Topic: Kitten Puddles... (Read 20865 times)

Clark Kent · « **on:** May 23, 2004, 09:46:03 pm »

So I was at the farm, playing with my soon to be kitten, and I reach to pick him upand realize he is leaking coolant at a substantial rate,a nd there is already a little puddle where he was standing. This got me thinking: Do I need to potty train my kitten when I bring him home to use a litterbox, or will he naturally do it? And if I need to train him, how in the world do I do it?

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Iceman · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:55:48 pm »

You definitly need to house break him, though I have no idea about how to do it.

Khalee · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:58:51 pm »

Some take to it naurally, some you have to train. I was lucky with my cat and he took to it right off. If you have to train it, put the pan in one room and let him play in it stuff and all. And if you see him look like he has to go (Ie snifing around that sort of thing) put him in the pan each time they will get the idea after a bit. You might have to show them how to cover it up tho, simply take their paw and go thru the motions, it works.

Sirgod · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:09:04 pm »

Do what I did with Poo CK. He tried to hard to be something she's not, and Took after all my Bosties. But she has two things Going for her.

1.) She has Claws which cut to all hell.
2.) She Likes to fly when she does so.

Hehe, she was squating near one of my dogs the other day, and the dog Got up smelled It, and Decided to mark the Territory.

Poo sees this as a chance to attack, at just about the same time the Dog did the Bury the Poo routine, By kicking his back legs. Poo get's in the way.

Some cat's DO NOT land on there Feet. Esp. when kicked by the same dog That It just sunk two Feet into uhm, niether regions.

Funniest thing I've seen from my pet's in awhile.

Back to the pottty Training. One thing to Consider also, Is That Cat's will use House Plants For litter If you don't spend the time Kepping the box Clean, and Showing them where to go.

stephen

J. Carney · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:25:36 pm »

I've had 5 cats and never had to housebreak a single one. Now, I'm kinda cheating, cause I live in a trailer with all vinal floors and have no potted plants. The litterbox is the only place in the house a cat can cover it up, so they just naturally gravitate towards it.

That kind of thing just comes naturally to cats. No training required

Ravok · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:31:48 pm »

Cats are whats called a latrening animal, So a desire to use a kitty litter box comes naturally to most of them.
One of the most important things when litter training them is to always have very clean litter on hand, And to always use the same type or brand, ( Cats are picky!) Every time you see him or her wake up place them in the litter box, ( When they are young thats when they usually go), Keep this up and in no time the little fellows will pretty much train them selves.
It important too not to take it away from its mom too soon because she will teach it allot of these things her self.
Good luck cats are just wonderful pets and allot of fun!!

Clark Kent · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:59:23 pm »

I'm not sure how much his mom will teach him sicne he lives in a barn, with no litterbox available for him to use. they spend all their time in the room the llive and sleep in, the only way in or out is a barred window that the mom can get through, but not the kittens. mostly it's for safety, so they don't get stepped on by horses or mauled by dogs...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Khalee · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2004, 11:22:48 pm »

Well if that is the case then they might allready know what to do. Just show him the pan with the litter in it and see what happens. My cat was the same way caught him in a barn and he knew what to do after I got him home and showed him where to go.

Scott Allen Abfalter · « **Reply #8 on:** May 24, 2004, 03:49:59 pm »

Kahlee is exactly right.

The cat has natural instincts to bury stool and to urinate where it can be covered up.

What you need to do is carry the kitty over to the litterbox the next time any, er, 'leakage' occurs. And several times a day just to remind him where it is.

The kitty should pick this up in no time and start going there on it's own.

I've had three, since kittens, and each one picked it up in a day or so.

digi · « **Reply #9 on:** May 24, 2004, 05:53:33 pm »

Funny story but true.

My family has always had cats. The first I remember (going back some years when I was probably all of 7 or 8 years) were a pair of kittens from the cats protection league. They were called Daisy and Bandit. I liked the Burt Reynolds movie and my sister liked the dukes of hazard. Anyway.

My father likes his baths in the evening. He just liked to soak in a nice warm bath for ages to relax. This one evening he came down in his dressing gown after his bath to watch a bit a TV. Kittens being kittens however liked to play and explore and found that the 2 inch gap between the sofa and the floor to be an intriging place to hide and play.

Daisy (a white cat with three little block spots) came out from under the sofa this one time to find my father sitting there in his dressing gown....or rather hanging over (if you get my drift) the edge of the sofa in his dressing gown. Wondering if these two dangly things were new cat toys daisy took to them with her claws. Needless to say that my father stood up and jumped around in some agony!

I think that was the first time (and only time) I ever saw a grown man in tears, with a kitten hanging on for dear life from his pride and joy!!!

digi · « **Reply #10 on:** May 24, 2004, 05:59:17 pm »

On another note our previous cats (Daisy and Bandit) unlike our present two (Smudge and Fluff) tend to improve the next door neighbours garden rather than use a cat tray. I think we've tried numerous things over the last 4 years, but the don't want to know. There are two benefits from this. We spend nothing on cat litter and our neighbours have a very fertilised garden!!!

Clark Kent · « **Reply #11 on:** May 24, 2004, 07:31:02 pm »

Yeah, I was thinking about that aspect, and how I can never be clotheless, lest he attack my dangling particibles...
if he is potty trained, it works for me, I jsut didn't see how since he's pretty much limited to a little room with a concrete floor. Although, I have to admit, I never did see any kitty dookies hangin around that room while I was there...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Ravok · « **Reply #12 on:** May 24, 2004, 10:08:13 pm »

Mine would much rather go im my mulch around my bushes outside also. Like i said they are pretty anal about having a clean place to go.

AlienLXIX · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2004, 02:03:00 am »

Quote:

<snip>
if he is potty trained, it works for me, I jsut didn't see how since he's pretty much limited to a little room with a concrete floor. Although, I have to admit, I never did see any kitty dookies hangin around that room while I was there...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Depending on how old your kittens are the mother cat tends to take care of the waste the kitten's make and that maybe why your kitten's area is clean.

When do you get to take your new friend home? I am asking this because if this is still happening when you bring him home you will have to how to use the little and maybe go as far as taking a warm wet wash cloth and umm "stimulate" the waste process. PM me if you need more pointers!

I have cared for kittens as young as a few days old and have had them thrive! It's hard and takes a LOT of time till they have their eyes open and OK they turn out thinking that they are very short and hairy humans but I have never lost one yet! <knocking on wood>

Clark Kent · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2004, 10:59:34 am »

Thanks for the advice Alien. He'll be 6 weeks old this friday. i'm considering whether I should bring him home this weekend, or wait. If I wait, though, I'll have to wait till the end of june, since I can't get to the farm where he's at on my own, and the friend who can get me there is going to Hawaii next week. Supplies aren't a problem, I know what I need and where to get it, I just need to figure out what this little guy's needs are. I will say, though, that one thing I caannot stand is the smell of cat pee, so if I can't figure out how to handle his problems, he might become an outside cat again quick fast and in a hurry. I won't just toss the guy out the door, or abandon him, but I really need to keep his potty issues under control.

