Cat questions

[trtlcrzy]

I am planning to try and get dh to get a cat. The local humane society is doing an adoption event so I want to do it soon. I have never owned a cat so this will all be new to me.
What is the best litter box?
What is the best litter?
Should I teach the cat to pee in a toilet?
Best cat food?
Anything else I need/need to know?

[klong11]

Big boxes are best, my cats prefer those without kids, but some people prefer the ones with lids. Clumping litter is best.
Teaching a cat to use the toilet, while nice, is time consuming. You have to slowly move the box closer and closer to the toilet, then into the toilet, etc. I wouldn't bother, unless you have the time and patience.
We use grain free dry food, which they have access to all day, and then give them wet food in the evenings.
Always have water available. Some cats have water preferences. Some want standing water, others want moving. We have a fountain bowl.

Make sure the cat meets everyone in the family before adopting. It's always a good idea to.see how they react to everyone.

[klong11]

And I just realized I said my cats prefer litter boxes without KIDS. I meant LIDS.
Although, probably also without kids.

[inthekitty]

I like World's Best Cat litter. It's natural and doesn't have a cloud of dusty clay when you pour it.

I like a deep litter pan but prefer no lid just for ease to get to. I scoop 1-2 times a day and have a lidded garbage can right near the litter box.

I like auto-feeders. It changed my life from my cat begging for food every time I go to the kitchen and it makes it so we can be gone a few days and Denny is fine.

Good luck on convincing your husband!

[wedding]

I got this box for my two www.chewy.com/natures-miracle-silver-oval-hooded/dp/191386?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Nature%27s%20Miracle&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3_O-muK64wIVh9lkCh04xAABEAQYAiABEgJyffD_BwE

I prefer covered and they are fine with it. Since I have a boy I got high sides since some boys tend to position pointing the pee up.

Right now I’m using Dr Elseys cat litter. I prefer unscented. Every clumping litter I’ve used has had some tracking (getting stuck in paws and tracked outside the box) but this one seems minimal. I keep a broom and dust pan in their room to sweep daily after I scoop.

I’ve considered toilet training and Max would have loved it. But having a small child and knowing you are planning more, I wouldn’t bother. You won’t be able to childproof the toilet because the cat needs access to it. Also they don’t flush and I just don’t want to walk into cat floaters.

I’ve never been a fan of grain free food unless there’s a reason, like an allergy. My vet just sent a message out linking the cat health association (not sure the name) that there have been many deaths linked to grain free because they are getting all the vitamins they need. When I adopted these guys they were on grain free and when I went shopping for new food I compared it to Purina and Ian’s and the grain free had three ingredients and very few daily vitamins. I think the emphasis on grain and corn for animals has gotten out of control. This was the consensus at my job at the clinic and many others. Commercial brands like Purina and Iams are perfect for a healthy cat.

My other advice is take your time and make sure you bond. I’ve tried to force it with animals before but you know when you feel that connection. If it doesn’t happen at this event, just keep looking around.

[wedding]

Also consider a young adult. Eevee is just as spritely as Marty but doesn’t do the cord chewing, feet attacking, carpet scratching bull shit. They have to learn how to chill. My ideal age is 9mos plus. Plus the adults are harder to place this time of year especially because there are so many kittens.

[trtlcrzy]

Jul 16, 2019 19:21:14 GMT -6 wedding said:

Also consider a young adult. Eevee is just as spritely as Marty but doesn’t do the cord chewing, feet attacking, carpet scratching bull shit. They have to learn how to chill. My ideal age is 9mos plus. Plus the adults are harder to place this time of year especially because there are so many kittens.

Oh yes, I don’t want a kitten. One that’s a couple years old would be fine with me.