Hello,
My fiance' is moving in with me this summer. She really wants a cat/kitten and I told her it would be ok. However, I am having second thoughts now on this. Can someone help me with my questions?
1) I live in a large townhome with a finished basement. I do not have heat downstairs except for a ventless fireplace. Without the fireplace on with the temperture at -16 with a windchill of -35-40 it dropped to 60 degrees. My fiance' doesn't want the kitten/cat to have the run of the whole house and wants to keep it in the basement. I don't like the idea of heating the basement in the winter with a ventless gas fireplace. From my understanding, you should not leave them running while unattended.
(I could be wrong on this). I also don't think the cat will except that his life is in the basement. Once he finds out we also live upstairs, kitty will be po'ed.
A) Can the cat be comfortable with the temprature this low if it gets that low.
B) Can kitty adjust to life of living in a basement? (yes it's a very large basement)
2) I keep reading horror stories of kittys urinating everywhere. I really hate the smell of cat urine and it is difficult to remove. I moved into a new apartment one time where they had cats and it just reaked!!! I had to move out within the week. It was just nasty.
A) Do these incidents of cats peeing everywhere when they are mad true?
B) Are these stories of cats peeing everywhere but the litterbox common?
3) We went to check up on the local shelters to see how the facilities were and to ask questions about cats/kittens. It seems the local pet shelter has 2 policies I don't agree to. Are these common policies?
A) Policy 1: If you adopt a kitten you must adopt 2. I'm sorry, we are really new at this kitten/cat thing. I think one cat would be more than enough for us. I have raised dogs in my life and I know one is enough.
B) Policy 2: They will make an ANNOUNCED visit to the house to check up on the animal. I don't like the idea of a stranger comming into my house. I am willing to take the animal to their facility with an vet bills etc... I just don't trust someone comming in to check on the animal.
4) Is there a kitten/cat check list for the new owner? I understand that we should have the litter box, litter, food, lots of toys etc... I was also told to get a waterbottle to punish the cat. I think this is cruel. I wouldnt throw a water bottle at a dog. I don't think the cat could take the hit and I dont want to hurt it. Do you just throw it and intentionally miss?
5) One of the reasons we think a cat would be better to own is because we both work. Someone told us that a cat can stand being by itself for 7 hours. I couldn't do this with a dog because dogs need to go outside
to relieve themselves. I can't imagine holding it that long myself. So since the cat can pee in the box it should be okay right?
6) What are the temperaments of the different cat breeds? We would like to have a nice quiet, sweet, kitty that is shy to people it doesn't know but warms up to its owners.
Thanks!!!!
PS
I actually have a lot more questions. Is it okay to post here?
Clueless about kittens and cats.
Re: Clueless about kittens and cats.
Truthfully, it doesn't sound like your GF has what it takes to own a cat. Please excuse my candor, but just from reading your posts, it sounds like she is not willing to commit to a cat's needs, and they are many. There's a reason people say "you'd be better off with a pet rock"
I will answer your questions, but in this case, I strongly urge her and you to rethink getting a cat at this point until you both WANT and NEED a furry lovebug to share your lives.
1) You are correct, it is NOT safe for either you or pets to be in such an environment in the basement. ALL methods of heat are risky, some more or less than others. But, I'm confused, why is a gas fireplace "ventless"? Do you have a stovepipe leading to the outside? Is it a gas stove fireplace, or free-standing unit, or built in or?
A) NO. Cats enjoy the same abient temperature in the home just as humans do. If you or your GF gets chilled in the upper part of the home at 60 degrees, so will the kitty.
B) This question begs the question, WHY? ALL pets want to be with their humans, for comfort, for companionship, for cuddling, bonding, playtime, and to enjoy the SAME environment. Your home must be THEIR home, in all aspects.
2)
A) NO. Cats who urinate do so because they are suffering a urinary tract infection (UTI), or some other underlying health issue, or from stress or neglect, or from changes in their environment. Unneutered cats may mark or spray, in which the solution is get them to the vet for neutering.
B) NO. But, it's up to the owner to provide a safe, harmonious, comfortable, secure, interesting and happy environment for them.
3) YES. A GOOD shelter or rescue operation will require these things, it is for the safety and security of the pets into adoption. Organizations with these policies care about their pets, and take precautions to enforce their policies to ensure the pets ARE going into good, loving and responsible homes. The reason for this is because it teaches responsibility to owners, gives the owner an opportunity to prove they can and will properly care for the pet, and not relinquish the pet simply because of stress, children, allergies, insufficient funds for vet care, and any other excuse some bad owners make to relinquish their pets after the novelty is over.