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

TB613 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2004, 03:40:07 pm »

Alien is correct on six weeks being a little young. The deciding factor to me is are there people around the farm such as some children that can help in socializing the kitten to humans.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2004, 11:30:48 pm »

The farm he's at is boarded by alot of horses owned by various people, so I'm thinking the kittens get alot of human attention.I may put getting him off, like i said, but if I wait past this weekend I'll have to wait quite a while longer before I get him, and I'm kinda eager to get him. CHoices...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #18 on:** May 26, 2004, 09:43:42 am »

Oh yeah, I'd rather not name him puddles. The thought of him living up to his names in that case makes me cringe. I was kinda partial to the name Saber, unless someone had a better suggestion,

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Scott Allen Abfalter · « **Reply #19 on:** May 26, 2004, 09:46:14 am »

There are milk supplements in a can that you can give very young kittens that are too young to be independant; we had to do this with our first cat who we found as a too-young abandon stray. It's a little expensive, but she was not on it for more than a few weeks.

One thing we learned --it is very hard to give a cat a bath! Whenever we've tried to give the cats a bath it's basically a two-person job. My single and only task is to latch onto the cat with both hands and try and keep it mostly within the bathtub. My wife gets it shampoo'ed and rinsed off. The cat, convinced that it is about to drown, fights with all it's might. We are lucky if we escape with only minor scratches.

Praxis · « **Reply #20 on:** May 26, 2004, 10:53:19 am »

When I try to give my cat a bath, it turns into something from crocodile hunter.

We've learned never to fill the bathtub- instead we take one of those movable showerheads and spray her to wash her. That way she doesn't think she's drowning, but she STILL fights for her life.

Since we're spraying her rather than dunking her, the bottom of the tub has a low level of water. The cat thrashes left and right, jumping for the edges, her claws slipping and skittering on the sides, the water splashing all over. It really looks like something from Crododile Hunter. We have to wear heavy gloves, and sometimes she'll manage to get a claw out and grab me by the shirt and try to pull me into the tub...

Khalee · « **Reply #21 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:09:06 am »

Never had a problem with mine. The only problem was I had to lock the door to keep it from wanting to come in and try to get into the tub when I was takeing baths. Trick to bathing cats is treat them like you would a baby when you give them a bath. When I made it to where it could not come in you never heard the most mornfull sounds comeing from it, pluse it would be trying to claw its way thru the door as well.

Khalee · « **Reply #23 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:35:21 am »

or he could just call it cat and be done with it.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #24 on:** May 26, 2004, 01:19:32 pm »

LOL, those are actually good suggestions, I kinda like some of them. I'll think about it. This little guy (so far) is a curious and quiet one. He's very warm and friendly, and he's explorer. You can't let youself be fooled by his shy natuere, though. He likes to walk around very tall with his chest puffed out and head held as high as it goes. And then there's the prance he does. He lifts his legs higher than I'm used to seeing most cats do, and each step is purposeful and controlled.
I do have a reason for giving him a manly name, over soemthing cuddy or cute. I feel that since he's gonna get the ol' snip snip anyway, I can't burden him with an unmanly name for the rest of his life as well. After all, how badly do I have to emascualte the poor little devil?
Here's a couple pics one that got me interested in him to begin with, and two of him I took last week:

(oh my, my friend jenny does have soem hairy arms, doesn't she?)

CK

P.S. i like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

TB613 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 26, 2004, 03:42:44 pm »

These should be manly enough for you.

Caesar, Napoleon, Wellington - Napoleons opponent at Waterloo. Another good one would be Bear.

Kmelew · « **Reply #26 on:** May 26, 2004, 10:36:34 pm »

He looks like a "Panther" or maybe a "Midnight"

Iceman · « **Reply #27 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:35:03 pm »

How about Brutus? That way when he jumps off the monitor onto your keyboard while you play SFC, you can say

Et tu brutai?

Clark Kent · « **Reply #28 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:53:13 pm »

Just talked to my firend about the kitten, looks like I'll be waiting a while longer since he's not weaned yet. I figure it will be better for him not to take him from his mom until he's ready. Oh well, looks like more waiting for me,

CK

P.S. i like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #30 on:** May 27, 2004, 10:11:31 am »

What about the eyes makes you say that?

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #32 on:** May 28, 2004, 02:30:56 am »

Oh, that seems to make sense, I didn't know that about cats. How long till they usually turn colors?

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #33 on:** June 08, 2004, 05:12:07 pm »

Today I picked up my shiny new ktty from the stables and brought it home. They were anxious for me to pick him up, since yesterday, he dissapearred and they had to spend over an hour scouring the countryside for him. Apparently, he's been managing to get outside of his little safe room (safe from the horses, dogs, etc.) to explore, since he's a really inquisitive one.His sisters generally just sat back and watched, wondering what he was doing. Anyway, yesterday, when he went exploring, he followed his mom to a hay shed, and couldn't find his way back, so he dug himself into a bail of hay, and hid there until someone finally came accross him. The owner of the stables was nt pleased, and wanted him out of tghere quick fast and in a hurry. As I left, i petted his sisters goodbye and left, my shiny new kitten in my arms. At first, he was quite excited, but as I left the barn and walked towards my car he became steadily more anxious and outspoken.He cried for a few miles as we drove down the road, and hid underneath my seat in the car. I felt/feel so terrible for being the first to start the seperation process with those kittens. I know kittens are generally playful with their brothers and sisters, but these three seemed particularaly close, and I had hoped to be the last to take one home, so as to not be the cause of their kitten angst.
Finally, after about 6 miles or so, he climbed out from under my seat and looked up at me with sad but inquisitive eyes. I welcomed him to my lap, where he slep until i reached my sisters to pick up his litter box and a carrying kennel. From there, I decided the kennel wasn't really necessary, so i let him sleep on my lap again as we made our way to target to get kitten supplies, except this time, he decided that as i was petting him, he would lean back farther and farther into my hand, until the only thing keeping him on the car seat was my hand. So there I sat, one hand on the wheel, and the other, between my legs, holding the kitten.
Upon arrival to Target, he slipped underneath the driverseat again and fell asleep, awaiting my return. We went home, him climbing my shirt, looking for yet more attention, and I brought him inside, along with all of his supplies. I gave him his collar, he gorged himself on food, explored half of the place with incredible care and silence, and slept the rest of the day. right now, he's sleeping on my lap after I wiped off the back of his neck from the excess flea repellant I spilled on him. I feel badly that I have to pick him up now so I can go to class.
After much thought, i've decided to stick with the name Saber. My nieces already know his pictures by that name, and something about it just seems to work for him. The other name suggestions give to me were excellent, and I'll most likely have other pets, and choose from that list, but this one remains Saber.
Now for the breaking him in phase...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Kmelew · « **Reply #34 on:** June 08, 2004, 05:22:04 pm »

Congratulations!! Sounds like you made a great friend!!

Khalee · « **Reply #35 on:** June 08, 2004, 06:52:16 pm »

Now just remember dont get mad at it when it jumps up on your keyboard and scares the Hell out of you, and causes you to lose all your work a few times. As you wanted a pet so you got to take the bad with the good.

Kmelew · « **Reply #36 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:13:09 pm »

Oh yeah almost forgot--get ready to be used as a practice target!

Iceman · « **Reply #37 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:17:21 pm »

Just a thought here.

Try not to let the cat get used to being free in your car. If anything godforbid happened, and you had to stomp on the brakes with the cat under there, well you get the point. I always make sure i keep my little ball of fur in his carry cage while he's in the car.

