Conference misery::feline

    How old is Ginger and is she puncturing when she bites or just tearing
    up skin?  What do you do to discipline her for the biting?
    
    Kittens should eat a lot.  They need fuel for all their antics.
    
    Is the litter smell one of ammonia from urine or a bad odor when having
    a bowel movement?  If it is because of smelly bowel movements, you
    might try switching her food (gradually) to one of the premium brands. 
    They usually mean less odor at the box, and less waste to deal with. 
    If the odor problem is ammonia, be sure to completely dump the litter
    once a week, spray the box out with a bleach and water solution (1 part
    bleach to 32 parts water), and then refill with clean litter.  This
    should keep the ammonia smell down.
    
    Jo

    
    Ginger was born July 20, 1991.  She is a male kitten (we were
    promised she was a female and my daughter won't take a male).
    
    She is breaking skin, puncturing:  we are telling her no, spraying
    her with the water bottle, etc.
    
    The litter smell is urine, I'm using the scoopable little -- it's
    been the best so far.
    
    What premium kitten food....?  Less waste - I'm scooping 17 poops
    a day -- what a joy..... and seven spots from urine.
    
    Last month kitty was 6 lbs.  The vet said she is in wonderful health,
    should be about 12 lbs...
    
    We're having her fixed the beginning of February and I am considering
    having her declawed.  She has not done any scratching, except swiping
    at the dog, but....  any ideas on a scratching post, etc....
    
    Thanks 
    
    

    Since she is about 5-6 months old, she is very likely teething right
    now.  This would explain some of her biting behavior.  Best to correct
    this now so that it doesn't become a life long habit.
    
    You must correct her *every* single time she bites you.  Is your
    daughter mature enough to know the difference between correcting, and
    stimulating the kitten into retaliating? You didn't mention how old
    your daughter is.  
    
    If your finger is in her mouth when she bites you, either press down on
    her tongue or up on the roof of her mouth while saying NO! and she
    should release you.  If she becomes overly agressive I would suggest
    letting her cool off for about 15-20 minutes either in a carrier or a
    small room (like the bathroom), where she has no access to you or your
    daughter.
    
    If she is creating puncture wounds on you, be sure to wash them
    thoroughly with soap and water, and use something antibacterial on it.
    Cat bites can be really nasty, becoming swollen and infected.
    
    If the scoopable litter is smelling like urine, it is either time to
    replace the litter or add more to the box.  I would say that if it
    smells like urine it isn't working (you are talking about the clumping
    cat litter that you scoop the urine balls out of right?)
    
    Switch her to a premium food, for example Iams, Max Cat, Science Diet,
    Tami Ami, etc.  See topic 111 for more info on foods.  These foods
    generally produce much less waste in the litter pan.
    
    Jo 

    Tthought of one other thing, if Ginger is this aggressive already, then
    declawing may not be the right thing for her.  You didn't say she was
    scratching you or your daughter, just biting.  Cats that are declawed 
    have lost their "early warning" method, and are generally more prone to 
    bite when they feel threatened.  Your cat is already biting, declawing 
    might make it worse.
    
    Best way to train a cat to use a scratching post is to make it a
    positive experience for them.  Incorporate the post into play sessions
    by dragging a toy across it and letting her chase the toy.  Also,
    whenever you put her on the post, be sure to praise her to the heavens!
    Never put her on the post in anger, for instance, right after you have
    scolded her for scratching the sofa.  Make discipline about the
    innappropriate scratching a separate thing from using the post.
    
    Jo
    
    	

    One other thought on the smelly box....has Ginger been checked for
    worms?  Most kittens get them and make for a stinky box!
    
    Regarding aggression, my cat is very affectionate on her own terms.  As
    she gracefully ages she has become more of a lap cat, again on her
    own terms.  She'd rather be in the same room w/ people than being held.
    She lets us know when she dosen't want to be held (a growl or hiss).
    
    Neutering him will make him less aggressive and more mellow. 

    
    My daughter is 7 years old, and hugsm catches the kitten to bits.
    
    Ginger stays in the bathroom all day (no worms - or so the vet says,
    ans yes, litter is the scoopable clumping kind).  Ginger must
    be held at all times when the dog (16 years old) is also in
    the house -- the kitten kills the dog.....
    
    Help and thanks
    
    

    We found giving Bonkers to our cats gave them wicked smelly stools,
    and sometimes very loose ones as well. After talking to our vet
    about Bonkers he told us they are very bad for male cats as they
    have a tendancy to not acidify the urine and makes cats prone to
    FUS.
    
    Your cat is of the age when hormones are running high and sometimes
    I think they are more agressive at this age. Spaying/Neutering will
    make them move lovable but not all cats are lap cats.
    
    Barbara

A couple of ideas that worked for me:

Several of mine were "biters" when they were 6 mos to a year.  I had to
change the habit by ONLY playing with them using TOYS.  Don't offer
your hand to play, always use biteable toys.  After teething, they
forgot about biting.  Now I can play with them with my hand and they
don't bite down.

I also have "tamed" several wild kittens to become lap kittens.  In each
case, I had to spend a LOT of time with the kitten to show them spending
time with me was fun.  I even slept in a separate room with just the one
kitten so they got used to human presence.  In another case, the cat was
too shy to spend any time with people except to be fed.  Again, I would 
pick her up and hold her EVERY opportunity I had, and spent at least two
hours a day of "quality" time with her.  After about a month, she became
much friendlier, and she now expects her special time with me once in the
morning and once at night.

Bill

       Being so young,  she may be teething as mentioned.  I have had 
    young cats during the course of my feline friends that would be savage
    biters when they were kittens,  but every one outgrew it rather quickly
    and did not do it when they were adults.
       As far as personality, cats are no different than anyone else, each
    one is an individual.  I have 11 cats right now, and each one has a
    very different personality, some are such love bugs, they want a lap
    every minute, others want to just be close by, but not on the lap,
    others are grumbly and want to be left alone.  Some are very playful,
    some are not.  She will develop her personality as time goes on and
    mellow out, hopefully into a loving friend you will have for many, many
    years.
    
        Denise and the gang of 11, plus the dog!

    I understand what you're going through, since I have just recently had
    experience with my first litter of kittes! Right now (4, 3 girls, 1
    boy) they're 3 months old. Two of them bite, and I do believe it is
    because they are teething. The male is so lovey dovey, he doesn't bit,
    he grabs my arm and licks! But that's another story. The more time I
    spend with them, the more they want to sit on my lap and purr. Of
    course there is still one that is just not that sure yet!
    
    As for smelly litter box -- since I have 4 using 1 litter box upstairs,
    I have to change it daily! They are eating IAMS kitten food, and it
    seems to keep the odor smell down. As for amount in the litter box --
    well, since they're kittens and eating alot, they're GOING alot!! But
    that's kittens for you! (Just like babies!)
    