A) Cats fair better when in two's or more. Because they share compatibility with the same species, are healthier, happier and more secure when they have another feline companion to bond with, to play with, etc. However, the OWNER needs to be committed to the two pets, and be ABLE to afford life-long care for them, including veterinary health checkups once a year, vaccinations, emergencies, other health care, and provide other needs for the cats (food, toys, other things etc)
B) This is a common and GOOD policy on the part of the shelter or rescue organization. It helps ensure the pet(s) is in an appropriate, safe, secure and happy environment, and gives the organization an idea on if the owner should have the pet(s) or not. This isn't big-brother coming into your home, this is an organization with good intentions to ensure the pet(s) will be taken well care of, is in a good, healthy, happy environment, and that the owners are responsible for caring for the pet(s). They have every right to determine whether or not you fit their criteria for adopting a pet. If you can't trust someone coming into the home, the organization will view this as you having something to hide, for whatever reason and based on that, they will have every right to deny you the application to adopt a pet.
4) Of course. Safe environment, proper food and proper food for the life stages for the cat, interesting and interactive toys, committment from you, bonding, playtime, veterinary care on a regular basis, and various other things.
Part 2 of this question: Do you really think you should throw a water bottle at the cat? That isn't what is implied when you hear people say use a water bottle (spray bottle). It is used to spray a mist of water toward the cat when inappropriate behavior is noted. It is combined with a vocal, but not loud "NO".
5) Not exactly. And combined with keeping in a basement all day, makes for an ill, unhappy, possibly agressive, lonely, non-adjusted, non-sociable cat. NOT fair to the cat who soley depends on you for companionship, bonding, playtime, socialization, cuddling, etc. Would you do that with your human children?
6) Difficult question, since all cats are different and you can't predict their behavior or personality. What the environment is like, how you interact with your cat, and various other things will determine kitty's temperament and behavior and personality.
So, you want a "nice, sweet, quiet kitty, shy of strangers but warms up to you". Good luck with that one. Cats will be who they are, on their terms. If you provide a proper environment and proper care, you might get a well-adjusted happy and healthy kitty. If you choose your terms and think your kitty will be happy and healthy and adjusted in a cold basement without much interaction and confined to one area, for long periods of time, then I must implore you to NOT get a cat.
I will answer your questions, but in this case, I strongly urge her and you to rethink getting a cat at this point until you both WANT and NEED a furry lovebug to share your lives.
1) You are correct, it is NOT safe for either you or pets to be in such an environment in the basement. ALL methods of heat are risky, some more or less than others. But, I'm confused, why is a gas fireplace "ventless"? Do you have a stovepipe leading to the outside? Is it a gas stove fireplace, or free-standing unit, or built in or?
A) NO. Cats enjoy the same abient temperature in the home just as humans do. If you or your GF gets chilled in the upper part of the home at 60 degrees, so will the kitty.
B) This question begs the question, WHY? ALL pets want to be with their humans, for comfort, for companionship, for cuddling, bonding, playtime, and to enjoy the SAME environment. Your home must be THEIR home, in all aspects.
2)
A) NO. Cats who urinate do so because they are suffering a urinary tract infection (UTI), or some other underlying health issue, or from stress or neglect, or from changes in their environment. Unneutered cats may mark or spray, in which the solution is get them to the vet for neutering.
B) NO. But, it's up to the owner to provide a safe, harmonious, comfortable, secure, interesting and happy environment for them.
3) YES. A GOOD shelter or rescue operation will require these things, it is for the safety and security of the pets into adoption. Organizations with these policies care about their pets, and take precautions to enforce their policies to ensure the pets ARE going into good, loving and responsible homes. The reason for this is because it teaches responsibility to owners, gives the owner an opportunity to prove they can and will properly care for the pet, and not relinquish the pet simply because of stress, children, allergies, insufficient funds for vet care, and any other excuse some bad owners make to relinquish their pets after the novelty is over.
