Adopting Kittens

[ethics]

Man, must be a year for Leon. First he talks his wife in to getting a Motorcycle and now Kittens! Not just one but TWO!

Actually, both daughters have been asking for one, so one each will they get! This family needs a pet soooo bad!

Wish us luck!

[MNeedham73]

Good luck man.

A few tips to help you pick. Hopefully they'll help:


Make sure they have been properly socialized, if you can. Easiest way to tell is by picking them up. If they squirm and try to get away, that's bad. If they stay docile and start purring, that's good
Long-haired cats require much more care than short-haired (duh)
Male cats (once they've been neutered) tend to be calmer than female cats (in my experience, anyway)
Look out for kittens with a lot of gunky build-up around their eyes. My folks adopted one like that, and it turns out he has allergies and is on meds the rest of his life for it.
Make sure you're ready to have these cats around for 20 years, possibly :)Anything else I can help with, feel free to ask bro :)

[ethics]

Thanks! That should help!

[joseftu]

Two is more than two times better than one, when it comes to kittens, and not twice as much work.

Mike is right on the money about making sure they're socialized. It's much easier to have kittens who already like people than trying to socialize them yourself (although it can be done). Sometimes shelter cats haven't had good experiences with humans, so you have to be especially careful about that.

If you get males, neuter them as soon as the vet says it's a good idea. Once they start spraying, it's too late--they can get the habit and you'll have a house that smells like cat urine forever.

Do not declaw them! Please!

[MNeedham73]

Definitely do not declaw, unless you have tried EVERYTHING else possible to prevent the cat from destroying whatever it is that they're using their claws on. One of my cats is declawed, but only because I tried absolutely everything under the sun to keep her from using my couch as a scratching post. And I still feel guilty about having it done.

[ethics]

Do not declaw them! Please!

Wasn't planning on it or thought of it. We don't have expensive furniture and if they want to claw the crap out of the stuff we do have, by all means. We will definitely try to teach not to claw things. Trimming their nails is something we will do regularly but that's about it.

[MNeedham73]

Buy a good scratching post and teach them to use it while they are young. If they use try to use something else..take them to the post. Start trimming their claws early and often. Helps them get used to it and it causes the quick of the nail to recede, which allows you to trim them shorter. :)

[ethics]

Cool, thanks.

[tke711]

Good luck man! Our cat is 13 now and is just such an awesome family pet. She's also one tough girl who routinely kicks the shit out of the new dog. :)

[ethics]

See, you have to understand. I have been a dog person all my life--Rotweilers NO LESS! So for me to go to cats is a bit easier than the work that one needs with a working breed (and don't get me wrong, cats will definitely be getting a workout, attention, etc...).

What made we want to jump over to the other side is:

1. Less outdoor activity. I don't need to "walk them till they are beat". I have a motorcycle for the outdoor stuff.
2. To be honest, the love and affection shown by posters such as Mike and Arc and their relationship with their cats, made me realize that we are missing out.
3. The two girls have been begging for a cat for months.
4. I REALLY miss having a pet/companion.
5. Elder is going to college, so it's a bit of an empty nest being filled.
6. Adoption really helps out for those that need it as well, so we feel we are doing something--hell, Mike's gesture just made me realize how awesome people can be here.

[tke711]

All good reasons.

I too have been a dog person my whole life, and it was quite the adjustment for me at first when the wife got our cat. I just didn't know how to train a cat, so now our cat acts very much like a dog. :) She constantly wants attention and comes running to the door when someone comes over.

I love both of my animals, but I have to say that cats, if properly trained and socialized, are WAY easier than dogs. Going away for a long weekend? Just make sure there is plenty of food and clean litter. That's all there is to it.

[Domh]

1. Leave them a dish of food and let them decide when they eat. Put it on a schedule and it will get weird and fat and whiney and loud and sick. The cat knows when it needs food.

2. Do not let the kids play rough with them, especially when young. They will grow up schizo. Sure they look like they want to play rough but do not fall in to the temptation. Get string, toys etc. Never use your own hand as a toy with a kitten. They will learn it is OK to bite and claw your hand and will go schizo. This one is tough to follow but critical.

3. Do not ignore rule 2. You can not go back and retrain a cat. Their formative years establish how they are as adults. Cats DO remember things. Cats ARE very very sensitive animals. Cats are MUCH more mentally and emotionally complex than most people think they are. Be careful with those kittens if you want happy cats later!

4. Do not ignore rule 3. You will very seriously regret it for 20 years.

5. Do not ignore rule 4. 20 years is a long fucking time to feel guilty and miserable.

Seriously, if you want a happy, content, relaxed purring love machine as an adult cat... be very mellow with the kittens. No loud noises. No shouting. NO GRABBING THEM! Everybody makes that mistake. The little fuckers weigh a few ounces so it seems no big deal to just scoop and toss. Bad idea. Fun as hell and even funnier to watch, yes... but every cat that has gotten this treatment grows up a bit mental.

