First Time Cat Owner Q's

[CaNsA]

they've started only using the upstairs one for wees and the downstairs for poos which is nice

Called it
And dude, I'm really really pleased for you that it's all working out well.

There's a lot of good info in this thread which covers most characters and types of cats, so you are in good hands if you need help with anything else.

 

[Mercenary Keyboard Warrior]

Has anyone mentioned flea treatment? (i didnt notice it)

even if they are inside only cats they will still seem to manage to get fleas eventually (been there done that)

I really recommend frontline plus, ours is an outie and often manages to get nasties and when we moved to this it clearly keeps things far more under control
She dislikes having it put on less than some of the others as well (I try to warm it a little before use), I think the main issue is the cold when it hits the skin and the smell she dislikes

 

[Hades]

Has anyone mentioned flea treatment? (i didnt notice it)

even if they are inside only cats they will still seem to manage to get fleas eventually (been there done that)

I really recommend frontline plus, ours is an outie and often manages to get nasties and when we moved to this it clearly keeps things far more under control
She dislikes having it put on less than some of the others as well (I try to warm it a little before use), I think the main issue is the cold when it hits the skin and the smell she dislikes

Ah yes. When I first got my cat we inherited her. So while she knew us she was very nervous of us and would stay at arms length initially. Trying to squeeze the flea ointment on her was quite "entertaining" and a battle of wills. She won several battles but I eventually won the war. Many battle injuries were sustained.

Oh, a quick tip when trying to get them into their carry box to take to the vets, etc; don't try to put them in the box when it's laying flat. It will be like a scene from Tom and Jerry with the cat splaying all legs to avoid getting put in the box. Instead turn the box vertical and lower the cat into it. Much easier. The funny thing is that after the vet has finished the cat willingly walks straight back in their box as they know that's the only way home

 

[NVP]

There's a lot of good info in this thread which covers most characters and types of cats, so you are in good hands if you need help with anything else.

Thanks.

The current debate I'm having with myself is about neutering. Loads of info out there saying it's the best thing to do, but I feel it is border-line evil.

What do people here think on neutering/spaying pets in general?

 

[CaNsA]

Thanks.

The current debate I'm having with myself is about neutering. Loads of info out there saying it's the best thing to do, but I feel it is border-line evil.

What do people here think on neutering/spaying pets in general?

Unless you plan on becoming a breeder then get it done.
It's better for the animals and you don't have to keep them separated when it gets to that time......

 

[peterwalkley]

Unless you want to breed from them, definitely get them neutered. A tom with his nadgers still attached will spray and also rape every female he can, as well as be a lot more aggressive. An un-spayed female will end up with kittens at some stage, likely from a feral rapist.

 

[Mercenary Keyboard Warrior]

Male cats tend to be a bit less alpha
Female cats tend to be similar, but you do get away from the desperation to breed when in heat
(from what i can tell)

I would 100% in both cases

 

[krooton]

Thanks.

The current debate I'm having with myself is about neutering. Loads of info out there saying it's the best thing to do, but I feel it is border-line evil.

What do people here think on neutering/spaying pets in general?

If you are not a breeder, and choose to not neuter your pets, then you are evil.

We just fostered 2 moms and their litters due to lazy idiots.

 

[Psymonkee]

Please spay/neuter your pets! Rescues are overwhelmed!

 

[LabR@t]

1. Don't let it crap in the neighbors garden.
2. Not everyone likes your cat

 

[NVP]

Had the pre-op appointment at the vets today, all booked in

Also:

 

[Hades]

What lovely cats!

 

[MikeTimbers]

As the owner of a pedigree cat, I do not recommend allowing them to roam freely. There is a very good chance they will be stolen.

I have a Bengal who over nine years of keeping her in our garden can just about now be trusted not to go over the fences but we are still aware of when she is out and for how long. As others have said, not everyone likes cats and some people are just mean anyway. Cats have been trapped and drowned, shot, beaten, etc.

At first, get a proper butterfly harness and try walking them one at a time on long leads. They may readily accept it.

 

[peterwalkley]

Those kitties seem to have got the "looking regal, master and mistress of all I survey" pose sorted out.

 

[dpbadger]

My 4 cats will only drink out of the cat fountain or porcelain/ pot bowls not plastic or metal. Cat litter I use Ever clean multi cat from amazon on a subscribe and save 15% off.

Definitely neuter your cats as said earlier there is no excuse unless you are a breeder. Male cats will wander and potentially spray, females when on heat will try to escape and also all male cats in the area will be hanging around the house trying to get in.

 

[Haggisman]

Had the pre-op appointment at the vets today, all booked in

Also:

Beautiful!

Thanks.

The current debate I'm having with myself is about neutering. Loads of info out there saying it's the best thing to do, but I feel it is border-line evil.

What do people here think on neutering/spaying pets in general?

Shouldn't really be a debate, as others have said, unless you specifically want to breed them then get it done, otherwise you'll either end up with kittens (if it's a female) or no cat when it wanders off looking for a **** (if it's male).

 

[Vince]

Thanks.

The current debate I'm having with myself is about neutering. Loads of info out there saying it's the best thing to do, but I feel it is border-line evil.

What do people here think on neutering/spaying pets in general?

As above shouldn't even be a debate, a Neutered cat will live a longer life than one that hasn't been done, stolen from google:

"Neutered male cats live a mean of 62 percent longer than unneutered male cats"

 

[Thekwango]

1. Don't let it crap in the neighbors garden.
2. Not everyone likes your cat

this......but almost certainly they will end up crapping in someone elses garden. i have one that seems to like doing it round the kids climbing frame......i'm just biding my time and waiting for the right opportunity...

 

[RevBillyG]

Haven't read the whole thread but, I assume you've already gotten scratch poles? Saves your furniture
Also noticed you mentioned stainless steel water bowls. Best to get a ceramic fountain. Taste neutral and easy to clean/don't stain.

 

[Hades]

Haven't read the whole thread but, I assume you've already gotten scratch poles? Saves your furniture

Good luck with that... mine ignores the pole Her favourite thing to scratch is either the furniture (we stop her whenever we see or hear that) or the new carpet on the stairs.