A) Cats fair better when in two's or more. Because they share compatibility with the same species, are healthier, happier and more secure when they have another feline companion to bond with, to play with, etc. However, the OWNER needs to be committed to the two pets, and be ABLE to afford life-long care for them, including veterinary health checkups once a year, vaccinations, emergencies, other health care, and provide other needs for the cats (food, toys, other things etc)
B) This is a common and GOOD policy on the part of the shelter or rescue organization. It helps ensure the pet(s) is in an appropriate, safe, secure and happy environment, and gives the organization an idea on if the owner should have the pet(s) or not. This isn't big-brother coming into your home, this is an organization with good intentions to ensure the pet(s) will be taken well care of, is in a good, healthy, happy environment, and that the owners are responsible for caring for the pet(s). They have every right to determine whether or not you fit their criteria for adopting a pet. If you can't trust someone coming into the home, the organization will view this as you having something to hide, for whatever reason and based on that, they will have every right to deny you the application to adopt a pet.
4) Of course. Safe environment, proper food and proper food for the life stages for the cat, interesting and interactive toys, committment from you, bonding, playtime, veterinary care on a regular basis, and various other things.
Part 2 of this question: Do you really think you should throw a water bottle at the cat? That isn't what is implied when you hear people say use a water bottle (spray bottle). It is used to spray a mist of water toward the cat when inappropriate behavior is noted. It is combined with a vocal, but not loud "NO".
5) Not exactly. And combined with keeping in a basement all day, makes for an ill, unhappy, possibly agressive, lonely, non-adjusted, non-sociable cat. NOT fair to the cat who soley depends on you for companionship, bonding, playtime, socialization, cuddling, etc. Would you do that with your human children?
6) Difficult question, since all cats are different and you can't predict their behavior or personality. What the environment is like, how you interact with your cat, and various other things will determine kitty's temperament and behavior and personality.
So, you want a "nice, sweet, quiet kitty, shy of strangers but warms up to you". Good luck with that one. Cats will be who they are, on their terms. If you provide a proper environment and proper care, you might get a well-adjusted happy and healthy kitty. If you choose your terms and think your kitty will be happy and healthy and adjusted in a cold basement without much interaction and confined to one area, for long periods of time, then I must implore you to NOT get a cat.
..........Traci
Dude ... you don't throw the water bottle at the cat....dog...any animal. You squirt it with a mist to correct bad behavior. It's actually a squirt/mist bottle, not a water bottle like what we drink out of.
I don't have a full time job and can devote most of my time to my cats and still, nothing is perfect.
I agree with everything Traci said and feel the same way, it's not a good time for you guys to get a pet. Get settled in first and see where your lives are at in a year's time.
I don't have a full time job and can devote most of my time to my cats and still, nothing is perfect.
I agree with everything Traci said and feel the same way, it's not a good time for you guys to get a pet. Get settled in first and see where your lives are at in a year's time.
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slvrwhispr
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Re: Clueless about kittens and cats.
Why would anyone want a pet just to keep it locked in the basement...? 
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mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
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Post what ever questions you like...Superdude wrote:Hello,
My fiance' is moving in with me this summer. She really wants a cat/kitten and I told her it would be ok. However, I am having second thoughts now on this. Can someone help me with my questions?
1) I live in a large townhome with a finished basement. I do not have heat downstairs except for a ventless fireplace. Without the fireplace on with the temperture at -16 with a windchill of -35-40 it dropped to 60 degrees. My fiance' doesn't want the kitten/cat to have the run of the whole house and wants to keep it in the basement. I don't like the idea of heating the basement in the winter with a ventless gas fireplace. From my understanding, you should not leave them running while unattended.
(I could be wrong on this). I also don't think the cat will except that his life is in the basement. Once he finds out we also live upstairs, kitty will be po'ed.
Tell your finace that a cat isn't a trophy! You don't get to say you have one and then leave it somewhere else. Unless most of your time is going to be spent downstairs in that basement then do not get a cat. Your finace is absurd for even suggesting that she get a cat "but doesn't want it to have full run of the house". Not saying that there aren't certain rooms she can block off that kitty shouldn't go to but good Lord, getting a cat to keep it away from you is beyond me.
A) Can the cat be comfortable with the temprature this low if it gets that low.
NO
B) Can kitty adjust to life of living in a basement? (yes it's a very large basement)
why would you even want to have a cat if you dont' want it around you, i mean her not you dear
2) I keep reading horror stories of kittys urinating everywhere. I really hate the smell of cat urine and it is difficult to remove. I moved into a new apartment one time where they had cats and it just reaked!!! I had to move out within the week. It was just nasty.
A) Do these incidents of cats peeing everywhere when they are mad true?
B) Are these stories of cats peeing everywhere but the litterbox common?
3) We went to check up on the local shelters to see how the facilities were and to ask questions about cats/kittens. It seems the local pet shelter has 2 policies I don't agree to. Are these common policies?