Remember:

YOU ARE A SERIOUSLY HUGE MONKEY. YOU ARE HUNDREDS OF TIMES AS LARGE AS YOUR KITTEN. YOU ARE FOR SNUGGLE AND WARM AND SAFE AND NAP TIME. YOU ARE NOT FOR FIGHTING AND ROUGH AND TUMBLE TIME.

I know... seems sorta cruel to not be able to play rough with a whacked out tiny tiger, especially when they are begging for it, but all it takes is a single incident of being rough with a kitten and you have a psychotic maladjusted miserable adult cat. You will not know what and when is too rough either. The cat will just run off looking the same as it did when it ran in, but it will never be the same, mentally, again. Remember how HUGE you are. Cats are genetically pretty ballsy animals. If cornered it will go for you. Know when the kitten is playing... and not terrified of the 50 story monkey beast.

The below is just as critical:

The minute your kitten is chilling out and done playing... slowly scoop it up and get it as close to you as you can. Right in your shirt, against the skin is best, and close so it can hear your heart. Let it sleep there by your heartbeat. Do this every day as much as possible.

You will have a VERY close friend for 20 years. Your friends will wonder how you did it. They will want to know your big secret to having such a friendly and cool and happy and well adjusted social adult cat.

Very simple.

You used toys and not hands for play and resisted the urge to play rough with your kitten.

You took every opportunity possible to have your kitten sleep snugged up against your chest.

You left your kitten alone when it wanted to be left alone.

You never played or petted it too roughly.

Works EVERY time.

Enjoy. Cats are amazing companions. 99% of people raise them improperly and wonder "why cats are so aloof and psycho".

Now you know! Woot!

[ethics]

Wow, Mike, some excellent advice. Thanks very much, amigo.

[Domh]

My pleasure, man!

Cats rock. Great pets. Most folks just raise them all wrong and then wonder what happened.

You and your family deserve to really enjoy your lions. Hardest part is the restraint but it pays off in spades.

[Stiofán]

My cat Wilbur is about 18 years old, and I agree with some of what Domh says above, but he's not right IMO on some things he mentions. I've played with my cat with my hand, and he's not aloof and psycho. Nor is he a miserable adult cat. The vet remarked he's one of the calmest, gentlist cats she's ever seen, as sweet as they come. He does love to rough house with me though. Once again, generalizations don't always work. ;)

Now the down side. Took my cat in for some tests, noticed him drinking more water than normal and using the litter box too much. He's got CRF, probably early to mid stages. He's got a bit of a heart murmur as well, maybe due to the hypertension associated with the CRF. Have him on beta-blockers for high blood pressure now. Next week he goes back to the vet for a minor operation (cyst removal) and then we start him on the lifelong diet and precriptions drugs, yada, yada, yada you know where this leads.

He's is a very healthy cat other than this (blood work for everything lese normal), unfortunately it's terminal as it's old age related. 1-3 years tops, we'll have to see how the diet progresses. My girlfriend who bought me the cat, had her's die 2 years after being diagnosed, and at age 21. She had to give him bi-weekly water injections under the skin, after the second one she gave up and never did it again. As I say, he lived for two years, and died not of the CRF but prostate cancer at 21. As she said, he had a good run.

18 years is a long time to live with something.

[ethics]

Yeah but you know what, guys? I see some crazy numbers, 18 years, 20 years. Know what the norm for a Rottie is? 6-8 years. :( This is a HUGE improvement for my family.

[Elspeth]

Congrats on getting pets. I miss mine a lot. But we can't have them at our house so I make so with my parents when I baby sit them

Most of their cats are batshite crazy. And I don't think it was rough housing at all, since we don't tend to do that. Each cat will be different in their own way.

I warn you now of the midnight crazies. Their cats did this one night when I was there and some how opend the door covering the washer and dryer. They ran into it twice. Nothing like the thud of a thundering herd to wake you up.

also we will demand pictures when you get the cuties!:P

[ethics]

Of course. :)

[Stiofán]

You should know that befitting their serious personality, you must name your cats with a less than serious name. It's only just. ;)

[joseftu]

A dog and a cat together can even become good buddies...and of course they will always observe the rule about no pets on the couch!

[MNeedham73]

Dogs and cats, living together!! Mass hysteria!!

[LissaKay]

Ya'll already know that I am a crazy cat lady wannabe (good sense and a tight pocketbook are all that stands between me and another 2, 3, or 4 furbabies!) My two kitties are my very bestest friends in the entire world. Even while gagging and tearing up while changing the litter boxes, I think it's a small price to pay for such wonderful companionship.

