New to Cats

[TielLover2004]

Heloo my name is Craig and i just got a 8 wk old kitty...yeah fo me. I have read alot of books and things and got the basics item...will be getting more sooner-have to see what vet says. I hopefully will take him to the vet 2morrow. If you have anything to say that will help me and have any sites or tips please tell. also how a good way to bond with him. If you have a nice size condo for your cat and u order it online could you give me a link Thanks

P.S. Will post pics l8tr

P.P.S. HIs name is Maxwill Kitty Kitty Then our last name

P.P.P.S. we call him max for short

[TielLover2004]

Couldnt Edit:Do you feed your cat meat sometimes? What kind of meat, if you do? Do you give it raw or cooked?

[Punkygirl0101]

I would feed him chicken soup for the cat lovers soul, that is a brand of cat food. Cooked meat would be safer to feed, but I wouldn'tr feed the cat a raw/homemade diet unless you have talked to your vet and you know 100% how to do it. If fed wrong, it can be harmful if not fatal for your cat.

[TielLover2004]

kk thank you

[asta7775]

Congrats on the new kitty and for reading up on cat's first. Since the kitty is male I would incorperate a good canned food(I would stay away from fish varieties) into the diet as male cat's tend to have urinary problems. The wet food will help ensure he's getting enough liquids which will help with good urinary tract health(helps to flush the bladder to help prevent crystals/infection), ask your vet if there is a type they recommend as some aren't that good for male cats.

Play time and petting are good ways to bond, so is brushing especially if he has long hair so that it won't be a problem later on when his hair get really long, touching of the paws in a gentle playfull manner will help when it comes time to trim the nails either by you or your vet. Once he is off kitten food around 6mts( at time of neuter)(also switch food gradually so there is no upset tummy) you should measure his food so he doesn't get chunky, some people free feed their cat's which is fine if they are nibbler's but if he's the type to eat everything insight splitting the meals in two or 3 feedings is good. I haven't found any good condo's that aren't stupid expensive, you could make one out of plywood or mdf and then buy carpet ends to cover it, just make sure there are no frayed ends showing or nails/staples he can get caught on. When you buy toys make sure there are no small parts that can easily come off for your cat to eat as they can cause big problems, if you have plants make sure he can't reach them to chew on them or that they are the type that are non toxic to cats(some cats don't go near plants and some do), some cats also love to eat string or plastic bags and the like so always keep them hidden as they again can cause big problems if ingested. If you are using clumping litter make sure your kitten doesn't ingest any as kitten's are silly and it can cause problems if ingested as well.

If you offer meat as a treat, stay away from fish and anything that's fatty and only small amounts and its best to cook it first, if its a piece of meat from your dinner rinse off any spices first.

When you go to the vet feel free to ask any and all questions no matter how silly you think they might think it is as that's what they are there for...trust me they have heard it all and then some.

Best wishes and can't wait for pics.

[AngelZoo]

Many of you will probably think I'm absolutly crazy but it's how I've bonded with many of my cats and now I have a line of people wanting to adopt a cat that was raised by me, it was kinda funny really.

I keep the cat with me almost 24/7 sleeping, eating, playing, grooming, I encourage and give head butts, sometimes I'll lick them on their head real quick, it makes the kitties very happy. But be sure to give your kitty some alone time or else he/she might have issues with seperation anxiety later on in life.

Cheers!

[TielLover2004]

kk thank you angel. We have just bought a condo for him...he dosent like it much because its a little to hight for him rite now. Pics are on the way..have to get the chip from my bro