A) Policy 1: If you adopt a kitten you must adopt 2. I'm sorry, we are really new at this kitten/cat thing. I think one cat would be more than enough for us. I have raised dogs in my life and I know one is enough.
B) Policy 2: They will make an ANNOUNCED visit to the house to check up on the animal. I don't like the idea of a stranger comming into my house. I am willing to take the animal to their facility with an vet bills etc... I just don't trust someone comming in to check on the animal.
personally i wouldn't have go back to shelter that said you must take two. if I only want one then I will only get one but as far as the in home inspection, i don't need people seeing the home I live in, that is so i can protect the animals and children that I do have here, just becuase I adopt an animal doesn't mean I have to let some stranger come into my home. I am not going to be their friend and if they are not my friend then why would i allow them into my home and snoop around at my things. There are places that do it and well it is our prerogative to say yes or no and to understand why they would do that but to me I don't know the shelter personnel from a whole in the wall and I don't know how long they worked their or if they would come and rob me so there ya have it, it is your choice and if your gut says don't do it then you move on to the next shelter. AND also this is your finace, please don't take this the wrong way but how about living with her first and getting married and settled in BEFORE she thinks of bringing at cat into the house that she doesn't even want living upstairs with you yet. Silly me but, a new house, a new wife, a brand new life ....I wouldn't add anything else right now.
4) Is there a kitten/cat check list for the new owner? I understand that we should have the litter box, litter, food, lots of toys etc... I was also told to get a waterbottle to punish the cat. I think this is cruel. I wouldnt throw a water bottle at a dog. I don't think the cat could take the hit and I dont want to hurt it. Do you just throw it and intentionally miss?
I cannot help but giggle at this one... I know someone already said this but I must as well..No you don't throw it at kitty but thank you for giving me a smile from your almost child like anger that someone would indeed hit their cat with a water bottle and you would refuse to do that, almost as if you would hit the person first for suggesting such a thing. Sorry that just made me laugh so hard.
5) One of the reasons we think a cat would be better to own is because we both work. Someone told us that a cat can stand being by itself for 7 hours. I couldn't do this with a dog because dogs need to go outside
to relieve themselves. I can't imagine holding it that long myself. So since the cat can pee in the box it should be okay right?
again right now I feel that you need to settle in and get your lives in order. There will always be time for a kitty. Yes Cats will potty in their litterbox unless something is wrong with them, like a UTI(urinary tract infection) or something like that. If you are away for that long period of time and want to keep a kitty in a basement where it will live for its' life, it just doesn't seem fair. When will you or your new wife have time to go see kitty? If kitty is downstairs you will be coming home from work, and getting dinner ready and socializing with eachother and doing other things and when will you have time to go down there and say hello to kitty? Before bedtime that might be an hour or after dinner and the dishes and things are washed and put away? A kitty is a huge responsibility and I am not trying to say DONT ever get one, but I am saying that it seems that you both wouldn't have time right now to have a kitty living in your basement and that is not fair to kitty, and that is what can cause kitty to pee everywhere. Loneliness and bordom cause cats to pee on things as well. How about waiting a little while and seeing maybe if you can have kitty upstairs where she/he belongs. But first things first, get married and take care of eachother first THEN think of getting a kitty. I also hope you nor your future are allergic. I would get tested as well just in case. I have seem many people go through such horse pucky then find out that they can't have a kitty because of allergies.
6) What are the temperaments of the different cat breeds? We would like to have a nice quiet, sweet, kitty that is shy to people it doesn't know but warms up to its owners.
Thanks!!!!
PS
I actually have a lot more questions. Is it okay to post here?
Have a great night and I do hope you think about this a bit more before doing this. BUT I would like to say Kudos to you for looking into it and not jumping the gun and getting a kitty right away.
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
Re: Clueless about kittens and cats.
Maybe you could work with your local shelter or humane society and become a foster home for a cat. They will be there to guide you and answer questions and you will be able to find out if you are "cat people".
You may be allergic, you may not like the shedding and meowing, you may love the cuddles and the playing, you may want the catto sleep in your bed or you may want to give it back after a week, you won't know until you try.
At least as a foster home the cat will have a network who cares for it if you decide it's not for you.
You may be allergic, you may not like the shedding and meowing, you may love the cuddles and the playing, you may want the catto sleep in your bed or you may want to give it back after a week, you won't know until you try.
At least as a foster home the cat will have a network who cares for it if you decide it's not for you.
Re: Clueless about kittens and cats.
First thank you all for all your replies.
I think people are getting the wrong impression. I want to clarify a few things.