Most everything has already been covered ... but some thoughts:

Some breeds are more affectionate than others. Maine Coons and Ragdolls are snuggly and loving. Siamese are more aloof and independent. Maine Coons and Ragdolls also tend to be rather large cats, and have attendent health issues to go along - hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are sometimes seen in these gentle giants.

As others have said, their personalities are formed in the early months and are set for life. My male Maine Coon apparently was treated roughly, perhaps abused, while he was a kitten. I adopted him from a rescue shelter when he was still a young cat, about a year old. I have had him for almost 6 years now, and he has not ever been so much as swatted on the butt by me, or been subject to anything scary (other than vet visits and a surgery 3 years ago), yet he still acts as if he is in mortal danger much of the time. No one can approach him except me. But if I am lying the bed, he acts like he's been love-starved for weeks, and gets almost pesky in seeking out petting and scratching.

I am sure that, living in the big city, you intend on keeping kitties indoors. Please do so exclusively. There are way to many dangers and diseases lurking out there. If you never let them out, they won't know what they are missing.

Spay or neuter early ... around 6 months for most kitties. Some breeds are slower to develop, and kittenhood lasts well over a year, so fixing them can (and should, really) take place when they are a bit older.

Don't skimp on food quality. It may be tempting to save a dollar or two on commercial brand foods, but kitty will be happier and healther with the better quality stuff. Store brands - no way (except PetSmart Authority). Common brands, like Friskies and Meow Mix - only if desperate. The Purina ONE line is OK. Pro Plan is even better. IAMS and Science Diet are great, but maybe not worth the price. PetSmart stores have a good selection of the better brands. Oh, and keep kitty on kitten formulation foods until it is well over a year old. And never, ever, ever feed kitty any people food. Well, a scrap of plain cooked chicken or fish is OK. My kitties love the water from a can of tuna poured over their kibble. That's also a good way to get a fussy eater to eat. I put out a small can of wet food in the morning for my two kitties, and keep bowls of kibble available all day, as well as fresh water. Each kitty should have their own bowl for both food and water.

If you have two kitties, you need at least two cat boxes. Don't waste money on the electric automatic boxes. I really like the sifting boxes myself, makes cleaning a breeze. (Speaking of which, there is a new system coming out soon from Tidy Cat called the Breeze. Watch for it, sound pretty cool.) Cleaning the boxes is the worst part of owning a cat. It needs to be done frequently, the timing depends on the volume of output. The quality of food you give them is inversely proportional to the output, BTW. The better foods have less by-product waste that passes through, with more of it actually digested and used by the kitty's body.

Get one or more carpet covered kitty condos for them to climb and scratch on. Place it in front of a window so kitty can look outside. Have a place where kitty toys are stored. Put the toys away in rotation so kitty gets to play with something "new" and doesn't get bored. Kitty also needs quiet time when all toys are put away. With two kitties, they will often play with each other, and it may look like they are fighting. They are not. Sometimes it can get a bit rough and one will squawk. If you feel that you must intervene, do so by stomping a foot or tossing a pillow at them. Do NOT reach in to separate them, your hand may come back missing a digit or two.

Get kitty used to being bathed. Even if not really necessary, it is good to be able to give a bath without much trauma to either you or kitty should the need arise. Don't run the water while kitty is bathing. Use a cup to pour water over them. Speak softly to kitty in a low soothing voice to help keep her calm. Let them keep their back feet on the bottom of the tub or sink while you keep a firm grip on the front paws. If they try to jump, or push off from the hind feet, lift upwards on the front legs to stretch them out, and take away some of the thrusting ability. Be prepared to get wet because you will. When done, wrap kitty in a towel and hold her until she calms down.

As for where you get the kitties, let me suggest starting with Petfinder.com (http://petfinder.com). You can search the rescue shelters in your area, and even look for particular breeds. They often have pictures and additional information about each animal available. I got my two furbabies by searching there. It's these rescued kitties that really need you, not the cattery cats.

Good luck and can't wait to see your new family members!

[Cariad]

Try and talk them into getting a fish and a cuddly toy that moves

They ignore scratching posts, they'll go straight for the most expensive thing you cherish the most and rip it to shreads
They pee a lot
They poop alot
They whine
They get flees, you get flees your wife will be freaking out
Scratching posts are not cheep, neither is cat litter, food and vets

[ethics]

First, thanks very much for the time you spent putting this together. ALL advice appreciated.


Some breeds are more affectionate than others. Maine Coons and Ragdolls are snuggly and loving. Siamese are more aloof and independent. Maine Coons and Ragdolls also tend to be rather large cats, and have attendent health issues to go along - hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are sometimes seen in these gentle giants.

