Advice Needed: I'm Getting My First Cat Soon

LiquidSky · 02-01-07, 08:46 AM

I'm going to get a cat within the next month or two. I blame Vibiana and all her cat photos

.

My biggest concern is litter box odor. I have a small apartment and can fit the litter box in my bathroom. What's the best litter to purchase? Should I feed the cat dry or wet food? Thanks! LS

Vibiana · 02-01-07, 08:54 AM

Arm & Hammer Super Scoop is, if you'll pardon the expression, the shit.

And I feed a combination of dry and canned food. That satisfies cats' finicky natures. Mine get 1/5 can of wet food plus 1/4 C of super premium kibble per day. Make sure the kibble you feed has beef or chicken as the FIRST ingredient listed -- NOT meal or some byproduct. If you feed them a good kibble, I figure you can get away with the cheap canned food.

Mrs. Danger · 02-01-07, 09:02 AM

Clean the litter box every day, and there will be no more odor than you make in the bathroom. (that is, you can smell some when the deed has just been done, but then it dissapates)

Clumping litter is good for easy, odorless cleaning, but some cats don't like it.

Feed dry food such as Iams, not the cheap stuff. The cheap stuff is okay for outdoor cats who mostly feed themselves, but an indoor cat will be living entirely on what you feed them, so you have to get the good stuff. Use wet food as an occasaional treat, or a "sauce" for the dry food. Some cats gobble, and some nibble. If the cat gobbles, do NOT leave food out at all times. For a nibbler, just keep the dry food plate filled, and serve a little wet food at "mealtimes".

Make sure water is always available. If you use that blue stuff in the toilet, keep the lid down.

Get a spray bottle for training. Once the cat has learned what things not to lay on/claw/piss on, you shouldn't have to use it much.

Mrs. Danger · 02-01-07, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vibiana

If you feed them a good kibble, I figure you can get away with the cheap canned food.

True, but I have never had a cat that would eat "Kosy Kitten".

Well there was one... he was kinda odd. When he shook his head, it rattled. and the Kosy Kitten gave him incredibly deadly gas. Pick him up to cuddle him, and ffffffft....*gag*

LiquidSky · 02-01-07, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the tips! I never thought about the flushing blue toilet cleaner! I don't use it and simply clean the bowl once a week with bleach.

Timber · 02-01-07, 09:16 AM

I hope you don't mind litter on your wet feet when you step out of the shower. Some cats scoop that stuff all over the place.

Vibiana · 02-01-07, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidSky

Thanks for the tips! I never thought about the flushing blue toilet cleaner! I don't use it and simply clean the bowl once a week with bleach.

Having pets in the house is kind of like having babies in the house, even if you're not an anthropomorphic madwoman like me.

Therefore, plan on keeping toilet lids down, don't leave anything out that you wouldn't want eaten or swallowed, etc.

Mrs. Danger · 02-01-07, 09:32 AM

and, LOOK BEFORE YOU CLOSE.

refrigerator, dryer door, cabinets, closets, ... cats are so darn curious.

Kittydreamer · 02-01-07, 09:58 AM

Personally I like the crystal cat litter better than the clumping but that's just me. Also, listen to Mrs. D about looking before you close. Cats will climb into anything. Also, please remember to adopt from your local shelter.

And older cats make awesome pets, too...no kitten training to deal with and you're giving an older cat a second chance at life. Good luck and make sure to post pictures when you get the little bundle of fur.

Vibiana · 02-01-07, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kittydreamer

Personally I like the crystal cat litter better than the clumping but that's just me. Also, listen to Mrs. D about looking before you close. Cats will climb into anything. Also, please remember to adopt from your local shelter.

And older cats make awesome pets, too...no kitten training to deal with and you're giving an older cat a second chance at life. Good luck and make sure to post pictures when you get the little bundle of fur.

I've always been curious about the crystal litter, but I'm cheaper than Jack Benny.

And I second, third, fourth and five hundredth the advice about adopting an older cat from a shelter. Kittens are lots of fun, but also lots of scratches and correcting. In fact, while you're adopting one cat, why not make it two, so they can keep each other company while you're gone?

LiquidSky · 02-01-07, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kittydreamer

Also, please remember to adopt from your local shelter.

And older cats make awesome pets, too...no kitten training to deal with and you're giving an older cat a second chance at life.

