I have kittens

TCO · July 6, 2003, 21:58

They are a brother/sister littermates. Very cute, very playful and scratchy. Like me a lot. Is first time I've ever had to care for another human being. Feels like a big change from the footloose naval officer.

They like jumping on the keyboard. Have to fight the boy off.

Asher · July 6, 2003, 21:59

Quote:

Is first time I've ever had to care for another human being.

MichaeltheGreat · July 6, 2003, 22:08

Are these from the girlfriend's mom, or another source?

Imran Siddiqui · July 6, 2003, 22:10

Quote:

They like jumping on the keyboard. Have to fight the boy off.

Ha! He's an attention whore, then

. 'Stop typing and play with ME'!

TCO · July 6, 2003, 22:10

Quote:

Originally posted by MichaeltheGreat
Are these from the girlfriend's mom, or another source?

They're from Nena's mom.

Boris Godunov · July 6, 2003, 22:12

Quote:

Originally posted by GP
They're from Nena's mom.

Weird. I thought kittens came from cats.

loinburger · July 6, 2003, 22:13

Congrats. What's their coloring?

Get them used to being cradled on their backs when they're young. Otherwise it's nearly impossible to give them pills when they're old. (Especially if they're not de-clawed.

)

TCO · July 6, 2003, 22:15

Quote:

Originally posted by loinburger
Congrats. What's their coloring?

Get them used to being cradled on their backs when they're young. Otherwise it's nearly impossible to give them pills when they're old. (Especially if they're not de-clawed.

)

The boy is bigger and is black and white. The girl is white with bits of calico coloration. They do ok with the on the back thing. they boy better than the girl.

Japher · July 6, 2003, 22:17

I never have minded carry for pu$$y..., uh, kats

MichaeltheGreat · July 6, 2003, 22:18

Boy kittens tend to be attention hams more than girl kittens, but it's pretty much a 55-45 thing. If you figure out what kinds of treats the girl likes, then you can give her some when she puts up with you holding her, petting her, etc., so she's more inclined to cooperate.

TCO · July 6, 2003, 22:45

Their personalities have changed a bit since moving out of that house. Less other cats around and no little kid manhandling them. The girl cat has gotten much sweeter and the boy cat has gotten less sweet.

MichaeltheGreat · July 6, 2003, 22:53

He still has huevos?

How old is he?

TCO · July 6, 2003, 23:01

They are both 13 weeks or so. Will do them both at 6 months. They are going to be apartment cats. I may even declaw them. But maybe not. My 3000 leather coash will either be destroyed in 3 months or not...

Boris Godunov · July 6, 2003, 23:04

Quote:

Originally posted by GP
I may even declaw them.

Cruel.

Agathon · July 6, 2003, 23:07

That's a real "Weekly World News" title, GP.

MichaeltheGreat · July 6, 2003, 23:09

Get them a good scratching post (wood post with sisal rope all around) and reinforce them using that. For them to like it, they have to be able to really dig in, without the post moving on them. They do it to stretch their back muscles and destress (declawed cats can't do it, and tend to be more neurotic both from the tension and stress, and the idea that they can't swack whatever bothers them)

Just keeping claws trimmed would be good enough. I'd recommend fixing them at about five months, at the latest - they'll be big enough, but by six, they're a lot more likely to learn how the equipment works, and get into some bad habits (spraying, prowling, more dominant behavior, etc.)

TCO · July 6, 2003, 23:09

Quote:

Originally posted by Boris Godunov

Cruel.

Well that's why I included "even". Always teased anyone who did this as a vivisectionist. But now I have cats that will be indoor types and that bachelor couch...

MichaeltheGreat · July 6, 2003, 23:11

Leather couches aren't that great of a scratching post material if you have a real one around.

There should also be scent based products that will help discourage them from getting on it, but without you smelling it, or messing up the leather.

TCO · July 6, 2003, 23:13

Quote:

Originally posted by MichaeltheGreat
Get them a good scratching post (wood post with sisal rope all around) and reinforce them using that. For them to like it, they have to be able to really dig in, without the post moving on them. They do it to stretch their back muscles and destress (declawed cats can't do it, and tend to be more neurotic both from the tension and stress, and the idea that they can't swack whatever bothers them)

Just keeping claws trimmed would be good enough. I'd recommend fixing them at about five months, at the latest - they'll be big enough, but by six, they're a lot more likely to learn how the equipment works, and get into some bad habits (spraying, prowling, more dominant behavior, etc.)

I got them a good post. They don't really dig into the couch as much as the upholstered furntiure. But they like to use the back of the couch as a launching pad to jump to the mantle and such. So they have to dig in to launch.

The vet said 6 months to sterilize. Maybe 5 if I push it. Guess you are saying I should push it. Don't want any mountain cousin habits. I'm in Richmond now...

TCO · July 6, 2003, 23:15

Had to take the sub up the James River at high tide.

LTEC! · July 6, 2003, 23:16

you can try double sided tape on the surfaces they like to scratch. they despise sticky stuff.
congrats on the children. if they're little and like to hide, put bells on em.

TCO · July 6, 2003, 23:21

I know there hiding place. Behind the fridge. and they don't use it anymore anyway. And I just use a tease toy to get them out anyway.

I did the double sided tape for a gf who had a cat who would jump on the mantle where she had expensive vases. He was very unhappy. Lesson went away after a few months though...