Exactly why I'd never have a cat.
Think I've taken on more than expected with kitten, what to do?
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I recently got a kitten and even though I had tonnes of experience with cats I found the difference between a kitten and a cat even more than I was prepared for.
The little thing was so hyperactive and I was always so worried about her getting outside or getting hurt etc. that the first week or two I was worried that I wouldn't he able to keep her.
I look back now and laugh at how dramatic I was being. She's nearly 5 months now and due to be spayed and while yes she's still a bit mental she's so much calmer than when I first got her.
I have so much fun playing with her and she's spoilt rotten and a real part of the family already. She's still really active but in a much more manageable way and I'm surprised at how affectionate she is. Anyone who comes to the house remarks that she's like a little puppy, no fear what so ever.
The point is unless you genuinely feel that you are just unable to look after it, I'd give it some time, even a few weeks and you'll be surprised at the difference.
The little thing was so hyperactive and I was always so worried about her getting outside or getting hurt etc. that the first week or two I was worried that I wouldn't he able to keep her.
I look back now and laugh at how dramatic I was being. She's nearly 5 months now and due to be spayed and while yes she's still a bit mental she's so much calmer than when I first got her.
I have so much fun playing with her and she's spoilt rotten and a real part of the family already. She's still really active but in a much more manageable way and I'm surprised at how affectionate she is. Anyone who comes to the house remarks that she's like a little puppy, no fear what so ever.
The point is unless you genuinely feel that you are just unable to look after it, I'd give it some time, even a few weeks and you'll be surprised at the difference.
Originally Posted by Wolfsheadish:
“He sounds like a typical kitten. There's nothing wrong with admitting you've made a mistake and taken on more than you expected. My advice would be to find him another home - preferably one where they've had previous experience with kittens. Best of luck!”
“He sounds like a typical kitten. There's nothing wrong with admitting you've made a mistake and taken on more than you expected. My advice would be to find him another home - preferably one where they've had previous experience with kittens. Best of luck!”
If anyone's ever seen 'My Cat From Hell' on Amimal Planet, they'd know very well that there's no need to re-home a 'difficult cat' just because the owners have some learning to do.
The OP has some learning to do and yes, it's irresponsible to get a cat or kitten before you know how to take care of it but there's no need for aggressive or silly 'just re-home it because you're not capable' replies.
OP, just get learning
preferably from a book or website that has good reviews from those who've used it and one which covers cat behaviour as well as general care.BTW - a cat's food and water shouldn't be in the same room as its litter tray, though I do agree with keeping the kitten limited to 'safe rooms' overnight, until it's a little older and settled in. Cats should have free run of the whole house once their older, though if they prevent you from having a good night's sleep on a regular basis, the bedrooms should be out of bounds.
I notice the kitten getting a bit more manageable every day, He is definitely learning or I am adjusting to him. He does still get very hyper occasionally but he's doing no harm.
Originally Posted by malaikah:
“Be prepared for the 'mad half hour' bursts to continue for a while yet!”
“Be prepared for the 'mad half hour' bursts to continue for a while yet!
”
Mine still do that, and they're over a year old now
Originally Posted by dollymarie:
“Mine still do that, and they're over a year old now”
“Mine still do that, and they're over a year old now
”
My cats aswell! OP...please try and persevere. Kitties are a handful but they are wonderful to share your life with too.
Also the animal charities are so chocka blok, it's sad.
Originally Posted by malaikah:
“Be prepared for the 'mad half hour' bursts to continue for a while yet!”
“Be prepared for the 'mad half hour' bursts to continue for a while yet!
”
i have a 10 year old cat and she still has her mad half hours!
Originally Posted by Lost_Soul:
“i have a 10 year old cat and she still has her mad half hours!”
“i have a 10 year old cat and she still has her mad half hours!”
They all have a mad half hour OP, it is quite sweet. My youngest (2 yrs old) currently spends his 30 mad mins running from the hall to the end of the front room then jumping up at the door frame making "chirrup" noises for about 10 minutes then comes and sits by me for a nap.
bonkers.
Originally Posted by dave81uk:
“I notice the kitten getting a bit more manageable every day, He is definitely learning or I am adjusting to him. He does still get very hyper occasionally but he's doing no harm.”
“I notice the kitten getting a bit more manageable every day, He is definitely learning or I am adjusting to him. He does still get very hyper occasionally but he's doing no harm.”
I guess you are finally getting into the having a kitten syndrome! After 25 years of having kittens and loving them into very old age - where all they do is sleep....I treasure the times when they were at the mad stage and totally destroyed my home. But would I give up a moment of it - definitely not. They don't stay at the kitten stage for long - but honestly it is such fun.
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