That's my plan.

Kittydreamer · 02-01-07, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vibiana

I've always been curious about the crystal litter, but I'm cheaper than Jack Benny.

And I second, third, fourth and five hundredth the advice about adopting an older cat from a shelter. Kittens are lots of fun, but also lots of scratches and correcting. In fact, while you're adopting one cat, why not make it two, so they can keep each other company while you're gone?

You're trying to infect LS with your crazy-cat lady disease!

Run, LS! RUN!

Timber · 02-01-07, 10:12 AM

I'll second the 2 cat argument. Getting them in pairs gives them something to do when you're not there.

Kittydreamer · 02-01-07, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timber

I'll second the 2 cat argument. Getting them in pairs gives them something to do when you're not there.

Yeah that's not a bad idea, actually...just make sure you stop at two.

Vibiana · 02-01-07, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kittydreamer

Yeah that's not a bad idea, actually...just make sure you stop at two.

Hey, I'm way more efficient than this ... I never even set foot near a shelter, the cats come to me.

Kittydreamer · 02-01-07, 10:24 AM

I did some research for you, LS.

http://www.nashvillehumane.org/
http://www.lafspetadoption.com/faq.htm

Middle Tennessee Sheltie Rescue Inc
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 832-7530

Kittydreamer · 02-01-07, 10:26 AM

Ok, here's one I like:

http://www.nashvillehumane.org/adoption/pet.php?id=3328

I was brought to the Adoption Center from a different shelter. They thought I was so pretty that more people should have the opportunity to admire me. In addition to being such a cute girl, I am also affectionate. I love it when someone comes to see me and rubs my head. That's like Heaven for a cat! Is there room in your family for me?

What a sweet-looking kitty. How could you not want to take her home? Go get her, LS. We'll wait.

Vibiana · 02-01-07, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kittydreamer

Ok, here's one I like:

http://www.nashvillehumane.org/adoption/pet.php?id=3328

I was brought to the Adoption Center from a different shelter. They thought I was so pretty that more people should have the opportunity to admire me. In addition to being such a cute girl, I am also affectionate. I love it when someone comes to see me and rubs my head. That's like Heaven for a cat! Is there room in your family for me?

What a sweet-looking kitty. How could you not want to take her home? Go get her, LS. We'll wait.

Ahem. Who was it criticizing ME?

Kittydreamer · 02-01-07, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vibiana

Ahem. Who was it criticizing ME?

I wasn't criticizing you! I was poking fun at you! Durr!

Now, tell me, isn't she cute?

Draven · 02-01-07, 10:33 AM

FYI about the litter with baking soda. I've determined through trial and error that our older cat is allergic to it.

I know this because when I've bought the kind with baking soda, she pukes. When I don't, she doesn't. And we're talking 6 months-1 year between purchases. If I swap it out, she pukes the next day. Every single time.

Which sucks, because that's also the best litter I've found for odor control.

Vibiana · 02-01-07, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kittydreamer

I wasn't criticizing you! I was poking fun at you! Durr!

Now, tell me, isn't she cute?

Yes she is. She reminds me of Thisbe, my oldest one. Thisbe is black and white too, and she even has a little black spot on her nose.

Fincher Fan · 02-01-07, 10:43 AM

Just don't try drying them in the microwave. You'll only make that mistake once...

Vibiana · 02-01-07, 10:50 AM

In fact, LS, I feel my ovaries cramping. Before I book a flight to Nashville, you'd better go get that cat.

LiquidSky · 02-01-07, 11:26 AM

Kitty: that's the cat that caught my attention. I'm going to wait until my sister can come up and go with me.

Vib: I'll pick you up at the airport this evening.

Kittydreamer · 02-01-07, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidSky

Kitty: that's the cat that caught my attention. I'm going to wait until my sister can come up and go with me.

Vib: I'll pick you up at the airport this evening.

Please let us know how it goes and post pictures of your new baby when you can.

I'll be at the airport with Vib, too so I hope you don't mind another houseguest.