J. Carney · « **Reply #38 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:41:48 pm »

Yeah... find some comfortable long pants to wear around the house for a little while... till Saber learns the difference between 'claws in' and 'claws out'. Oh, yeah... and remember, even kittens like to gnaw on soft things (read fingers and toes) when teething.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #40 on:** June 09, 2004, 10:52:49 am »

Thanks for the replies, I'm starting to get an idea of how kittens break you in. Here's the latest:
Day 2, the Kitten Chronicles
2:00 AM
So very tired, but can't get to sleep. I got home alte last night- after 2 am, and went to bed before 3, but that little bastard was stalking me. I sat down to check ym email, and sure enough I hear a "jingle jingle jingle." The terror began to rise in the pits of my stomach. "he's coming," I told myself. Slowly, the creature slinked out from under my bed, where he had been hiding in warmth, and dust, for me to appear so he could begin his reign of terror anew. I sat in anticipation as the creature emerged, slowly, his sleek ferosity carried so naturally as he made his way to me. If it hadn't been for the tag I had managed to put on him, I wouldn't even know he was there. It's patented jingle bell technology setting off distinct air vibrations to alert me to his direction.
Before I knew it he was standing befoer me, making his way over, all 9 inches and 13 ounces of him. With great care, i managed to circumvent him as he tried to cut me off from my one route of escape: the bed. Once tucked inside the covers I thought to myself, "It'sd alright now, I';m safe." I sat in shear horror as I listened to the malicious jingle on the floor beside me as he made short work of post it notes and computerattachments that had been unfortunate enough to cross his path. After a short time had passed I realized he had had enough of those tidbits, and was on to the real prey: me. Through his manipualtion of my mind he forced me to pick him up and set him besideme on the bed. At first all was well, my arms displayed upwards toward the ehad of the bed he had found a nice nook in my armpit and was making this ungodly noise, almost like a diesel engine. Then, suddenly, with no warning I felt a sharp pain, like several pins jabbing into my armpit and then pulling. The terror had truly begun now, and it would continue throughout the night.
6:00 AM
I managed to get an hour of sleep in between attacks, hoping he was through with me for the night, but with no luck. I'm woken by the feeling of a sharp blow against my eye. The meager light shining in the windowfrom the cloud engrossed sky allow me to determine that he's no long on the bed; he's made his way to the top of my headboard and found the small serenity water fountain there and the co9ntinuing sharp blows are rocks he's picked upand dropped onto me. Oh the horror! It's time to fight back. Within minutes I will begin my painstaking safari to locate the little bastard on top of my headboard and trap him in a sturdy containment vessel for transport and holding until I can better handle this situation.

CK

P.S. i like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

James_Smith · « **Reply #41 on:** June 09, 2004, 04:38:17 pm »

Sounds remarkably familiar....I recall our current resident cat doing that sort of thing when we brought her home.

AlienLXIX · « **Reply #42 on:** June 09, 2004, 06:24:36 pm »

Congratulations! I am sure it will be a learning experience for you both. I've lived with cats since the day mum and dad brought me home from the hospital so for me I was always aware of them. I think in a way I will never know it will be more exciting for you!

Be good to each other and I think everything will work out for the best!

Aloha,
Amy

Iceman · « **Reply #43 on:** June 09, 2004, 10:15:32 pm »

A water gun is your best friend. Squit him when he does something wrong.

AlienLXIX · « **Reply #44 on:** June 10, 2004, 02:40:49 am »

A spray bottle is better and doesn't leak as much also if you want that warning to stick in Saber's mind you might want to concider 1 or 2 parts concentrated lemon and 2 or 3 parts water for that spray bottle. Most cats don't like the taste or smell of citrus so spraying him reinforces the fact he did something wrong. But don't forget treats when he does something good like use the kitty litter.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #45 on:** June 10, 2004, 12:48:16 pm »

Hadn't thought of the spray bottle. He's still learning that night is for sleep. Last night wasn't bad, by now he's learned what the bed is for, so he spent most of the night curled up under my armpit. Don't know why he likes it there. However, the slightest sign of daylight and he was upi and running around, dropping things on me to wake me up. I got pretty angry, but I think I'll meet him halfway and go to bed a little earlier so he doesn't have to wai as long till I'm ready to get up in the morning. Just the same, though, he needs to learn that when I lay down, I'm staying down until I feel like getting up, not when he feels like it.
Apparently he has never had treats before either. It's taken a couple days for him to figure out that these little things in the jar I shake are yummy. He's starting to figure it out though, everytime I shake the jar he perks up and now is starting to understand soemthing good is coming. He also relally likes to be on my lap while on the computer. He just climbed up my leg and next thing I knew I was looking down at these little green eyes peering up at me from my crotch. When he learned there wasn't enough room to climb up from underneathh, he managed to climb up from behind the slide out keyboard.

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Khalee · « **Reply #50 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:13:28 pm »

I would caution If your seting at your computer and you dont see your pet, Look behind you before you scoot back.

I have run over My cats tail A couple of times because he came in when I would be busy on the computer layed down behind the chair, and I did not know it and only found out after I scooted back and ran over his tail. He made a noise then.

Khalee · « **Reply #52 on:** June 11, 2004, 03:21:27 am »

Well if you can withstand the silent stare or meow then you have become the owner of you cat, and not vice versa.

And Ill let you figure out what thoes are.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #53 on:** June 12, 2004, 11:43:43 pm »

I am more concerned with the sharp sharp claws and teeth he has the he seems to take great pleasure in using when I don't pay enough attention to him.

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Byzantine · « **Reply #54 on:** June 13, 2004, 02:05:15 pm »

I like the sharp claws and teeth as long as its only hands and ankles taking the beating. There is something magic about a kitten's total ephemeral focus on destroying a hand.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #55 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:46:03 pm »

So I was at the farm, playing with my soon to be kitten, and I reach to pick him upand realize he is leaking coolant at a substantial rate,a nd there is already a little puddle where he was standing. This got me thinking: Do I need to potty train my kitten when I bring him home to use a litterbox, or will he naturally do it? And if I need to train him, how in the world do I do it?

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Iceman · « **Reply #56 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:55:48 pm »

You definitly need to house break him, though I have no idea about how to do it.

Khalee · « **Reply #57 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:58:51 pm »

Some take to it naurally, some you have to train. I was lucky with my cat and he took to it right off. If you have to train it, put the pan in one room and let him play in it stuff and all. And if you see him look like he has to go (Ie snifing around that sort of thing) put him in the pan each time they will get the idea after a bit. You might have to show them how to cover it up tho, simply take their paw and go thru the motions, it works.

Sirgod · « **Reply #58 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:09:04 pm »

Do what I did with Poo CK. He tried to hard to be something she's not, and Took after all my Bosties. But she has two things Going for her.

1.) She has Claws which cut to all hell.
2.) She Likes to fly when she does so.

Hehe, she was squating near one of my dogs the other day, and the dog Got up smelled It, and Decided to mark the Territory.

Poo sees this as a chance to attack, at just about the same time the Dog did the Bury the Poo routine, By kicking his back legs. Poo get's in the way.

Some cat's DO NOT land on there Feet. Esp. when kicked by the same dog That It just sunk two Feet into uhm, niether regions.

Funniest thing I've seen from my pet's in awhile.

Back to the pottty Training. One thing to Consider also, Is That Cat's will use House Plants For litter If you don't spend the time Kepping the box Clean, and Showing them where to go.

stephen

J. Carney · « **Reply #59 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:25:36 pm »

I've had 5 cats and never had to housebreak a single one. Now, I'm kinda cheating, cause I live in a trailer with all vinal floors and have no potted plants. The litterbox is the only place in the house a cat can cover it up, so they just naturally gravitate towards it.