We will probably get a mutt but I did notice a large quantity of available for adoption Coons.

I am sure that, living in the big city, you intend on keeping kitties indoors.

Yep. I know all too well what feral cats are like, their lives/deaths, diseases, etc... It wasn't pretty in Ukraine, I am sure it's not that far for the scenario here .

Spay or neuter early ... around 6 months for most kitties. Some breeds are slower to develop, and kittenhood lasts well over a year, so fixing them can (and should, really) take place when they are a bit older.


This is a done deal for me. Did it for the dogs, big fan of it.

Don't skimp on food quality. It may be tempting to save a dollar or two on commercial brand foods, but kitty will be happier and healther with the better quality stuff. Store brands - no way (except PetSmart Authority). Common brands, like Friskies and Meow Mix - only if desperate. The Purina ONE line is OK. Pro Plan is even better. IAMS and Science Diet are great, but maybe not worth the price.

When I lived with my ex, she had IAMS for her kittie. That's probably what we will go with. It's actually comparable to lower brands in prices around Brooklyn.

Oh, and keep kitty on kitten formulation foods until it is well over a year old.

Is that the combo of "soft and hard" foods?

And never, ever, ever feed kitty any people food.

Nah, horrid practice for dogs, I think it will be an even bigger mistake for cats.

Each kitty should have their own bowl for both food and water.

Gotcha.


Get one or more carpet covered kitty condos for them to climb and scratch on. Place it in front of a window so kitty can look outside. Have a place where kitty toys are stored. Put the toys away in rotation so kitty gets to play with something "new" and doesn't get bored. Kitty also needs quiet time when all toys are put away. With two kitties, they will often play with each other, and it may look like they are fighting. They are not. Sometimes it can get a bit rough and one will squawk. If you feel that you must intervene, do so by stomping a foot or tossing a pillow at them. Do NOT reach in to separate them, your hand may come back missing a digit or two.

Gotcha.

Get kitty used to being bathed. Even if not really necessary, it is good to be able to give a bath without much trauma to either you or kitty should the need arise. Don't run the water while kitty is bathing. Use a cup to pour water over them. Speak softly to kitty in a low soothing voice to help keep her calm. Let them keep their back feet on the bottom of the tub or sink while you keep a firm grip on the front paws. If they try to jump, or push off from the hind feet, lift upwards on the front legs to stretch them out, and take away some of the thrusting ability. Be prepared to get wet because you will. When done, wrap kitty in a towel and hold her until she calms down.

As for where you get the kitties, let me suggest starting with Petfinder.com (http://petfinder.com/).

LOL! That's what I will be using. :) How weird is that?

[ethics]

Try and talk them into getting a fish and a cuddly toy that moves

They ignore scratching posts, they'll go straight for the most expensive thing you cherish the most and rip it to shreads
They pee a lot
They poop alot
They whine
They get flees, you get flees your wife will be freaking out
Scratching posts are not cheep, neither is cat litter, food and vets

Hehehe... Lynne, have you ever had a Rottweiler? Have you ever seen a horse poop and say to yourself, "Good GOD what made THAT!?!?" and realized it smells 2000 worse than any hay eating animal?

In comparison owning a cat will be easier. :)

[Domh]

It is very unlikely you will need to bathe your cat. They spend, on average, 5 hours a day grooming themselves. Read (http://www.cathealth.com/groombath.htm) for more info.

I agree wholeheartedly about careful selection of breed and careful selection of source. Avoid the store. Avoid the mills. Cat mills are even worse than puppy mills. Those cats are mental before you even meet them, usually. Take great care at shelters as well. Ethically it is tops, yes, but you want to be a happy owner. A happy owner makes a happy pet. As you live in the city, the option I have always used (walk down country road to farm in spring) is not likely open to you... but it freaking rules. Big strong healthy cats. Of course, only pick from a big strong healthy farm run by smiling polite healthy folks. Amazing how much you can tell about an animal by spending just one minute with its monkey... and vice versa!

If you can get Maine Coons... DO IT. They absolutely ROCK... but I advise finding a mutt. Get something that is about half Coon half tabby. Healthier, less risks etc. Yes... the hair is an issue. There is a cure (http://www.dyson.com/store/product.asp?product=DC17-ANIMAL&sicampaignppc=google08&sicampaigntopic=dc17), however. Worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY.

[LissaKay]

If you can get Maine Coons... DO IT. They absolutely ROCK... but I advise finding a mutt. Get something that is about half Coon half tabby. Healthier, less risks etc. Yes... the hair is an issue. There is a cure (http://www.dyson.com/store/product.asp?product=DC17-ANIMAL&sicampaignppc=google08&sicampaigntopic=dc17), however. Worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY.