    Anyhow, the suggestion of toys, and positive reinforcement of using a
    scratching post are very good suggestions! Also, a note on declawing.
    One of my cats (my first) was declawed. And yes, he most definitely
    makes up for it by biting. Not ME, but the other cats stay clear of him
    if he's in a foul mood!
    
    Good luck!
    Cheryl (and Charlie, Shanti, Gracie, Murphy, PA, Crystal, Baby)
    

    Well, Ginger finally played with me yesterday for almost
    an hour without biting - just she and me with plenty of
    toys.  She had a great time, even aet chicken cat food !!
    (Up until now it's only been fish type....)
    
    Then I finally put the dog (16 years old) and Ginger together
    without holding Ginger (up until now I've been holding her when-
    ever the dog was in -- maybe I was making her feel aggressive....
    
    They did pretty well, she lunged at the dog three times:  he
    ignored her, he begged to be rubbed:  she sat and watched.
    
    For the first time ever, the dog came upstairs into the bedroom
    and would not leave;-- slept with us through the morning......
    oh, well maybe there's hope.
    
    Switched to better (premium food) food and there is less in the
    litter box.....
    
    Thanks again folks....boy, does Katie ever love her kitty....
    
    

I have found that the clumping type of litters seem to hold the urine smell
more than the clay litter.  I'm happy with tidy cat scented liners and 
any type of clay litter, the smell is alot less offensive.

My male cat Buki bit all the time when he was a kitten, and wasn't very 
affectionate.  Everytime, I'd either stick my finger down his throat, or
gently hold his whole nose/mouth closed while saying no.  Then I'd stop playing
with him until he calmed down.  I think the petting excited him and his bites
were affectionate, but those sharp kitten teeth are weapons.  One time he bit
clear through my thumb nail, talk about pain.  It happened so quickly I couldn't
stop it.  Now, he's turning into a real mush, but doesn't like to be held.
Kittens can really be crazy, but they *do* outgrow it!

Good luck!

Laura
    

    
    Ginger is doing a little bit better; we're adjusting.  I thought
    all kittens wanted to be held ..... Ginger I'm learning doesn't
    --he/she likes to sit close and rub.
    
    Also we're playing more with toys, he/she loves her new toys,
    hanging things and one that sticks to the floor and she can wack.
    
    Also he/she is carrying her mouse around while making strange
    noises...real cute.
    
    Also, dog and Ginger are "on their own" no more holding/restraining
    Ginger so that the dog won't get hurt-- it's working...
    
    Any thoughts on a scratching post.....
    
    P.S.  Ginger was spreading her dry food all round -- under the 
    rugs, in the closet, etc... so I took it away after 15 minutes..
    seems to be working -- maybe she really did need more to play
    with or maybe she was storing it for later...
    
    Thanks again,
    
    

    Why don't you try getting one of the carpet covered kind, being
    sure that its heavy enough so that it won't start to tip
    over and scare her if she scratches on it, and is tall enough for
    her to stretch out.  You might have to put some catnip on top
    to start with, or scratch at the sides yourself to teach her to use it.
    

    My friend Roberta's little girl insists that their male cat is a 
    female too!!....this week! Her name changes from time to time too!
    I mean HIS name..... ;*)
    
    Bonnie

    Hi,
    
    I guess I can put this in here, mod, if its the wrong place please feel
    free to move it.  Anyway....
    
    I have 5 new babies, that are 4 weeks today. :-)  And I want to start
    to wean them away from their mommy.  I also want to start getting them
    to know what the litter box is for.  
    
    What I would like to know is, can/should I put some of the moms litter
    in their box to get them started?  I have put them in their box but
    right now they try to eat it and that scares me.  For some reason in
    all the years I have had kittens/cats I never remember litter training. 
    It just seemed to happen.  
    
    Also, can you use baby formula to mix in baby food for them to start to
    eat?  I know you make it soupy, I'm just checking on what is better.  I 
    don't want to give them anything that is going to make them sick.  
    
    Thanks for your help
    Helena    

    Momcat will do both -- litter train them and wean them -- when it's
    time.  I don't remember when that time is, though.  Weaning may happen
    when they're nearing 2 months, and the litter training will start
    sooner.
    

    :-)  I think papacat might be the one who does the training.  :-)  He
    is great, he is the first male that I have had that is takin a part in
    the raisin'.  I have to laugh when I see him, and my really proud of
    him.  From the day they were born Momcat didn't mind him being in the
    room, now he babysits for them.  
    
    When she leaves the room for anything he is right there, when she gets
    upset because the dog or my other female is in the hall, he runs out
    and stand in front of the door ears back, growling.  He cleans them and
    cleans up After them.  :-)  I love to watch them together.  
    
    The babys come up to him when he is laying down and walk all over him,
    he puts his paws around them and just lays there.  Momcat just lays and
    watches.  Last night one of them was leaving the room, he got up walked
    to the door, got in front of the baby and didn't let her leave.  I just
    sit there and watch with wonder.... :-)
    
    Momcat will even let my other male into the room and NOT my female or
    the dog.  Tho Bailey (my female) will lay in the hall and watch from
    the door if she can get away with it without being seen.
    
    The babies have teeth now, so Mommy isn't to happy about feeding.  I
    think if she could she would give daddy that job too.... ;-)
    
    
    The reason I asked about the food is that in some of the notes in here
    they have talked about giving the babies food with milk to start them
    off.  So I'm just checking to find out for sure.
    
    Thanks
    Helena

    If you wish to start weaning the kittens, mix some KMR (not whole milk
    or human baby formula), or canned evaporated milk with some canned cat
    food to make a paste and offer that to them.  If you put too much
    liquid in it, they may be inclined to inhale it when they are first
    learning to eat.  I usually put their feet in the mixture and encourage
    them to lick it off.  Once they get the taste for it, they will start
    attempting to eat out of the dish.
    
    I also just leave a litterbox in the room near the babies and let them
    figure it out on their own.  They usually do try to eat the litter at
    first.  It is pretty normal for them to do that.  I have never had a
    kitten yet that has suffered as a result of experimenting with eating
    litter. :')
    
    Jo

I'm with Jo....with my extensive experience, I've learned that Momma knows best.
My Meggie did the litter training by herself and did a fine job.  As for eating
the little, don't worry about that.  All kittens eat litter.  My vet says it's
good for their digestive systems.  I think it's weird.

I started my babies on KMR and Science Diet kitten canned food.  They loved
it and Meg seemed to enjoy the extra time off!  But worry not...when she doesn't
want them to nurse, she'll let them know.  She's the one who should be setting
the pace.  They're her babies and she knows what's best.  BTW, she'll do well
on the kitten formula too.  But NO human milk!!

Mary

    Thanks for your help.  I knew there wasn't much I needed to do, but I
    would rather have something on hand just in case.  
    