That kind of thing just comes naturally to cats. No training required

Ravok · « **Reply #60 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:31:48 pm »

Cats are whats called a latrening animal, So a desire to use a kitty litter box comes naturally to most of them.
One of the most important things when litter training them is to always have very clean litter on hand, And to always use the same type or brand, ( Cats are picky!) Every time you see him or her wake up place them in the litter box, ( When they are young thats when they usually go), Keep this up and in no time the little fellows will pretty much train them selves.
It important too not to take it away from its mom too soon because she will teach it allot of these things her self.
Good luck cats are just wonderful pets and allot of fun!!

Clark Kent · « **Reply #61 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:59:23 pm »

I'm not sure how much his mom will teach him sicne he lives in a barn, with no litterbox available for him to use. they spend all their time in the room the llive and sleep in, the only way in or out is a barred window that the mom can get through, but not the kittens. mostly it's for safety, so they don't get stepped on by horses or mauled by dogs...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Khalee · « **Reply #62 on:** May 23, 2004, 11:22:48 pm »

Well if that is the case then they might allready know what to do. Just show him the pan with the litter in it and see what happens. My cat was the same way caught him in a barn and he knew what to do after I got him home and showed him where to go.

Scott Allen Abfalter · « **Reply #63 on:** May 24, 2004, 03:49:59 pm »

Kahlee is exactly right.

The cat has natural instincts to bury stool and to urinate where it can be covered up.

What you need to do is carry the kitty over to the litterbox the next time any, er, 'leakage' occurs. And several times a day just to remind him where it is.

The kitty should pick this up in no time and start going there on it's own.

I've had three, since kittens, and each one picked it up in a day or so.

digi · « **Reply #64 on:** May 24, 2004, 05:53:33 pm »

Funny story but true.

My family has always had cats. The first I remember (going back some years when I was probably all of 7 or 8 years) were a pair of kittens from the cats protection league. They were called Daisy and Bandit. I liked the Burt Reynolds movie and my sister liked the dukes of hazard. Anyway.

My father likes his baths in the evening. He just liked to soak in a nice warm bath for ages to relax. This one evening he came down in his dressing gown after his bath to watch a bit a TV. Kittens being kittens however liked to play and explore and found that the 2 inch gap between the sofa and the floor to be an intriging place to hide and play.

Daisy (a white cat with three little block spots) came out from under the sofa this one time to find my father sitting there in his dressing gown....or rather hanging over (if you get my drift) the edge of the sofa in his dressing gown. Wondering if these two dangly things were new cat toys daisy took to them with her claws. Needless to say that my father stood up and jumped around in some agony!

I think that was the first time (and only time) I ever saw a grown man in tears, with a kitten hanging on for dear life from his pride and joy!!!

digi · « **Reply #65 on:** May 24, 2004, 05:59:17 pm »

On another note our previous cats (Daisy and Bandit) unlike our present two (Smudge and Fluff) tend to improve the next door neighbours garden rather than use a cat tray. I think we've tried numerous things over the last 4 years, but the don't want to know. There are two benefits from this. We spend nothing on cat litter and our neighbours have a very fertilised garden!!!

Clark Kent · « **Reply #66 on:** May 24, 2004, 07:31:02 pm »

Yeah, I was thinking about that aspect, and how I can never be clotheless, lest he attack my dangling particibles...
if he is potty trained, it works for me, I jsut didn't see how since he's pretty much limited to a little room with a concrete floor. Although, I have to admit, I never did see any kitty dookies hangin around that room while I was there...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Ravok · « **Reply #67 on:** May 24, 2004, 10:08:13 pm »

Mine would much rather go im my mulch around my bushes outside also. Like i said they are pretty anal about having a clean place to go.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #69 on:** May 25, 2004, 10:59:34 am »

Thanks for the advice Alien. He'll be 6 weeks old this friday. i'm considering whether I should bring him home this weekend, or wait. If I wait, though, I'll have to wait till the end of june, since I can't get to the farm where he's at on my own, and the friend who can get me there is going to Hawaii next week. Supplies aren't a problem, I know what I need and where to get it, I just need to figure out what this little guy's needs are. I will say, though, that one thing I caannot stand is the smell of cat pee, so if I can't figure out how to handle his problems, he might become an outside cat again quick fast and in a hurry. I won't just toss the guy out the door, or abandon him, but I really need to keep his potty issues under control.

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

TB613 · « **Reply #71 on:** May 25, 2004, 03:40:07 pm »

Alien is correct on six weeks being a little young. The deciding factor to me is are there people around the farm such as some children that can help in socializing the kitten to humans.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #72 on:** May 25, 2004, 11:30:48 pm »

The farm he's at is boarded by alot of horses owned by various people, so I'm thinking the kittens get alot of human attention.I may put getting him off, like i said, but if I wait past this weekend I'll have to wait quite a while longer before I get him, and I'm kinda eager to get him. CHoices...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #73 on:** May 26, 2004, 09:43:42 am »

Oh yeah, I'd rather not name him puddles. The thought of him living up to his names in that case makes me cringe. I was kinda partial to the name Saber, unless someone had a better suggestion,

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Scott Allen Abfalter · « **Reply #74 on:** May 26, 2004, 09:46:14 am »

There are milk supplements in a can that you can give very young kittens that are too young to be independant; we had to do this with our first cat who we found as a too-young abandon stray. It's a little expensive, but she was not on it for more than a few weeks.

One thing we learned --it is very hard to give a cat a bath! Whenever we've tried to give the cats a bath it's basically a two-person job. My single and only task is to latch onto the cat with both hands and try and keep it mostly within the bathtub. My wife gets it shampoo'ed and rinsed off. The cat, convinced that it is about to drown, fights with all it's might. We are lucky if we escape with only minor scratches.

Praxis · « **Reply #75 on:** May 26, 2004, 10:53:19 am »

When I try to give my cat a bath, it turns into something from crocodile hunter.

We've learned never to fill the bathtub- instead we take one of those movable showerheads and spray her to wash her. That way she doesn't think she's drowning, but she STILL fights for her life.

Since we're spraying her rather than dunking her, the bottom of the tub has a low level of water. The cat thrashes left and right, jumping for the edges, her claws slipping and skittering on the sides, the water splashing all over. It really looks like something from Crododile Hunter. We have to wear heavy gloves, and sometimes she'll manage to get a claw out and grab me by the shirt and try to pull me into the tub...

Khalee · « **Reply #76 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:09:06 am »

Never had a problem with mine. The only problem was I had to lock the door to keep it from wanting to come in and try to get into the tub when I was takeing baths. Trick to bathing cats is treat them like you would a baby when you give them a bath. When I made it to where it could not come in you never heard the most mornfull sounds comeing from it, pluse it would be trying to claw its way thru the door as well.

Khalee · « **Reply #78 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:35:21 am »

or he could just call it cat and be done with it.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #79 on:** May 26, 2004, 01:19:32 pm »

LOL, those are actually good suggestions, I kinda like some of them. I'll think about it. This little guy (so far) is a curious and quiet one. He's very warm and friendly, and he's explorer. You can't let youself be fooled by his shy natuere, though. He likes to walk around very tall with his chest puffed out and head held as high as it goes. And then there's the prance he does. He lifts his legs higher than I'm used to seeing most cats do, and each step is purposeful and controlled.
I do have a reason for giving him a manly name, over soemthing cuddy or cute. I feel that since he's gonna get the ol' snip snip anyway, I can't burden him with an unmanly name for the rest of his life as well. After all, how badly do I have to emascualte the poor little devil?
Here's a couple pics one that got me interested in him to begin with, and two of him I took last week:

(oh my, my friend jenny does have soem hairy arms, doesn't she?)