I whole-heartedly second that on the Maine Coons. I have had an untold number of kitty companions over my lifetime, and the two MCs I have now are absolutely the sweetest, and have the most mellow personalities. They remain playful and kitten-like well into adulthood. It is quite the scene to watch a 20+ pound cat frolicking around like a little kitten. :haha:

[Cariad]

Hehehe... Lynne, have you ever had a Rottweiler? Have you ever seen a horse poop and say to yourself, "Good GOD what made THAT!?!?" and realized it smells 2000 worse than any hay eating animal?

In comparison owning a cat will be easier. :)


When my last cat ran away I decided I would never own anything that pooped unless it did it in the toilet and wiped it's butt or did it in water.

[Domh]

When my last cat ran away I decided I would never own anything that pooped unless it did it in the toilet and wiped it's butt or did it in water.

Toilet training a cat is completely possible.

http://www.citikitty.com/

[ethics]

When my last cat ran away I decided I would never own anything that pooped unless it did it in the toilet and wiped it's butt or did it in water.


Good thing you didn't marry SM then.

[MNeedham73]

LMAO!!!!!

[ethics]

Narrowed our search down to NY Animal Care & Control (http://www.nycacc.org/contact.htm)Organization here in Brooklyn. It's actually not too far from where I bought the motorcycle so I know the area.

Here's their listings. (http://www.petharbor.com/results.asp?searchtype=ADOPT&start=4&friends=1&samaritans=1&nosuccess=0&orderby=Shelter&rows=25&imght=50&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_nwyk&bgcolor=F1EFE2&text=000000&link=666666&alink=fbcd00&vlink=666666&fontface=arial&fontsize=10&col_hdr_bg=ACA899&col_hdr_fg=FFFFFF&col_bg=FFFFFF&col_bg2=F1EFe2&col_fg=000000&SBG=F1EFE2&shelterlist=%27NWYK1%27&atype=&where=type_cat,age_y,&PAGE=1)

It may change until Saturday but I am going in there with the little one and see what we find. We want the little guy neutered/spayed and they do it for free if not altered already. But anyway, the reason I picked NYACC is that they are professional. I've called a few "rescue" places and they were a little weird, not to mention one of them told me it will be $200 bucks per kitten "as adoption fee". Yah, ok. NYACC has a very large selection, open 7 days a week and I am sure we can save two kitties from there.

Will keep you posted.

[Coot]

Well this one (http://www.petharbor.com/detail.asp?ID=A754522&LOCATION=NWYK1&searchtype=ADOPT&start=4&friends=1&samaritans=1&nosuccess=0&orderby=Shelter&rows=25&imght=50&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_nwyk&bgcolor=F1EFE2&text=000000&link=666666&alink=fbcd00&vlink=666666&fontface=arial&fontsize=10&col_hdr_bg=ACA899&col_hdr_fg=FFFFFF&col_bg=FFFFFF&col_bg2=F1EFe2&col_fg=000000&SBG=F1EFE2&shelterlist=%27NWYK1%27&atype=&where=type_cat,age_y,) is already named for you. ;)

[ethics]

LOL! Eerie, right?

Wonder why he has been at the shelter for such a long time though?

[Coot]

If she's two months old and she's been at the shelter since Mar. 31, she's really only been adoptable for about two weeks. You can't take them from their mother before they're 6 weeks old.

[MNeedham73]

Well, it says she is only 2 months old. So she was only 2 weeks old or so when they brought her in. She's just now old enough to adopt out.

EDIT: What Coot said :)

[ethics]

Ah HA! I didn't look at the age. Makes sense!

[Stiofán]

I adopted Wilbur at 8 weeks. It's cool.

[Arc]

I adopted Rocky when he was 8 weeks old. I selected him from a very large shelter that had about 30 or 40 kittens to choose from. I spent at least an hour before I selected him for testing to adopt.

He, his mother and siblings were in an elevated cage. I was checking for alertness, calmness, and confidence or lack of anxiety or fear.

The testing:

When I reached in did he remain calm but interested in me? Yes.

When I took him from the cage did he tighten up or act a little anxious? No.

Was he friendly but calm? Yes.

After a bit I put him on the floor. His first exposure to the “world.” He acted with cautious curiosity as opposed to anxiety. A good sign. He made intelligent decisions on where to go and not to go while remaining cautious but calm.

I picked him up and went to put him back in the cage, but instead of putting him back all the way I stopped about six inches from the cage to see if he was confident enough to voluntarily jump the six inches back into his cage. He was and he did.

The above and his great looks made him a clear stand out from the entire kitten population. I took him home.