    I'll pick up a couple of things on the way home tonight.  Momcat always
    has a dish of kitten food next to her, she has her choice of either
    or...
    
    Eating the litter bothers me alittle too, but I remembered years ago my
    vet told me the same about other kittens we had.  I still watch em. 
    :-) 
    
    Again, thanks for all your help
    
    Helena

    The kittens will eventually outgrow their fascination with eating
    litter.  That is usually about the time they start using the litter. 
    Most kittens learn from watching mom.  Also, they usually don't start
    using the litterbox until they are eating solid foods.  Momcat takes
    care of their needs until solids are introduced.  After that, they are
    on their own. :')
    
    Jo

    My friend in Maine (where I trapped the ex-ferals now ruling my house)
    was a witness to the momcat's training sessions.
    
    Momcat brought a baby to the flower garden, did the deed and covered
    it.  The baby sat and watched.  Then the Mom nudged the kitten, who
    went to the same spot in the dirt, did the deed, walked 4 or 5 steps
    away, moved some dirt around, and went back over to Mom.  
    
    Mom brought kitten back to the spot, pushed its nose in its deed,
    covered part of it for him,  and stepped aside.  Kitten stretched 
    forward and moved some more dirt around, still not covering the deed.  
    Mom went over to kitten and gave it a gentle swat on its ear.  
    Kitten covered.
    Lesson over.
    
    Jo-Ann

    HAHAHAHHAHAHAAHHHAA!!  That's a riot!  I watched my Meggie train her
    kittens and it was very similar.  Although she wasn't quite as stern in
    the covering department, she was a very thorough demonstrator!
    
    I had to teach Beth about box etiquitte.  She's quite the burier and
    I'm so proud of myself for teaching her.  Now, if some of that could be
    transferred to my brain-dead Himmies who scratch the walls, floors,
    everything but the litter!  They seem to say "What?  You want me to
    scratch at that litter??  I just PEED in that litter!!"...
    

    Don't feel bad, Mary.. I have a brain-dead Ragdoll who does the same
    thing!  Herbie, our Himmie, must have had a really smart mom, cause he
    will cover his stuff always!  Maybe he's from the line with live brain
    cells.  :^) :^)
    

    Mine are so determined to cover every speck that they even
    try to pull in the walls as coverup!
    

> BTW, she'll do well on the kitten formula too.  But NO human milk!!

Mary,

I assume you mean cow milk, but anyway.... 

We had 4 kittens born to our cat on the first day of spring.  That makes
them a little over 4 weeks old now.  All 5 of them are residing on our 
porch.  I have been leaving a  bowl of lo-fat milk out for mom, which 
the 4 kittens are also sharing - feet and all!  I am curious why you shouldn't 
give them regular milk.  Often i will dilute it with half water. They seem 
to enjoy it.

Also, i was concerned about when the kittens would start using the litter
box, but after reading all the replies in this topic, i guess it is still
a little too early.  They do like to eat it, though.

/james

    Cow's milk is not easily digested by cats, and can cause them major
    diarrhea.  You won't be able to notice this right now, since Mom is
    still taking care of their needs, and cleaning up any messes.  If you
    want to help out in their weaning process, leave them a bowl of plain
    water, and a couple times a day offer them a plate of canned growth cat
    food mashed up with some extra water.
    
    I have five week old kittens at home that are completely weaned to
    canned food now.  Once they stop nursing, they have no further need of
    milk.
    
    Jo

Hi,

I recently adopted two abandoned (really sad story) kittens.
I have grown up with cats all my life, but my Mother always
took care of them, so I am new to being a kitty 'Mom'.  
Anyhow, I was looking through the feline notesfile (both the
old and new version) last night for some suggestions on a 
few 'problems' I have been having with my new kittens.  
However, I really didn't find what I was looking for.

I would appreciate any advice.
    
Thanks,
Sarah

Stats:
------
First Kitten:   - grey & white tiger
		- male; 10 weeks old
		- named, "B.W." (for Bruce Wayne because he looks like a bat!)
		- good health...already been to the vet for first shot and 
		  check-up

Second Kitten:  - orange % white tabby
		- female; 10 weeks old 
		- name, "Lucy" (because she's a carrot top like Lucille Ball)
		- good health...already been to the vet for first shot and 
		  check-up
		
Questions:
----------
1. Lucy doesn't seem to clean her behind very well, and she's 'stinky'
   most of the time and sometimes has 'residue' on her butt.  I have 
   been using baby-wipes to clean her behind, but would really like to 
   have her wash herself.  Any suggestions to get her to do this?  
   Her brother, B.W. does a fine job of cleaning.

2. Lucy is constantly trying to get near my head and under my chin, and
   cries when she can't.  Currently, I am reluctant to let her to close
   to my face (& nose) because of problem #1.  Any ideas why she is 
   adamant about getting up to my face?  

    My kittens had problem #1 when I first got them, too.  They were strays
    that were taken from their mother at 4 weeks.  Once I got them really
    healthy - no more fleas - and on a good diet (Iams & Science diet dry),
    the problem went away.  The good food makes for fewer and firmer bowel 
    movements so it's less stinky  (when I give them canned food, it's alot
    more stinky).
    
    Snuggled into the crook of my neck was Lasher's favorite place to sleep
    when he was little.  I think it's a security/comfort thing.  Now that
    he's a big guy - 6 months, 7+ lbs. - he looks like that's where he
    wants to be, but realizes that he's too big now.  So maybe Lucy will
    outgrow her insistence to be there.
    
    When you've had them a while, they will be secure and won't need your
    reassurances as much.  Right now, they still need to know that you
    really belong to them.
    
    Best,
    Michelle

    I agree with .1, they usually start out like this and might need a
    little help.  They (she) should certainly out grow this.  I have found
    that baby poops are the closest thing to toxic waste in the odor
    department, not sure why other than the milk.  It's enuf to turn your
    hair grey!!!  Have no fear, it disappears with age!
    Karen and the 4 teeny ones with odiferous butts!

    I think your kitties are pretty normal.....wait until they have
    poop on the paws and decided to run over your chest...up to your
    face!!!   These are reasons why I don't miss kittenhood!!!
    
    Sandy

    
    Actually Sandy,
    
    That already happened!!!  [refer to .3]
    
    

    
    while on the subject of kitten questions......my friends cat had
    a kitten.  It is now 2 weeks old.  I would like to try to determine
    the sex of the kitten.  I seem to remember that there is some way
    to take an educated guess before the kitten gets old enough so that
    it is very apparent.  Is there a way?  Is 2 weeks still really
    too young to tell?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Donna
    

    RE:  .2 and .3
    
    I am sitting here laughing as I can just envision the "mess" and
    the poop on the paws!
    
    Of course my kitten is all grown up now - how soon we forget!
    