CK

P.S. i like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

TB613 · « **Reply #80 on:** May 26, 2004, 03:42:44 pm »

These should be manly enough for you.

Caesar, Napoleon, Wellington - Napoleons opponent at Waterloo. Another good one would be Bear.

Kmelew · « **Reply #81 on:** May 26, 2004, 10:36:34 pm »

He looks like a "Panther" or maybe a "Midnight"

Iceman · « **Reply #82 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:35:03 pm »

How about Brutus? That way when he jumps off the monitor onto your keyboard while you play SFC, you can say

Et tu brutai?

Clark Kent · « **Reply #83 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:53:13 pm »

Just talked to my firend about the kitten, looks like I'll be waiting a while longer since he's not weaned yet. I figure it will be better for him not to take him from his mom until he's ready. Oh well, looks like more waiting for me,

CK

P.S. i like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #85 on:** May 27, 2004, 10:11:31 am »

What about the eyes makes you say that?

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #87 on:** May 28, 2004, 02:30:56 am »

Oh, that seems to make sense, I didn't know that about cats. How long till they usually turn colors?

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #88 on:** June 08, 2004, 05:12:07 pm »

Today I picked up my shiny new ktty from the stables and brought it home. They were anxious for me to pick him up, since yesterday, he dissapearred and they had to spend over an hour scouring the countryside for him. Apparently, he's been managing to get outside of his little safe room (safe from the horses, dogs, etc.) to explore, since he's a really inquisitive one.His sisters generally just sat back and watched, wondering what he was doing. Anyway, yesterday, when he went exploring, he followed his mom to a hay shed, and couldn't find his way back, so he dug himself into a bail of hay, and hid there until someone finally came accross him. The owner of the stables was nt pleased, and wanted him out of tghere quick fast and in a hurry. As I left, i petted his sisters goodbye and left, my shiny new kitten in my arms. At first, he was quite excited, but as I left the barn and walked towards my car he became steadily more anxious and outspoken.He cried for a few miles as we drove down the road, and hid underneath my seat in the car. I felt/feel so terrible for being the first to start the seperation process with those kittens. I know kittens are generally playful with their brothers and sisters, but these three seemed particularaly close, and I had hoped to be the last to take one home, so as to not be the cause of their kitten angst.
Finally, after about 6 miles or so, he climbed out from under my seat and looked up at me with sad but inquisitive eyes. I welcomed him to my lap, where he slep until i reached my sisters to pick up his litter box and a carrying kennel. From there, I decided the kennel wasn't really necessary, so i let him sleep on my lap again as we made our way to target to get kitten supplies, except this time, he decided that as i was petting him, he would lean back farther and farther into my hand, until the only thing keeping him on the car seat was my hand. So there I sat, one hand on the wheel, and the other, between my legs, holding the kitten.
Upon arrival to Target, he slipped underneath the driverseat again and fell asleep, awaiting my return. We went home, him climbing my shirt, looking for yet more attention, and I brought him inside, along with all of his supplies. I gave him his collar, he gorged himself on food, explored half of the place with incredible care and silence, and slept the rest of the day. right now, he's sleeping on my lap after I wiped off the back of his neck from the excess flea repellant I spilled on him. I feel badly that I have to pick him up now so I can go to class.
After much thought, i've decided to stick with the name Saber. My nieces already know his pictures by that name, and something about it just seems to work for him. The other name suggestions give to me were excellent, and I'll most likely have other pets, and choose from that list, but this one remains Saber.
Now for the breaking him in phase...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Kmelew · « **Reply #89 on:** June 08, 2004, 05:22:04 pm »

Congratulations!! Sounds like you made a great friend!!

Khalee · « **Reply #90 on:** June 08, 2004, 06:52:16 pm »

Now just remember dont get mad at it when it jumps up on your keyboard and scares the Hell out of you, and causes you to lose all your work a few times. As you wanted a pet so you got to take the bad with the good.

Kmelew · « **Reply #91 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:13:09 pm »

Oh yeah almost forgot--get ready to be used as a practice target!

Iceman · « **Reply #92 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:17:21 pm »

Just a thought here.

Try not to let the cat get used to being free in your car. If anything godforbid happened, and you had to stomp on the brakes with the cat under there, well you get the point. I always make sure i keep my little ball of fur in his carry cage while he's in the car.

J. Carney · « **Reply #93 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:41:48 pm »

Yeah... find some comfortable long pants to wear around the house for a little while... till Saber learns the difference between 'claws in' and 'claws out'. Oh, yeah... and remember, even kittens like to gnaw on soft things (read fingers and toes) when teething.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #95 on:** June 09, 2004, 10:52:49 am »

Thanks for the replies, I'm starting to get an idea of how kittens break you in. Here's the latest:
Day 2, the Kitten Chronicles
2:00 AM
So very tired, but can't get to sleep. I got home alte last night- after 2 am, and went to bed before 3, but that little bastard was stalking me. I sat down to check ym email, and sure enough I hear a "jingle jingle jingle." The terror began to rise in the pits of my stomach. "he's coming," I told myself. Slowly, the creature slinked out from under my bed, where he had been hiding in warmth, and dust, for me to appear so he could begin his reign of terror anew. I sat in anticipation as the creature emerged, slowly, his sleek ferosity carried so naturally as he made his way to me. If it hadn't been for the tag I had managed to put on him, I wouldn't even know he was there. It's patented jingle bell technology setting off distinct air vibrations to alert me to his direction.
Before I knew it he was standing befoer me, making his way over, all 9 inches and 13 ounces of him. With great care, i managed to circumvent him as he tried to cut me off from my one route of escape: the bed. Once tucked inside the covers I thought to myself, "It'sd alright now, I';m safe." I sat in shear horror as I listened to the malicious jingle on the floor beside me as he made short work of post it notes and computerattachments that had been unfortunate enough to cross his path. After a short time had passed I realized he had had enough of those tidbits, and was on to the real prey: me. Through his manipualtion of my mind he forced me to pick him up and set him besideme on the bed. At first all was well, my arms displayed upwards toward the ehad of the bed he had found a nice nook in my armpit and was making this ungodly noise, almost like a diesel engine. Then, suddenly, with no warning I felt a sharp pain, like several pins jabbing into my armpit and then pulling. The terror had truly begun now, and it would continue throughout the night.
6:00 AM
I managed to get an hour of sleep in between attacks, hoping he was through with me for the night, but with no luck. I'm woken by the feeling of a sharp blow against my eye. The meager light shining in the windowfrom the cloud engrossed sky allow me to determine that he's no long on the bed; he's made his way to the top of my headboard and found the small serenity water fountain there and the co9ntinuing sharp blows are rocks he's picked upand dropped onto me. Oh the horror! It's time to fight back. Within minutes I will begin my painstaking safari to locate the little bastard on top of my headboard and trap him in a sturdy containment vessel for transport and holding until I can better handle this situation.

CK

P.S. i like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

James_Smith · « **Reply #96 on:** June 09, 2004, 04:38:17 pm »

Sounds remarkably familiar....I recall our current resident cat doing that sort of thing when we brought her home.

AlienLXIX · « **Reply #97 on:** June 09, 2004, 06:24:36 pm »

Congratulations! I am sure it will be a learning experience for you both. I've lived with cats since the day mum and dad brought me home from the hospital so for me I was always aware of them. I think in a way I will never know it will be more exciting for you!

Be good to each other and I think everything will work out for the best!