A friend of mine adopted an 8 week old puppy exactly at the same time. Several times the first week we had our new family members she came over and the two played. It probably is no coincidence that to this day 19 years later he likes dogs and they like him.

I kept him inside for the next month. I was living alone and I spent all my free time around him and a close bond and emotional foundation was built to reinforce the genetic programming that cats have at that age to bond if presented with the opportunity and also to build their “identity.” In his mind I became parent, friend and protector--forever. He trusted me without reservation.

At three months I would take him outside, his first exposure, walk around with him in my arms and allow him to survey things. I would let him down after a couple of trips but not let him stray or run free.

At four months I let him do what he wanted but only be out during the day. At six months he was free to be out at night. (I lived in a condo complex that had no predators and was traffic safe.)

And that is my adoption story.

My only regret is I didn't adopt a second kitten at the same time for companionship when I was not around--plus two kittens home alone will get into less trouble then one.

[Domh]

Looks like a good source, Leon.

Bit of advice. Choose the kittens yourself and bring them home.

You will make a choice based on reason and logic and end up with the right beasts for you and your family. Your kids will want every single animal they see no matter what.

When you show up at home with two kittens the family will be just as thrilled.

I'm jealous... but also happy to be down to 2 cats, though I miss the 3 we lost over the last couple years.

(yes... had 5 freaking cats 2 years ago... :crazy:)

[ethics]

Arc, Domh, some valuable advice.

Thank you.

Wife and I spoke about this yesterday (choosing) and the decision will be solely mine based on functionality (testing) and not cuteness factor (although that will be considered but over-ruled if the test fails).

This is a serious decision that can't be put on a vote by a 4 1/2 year old and even a 17 year old that's going away to college soon.

[MNeedham73]

Interesting timing for this article I just read. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080514/ap_on_re_us/cat_personality)

That's why the shelter is now using the Feline-ality program, developed by behaviorist Dr. Emily Weiss of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Part of the ASPCA's Meet Your Match program, which also includes Canine-ality for dogs, the program assesses a variety of behaviors in individual cats. It rates the animals on confidence and sociability, which Weiss' research has shown are independent of each other.
The program then tallies those assessments to place the cat into nine personality categories, which can be matched with a family's situation and desires.
It's not unlike a magazine quiz to find out, "Which kind of cat are you?"
The program is used at 45 shelters, with additional facilities preparing to use it.
Might be worth checking into. Couldn't hurt. Here's the page on the ASPCA's website. (http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=adopt_mym_felineality101)

[Violet1966]

There's a big thing with cats systems and ash put into foods. At least it was that way when I had the kittens we weren't allowed to keep a loooong time ago. I used to buy Science Diet, or something like that. Low or no ash. I remember learning ash in a cat's diet can build up or something, and eventually causes some serious problems. Look for low or no ash foods. Unless things have changed since then. Can't wait to see pictures of the kitties! :)

[MNeedham73]

It can cause crystals to build up in a cat's urinary tract, which can definitely cause problems. Scotch had to have surgery for that when he was 5 years old. Poor guy.

[Violet1966]

Im trying to remember the name of the food we used. It was canned for kittens. They sold it at a feed and grain in Lodi, NJ actually. It wasn't fancy, but it was lowest ash in a non fancy brand. Good stuff without the fluffy name. Looking into things to see what sparks a memory. Was so long ago now.

[Domh]

Look for low or no ash foods.

VERY good point which has not been mentioned.

Buy the expensive stuff without the ash. Leave dry out all the time and give some wet now and again, once a week is plenty, really.

Ash = bad for kitty.

Nice catch Vio.

[joseftu]

I've had cats for decades and never given any of them wet food at all. It's OK if you want to give it sometimes, but as Domh says, once a week is more than enough. If they're getting good quality dry food, always out, with fresh water always out (even better is running water!), they will be just fine.

I find the wet food nauseating--it smells bad, and it's a big nuisance, and it makes smellier cat poop, too. I wouldn't bother with it.

[ethics]

Even kittens?

[MNeedham73]

Even kittens. Dry food is better on their teeth also. Helps keep them clean.

[Stiofán]

I gave my cat 1/2 a small can each night of wet, and keep his dry bowl full his entire life. Whatever works for you. There is the arguement that dry leads to feline diabetes, most of it is about 30% carbs, when cats are designed to live on 1-2% carbs. The wet is still full of carbs, usually about 15% or so, but it's closer to the idea feline diet. Just food for thought, as they say.

[Coot]

In your hunt for the perfect kitty, character counts. :)

[ethics]

Welp... Just came back from the shelter... Excuse the babbling...

It was a bust.

1. The website is bs. They had a total of about 9 kittens and none of them were what the website showed.

2. 6 of the 9 are the plain tiger striped. 2 were too young to adopt. 2 had some form of illness.