    No matter what they do (or DON'T do) one look at their faces
    and it doesn't seem so bad anymore.
    
    Good luck ...
    
    M
    

    
    
    	Hmmm....do I *really* want to go through kittenhood again?
    
    	JJ who has been hemming and hawing over getting another baby for
    		a couple of weeks now.
    

    I *love* the kittenhood stage.....
    
    

    Not all cats outgrow "bottom bombs"!  Chubs is so fat that he can't
    reach back there to clean himself so when he starts smelling ripe, he
    gets a quickie butt bath in the kitchen sink.  He also gets punk
    haircuts around his tail.  :^)
    Be careful when introducing new canned cat food.  Some of that stuff
    can really do a number on a little cat....  

Rigt now I have 4 little Himalayan kittens all at that messy behind and 
face stage.  I have found that they do real well with IAMS or Science 
diet dry mostened down a bit with water and then I add a jar of baby food 
and cottage cheese.  They seem to have nice (if you could use the word in 
this sense) formed stools.  I have in the past added canned wet food, 
and it gives them the runs bad.  So now I don't mix and match at all 
Because I just can't deal this problem at all. I spend half my night 
washing faces the other half washing behinds.

I do find that Gerber all meat baby food never disagrees with any of the 
cats, and they love it.  When the kittens do go loose I also add a 
little baby rice cereal to their food this helps firm them up.
**********

One noter back asked about sexing kittens.

The easiest time to sex kittens I think is immediately at birth.  
When their wet with very little hair.  Especially when you breed long 
haired cats like Persians or Himalayans like I do, the older they get 
the more difficult it is to see when they have all that hair covering them.

If you pick up a kitten and hold it back end facing you lift the tail 
and look for two openings.

On females you will see the top annal opening and directly below that a 
slit opening (vaginal opening)  The distance between the two is close.

On males you'll see the top annal opening but his penis is placed 
farther down then on a female.  Usually in short haired or young 
kittens you can see slight bumps under the skin which will become more 
pronounced as he gets older.

 
	Female	o	Male	o
		|	       . .
				|

It's not always easy to tell.  Many people have had their cats surprise 
them and Henry became Henrietta.

Sometimes the color of the kittens can be a dead giveaway.  For example 
this last litter I had a Tortioseshell and a Bluecream in the litter.  
These colors are 99.9% female colors.  So that was real easy.  The same 
would apply for a calico cat 3 colors (black, orange and white) or a 
dilute calico (blue, cream, and white) Strictly female colors.

Also another way which helps me to sex kittens is that with Himmalyans 
and Persians I know that genetically when you breed cats of certain 
colors together you can only have certain colors for males and certain 
colors for females.

For example if you bred a Flamepoint male to a Sealpoint female.
You could have Sealpoint males but no Sealpoint females in the litter.
This helps narrow down the possibilities too.

Now that you know all the tricks of the trade.  Have fun tonight and 
we'll expect a full report on Monday as to what your kittens are?

Hope this helps

Valerie

    Valerie...I had to laugh....because even though I deal with the
    shelter kittens alot...I find it so hard to see the difference
    when they are SO young!!!!  You explained it great...but I know
    I will still have a hard time.
    
    Sandy (who swore Tamba was a girl until he was about 4 months old..
           and said "oh my Look what we have growing back here".)

    
    
    Thank you so much for the information about sexing the kitten.
    I can not wait to give it a whirl, and thank you for the little
    chart.  I just printed it out and will bring it with me.  As
    I said, it is my friends kitten and there is only one.  I hope
    2 weeks is not too young to tell anything.
    
    Donna
    

    
    Hi,
    
    Thanks for all the suggestions to help my kitties
    become less 'stinky'.  
    
    I have a happy update....
    
    Last week, when I was getting really concerned about
    the kittens not washing properly, I was actually in
    the process of moving and thus my apartment was in  
    total chaos.  Plus, I was feeding the kittens grocery 
    store kitten food (moist and dry).  I believe the chaos
    was frightening the kittens since they had been
    abandoned before.  Also, I now realize the food wasn't 
    that good for them.
    
    This weekend, the kittens and I moved to a new house and 
    the kittens absolutely love it.  I have also started feeding 
    them IAMS.  Lucy and B.W. are cleaning themselves more often 
    and doing a great job too!
    
    So, now I don't mind little Lucy snuggling up under my
    chin (& nose!).
    
    Thanks,
    Sarah

         I'm going to become a cat-owner, but after reading some notes
         in this conferece, I'm really scared. My major problem is
         that my cat will be alone at home half of the day.

         I hate the thought on comming home and kitty had a nice day
         in ravaging my flat. I think claw clipping is one way of
         disaster prevention.

         My new fellow will be at an age of six weeks, so learning him
         to use his toilet without watching him all day long will be
         the next big problem.

         Has anyone some ideas, or comforting words, in handling these
         problems? 

         Walter

    Congradulations, Walter!
    
    Do you have a "safe" area such as a kitchen or room that
    the kitten can be confined in?  This helps a lot when a new
    kitten is brought into the home.  Provide an area for the food
    and water dishes to be placed at all times.  You don't want to
    be moving them around, as this can confuse the kitten.  You will
    also need a litterbox for your new baby.  There are many litter
    brands to choose from, so choose one that meets your needs and
    budget.  The litterbox also needs to stay in one place.
    Provide some type of scratching post, i.e. a carpeted type that
    can be a post, or cat tree, or one of those that is both a post
    and a tree.  Last, provide the kitten with a cozy bed of some type,
    that is out of the way and not in a drafty area....
    

    Hi,
    
     I think your main worry will be the little guy ravaging the place. If
    you could bring home two kittens, they would wear one another out, and
    not be so inclined to wreak havoc all day. Kittens have tons of energy.
    In fact, at the shelter where I volunteer, we only let kittens go two
    at a time for this very reason.
    
     The toilet training should not be a big problem, as long as the sand
    box is easily accessible to him. Kitties pretty much box train
    themselves, as they like to be able to dig and bury.
    
    Nail clipping is definitely a good idea. PLus it will get him used to
    it early, so when his claws are big and strong enough to do real
    damage, he won't mind the clipping.
    
    Hope this helps alleviate some of your fears. Enjoy your new furface!!
    
    Yonee

Another suggestion: When you bring the little guy home, plunk him in 
the litter box right away, and let him find his way around your home
from there.  That may help him figure out where to get back to when 
he needs it.

I second the idea of getting a second kitten.  Besides what's been mentioned
so far, it's so much fun to watch two of them play kitten games together!

    Are you getting a kitten or an adult cat?  Adult cats are less commotional.
    I second getting two at once, however, to keep each other company.  (There
    may be some initial hissing and swatting over territory, but things usually
    calm down in a few weeks.)  Hop in here with your questions if you have
    problems, and to let us know about your new addition(s).
    