02-01-07, 08:46 AM	#1
LiquidSky DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Pokey Dot Lounge, Nashville, TN Posts: 8,712	Advice Needed: I'm Getting My First Cat Soon I'm going to get a cat within the next month or two. I blame Vibiana and all her cat photos . My biggest concern is litter box odor. I have a small apartment and can fit the litter box in my bathroom. What's the best litter to purchase? Should I feed the cat dry or wet food? Thanks! LS

02-01-07, 08:54 AM	#2
Vibiana DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Living in a van down by the river Posts: 10,933	Arm & Hammer Super Scoop is, if you'll pardon the expression, the shit. And I feed a combination of dry and canned food. That satisfies cats' finicky natures. Mine get 1/5 can of wet food plus 1/4 C of super premium kibble per day. Make sure the kibble you feed has beef or chicken as the FIRST ingredient listed -- NOT meal or some byproduct. If you feed them a good kibble, I figure you can get away with the cheap canned food. __________________ Vibiana hooks up with chicks, she's more of a winner than most of the internet. -- mndtrp "If everyone you know is doing it, the only thing to do is rush into a marriage. It'll turn out great so don't worry about it." -- Jules Winfield Last edited by Vibiana; 02-01-07 at 08:59 AM.

02-01-07, 09:16 AM	#6
Timber DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 8,156	I hope you don't mind litter on your wet feet when you step out of the shower. Some cats scoop that stuff all over the place. __________________ "That's why the Black Guys like me"- Alison BB4

02-01-07, 10:12 AM	#13
Timber DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 8,156	I'll second the 2 cat argument. Getting them in pairs gives them something to do when you're not there. __________________ "That's why the Black Guys like me"- Alison BB4

02-01-07, 10:33 AM	#20
Draven DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rosemount, MN Posts: 15,187	FYI about the litter with baking soda. I've determined through trial and error that our older cat is allergic to it. I know this because when I've bought the kind with baking soda, she pukes. When I don't, she doesn't. And we're talking 6 months-1 year between purchases. If I swap it out, she pukes the next day. Every single time. Which sucks, because that's also the best litter I've found for odor control. __________________ XBL GamerTag: Draven Sinclair PSN: DravenSinclair Game Center: Draven-X

02-01-07, 09:02 AM	#3
Mrs. Danger Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: With Nick Danger Posts: 15,192	Clean the litter box every day, and there will be no more odor than you make in the bathroom. (that is, you can smell some when the deed has just been done, but then it dissapates) Clumping litter is good for easy, odorless cleaning, but some cats don't like it. Feed dry food such as Iams, not the cheap stuff. The cheap stuff is okay for outdoor cats who mostly feed themselves, but an indoor cat will be living entirely on what you feed them, so you have to get the good stuff. Use wet food as an occasaional treat, or a "sauce" for the dry food. Some cats gobble, and some nibble. If the cat gobbles, do NOT leave food out at all times. For a nibbler, just keep the dry food plate filled, and serve a little wet food at "mealtimes". Make sure water is always available. If you use that blue stuff in the toilet, keep the lid down. Get a spray bottle for training. Once the cat has learned what things not to lay on/claw/piss on, you shouldn't have to use it much.

02-01-07, 09:32 AM	#8
Mrs. Danger Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: With Nick Danger Posts: 15,192	and, LOOK BEFORE YOU CLOSE. refrigerator, dryer door, cabinets, closets, ... cats are so darn curious.

02-01-07, 10:43 AM	#22
Fincher Fan DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rampaging across DVDTalk. Posts: 4,046	Just don't try drying them in the microwave. You'll only make that mistake once... __________________ *"You couldn't molest the audience more than to promise Legends of the Fall* and Driving Miss Daisy then to unleash this on them. They'd just been gang-raped."** - Director David Fincher on the test screenings of Seven.

02-01-07, 10:50 AM	#23
Vibiana DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Living in a van down by the river Posts: 10,933	In fact, LS, I feel my ovaries cramping. Before I book a flight to Nashville, you'd better go get that cat. __________________ Vibiana hooks up with chicks, she's more of a winner than most of the internet. -- mndtrp "If everyone you know is doing it, the only thing to do is rush into a marriage. It'll turn out great so don't worry about it." -- Jules Winfield

02-01-07, 11:26 AM	#24
LiquidSky DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Pokey Dot Lounge, Nashville, TN Posts: 8,712	Kitty: that's the cat that caught my attention. I'm going to wait until my sister can come up and go with me. Vib: I'll pick you up at the airport this evening.