Aloha,
Amy

Iceman · « **Reply #98 on:** June 09, 2004, 10:15:32 pm »

A water gun is your best friend. Squit him when he does something wrong.

AlienLXIX · « **Reply #99 on:** June 10, 2004, 02:40:49 am »

A spray bottle is better and doesn't leak as much also if you want that warning to stick in Saber's mind you might want to concider 1 or 2 parts concentrated lemon and 2 or 3 parts water for that spray bottle. Most cats don't like the taste or smell of citrus so spraying him reinforces the fact he did something wrong. But don't forget treats when he does something good like use the kitty litter.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #100 on:** June 10, 2004, 12:48:16 pm »

Hadn't thought of the spray bottle. He's still learning that night is for sleep. Last night wasn't bad, by now he's learned what the bed is for, so he spent most of the night curled up under my armpit. Don't know why he likes it there. However, the slightest sign of daylight and he was upi and running around, dropping things on me to wake me up. I got pretty angry, but I think I'll meet him halfway and go to bed a little earlier so he doesn't have to wai as long till I'm ready to get up in the morning. Just the same, though, he needs to learn that when I lay down, I'm staying down until I feel like getting up, not when he feels like it.
Apparently he has never had treats before either. It's taken a couple days for him to figure out that these little things in the jar I shake are yummy. He's starting to figure it out though, everytime I shake the jar he perks up and now is starting to understand soemthing good is coming. He also relally likes to be on my lap while on the computer. He just climbed up my leg and next thing I knew I was looking down at these little green eyes peering up at me from my crotch. When he learned there wasn't enough room to climb up from underneathh, he managed to climb up from behind the slide out keyboard.

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Khalee · « **Reply #105 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:13:28 pm »

I would caution If your seting at your computer and you dont see your pet, Look behind you before you scoot back.

I have run over My cats tail A couple of times because he came in when I would be busy on the computer layed down behind the chair, and I did not know it and only found out after I scooted back and ran over his tail. He made a noise then.

Khalee · « **Reply #107 on:** June 11, 2004, 03:21:27 am »

Well if you can withstand the silent stare or meow then you have become the owner of you cat, and not vice versa.

And Ill let you figure out what thoes are.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #108 on:** June 12, 2004, 11:43:43 pm »

I am more concerned with the sharp sharp claws and teeth he has the he seems to take great pleasure in using when I don't pay enough attention to him.

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Byzantine · « **Reply #109 on:** June 13, 2004, 02:05:15 pm »

I like the sharp claws and teeth as long as its only hands and ankles taking the beating. There is something magic about a kitten's total ephemeral focus on destroying a hand.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #110 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:46:03 pm »

So I was at the farm, playing with my soon to be kitten, and I reach to pick him upand realize he is leaking coolant at a substantial rate,a nd there is already a little puddle where he was standing. This got me thinking: Do I need to potty train my kitten when I bring him home to use a litterbox, or will he naturally do it? And if I need to train him, how in the world do I do it?

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Iceman · « **Reply #111 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:55:48 pm »

You definitly need to house break him, though I have no idea about how to do it.

Khalee · « **Reply #112 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:58:51 pm »

Some take to it naurally, some you have to train. I was lucky with my cat and he took to it right off. If you have to train it, put the pan in one room and let him play in it stuff and all. And if you see him look like he has to go (Ie snifing around that sort of thing) put him in the pan each time they will get the idea after a bit. You might have to show them how to cover it up tho, simply take their paw and go thru the motions, it works.

Sirgod · « **Reply #113 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:09:04 pm »

Do what I did with Poo CK. He tried to hard to be something she's not, and Took after all my Bosties. But she has two things Going for her.

1.) She has Claws which cut to all hell.
2.) She Likes to fly when she does so.

Hehe, she was squating near one of my dogs the other day, and the dog Got up smelled It, and Decided to mark the Territory.

Poo sees this as a chance to attack, at just about the same time the Dog did the Bury the Poo routine, By kicking his back legs. Poo get's in the way.

Some cat's DO NOT land on there Feet. Esp. when kicked by the same dog That It just sunk two Feet into uhm, niether regions.

Funniest thing I've seen from my pet's in awhile.

Back to the pottty Training. One thing to Consider also, Is That Cat's will use House Plants For litter If you don't spend the time Kepping the box Clean, and Showing them where to go.

stephen

J. Carney · « **Reply #114 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:25:36 pm »

I've had 5 cats and never had to housebreak a single one. Now, I'm kinda cheating, cause I live in a trailer with all vinal floors and have no potted plants. The litterbox is the only place in the house a cat can cover it up, so they just naturally gravitate towards it.

That kind of thing just comes naturally to cats. No training required

Ravok · « **Reply #115 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:31:48 pm »

Cats are whats called a latrening animal, So a desire to use a kitty litter box comes naturally to most of them.
One of the most important things when litter training them is to always have very clean litter on hand, And to always use the same type or brand, ( Cats are picky!) Every time you see him or her wake up place them in the litter box, ( When they are young thats when they usually go), Keep this up and in no time the little fellows will pretty much train them selves.
It important too not to take it away from its mom too soon because she will teach it allot of these things her self.
Good luck cats are just wonderful pets and allot of fun!!

Clark Kent · « **Reply #116 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:59:23 pm »

I'm not sure how much his mom will teach him sicne he lives in a barn, with no litterbox available for him to use. they spend all their time in the room the llive and sleep in, the only way in or out is a barred window that the mom can get through, but not the kittens. mostly it's for safety, so they don't get stepped on by horses or mauled by dogs...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Khalee · « **Reply #117 on:** May 23, 2004, 11:22:48 pm »

Well if that is the case then they might allready know what to do. Just show him the pan with the litter in it and see what happens. My cat was the same way caught him in a barn and he knew what to do after I got him home and showed him where to go.

Scott Allen Abfalter · « **Reply #118 on:** May 24, 2004, 03:49:59 pm »

Kahlee is exactly right.

The cat has natural instincts to bury stool and to urinate where it can be covered up.

What you need to do is carry the kitty over to the litterbox the next time any, er, 'leakage' occurs. And several times a day just to remind him where it is.

The kitty should pick this up in no time and start going there on it's own.

I've had three, since kittens, and each one picked it up in a day or so.

digi · « **Reply #119 on:** May 24, 2004, 05:53:33 pm »

Funny story but true.

My family has always had cats. The first I remember (going back some years when I was probably all of 7 or 8 years) were a pair of kittens from the cats protection league. They were called Daisy and Bandit. I liked the Burt Reynolds movie and my sister liked the dukes of hazard. Anyway.

My father likes his baths in the evening. He just liked to soak in a nice warm bath for ages to relax. This one evening he came down in his dressing gown after his bath to watch a bit a TV. Kittens being kittens however liked to play and explore and found that the 2 inch gap between the sofa and the floor to be an intriging place to hide and play.

Daisy (a white cat with three little block spots) came out from under the sofa this one time to find my father sitting there in his dressing gown....or rather hanging over (if you get my drift) the edge of the sofa in his dressing gown. Wondering if these two dangly things were new cat toys daisy took to them with her claws. Needless to say that my father stood up and jumped around in some agony!

I think that was the first time (and only time) I ever saw a grown man in tears, with a kitten hanging on for dear life from his pride and joy!!!

digi · « **Reply #120 on:** May 24, 2004, 05:59:17 pm »

On another note our previous cats (Daisy and Bandit) unlike our present two (Smudge and Fluff) tend to improve the next door neighbours garden rather than use a cat tray. I think we've tried numerous things over the last 4 years, but the don't want to know. There are two benefits from this. We spend nothing on cat litter and our neighbours have a very fertilised garden!!!