    
    
    	RE:.43
    
    
    	The suggestion so far have been great...I have 2 at home for the 
    	same reason, they provide each other company. One is a couple
    	of month older than the younger one, so at first there was
    	some hissing and so on...keeping one in the bedroom, they
    	would play pawies under the door. Once the little one grew
    	and some supervised play everything has worked out. They are
    	the best of friends...
    
    	Since you little one is only 6 weeks old, try to get another one
    	the same age. There shouldn't be any problems with them adjusting
    	and getting along. They are smart and will pick up the litterbox
    	and eating at a certain place in the kitchen.  Good luck
    
    	Mike

    An adult cat sleeps most of his/her time and lets the house whole. No
    problem. If kitten, then two, not one, is the right choice. BTW, if you
    let the furface in, in a few days it makes NO SENSE if s/he damages all
    and everything or not... a cat's love is more fun than a million worth
    house.
    
    Nat :)

I added cats to my household this summer. The 2 of them
have done pretty much NO damage (except for a small
section of carpet near the master bedroom that they
clawed at slightly when we (unintentionally) closed
the door, looked like they intended to dig under said 
door). I also second claw trimming. We didn't do it
when they were real babies (never would have thought
of it but for this file) but it seems to work great,
and makes the occasional foray up the leg far less 
unpleasent (and at 9 months those have pretty much
stopped). As far as I can tell 2 cats is very little
incremental effort, and well worth it.

Keith
(and Spike and Hurricane)

         First of all, thanx to everybody for your responses. I also
         thought about two cats but there is some local problem.
         My flat is only 28qm large, having kitchen and
         living/sleeping-room in one piece (which means that there are
         no walls between them). The only separable room is the
         bathroom.

         So the living-space isn't too much for one cat, but for two
         it would be *very* tiny. At least that's what I'm  thinking
         about.

         Another handicap is the cost-question. Two cats means double
         costs. By the way: I'm a student and working only half-day in
         this company.

         Have anybody out there a single-cat solution or some other
         ideas?

	Putting the cat in the litterbox as a first intro to ensure he knows
	where it is a good idea, and make sure you keep it in the same place - 
	away from his food, and empy it regularly.
	When you put him in, move his front two paws in a "digging" action.
	He'll cotton on!

	If you can get the cat for a weekend to begin with, you've a couple
	of days to keep an eye on him first!

	Get a scratching post, and do the same for the litter box, but this time
	show him how to scratch on the post.
	Get something you can put water in, and spray, one of those things for
	houseplants is fine.
	If you catch him doing something he shouldn't, tell him "NO" quite
	firmly, and then show him what he should do.
	If he consistantly scratches the wrong thing, say "no" and give him
	a spray of the water.

	Get a few toys for him to play with too, a catnip-mouse would be fun.

	Have fun,
	Heather

I have just  one cat, and when we are going to be away, I just
make sure there is plenty for her to do.

Even though she is not allowed on the table, I know she will be
up there when we are not around, so I leave things for her to
play with and knock on the floor.

I leave the cellar door open. My husband thinks she likes going
down there because she can jump on anything without getting
yelled at. (maybe you can set assign one bureau, stand etc. for
this purpose.)

I place chairs under selected windows so she can look out. She
has a cat tree by a choice window in the living room. Her tree
consists of a 2x4 firmly attached to a plywood platform. It
has three perches: one to get a leg up, one for looking out he
window, and one for surveying her domain.  It is covered with
carpet and was made by my husband to my specifications. The only
time she scratches anything other than her tree, is when she
wants our attention. We've cured her of the sofa, but the speakers
look like hell. This Christmas I got her a small bird feeder with
suction cups to attach to the outside of the window. Also the tree
gives her a good view of the neighborhood. Of particular interest
are the dogs next door.

A shopping bag and/or box on the floor (tissue paper inside helps)
will occupy the kitty for a while.

Also, make a small accordian from a piece of paper or tissue, tie
elastic around the middle, and hang it from a doorknob, chair, etc.

Generally speaking, though, if you give the kitty a few places where
naughtiness is ok, like a desirable scratching place, or a table/
bureau from which things can be knocked off, I don't think you will
have much trouble. Cats are nocturnal, and she/he will probably sleep
most of the day.

Most of any damage will probably occur while you are home!!!!


                                               Susan

the tree...(not to scale)



________________________________________________________________________
                                                     ^
                               ||                  ceiling
                               ||=====
                               ||   ^
                               ||   perch
                               ||
                          =====||
                          ^    ||
                       perch   ||
                               ||
                               ||
                         2x4 ->||
                               ||=====
                               ||  ^
                               || plywood
                               ||  v
                         ==============
_________________________[]<--2x4--->[]________________floor___________________
                            
                             
                              




                                               seh

    How much is 28 qm?
    

         RE .-1:

         Oops - sorry for using german terms: 28qm means 28 square metre.

         Walter ;-)

    This won't help in the protecting-your-apartment area, but I thought
    I'd suggest something....  From the time you get him home, when you pet
    him, make sure you pat (gently, of course) his face, ears, feet, tail,
    belly....  He'll get used to it and enjoy it.  Far too many cats are VERY
    annoyed when you touch certain areas, but if you condition them from
    kittenhood, they won't punish well-meaning friends with a scratch (or
    worse).
    
    Leslie

Both of my guys will accept

1) handling and clipping of the claws

2) stroking and petting of almost any part of their purrson.

Spike will even roll over to explicitly get you to pet his
tummy (Usually with my wife or I saying "What a fierce
viscious Kitty you are Spike" in soft voices :-) ). I 
think all of this is because we've handled them this way
from early (~7 weeks old) kittenhood. Its worth it,
being able to clip their claws makes them far more hospitable 
to furniture (and Ginger, our Doberman who'll somtimes
get bopped for being to friendly).


Thanks,
Keith 

    
    The Easter Bunny brought me a new kitten yesterday (approx 8 wks old). 
    I adore him - (I think it's a him!) however, my 2 yr old female is
    very upset.  I knew she would be mad at first, but she won't even
    come out of my bedroom, she stayed on my bed all day and night,
    when I brought her out to meet the new addition, she hissed
    and growled like I've never heard her hiss, and ran off. She won't eat,
    drink, or go near the "baby"....
    
    Is there anything I can do to make it easier on the two cats? The poor
    kitten shakes so hard when she comes around he falls down,
    and the cat won't have anything to do with the kitten...I've been
    paying special attention to my female, to try and not make her feel
    replaced, and trying my hardest to make the kitten comfortable.
    
    I was given the advice to keep them apart for a few days, and it is 
    working out somewhat, but I just feel terrible that my 2 year old
    feels so threatened by this kitten.
    
    Is the memale/male combination a bad one?  Will this get better?  
                                                                     
    Any thoughts/ideas are appreciated.
    