3. There was really one cool black cat I was interested in, but it was snagged by a lady right in front of me! LOL! God bless that cat.

4. The only non beige tiger striped ones were too young to adopt, ill, or were traumatized.

So then I was like, look what's wrong with the tiger striped ones, sure it's not my preference but they were cool... That is until I tried to reach for them and the 3 in the cage ALL hissed and backed away... LOL! Hell no, those are out.

Needless to say we came home a little disappointed. I went with the little one and she was so frustrated with my pickeness she blurted out, "why do we have to get a small one, look at the big ones! Let's get a big one!"

And you know, if not for my wife (it was hard enough to convince her for the kittens) I would have. That place had some GORGEOUS adult cats. Really cool cats.

Oh well. Anyway, going to another rescue organization in Park Slope (Commerce Bank on 5th and 1st avenue). They do everything the city one does and more so I hope it's more professional.

Stay tuned.


P.S. I have to pat myself on the back here. 20 years ago, or even 10, I would have just taken any one of those, not knowing, or caring, and would have been disappointed. This was tolerance, patience, and discipline. :)

[Violet1966]

Contact a local vet, north shore animal league, or friends of animals in your area Leon. Most vets have boards where they allow people to post new born animals for sale or free. At least they did when I had a dog. We got our pure cairn terrier through the north shore animal league connections, and also when we had to get rid of our kittens, we brought them there. Adorable pets there ready for a good home, or call to see what they have right in your area. They might know of something.

[ethics]

No, not that desperate yet. There are A LOT of rescue orgs around here. I just picked the city one since I thought they would have a good selection. My bad. ;)

[Violet1966]

Oh ok. I see. :)

[joseftu]

You mean 5th Avenue and 1st Street.

And here's my recommendation--come to the cat clinic on 5th Avenue and President. If they have kittens (they don't always), they're going to be excellent. They're still "rescue" in the sense that if they weren't at the clinic they would have been dumped on the street in most cases, but they haven't been on the street yet. They do charge an adoption fee--but it covers the first verterinary visit you need anyhow.

Or failing that, make the trek to North Shore Animal League. They're really strict--will check your references before you leave with the kittens, and they're pushy about collecting some money, but it's another good choice.

[ethics]

Thanks...

Per our discussion on gtalk, I can't get out to LI. :)

[BigDeputyDog]

Make sure you get one of these t-shirts... ;)

http://www.dirtcheapshirt.com/th.php?file=images/en/products/catnip_1.jpg&size=330

Get it here... http://www.dirtcheapshirt.com/

:haha:

BDD... :{)

[ethics]

Welp, done deal now.

Two kittens, one 2 months one 3. One black one peach, one male, one female. Will post pics later. :)

[MNeedham73]

Congrats bro! :)

[LissaKay]

Well, how about that ... Leon got himself some pussy :lol:

<a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/18/funny-pictures-i-told-u-he-wud-be-mine/"><img class="mine_1025971" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-cat-told-you-he-be-his.jpg" alt="cat" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">lolcat</a> pictures

[cmhbob]

Cool deal!

[Violet1966]

Welp, done deal now.

Two kittens, one 2 months one 3. One black one peach, one male, one female. Will post pics later. :)

Awww!!! Congrats on the addition of your new family members! Can't wait to see them!!! :clap:

[tke711]

Welp, done deal now.

Two kittens, one 2 months one 3. One black one peach, one male, one female. Will post pics later. :)

Congrats!!!

[ethics]

Thanks... From what I can tell these two are very loving kitties. One is a little skittish but being in a cage since 5/12... She is already coming around and trusts me more.

We will see. Nappy time for them now.

[ethics]

Taken a few mins ago. The girls are pissed because I applied a limited playtime with the kittens. They hate me now but will love me later when they have normal CATS. :)

Anyway, here's Stretch (left) and Momo (Right). Excuse the quality, this is an iPhone moment. ;)

[tke711]

Very cute!!

[ethics]

Can't tell much by that shot. I'll try to get more. :)

[ethics]

Figured out what happened with NYACC and why they had no cats that were listed in the website. The rescue org that I adopted from today grabbed the whole lot. The two kittens I got have NYACC papers with them. I even remember seeing their pics.

I guess they took it because of the 5th avenue festival? (Which was actually fun, they had all kinds of antique cats on display and loads of people there.

[MNeedham73]

Could be man. Probably had a much better chance of adopting them out during that.

Kind of like when I adopted Mongo...he was at the shelter, but they had the thing going at Petco. A lot more people around :)

[ethics]

Yep. Hey, it's all good. :)

[Violet1966]

Awwww!!! Cutie pies all snuggly and sleeping!!! You've got to take some more shots of them when they're awake. :)

[ethics]

Yep.