Clark Kent · « **Reply #121 on:** May 24, 2004, 07:31:02 pm »

Yeah, I was thinking about that aspect, and how I can never be clotheless, lest he attack my dangling particibles...
if he is potty trained, it works for me, I jsut didn't see how since he's pretty much limited to a little room with a concrete floor. Although, I have to admit, I never did see any kitty dookies hangin around that room while I was there...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Ravok · « **Reply #122 on:** May 24, 2004, 10:08:13 pm »

Mine would much rather go im my mulch around my bushes outside also. Like i said they are pretty anal about having a clean place to go.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #124 on:** May 25, 2004, 10:59:34 am »

Thanks for the advice Alien. He'll be 6 weeks old this friday. i'm considering whether I should bring him home this weekend, or wait. If I wait, though, I'll have to wait till the end of june, since I can't get to the farm where he's at on my own, and the friend who can get me there is going to Hawaii next week. Supplies aren't a problem, I know what I need and where to get it, I just need to figure out what this little guy's needs are. I will say, though, that one thing I caannot stand is the smell of cat pee, so if I can't figure out how to handle his problems, he might become an outside cat again quick fast and in a hurry. I won't just toss the guy out the door, or abandon him, but I really need to keep his potty issues under control.

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

TB613 · « **Reply #126 on:** May 25, 2004, 03:40:07 pm »

Alien is correct on six weeks being a little young. The deciding factor to me is are there people around the farm such as some children that can help in socializing the kitten to humans.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #127 on:** May 25, 2004, 11:30:48 pm »

The farm he's at is boarded by alot of horses owned by various people, so I'm thinking the kittens get alot of human attention.I may put getting him off, like i said, but if I wait past this weekend I'll have to wait quite a while longer before I get him, and I'm kinda eager to get him. CHoices...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #128 on:** May 26, 2004, 09:43:42 am »

Oh yeah, I'd rather not name him puddles. The thought of him living up to his names in that case makes me cringe. I was kinda partial to the name Saber, unless someone had a better suggestion,

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Scott Allen Abfalter · « **Reply #129 on:** May 26, 2004, 09:46:14 am »

There are milk supplements in a can that you can give very young kittens that are too young to be independant; we had to do this with our first cat who we found as a too-young abandon stray. It's a little expensive, but she was not on it for more than a few weeks.

One thing we learned --it is very hard to give a cat a bath! Whenever we've tried to give the cats a bath it's basically a two-person job. My single and only task is to latch onto the cat with both hands and try and keep it mostly within the bathtub. My wife gets it shampoo'ed and rinsed off. The cat, convinced that it is about to drown, fights with all it's might. We are lucky if we escape with only minor scratches.

Praxis · « **Reply #130 on:** May 26, 2004, 10:53:19 am »

When I try to give my cat a bath, it turns into something from crocodile hunter.

We've learned never to fill the bathtub- instead we take one of those movable showerheads and spray her to wash her. That way she doesn't think she's drowning, but she STILL fights for her life.

Since we're spraying her rather than dunking her, the bottom of the tub has a low level of water. The cat thrashes left and right, jumping for the edges, her claws slipping and skittering on the sides, the water splashing all over. It really looks like something from Crododile Hunter. We have to wear heavy gloves, and sometimes she'll manage to get a claw out and grab me by the shirt and try to pull me into the tub...

Khalee · « **Reply #131 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:09:06 am »

Never had a problem with mine. The only problem was I had to lock the door to keep it from wanting to come in and try to get into the tub when I was takeing baths. Trick to bathing cats is treat them like you would a baby when you give them a bath. When I made it to where it could not come in you never heard the most mornfull sounds comeing from it, pluse it would be trying to claw its way thru the door as well.

Khalee · « **Reply #133 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:35:21 am »

or he could just call it cat and be done with it.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #134 on:** May 26, 2004, 01:19:32 pm »

LOL, those are actually good suggestions, I kinda like some of them. I'll think about it. This little guy (so far) is a curious and quiet one. He's very warm and friendly, and he's explorer. You can't let youself be fooled by his shy natuere, though. He likes to walk around very tall with his chest puffed out and head held as high as it goes. And then there's the prance he does. He lifts his legs higher than I'm used to seeing most cats do, and each step is purposeful and controlled.
I do have a reason for giving him a manly name, over soemthing cuddy or cute. I feel that since he's gonna get the ol' snip snip anyway, I can't burden him with an unmanly name for the rest of his life as well. After all, how badly do I have to emascualte the poor little devil?
Here's a couple pics one that got me interested in him to begin with, and two of him I took last week:

(oh my, my friend jenny does have soem hairy arms, doesn't she?)

CK

P.S. i like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

TB613 · « **Reply #135 on:** May 26, 2004, 03:42:44 pm »

These should be manly enough for you.

Caesar, Napoleon, Wellington - Napoleons opponent at Waterloo. Another good one would be Bear.

Kmelew · « **Reply #136 on:** May 26, 2004, 10:36:34 pm »

He looks like a "Panther" or maybe a "Midnight"

Iceman · « **Reply #137 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:35:03 pm »

How about Brutus? That way when he jumps off the monitor onto your keyboard while you play SFC, you can say

Et tu brutai?

Clark Kent · « **Reply #138 on:** May 26, 2004, 11:53:13 pm »

Just talked to my firend about the kitten, looks like I'll be waiting a while longer since he's not weaned yet. I figure it will be better for him not to take him from his mom until he's ready. Oh well, looks like more waiting for me,

CK

P.S. i like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #140 on:** May 27, 2004, 10:11:31 am »

What about the eyes makes you say that?

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #142 on:** May 28, 2004, 02:30:56 am »

Oh, that seems to make sense, I didn't know that about cats. How long till they usually turn colors?

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Clark Kent · « **Reply #143 on:** June 08, 2004, 05:12:07 pm »

Today I picked up my shiny new ktty from the stables and brought it home. They were anxious for me to pick him up, since yesterday, he dissapearred and they had to spend over an hour scouring the countryside for him. Apparently, he's been managing to get outside of his little safe room (safe from the horses, dogs, etc.) to explore, since he's a really inquisitive one.His sisters generally just sat back and watched, wondering what he was doing. Anyway, yesterday, when he went exploring, he followed his mom to a hay shed, and couldn't find his way back, so he dug himself into a bail of hay, and hid there until someone finally came accross him. The owner of the stables was nt pleased, and wanted him out of tghere quick fast and in a hurry. As I left, i petted his sisters goodbye and left, my shiny new kitten in my arms. At first, he was quite excited, but as I left the barn and walked towards my car he became steadily more anxious and outspoken.He cried for a few miles as we drove down the road, and hid underneath my seat in the car. I felt/feel so terrible for being the first to start the seperation process with those kittens. I know kittens are generally playful with their brothers and sisters, but these three seemed particularaly close, and I had hoped to be the last to take one home, so as to not be the cause of their kitten angst.
Finally, after about 6 miles or so, he climbed out from under my seat and looked up at me with sad but inquisitive eyes. I welcomed him to my lap, where he slep until i reached my sisters to pick up his litter box and a carrying kennel. From there, I decided the kennel wasn't really necessary, so i let him sleep on my lap again as we made our way to target to get kitten supplies, except this time, he decided that as i was petting him, he would lean back farther and farther into my hand, until the only thing keeping him on the car seat was my hand. So there I sat, one hand on the wheel, and the other, between my legs, holding the kitten.
Upon arrival to Target, he slipped underneath the driverseat again and fell asleep, awaiting my return. We went home, him climbing my shirt, looking for yet more attention, and I brought him inside, along with all of his supplies. I gave him his collar, he gorged himself on food, explored half of the place with incredible care and silence, and slept the rest of the day. right now, he's sleeping on my lap after I wiped off the back of his neck from the excess flea repellant I spilled on him. I feel badly that I have to pick him up now so I can go to class.
After much thought, i've decided to stick with the name Saber. My nieces already know his pictures by that name, and something about it just seems to work for him. The other name suggestions give to me were excellent, and I'll most likely have other pets, and choose from that list, but this one remains Saber.
Now for the breaking him in phase...