The Basement
The basement is 1800 square feet of "liveable" space. It is carpeted and has laminate flooring. It is very well insulated. I spend 90% of my time when I am at home downstairs in my basement. I only sleep and eat upstairs. It does get a little chilly during the winter and I have to heat the basement with the fireplace. Sometimes I just wear a sweater without turning on the heat downstairs.
I think the cat would be okay if we did the following:
1) Introduce the cat to the home in a small room for a day or 2.
2) Open the cat to the basement for about 2-3 months
3) Open the cat to the entire house
This way we can trust the cat to around the house.
Jobs
Sorry, It's a fact of life that people need to work in order to have a roof over their heads and food in their guts. This is very commonplace for most people. My question is: Can a cat be okay living M-F 7-8 hours alone? From my experience from keeping dogs in the past, 6-7 hours is the limit a dog can take being alone. Otherwise, it will have behavoirial issues or accidents in the house. Now, I do not know much about cats. Is it really true you need to have at least one person with a part time job in order to have a cat? This is the impression I am getting.
Rent-A-Cat
I'll have to look into this. This is a great idea though!!!
BTW We are not thinking of getting the cat until the summer. We are just still in the planning phase and getting our ducks in a row.
I think people are getting the wrong impression. I want to clarify a few things.
The Basement
The basement is 1800 square feet of "liveable" space. It is carpeted and has laminate flooring. It is very well insulated. I spend 90% of my time when I am at home downstairs in my basement. I only sleep and eat upstairs. It does get a little chilly during the winter and I have to heat the basement with the fireplace. Sometimes I just wear a sweater without turning on the heat downstairs.
I think the cat would be okay if we did the following:
1) Introduce the cat to the home in a small room for a day or 2.
2) Open the cat to the basement for about 2-3 months
3) Open the cat to the entire house
This way we can trust the cat to around the house.
Jobs
Sorry, It's a fact of life that people need to work in order to have a roof over their heads and food in their guts. This is very commonplace for most people. My question is: Can a cat be okay living M-F 7-8 hours alone? From my experience from keeping dogs in the past, 6-7 hours is the limit a dog can take being alone. Otherwise, it will have behavoirial issues or accidents in the house. Now, I do not know much about cats. Is it really true you need to have at least one person with a part time job in order to have a cat? This is the impression I am getting.
Rent-A-Cat
I'll have to look into this. This is a great idea though!!!
BTW We are not thinking of getting the cat until the summer. We are just still in the planning phase and getting our ducks in a row.
Forget the rent-a-cat idea. This isn't good for the cat and only leads to an extremely stressful situation for the cat, particularly changing of environments, and if you somehow decided a particular cat isn't for you, NOT fair for the cat.
When you adopt a pet, you adopt that pet FOR LIFE. You learn to adaptt to the pet's personality as the pet adapts to you and YOUR quirks.
I'm not sure we got the wrong idea, just yet. Is your GF going to be committed to what we have explained? You make an indication you might, but what about her? This has to be an equal partnership for the wellbeing of the pet.
You don't need 2-3 months of confinement in any certain area. Two-three DAYS even could be sufficient. The problem with doing it your way would mean the cat would have to RE-ADJUST to two different environments, meaning it would serve only to prolong any stages the cat needs to adjust to YOU and the home. Please remember, the new little furbaby you plan to adopt is already stressed, needs love and attention, constantly that is, so that he/she feels safe and secure, loved, bonded with. This furbaby is soley dependent upon YOU.
Regarding your question about the long hours. This is a perfect example of why two are better than one. They keep each other company, they bond, they sleep together, they eat together, they play together and they entertain each other, thereby limiting getting into too much mischief. Although, don't assume they won't get into mischief, this is their nature and it's perfectly normal for them to do so. You need to kitten/cat-proof the home BEFORE adopting, such as keeping plants out of reach (most are toxic to cats), keeping cupboard doors securely shut, keeping human meds out of reach, keeping cords and electrical wires out of reach, keeping drapery or miniblind cords up and out of reach, keeping treasured knickknacks or breakables out of reach, ensuring obstacles and furniture won't topple over if they jump on them, keeping all strings/yarn/rubberbands/sewing supplies etc out of reach, keeping chemicals and household cleaners out of reach, do not light candles, do not burn essential oils, etc etc etc. All of these hazards need to be non-existant, and then some. Just as you would toddler-proof your home for your child, so would you do so for pets.
