Getting a kitten
Discussion
Ok so my girlfriend keeps going on about wanting a kitten. I've said no so far but am now thinking of getting her one as a surprise for xmas.
She moved into my house a couple months ago, with her 2 cats, a male and female (mother and son) and they've been fine here and haven't done any damage or anything, but i've never had a kitten or any kind of baby animal and i'm worried a kitten can/might/will cause havoc so i was just after some experiences here.
I've heard of dog puppies causing a lot of damage, but how are baby cats for causing problems ? Will they chew through wires, pee everywhere and demolish my couch or am i confused with dogs.
And what would be better to get, a male or female one ? The 2 we have now get along ok though they do annoy each other every now and then and hiss and chase each other but that's mainly the mum who's beeing grouchy.
And how long do you have to keep a kitten inside before it can go out ? I think we kept her 2 inside for a couple weeks when she moved in and they were fine in using the littertray, and now they just go out when they want to.
Any tips/advice re kittens is welcome really
She moved into my house a couple months ago, with her 2 cats, a male and female (mother and son) and they've been fine here and haven't done any damage or anything, but i've never had a kitten or any kind of baby animal and i'm worried a kitten can/might/will cause havoc so i was just after some experiences here.
I've heard of dog puppies causing a lot of damage, but how are baby cats for causing problems ? Will they chew through wires, pee everywhere and demolish my couch or am i confused with dogs.
And what would be better to get, a male or female one ? The 2 we have now get along ok though they do annoy each other every now and then and hiss and chase each other but that's mainly the mum who's beeing grouchy.
And how long do you have to keep a kitten inside before it can go out ? I think we kept her 2 inside for a couple weeks when she moved in and they were fine in using the littertray, and now they just go out when they want to.
Any tips/advice re kittens is welcome really
Edited by Medic-one on Friday 5th November 12:37
I was told to get a tom cat as they are more affectionate apparently; as the females are the hunters in the wild. However - he is TOO affectionate and wont leave me alone for 5 seconds!!
He likes to claw my clothes and has ripped a few shirts and pulled threads out of my work trousers etc.. He also likes to chew my xbox controller / headset wires and phone chargers.. oh and a belt.
He likes to claw my clothes and has ripped a few shirts and pulled threads out of my work trousers etc.. He also likes to chew my xbox controller / headset wires and phone chargers.. oh and a belt.
Anyone ever told you shouldn't buy pets for christmas 
Seriously though you run a major risk of upsetting the older cats big time taking on another cat you really need to consider how they will cope. Stress in cats can be hard to sort out.
How big is your house. The cats will need space to get away from each other.
They may get on great, they may just as easily not though.
Kittens not usually destructive but they can tear stuff effectively with their claws. Let out once neutered at 5-6 months. And yes kittens are a lot of fun to watch
Seriously though you run a major risk of upsetting the older cats big time taking on another cat you really need to consider how they will cope. Stress in cats can be hard to sort out.
How big is your house. The cats will need space to get away from each other.
They may get on great, they may just as easily not though.
Kittens not usually destructive but they can tear stuff effectively with their claws. Let out once neutered at 5-6 months. And yes kittens are a lot of fun to watch
Edited by bexVN on Friday 5th November 14:42
bexVN said:
Anyone ever told you shouldn't buy pets for christmas
Seriously though you run a major risk of upsetting the older cats big time taking on another cat you really need to consider how they will cope. Stress in cats can be hard to sort out.
How big is your house. The cats will need space to get away from each other.
They may get on great, they may just as easily not though.
Kittens not usually destructive but they can tear stuff effectively with their claws. Let out once neutered at 5-6 months. And yes kittens are a lot of fun to watch
Fortunately the house is quiet big, 4 bedroom and large garden so the 2 we've got now got the space if they want time apart so hopefully that won't be a problem with kitten.Seriously though you run a major risk of upsetting the older cats big time taking on another cat you really need to consider how they will cope. Stress in cats can be hard to sort out.
How big is your house. The cats will need space to get away from each other.
They may get on great, they may just as easily not though.
Kittens not usually destructive but they can tear stuff effectively with their claws. Let out once neutered at 5-6 months. And yes kittens are a lot of fun to watch
If we let the other 2 out, will kitten be likely to try and sneak/climb out as well normally ?
the two older cats will keep meach other entertained whilst the kitten amuses itself (and you). Thats an ideal, it could go the other way, as we have just found out today:
Have a two year old female cat, who I must admit, is pampered and spoilt, but a lovely cat who never causes us any trouble, just likes company
We have just (tonight) picked up a 4 month old kitten as it was abandoned by its last owner, so we ended up takig it in from the vets we use. Shes is also a lovely cat, albeit full of energy and very very playful, but then she is young. The older cat has been very quiet since we brought the new one home, and has spent all evening in her basket in another room. Im hoping the two cats will et used to each other, but time will tell
Have a two year old female cat, who I must admit, is pampered and spoilt, but a lovely cat who never causes us any trouble, just likes company
We have just (tonight) picked up a 4 month old kitten as it was abandoned by its last owner, so we ended up takig it in from the vets we use. Shes is also a lovely cat, albeit full of energy and very very playful, but then she is young. The older cat has been very quiet since we brought the new one home, and has spent all evening in her basket in another room. Im hoping the two cats will et used to each other, but time will tell
Never replied to your question, sorry.
Depends on kittens character.
A nervous, cautious kitty may not want to venture outside so prob won't be a problem
An outgoing, risk taking kitty may well be keen to follow the others out.
I would at least carry yout kitten into the garden, give them a chance to get familiar with sights and smells so they have some familiarity should they escape. (When you get kitten, put some of its used litter in the garden to help should it get out)
Depends on kittens character.
A nervous, cautious kitty may not want to venture outside so prob won't be a problem
An outgoing, risk taking kitty may well be keen to follow the others out.
I would at least carry yout kitten into the garden, give them a chance to get familiar with sights and smells so they have some familiarity should they escape. (When you get kitten, put some of its used litter in the garden to help should it get out)
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