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Kmelew · « **Reply #144 on:** June 08, 2004, 05:22:04 pm »

Congratulations!! Sounds like you made a great friend!!

Khalee · « **Reply #145 on:** June 08, 2004, 06:52:16 pm »

Now just remember dont get mad at it when it jumps up on your keyboard and scares the Hell out of you, and causes you to lose all your work a few times. As you wanted a pet so you got to take the bad with the good.

Kmelew · « **Reply #146 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:13:09 pm »

Oh yeah almost forgot--get ready to be used as a practice target!

Iceman · « **Reply #147 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:17:21 pm »

Just a thought here.

Try not to let the cat get used to being free in your car. If anything godforbid happened, and you had to stomp on the brakes with the cat under there, well you get the point. I always make sure i keep my little ball of fur in his carry cage while he's in the car.

J. Carney · « **Reply #148 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:41:48 pm »

Yeah... find some comfortable long pants to wear around the house for a little while... till Saber learns the difference between 'claws in' and 'claws out'. Oh, yeah... and remember, even kittens like to gnaw on soft things (read fingers and toes) when teething.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #150 on:** June 09, 2004, 10:52:49 am »

Thanks for the replies, I'm starting to get an idea of how kittens break you in. Here's the latest:
Day 2, the Kitten Chronicles
2:00 AM
So very tired, but can't get to sleep. I got home alte last night- after 2 am, and went to bed before 3, but that little bastard was stalking me. I sat down to check ym email, and sure enough I hear a "jingle jingle jingle." The terror began to rise in the pits of my stomach. "he's coming," I told myself. Slowly, the creature slinked out from under my bed, where he had been hiding in warmth, and dust, for me to appear so he could begin his reign of terror anew. I sat in anticipation as the creature emerged, slowly, his sleek ferosity carried so naturally as he made his way to me. If it hadn't been for the tag I had managed to put on him, I wouldn't even know he was there. It's patented jingle bell technology setting off distinct air vibrations to alert me to his direction.
Before I knew it he was standing befoer me, making his way over, all 9 inches and 13 ounces of him. With great care, i managed to circumvent him as he tried to cut me off from my one route of escape: the bed. Once tucked inside the covers I thought to myself, "It'sd alright now, I';m safe." I sat in shear horror as I listened to the malicious jingle on the floor beside me as he made short work of post it notes and computerattachments that had been unfortunate enough to cross his path. After a short time had passed I realized he had had enough of those tidbits, and was on to the real prey: me. Through his manipualtion of my mind he forced me to pick him up and set him besideme on the bed. At first all was well, my arms displayed upwards toward the ehad of the bed he had found a nice nook in my armpit and was making this ungodly noise, almost like a diesel engine. Then, suddenly, with no warning I felt a sharp pain, like several pins jabbing into my armpit and then pulling. The terror had truly begun now, and it would continue throughout the night.
6:00 AM
I managed to get an hour of sleep in between attacks, hoping he was through with me for the night, but with no luck. I'm woken by the feeling of a sharp blow against my eye. The meager light shining in the windowfrom the cloud engrossed sky allow me to determine that he's no long on the bed; he's made his way to the top of my headboard and found the small serenity water fountain there and the co9ntinuing sharp blows are rocks he's picked upand dropped onto me. Oh the horror! It's time to fight back. Within minutes I will begin my painstaking safari to locate the little bastard on top of my headboard and trap him in a sturdy containment vessel for transport and holding until I can better handle this situation.

CK

P.S. i like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

James_Smith · « **Reply #151 on:** June 09, 2004, 04:38:17 pm »

Sounds remarkably familiar....I recall our current resident cat doing that sort of thing when we brought her home.

AlienLXIX · « **Reply #152 on:** June 09, 2004, 06:24:36 pm »

Congratulations! I am sure it will be a learning experience for you both. I've lived with cats since the day mum and dad brought me home from the hospital so for me I was always aware of them. I think in a way I will never know it will be more exciting for you!

Be good to each other and I think everything will work out for the best!

Aloha,
Amy

Iceman · « **Reply #153 on:** June 09, 2004, 10:15:32 pm »

A water gun is your best friend. Squit him when he does something wrong.

AlienLXIX · « **Reply #154 on:** June 10, 2004, 02:40:49 am »

A spray bottle is better and doesn't leak as much also if you want that warning to stick in Saber's mind you might want to concider 1 or 2 parts concentrated lemon and 2 or 3 parts water for that spray bottle. Most cats don't like the taste or smell of citrus so spraying him reinforces the fact he did something wrong. But don't forget treats when he does something good like use the kitty litter.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #155 on:** June 10, 2004, 12:48:16 pm »

Hadn't thought of the spray bottle. He's still learning that night is for sleep. Last night wasn't bad, by now he's learned what the bed is for, so he spent most of the night curled up under my armpit. Don't know why he likes it there. However, the slightest sign of daylight and he was upi and running around, dropping things on me to wake me up. I got pretty angry, but I think I'll meet him halfway and go to bed a little earlier so he doesn't have to wai as long till I'm ready to get up in the morning. Just the same, though, he needs to learn that when I lay down, I'm staying down until I feel like getting up, not when he feels like it.
Apparently he has never had treats before either. It's taken a couple days for him to figure out that these little things in the jar I shake are yummy. He's starting to figure it out though, everytime I shake the jar he perks up and now is starting to understand soemthing good is coming. He also relally likes to be on my lap while on the computer. He just climbed up my leg and next thing I knew I was looking down at these little green eyes peering up at me from my crotch. When he learned there wasn't enough room to climb up from underneathh, he managed to climb up from behind the slide out keyboard.

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Khalee · « **Reply #160 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:13:28 pm »

I would caution If your seting at your computer and you dont see your pet, Look behind you before you scoot back.

I have run over My cats tail A couple of times because he came in when I would be busy on the computer layed down behind the chair, and I did not know it and only found out after I scooted back and ran over his tail. He made a noise then.

Khalee · « **Reply #162 on:** June 11, 2004, 03:21:27 am »

Well if you can withstand the silent stare or meow then you have become the owner of you cat, and not vice versa.

And Ill let you figure out what thoes are.

Clark Kent · « **Reply #163 on:** June 12, 2004, 11:43:43 pm »

I am more concerned with the sharp sharp claws and teeth he has the he seems to take great pleasure in using when I don't pay enough attention to him.

CK

P.S. I like Latinas...
....And apparently Asian ladies as well...

Byzantine · « **Reply #164 on:** June 13, 2004, 02:05:15 pm »

I like the sharp claws and teeth as long as its only hands and ankles taking the beating. There is something magic about a kitten's total ephemeral focus on destroying a hand.

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Topic: Kitten Puddles... (Read 20865 times)