First night was flawless. Locked them in the bathroom with all of their stuff and not one peep. Walked in the AM and they were looking at me with those eyes like, "wtf are you doing here?" They even had some of their dry stuff (wife wanted to go with Science Diet so that will be it for them;)).

Awesome stuff.

[Domh]

Cute!

Congrats!

:clap:

[joseftu]

I guess they took it because of the 5th avenue festival? (Which was actually fun, they had all kinds of antique cats on display and loads of people there.
Those were antique cars! For a new cat owner, I understand how it could be tough to tell the difference. Cats are the ones with fur.
:)

(I was looking for you, but didn't see you. The fair is always fun--gotten much more upscale in recent years, like Fifth Ave itself!).

[ethics]

LOL! Yes, cars. Antique cats would be gross.

[Coot]

Ur Catz want bibz (http://www.catgoods.com/video.html).

[MNeedham73]

Leon's kittens at night :)

<a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/05/19/funny-pictures-can-i-has-a-glass-of-watr-a-hugz-1-storee/"><img class="mine_1032607" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/05/funny-pictures-kitten-bedtime.jpg" alt="kitty" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">cat</a> pictures

[ethics]

Awwwwwww...

They be sleeping in bathroom at night with the lights off. I tell you, I have never seen any pet care easier than this. They don't cry, they don't pee everywhere or poop except the litter box from DAY ONE. They play, eat, sleep, purrrrrrrrr, and that's all there is to it.

Loving it, it's such a joy and they are both so different and yet love each other. :)

[Violet1966]

So how are the little ones doing? The kids enjoying their new pets? :)

[ethics]

Yep, tremendously. :)

[Allene]

Leon,
Congrats! What I can see of them looks cute! Are you SURE who is male and who is female? We picked up an adorable 7-week-old orange and white kitten free from a family in town five years ago. They swore it was female, so we named it Peaches. Two weeks later, the vet said, "This is a tomcat!" So five years later we have this really big tomcat named Peaches. He's not a bit worried about it, though. After calling him that name for two weeks, we just didn't have the heart to start all over again and confuse him.

[ethics]

LOL! Yah, I am sure.

I didn't want to admit something in the beginning and it was a risk only *I* knew about. Perhaps it was stupid of me but I have this retarded block in trying to help the needy. :P

Anyway, Momo (the black one) had listed "aggressive" on it. She would hiss when trying to reach for her and had those mad eyes on her. She is only 3 months and I knew what needed to be done. I told the rescue place when I took her that if I can't correct the problems, expect a call from me. The lady understood perfectly.

While Stretch was little one's and she would be spending time with him, the black one would be left alone and I needed to do just that. So I did things VERY slowly with her. She would hide and not come out, she would shun people but not Stretch. So over the week, I approached her VERY slowly, cautiously and with a lot of patience. Wife was concerned why the cat was like that, I said it was temp.
Momo never purred, while Stretch would begin his lawn motor loud purr as soon as he looked at you. The kittens were very opposite and distinct in behavior.

Over the week, I spend a lot of time, corrections for the kids and the rest of the family and Momo started coming around. We used stretch as a lure, food, toys worked well as well. After 5 days of being with us, I came home one day and saw that my little one fell asleep on the couch. Stretch was sleeping on her stomach and Momo was sleeping at the edge of the same Sofa!!! Huge breakthrough.

Another came two days after when for the first time ever she purred when scratched, petted. After almost 2 weeks, there's NO difference between the kittens at all--heck Momo is actually more playful and outgoing than Stretch is now. Very playful and even more loving -- although Stretch is a Romeo when it comes to people. ;)

So just wanted to share something I was scared to in the beginning since I didn't know how it would turn out. :)

[MNeedham73]

You did things exactly right, Leon. Great job bro :)

[ethics]

Thanks. Feels great. Would have sucked if I would have failed though. I had a lot riding on that--including my credibility with the misses. ;)

[Allene]

Leon, sounds like you are doing all the right things. Congratulations. My cat likes to lie on his back on the floor and stare at the ceiling, but every once in awhile he needs to get away from it all. When he gets like that, he crams himself under the sofa and gives me a "What are you staring at?" look if I peek at him. Cats!!!

[tke711]

Great job Leon!!!

[Violet1966]

Very nice! And it just shows you that animals can be better pets in the right atmosphere. The poor thing probably was very confused before entering your home. Good to hear it's happy now and acting the part! :clap:

[Allene]

We were having some really loud thunder this afternoon. Our cat was sitting on the windowsill watching the hummingbirds at the feeder, but our beagle was yelping and whimpering and trying to get as close to us as possible. Go figure! You'd sort of expect it would be the other way around.