Cats DO get lonely and DO get bored without their human companions. Mischief often occurs if they do not have interesting and interactive toys, a scratching post, a safe kitty tree, or safe window to watch out of, etc. Also, your committment to their activity, playtime, bonding, etc is essential at the times you are home. They expect to be treated and adored as part of the family.
Why don't you buy a few cat care and behavior books and read them, visit a shelter or rescue organization often where you can interact with the kittens and cats, get needed cat care information booklets from your vet, etc. Prepare well in advance BEFORE adopting a new kitten(s) or cat(s). They are a responsibility, for life, so you need to have knowledge and preparation in advance before bringing in a new kitten/cat(s) into your home. This bears repeating: you adopt for life and your kitten/cat(s) depend soley on you for love, companionship, bonding, basic needs and extended needs and care.
When you adopt a pet, you adopt that pet FOR LIFE. You learn to adaptt to the pet's personality as the pet adapts to you and YOUR quirks.
I'm not sure we got the wrong idea, just yet. Is your GF going to be committed to what we have explained? You make an indication you might, but what about her? This has to be an equal partnership for the wellbeing of the pet.
You don't need 2-3 months of confinement in any certain area. Two-three DAYS even could be sufficient. The problem with doing it your way would mean the cat would have to RE-ADJUST to two different environments, meaning it would serve only to prolong any stages the cat needs to adjust to YOU and the home. Please remember, the new little furbaby you plan to adopt is already stressed, needs love and attention, constantly that is, so that he/she feels safe and secure, loved, bonded with. This furbaby is soley dependent upon YOU.
Regarding your question about the long hours. This is a perfect example of why two are better than one. They keep each other company, they bond, they sleep together, they eat together, they play together and they entertain each other, thereby limiting getting into too much mischief. Although, don't assume they won't get into mischief, this is their nature and it's perfectly normal for them to do so. You need to kitten/cat-proof the home BEFORE adopting, such as keeping plants out of reach (most are toxic to cats), keeping cupboard doors securely shut, keeping human meds out of reach, keeping cords and electrical wires out of reach, keeping drapery or miniblind cords up and out of reach, keeping treasured knickknacks or breakables out of reach, ensuring obstacles and furniture won't topple over if they jump on them, keeping all strings/yarn/rubberbands/sewing supplies etc out of reach, keeping chemicals and household cleaners out of reach, do not light candles, do not burn essential oils, etc etc etc. All of these hazards need to be non-existant, and then some. Just as you would toddler-proof your home for your child, so would you do so for pets.
Cats DO get lonely and DO get bored without their human companions. Mischief often occurs if they do not have interesting and interactive toys, a scratching post, a safe kitty tree, or safe window to watch out of, etc. Also, your committment to their activity, playtime, bonding, etc is essential at the times you are home. They expect to be treated and adored as part of the family.
Why don't you buy a few cat care and behavior books and read them, visit a shelter or rescue organization often where you can interact with the kittens and cats, get needed cat care information booklets from your vet, etc. Prepare well in advance BEFORE adopting a new kitten(s) or cat(s). They are a responsibility, for life, so you need to have knowledge and preparation in advance before bringing in a new kitten/cat(s) into your home. This bears repeating: you adopt for life and your kitten/cat(s) depend soley on you for love, companionship, bonding, basic needs and extended needs and care.
..........Traci
Re: Clueless about kittens and cats.
NO, not "rent-a-cat". FOSTER PARENT a cat. 
Update:
Okay, we got some books about kitten/cat care instead of reading what is on the innerweb. We got this one called All about your new cat and Kittens/cats for Dummies. They have alot of interesting stuff but still missing some important stuff.
Questions:
What do you do with the pook and urine? Do you throw it out in the garbage? Flush it down the toliet? Fertilize the grass?
If we get a cat, should we get one of those litter boxes with the canopy so the litter doesnt get everywhere? What about those electric ones?
I think I have a good idea. Would it be a good idea to take in a cat from friends who are going on vacation? Maybe we can learn from it?
Thanks again.
Okay, we got some books about kitten/cat care instead of reading what is on the innerweb. We got this one called All about your new cat and Kittens/cats for Dummies. They have alot of interesting stuff but still missing some important stuff.
Questions:
What do you do with the pook and urine? Do you throw it out in the garbage? Flush it down the toliet? Fertilize the grass?
If we get a cat, should we get one of those litter boxes with the canopy so the litter doesnt get everywhere? What about those electric ones?
I think I have a good idea. Would it be a good idea to take in a cat from friends who are going on vacation? Maybe we can learn from it?
Thanks again.