    Jennifer
            

    
    
    	Some cats will take to a new member of the household without
    	batting an eye.  Others, well it takes a LOT of time.  Keeping
    	them separated for a few days sounds like a good idea.  Then just
    	make sure you're around when they're together.  Your female is 
    	used to being an only cat and this little guy is intruding on
    	her territory.  I feel bad for the little one though...he trembles?
    	
    	Do you have a child security gate type thing?  (one of the ones
    	that more like mesh than the wooden kind)  Keep one of them in
    	a room, put the gate across the door, that way they can see and
    	smell each other but may not feel *too* threatened because the
    	gate is there.  That might help them get used to each other a
    	little.
    
    	Good luck!
    
    	Jj
    

    
    
    	Jennifer,
    
    	Last Sept. I added a 2nd kitty to the household, BJ a 2 lbs, 8 week 
    	old kitten. KC, up till this time was the only one in the house.
    	He would bop bop bap....and so on... 
    	What I did was to keep them apart for 2 months, the bed room and 
    	bath room are connected. So this gave BJ some room and KC had the
    	rest of the house. As BJ grew, they (two kitty's) would play
    	pawies under the door. When BJ got big enough then there would be
    	some supervised together time. It meant going slow and giving them
    	both attention. Today they are the best of friends.
    
    	Hang in their, give it some time, the process may take up to 
    	3 months. It will depend on the first kitty, it will take time
    	for her to accept this new addition.
    
    
    	Good Luck
    
    	Mike

	Yesterday my wife adopted a 4 month old kitten from the Pat
	Brody shelter. This is the first cat we've had together and
	the first one I've ever lived with. While I have a million
	questions there is one thing I'm really curious about.

	I realize that breed is a big contributing factor but how much
	bigger will a 4 month old get? She so small I have a hard time
	seeing her and manuvering my size 13 clodhoppers. Being of a
	friendly nature she loves getting underfoot with the results
	of the cat sent flying once and the clodhopper owner sent
	sprawling 3 times. (No injuries except to our respective
	prides. ;-)

	Her name in the shelter was Bandit. My wife has yet to decide
	if that will be her permanent name. She's a short hair, mainly
	black with white paws and some white on her chest. Very sleek,
	energetic and (I'd quess) medium to long legs. She appears to
	have a faint shading around the eyes like a Burmesse (sp?). The
	area from the tops of the eyes to the base of the ears has a
	lighter color. Her eye color seems green although a bit indistinct.

	Any quesses about her eventual size?

	Bill K.

  
    Bill...I was so happy to see your note.   I personally rescued
    Bandit and his sister one Saturday night.   They were very tiny
    kittens (7 weeks) and they ended up spending the entire weekend 
    at my home!!!  We had a ball with them and I hated letting them go!!
    I'm so happy Bandit is going to a good home!!!
    
    As far as size......Bandit still has many months to grow!!  Personally
    from seeing her..I believe she will be your normal size female cat.
    Females tend to be smaller then males. (in most cases) My females range
    from 7-10 pounds and my males range from 10-17 pounds.
    
    There is alot of knowledge in this file from many of the feliners
    personal experience.   Please feel free to ask all the questions
    and good luck with the new kitty!!   You made my day sharing your
    story.
    
   
    Sandy
    
    

    Bill,
    
     I agree with Sandy that most females, (there's always an execption to
    rules of course) range around 7 - 10 pounds. Bandit sounds like she
    has a ways to go yet.
    
     Also, don't worry about your size 13 clodhoppers. You'll learn the
    "Kitty Shuffle" in no time! ;-) 
    
     In case you don't have a clue as to what I'm talking about, the "KItty
    Shuffle" is when you walk around your house, and you don't actually pick
    your feet up off the floor. You just "shuffle" along to avoid flying
    kitties, and their people also. I've been shuffling for years!
    
     Enjoy Bandit, and please keep us posted on her progress? I'm sure we'd
    all love to hear the tales. (Tails? ;-) )
    
    Yonee

    
    I can relate to this. I brought home a 6 month old female tabby
    in February after not having a cat around for 3 years. On the third
    morning, we both took a tumble down my (thankfully carpeted) stairs,
    scaring the bejeebers out of us both.
    I think we both adjusted. I remembered and am actively participating
    in the Kitty Shuffle (I like that!) And, I think she has accepted that
    my name ain't Grace..especially in the morning before coffee!
    
    She's probably about 8-9 lbs now..and much more agile than I am !
    
    Best of luck learning your shuffle steps.
    dotty

    Bill,
    
    congrats on the new addition! 
    
    I like the term "kitty shuffle". I never really thought about it
    before, but yes, we do the 'shuffle and dance' steps. I had an
    advantage in that I grew up in a household with 3 dogs that left
    "presents" around the house - you learned to walk looking down or
    suffer the consequences (YUCK!).
    
    Not only do I look down for the critters, but we have a routine in the
    morning where I start down the stairs, stop, let the two beasties go
    screaming by (breakfast express) and then continue down the stairs.
    Otherwise we'd end up in a pile at the bottom. We also warn all guests
    about the rountine.
    
    Size doesn't necessarily help - our boys are 13 lbs. and they still
    trip us up every once in a while. Cats have a way of just "being there"
    where they weren't a nanosecond before. Sometimes I think ours position
    themselves to get stepped on just for all the extra hugs and food they
    get because we feel so guilty.... :^)
    
    Good luck and enjoy the kitty shuffle!
    
    janetb.

	Thanks for the advice. I will admit to being a little uneasy having
	something that small underfoot. I've never had a cat, much less a
	kitten, around and they do move very quickly and quietly. I did have
	a couple of small to medium size dogs around when growing up, but
	they were in the 30 to 40 pound range. Even when she gets to the 10
	pound range I'll be about twenty times what the fuzzball will.

	My wife mentioned something about Bandit's brother. Apparently both
	brother and sister were adopted by someone but, for whatever reason,
	she returned them. The brother was adopted again in the morning. When
	my wife visited the shelter in the late afternoon Bandit looked so
	forlorn and sad... well you know the rest of the story. ;-)

	Anyway I'll let you know how things turn out. When my wife picks
	a name I'll try to get something in the intro note. (I suggested
	Glitch for a name, along with more colorful adjectives after getting
	tripped for the third time, but my wife retains final say ;-)

	Bill K.

	What about changing all your floor coverings to white, so he'll stand 
	out?    :-)


	The previous people put in brown/gold in the kitchen, and light brown/
	gold in the living room and stairs.

	Two ginger cats get lost VERY quickly...........epecially when they 
	decide to sleep on a stair, or fade into the kitchen floor when I'm
	trying to brew a cuppa, and get them food.


	Failing that, he will get a "routine".............sleep and feeding
	habits........try and make sure you know what they are, and let him
	go first!

	I also wait for them to run down the stairs ahead of me, I wait
	on the second step down for them to hurtle past.

