else's cats you will just want to adopt them all - lovely cats here on Purrs and lovely people too.

Mary

LittleOne · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2009, 22:18:22 PM »

I had a feeling the wormer would be rubbish! Is drontal ok for a 8-9 week old?
Mary, Bonnie is gorgeous....I just want to give her a good old tummy rub.
Don't worry about photos, I have been known to get a bit snap happy.

Gardening gloves?!

Kay and Penny · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2009, 22:03:06 PM »

ah yes, patience

and a pair of gardening gloves might come in handy

Kay and Penny · « **Reply #5 on:** May 07, 2009, 22:02:03 PM »

I think regular photos whilst a kitten is growing are vital, just in case he or she goes missing and posters are needed - not just cute ones but full into camera ones

CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2009, 21:59:48 PM »

Patience

Sounds like everything to me

maryas · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2009, 21:59:30 PM »

Looks like you've got lots of things covered.

I recommend lots of love, cuddles, kisses and strokes.

ALSO take lots of photos to show us.

Here's my Bonnie.

Mary

Den · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2009, 21:57:39 PM »

The tesco spot on wormer is useless so s/he will need a proper vet strength one. The vet can do that at the appointment.

You can't go wrong with empty cardboard boxes. Other than that I think you have everything covered really. Just make sure the collar is a safety one.

LittleOne · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2009, 21:47:20 PM »

Just want to check that I have/will have everything I need for my new kitten.

I have:
Litter tray and litter that she has at the moment
Scratch mat
Toys
Food she's current on (4% meat carp)
Food I want her to be on (50-80% non carp)
Bowls for food and water
Comb (she's longhair)
A fleece blanket for her to snuggle in
A collar

I will have:
A carrier
Scratch post
ID for her collar
Flea and worm stuff (she's been sprayed with frontline and has had tesco spot on wormer)
A vet appointment for 3 weeks time when she's 9 weeks

Anything else I've not included or any advice about anything above would be greatly appreciated.

Author Topic: What do I need? (Read 3709 times)