Comments | rainien: Update on the kitteh

rainien

Update on the kitteh

Aug 11, 2010 20:22

As an update to yesterday's post...

The itteh bitteh bebeh kitteh caught the eye of a four year old boy and was thus already handed off. Apparently his name is now Bubbles and we did get to see him. He's about thisbig and just darling. Whether he'll survive the four year old boy is up for grabs, but that wasn't my decision to make ( Read more... )

pets

Comments 8

moon_chylde August 12 2010, 01:37:02 UTC

I was going to ask you if you've ever dealt with a feral cat because wow, it can be pretty ugly. I mean painfully ugly. Even kittens are tough, although the younger they're socialize the better off they are. But you're talking about a kitten that needs *caught*. This is not good.

Honestly? I'd write it off. This is going to be the first cat for your son. And to join an already part of your household cat that you recently acquired.

Don't ask for trouble and a lot of unneeded grief. Get him a nice already socialized "free to good home" kitten from someone who has a litter in their house.

rainien August 12 2010, 02:21:37 UTC

Yeah, I've talked to Younger Son about this yet again since I posted this. We talked about the OUCH factor of taming a semi-wild kitten. We also talked about how the cat would have to stay in the pet carrier until it could be tamed because I will not have a feral cat running free in the house.

He's decided he wants a kitten that he can "snuggle right away, not something that's gonna shred me for weeks on end." He's a smart boy. *nods* And I'm vastly relieved.

People are always dumping off cats at the clinic so one is sure to show up that he'll like. If all else fails there's always the cat shelter where they have literally dozens of cats and kittens at all times. They're not exactly free, but you only have to pay for the cost of "fixing" the cat and giving its shots. (About $35) Since we'd be doing that anyway, it's no big deal. I actually favor the idea of getting one from the shelter because then he'd really have his pick and not just take whatever shows up at the clinic ( ... )

moon_chylde August 12 2010, 02:29:40 UTC

Wise, wise boy you have.

I totally endorse shelter adoptions. That's where I got my Paka and Mick, two of the best cats I've ever had. Very loving and appreciatiative. I paid $100 for each, but that included neutering, worming, health testing for feline luke, shots, and microchipping, plus five lbs of kitten food. You really cannot beat that.

blamebrampton August 12 2010, 12:56:38 UTC

It does depend how young the kitten is, you know. Up to six weeks they can change utterly in about 24-48 hours (or, you know, one good feed). Up to eight weeks, they are still fairly easy to turn around, after that it is more work. I have to say that the very best cats I have ever had were all bonkers when they came to me ;-)

dirty_darella August 12 2010, 09:44:45 UTC

I think it's lovely that your taking car of these kitties. :)

blamebrampton August 12 2010, 12:52:40 UTC

Taming kittens is not too hard. There are a few simple rules ( ... )

rainien August 12 2010, 13:11:31 UTC

These really are excellent suggestions! Thanks for sharing them.

Younger Son has decided against the wild kitten at this time. This will be his first cat and he's afraid (hell, we both are) that he won't be able to tame it. I'm not exactly certain of the kitten's age, but from the looks of her I'd put it at about 8-10 weeks.

I've already spoken to the owners of the kitten and they understand perfectly, thank goodness. School will be resuming in just a couple of weeks and Younger Son won't have the time to give the kitten the attention it'll take to get it used to 1) living indoors and 2) accepting the other household inhabitants. LOL He says he wants a kitten he can cuddle right away.

RE: your mention of "bonkers" cats... Older Son's cat goes a bit bonkers nearly every day. He'll decide human feet are the "toy of the hour" and everyone gets paranoid. Or he'll suddenly get a craving for the taste of human skin. I don't know how many times the words, "He bit me!" are followed by my, "Then put him down and leave him alone." Of course ( ... )

blamebrampton August 12 2010, 13:18:49 UTC

Ah, if he's back to school soon, then it's probably best to go with something tamer.

And yes! Feet are delicious! Monster occasionally needs to Give the Feet Love, which involves licking, face-rubbing and having gentle chews, all while purring madly. She also likes balls, having watched too much Lassie while at the pound. The hilarity is worth any disgusting foot slobber factor!