	And I avoid the area from the cat-flap to the food!


	Heather

  Bill,

  Congrats on the new additions - I adopted a pair of sister kittens, only
  about 8-9 weeks old, from the Shelter just two weeks ago myself, so I
  know what you mean about the little ones underfoot !!  It was easier for
  me to re-adjust, though, since my other cat Peanut just turned 1 yr last
  month and I had gotten him when he was just a wee one as well......

  one good "trick" I've found for keeping track of where they are - I bought
  them both collars with **BELLS** on them - it not only helps me know when
  they're close by, but helps me find them when they've gone exploring and
  "warns" the other animals in the house that they're around !!

  Good luck with "Bandit" or whatever the name ends up to be !
  Debbi J

HI!

My wonderful husband gave me a 6 week old kitten on sunday.....I have in
the past had cats, but I was younger, lived at home....they were mom's
responsibility not mine.  Well Tigger is my responsibility and I just
want to make sure i'm doing the right things....

I called the Vet and she goes for her first shot next friday

When feeding her, i give her milk once a day, someone said i should stop
this is this true??

For food i've been giveing her moist food, with kitten chow mixed in 
is this okay???  How often should I feed her each day???   

Please don't think of me as stupid I just want the best for tigger.  Also
if you can think of anything else I should know please tell me....

Thanks

Candy

    Cow's milk is not a necessary food for a Feline, and in a lot of cases
    it can cause major digestive upsets for them.  If you feel you want to
    give your kitten milk, then you may want to switch to something like
    KMR or Kittylac (Feline milk substitutes).   
    
    You are doing the right thing by mixing canned food with dry food for
    your kitten to eat right now.  Her teeth may not be strong enough to
    handle the dry food alone yet.  
    
    Six week old kittens do best with several feedings a day.  Try to feed
    her 4-5 kitten sized meals a day, rather than two cat sized meals. 
    When she is 4-5 months old, you can cut her back to 2-3 meals a day,
    then by the time she is a year, twice a day would be adequate.
    
    She should be ready for spaying when she is about 7 to 9 months old.
    
    If you plan to let her outside, be sure to have her vaccinated for
    Feline Leukemia in addition to the URI series.  Since the Feline
    Leukemia vaccine cannot be given until she is closer to 4 months old,
    be sure to keep her inside until then.  Feline Leukemia can be deadly.
    
    Jo
    

    
    Best wishes to your new family member!!  I normally only give
    my cats milk as a treat about once a week.   I have some cats that
    can drink it with no problems...but I also have others that can't
    tolerate it!!
    
    There is a wealth of knowledge in this notesfile and very cat
    knowledgeable feliners...so please do not feel stupid asking
    any questions.   I would also like to suggest that you pick yourself
    up a good cat book...such as The Book of the Cat or the Cornell Book
    of cats.   I bought one of these books and read it from cover to
    cover...but I also find myself referring to that book all the time!
    
    Just some key points...make sure the litterbox stays clean or this
    could cause litterbox behaviour problems,  ensure your cat visits
    the vets for yearly shots, neutering etc, always have fresh water
    out at all times, and ensure you kitty proof your house. (remove
    elastics, tiny balls, pins etc that your kitty can swallow.)
    
    Good luck with your friend and keep us posted!!  There is nothing like
    a small kitten to bring life to a home!!
    
    Sandy

Thanks for the tips, I stopped the milk last night, and now it's just
water...It's hard to feed her often during the day I work 35 miles from
home although my hubby works in town he sometimes doesn't get lunch, Our
landlord said they would try and get up there a couple times during the
day to help out......Tigger's sister now lives down stairs...Data, so we 
plan to have the kittens play together hoping this will be good for them
instead of not seeing other kittens/cats till we decide to let her out
after she has been spayed.

thanks again!

candy

    
    
    Hi,  
    
     This is my first entry into FELINE notes.  I have recently purchased a
    new house and being single decided it would be good to have a
    companion.  I was going to get a dog but really wouldnt have the time
    to invest in it and I have alot of nice lanscaping and pictured that 
    being torn up.
    
    So I got spike (like I said I wanted a dog).  He is 6 months old, black
    and we get along very nicely.  I got him from the Humane Society in 
    Nashua.  I am planning on getting a second cat to keep spike company.
    
    I am having a couple of problems and being new to cat ownership I
    thought I would seek some advise here.  
    
    The problem Im having is that he is tracking the kitty litter all
    over the house and on the furniture.  I tried putting a mat in front
    of his box and that did help but it still is a problem.  
    
    What I want to do is get him to stay off the furniture and sleep during
    the day in his bed.  (at nite he sleeps in my bed)  Im just not sure
    how to keep him off the furniture.  When Im home I just pick him up
    and put him in his bed or if I see him starting to get up I tell him 
    "NO" and that stops him for a moment or two.
    
    Someone suggested spraying lemonjuice on the furiture but I dont
    think that is going to help.  
    
    So my problems are how do you train a cat to keep off the furniture
    (clawing isnt a problem because he is wearing softpaws) and is there
    one scoopable kitty litter that is best for non tracking?  The one
    Im using now (I cant remember the name) is pretty fine and has small
    blue specks in it.  I also tried Scoops and that seemed to be just as
    bad.
    
    Any suggestions on either problem?
    
    Thanks
    
    MikeR

    
    
    	Mike,
    
    	The best deterrent to keeping a kitty off things you don't
    	want them on is the CAT (Cat Adjustment Too).  Ie: a squirt
    	bottle.  Anytime kitty jumps on something you don't want them
    	to, just squirt and firmly say NO!.
    
    	For the cat litter....while I can't recommend a brand, maybe
    	you could try putting a piece of astroturf under the box where
    	the kitten steps out of it.  That would be better for catching 
    	any litter that might be stuck in between the paws.
    
    	I would hope though that if you found a way to control the
    	kitty litter problem, that you would let the kitty on your
    	couch/chair.  How can you cuddle with 'em if they aren't 
    	allowed to be up where you are?  =)
    
    	Good luck!
    
    	Jj
    
    		

    Guess this is a close as I"ll get.  My sister lost her pretty all black
    kitty, Mariah, to some bizarre untreatable paralysis, a few weeks ago.
    She headed down to the humane society searching for another all-black
    kitty, and ended up with two!  (Yeah)
    Anyway, the two are about as different as can be. Both are about 8-9
    weeks old.  The female, named "CRAZY" by her 5 year old son, is
    literally crazy!  She runs, jumps,  plays constantly.  The male, named
    JOHNNIE by her 3 year-old son, is quite subdued.  He runs and hides
    most of the time, never purrs.  Crazy purrs all the time, quite loudly.
    I told her to give him some time to get used to his new home.  They are
    currently confined to my dog's crate with a litter box when nobody is
    home.  When someone is home, they have free rein.  Any ideas on how
    long it will take Johnnie to get used to the place and start acting
    like a kitten?  She has had them for 3 days now, (I'll get to see them
    in about 1 hour - can't wait!!!)
    Another question - the vet said to wait until they are 6 months old to
    neuter/spay.  She's quite paranoid that the female will go into heat
    before getting spayed.  Is it a possibility?  I've only adopted adult
    cats, so kittens are a real mystery to me...
    Sarah

    Is Johnnie acting listless, or just skiddish?  Make sure he's
    eating OK and his litterbox "outputs" are not loose.  If he acts
    too subdued, he may not be feeling well, and a vet check is in
    order.  If he's eating and pooping OK, then maybe he's just
    shy and not used to people.  Sounds like they came from different
    litters - and that Crazy was raised with people, while Johnnie
    was not.
    
    I would start them off confined to one room for the first week,
    only to make Johnnie feel more secure.  A whole house can be
    overwhelming for a kitten - never mind one that is not used to
    people to begin with.  Give him a box to run to if he becomes
    insecure.  Especially if he's running from a 5 year old.  Try to
    teach your sister's son not to chase him - it will only make him
    more nervous.  Have him concentrate on Crazy who is eating up 
    the attention.  Johnnie will eventually come around when he feels
    so secure.
    
    Regarding the spaying - 6 months is usually the standard time for
    females to get spayed.  It's unusual (but not impossible) for females
    to go into heat that early on.  You will see definite signs if it
    does happen (constant purring, pushing her butt up in the air).
    But I wouldn't worry too much about it - you'll probably be ok
    waiting the 6 months.
    
    Pam

    I have justed adopted my first kitten in April (Goldie) who is about 3
    months old. Goldie was very good for the first 2 weeks and lately she
    likes to bite all the time and attack.  She has lots of toys to play
    but prefers to bite.  She doesn't chew on anything in the house
    but goes after fingers, hands and toes.. or when you are sitting down
    on the couch watching tv, she will aim and attack.  Is this normal 
    for a kitten and how long will it go on for. Does anyone have
    any problems with their kittens?  Any advice would be helpful.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Anila
    
       
    

    
    From my experience, all kittens at that age do that, they
    are learning to hunt.  If you have more than 1 kitten, they
    tend to keep each other entertained, they are live targets
    for each other ;-) Kitty toys are pretty boring compared to
    live moving things like our hands. We wear thick gloves to 
    rough house. When we play too rough and the kittens cry, we stop 
    right away. So, when the kittens go after our bare body parts
    with too much enthusiam, we go "Ouch, ouch!" and the kittens
    "should" stop right away. It last until the kittens are
    about 6 months old, for us anyways, since we let them outside
    around that time. 
    
    
    Eva

    Apologies if this sort of question is answered elsewhere, but I'm a new
    kitten owner and so new to this conference.
    
    We got our first kitten on Saturday, she's 10 weeks old, seems lively
    and healthy. I was advised to feed her dried kitten food, but since
    she's been with us, two days now she hasnt eaten at all. I've tried her
    also on tinned kitten food, she also wont eat that. She must be hungry
    though as she tried to eat from our dishes if you pick her up.
    
    She also crys all the time, unless you stroke her or pick her up. I've
    given her a worn sweatshirt and watch to sleep on. Someone suggested
    this would help, as she will smell me and the watch will sound like a
    heart beat. I had to leave her on her own this morning which was a real
    heart breaker.
    
    I guess she's pining for her sisters and play mates. Please tell me if
    I'm being stupid to worry. Any ideas about how to make her feel more at
    home? At what point should I panic about her not eating and take her to
    the vets?
    
    Thanks to anyone who can help a new cat owner.
    
    Sue   

You don't say whether the kitten has been to the vet to be checked out, so I 
assume she hasn't.

I recommend getting her to the vet as soon as possible--it is hoped that there
is nothing seriously wrong, but only the vet can tell you for sure.  She will
need shots, and should be spayed as soon as feasible anyway.

I had a kitten once that refused to eat; unfortunately she had distemper, and 
did not survive.  Kittens cannot go very long without food, and especially 
without fluids.

Good luck,  Sandy K.

    Sandy's right -- for any cat, but esp. for a kitten, going without
    food can cause liver damage pretty quickly.  To the vet...

    Two days for a kitten not eating is something you definitely need
    to worry about.   I would recommend a vet visit immediately.....or
    she will get totally dehydrated which can cause multiple fatal
    problems.
    
    Keep us posted...
    
    Sandy M
    
    
    

    Thanks for the advice. We're off to the vet now. I'll keep you posted.
    
    Sue

    I wish I'd found this conference earlier. Toffee is badly dehydrated.
    She also has a swelling in the bowel area. The vet gave her some B12
    injections and a strong anti-biotic. I took her home and she took a
    little milk and about i/2 oz of chopped chicken. This morning shes
    quieter than ever and the vet has kept her to do blood tests etc. He is
    also rehydrating her and getting some nourishment into her. Things dont
    look good. 
    I cant believe  that this is so heartbreaking. She's only been with us
    for five days and is such a part of the family already, the house is
    not the same without her.
    
    Sue

    Sue...my prayers are with little Toffee and hopefully the results
    of the tests will show a treatable problem.    Keep you hopes high...
    little kittens have alot of spunk to survive as long as it is
    not a fatal disease.
    
    I'm not sure where you got your little kitten (shelter friend etc)
    but after you get the results of the test, you might consider
    talking to them to warn them just in case there are other kittens 
    that were in the litter that are showing similar syptoms.
    
    Hugs to Toffee...
    
    Sandy 

    Could she have an intestinal obstruction, from eating
    string or somesuch?  I guess the vet might do an xray?  Please
    let us know how she is doing,
    
    Karen
    

    I've just called the vet. Toffee is still on a drip, but eating and
    drinking, like any kitten should. I can collect her this evening. I
    dont have all the details yet, but it sounds like she picked up some
    sort of infection. The antibiotics did the trick of bringing down her
    temprature, but by that time she was just too dehydrated and weak to
    eat or fight the infection properly.
    
    If nothing else, i've learnt that Cats who stop drinking and eating,
    do have a problem. I thought the first couple of days were the stress
    of a new home. Oh well, I'll know next time!
    
    Thanks for all of your advice and encouragement. Now I know where to
    come if Toffee has any problems in the future.
    
    Thanks again
    
    Sue

    Sue.. I'm so happy to hear about the update on Toffee.   What
    probably happened was she was fighting the infection before you
    adopted her and the stress of moving her to a new environment 
    just made it come on stronger.
    
    A rule of thumb.....healthy cats normally do not go for more then
    a day without eating/drinking.  
    
    Sandy 

I'm so relieved to hear that she will be ok.  

Congratulations to both of you.

Sandy K.