I’m thinking of getting a cat or two. Ideally two sisters that will play and get along with each other. I’ve been talking with someone a few hours away about rehoming a pair of Siamese sisters, but that isn’t set in stone yet. Here are some questions and thoughts I have, but I would welcome any advice you might have for someone who hasn’t had pets in years.

I really want to use horse bedding as cat litter. I’m looking at getting this litter box.. I’ve watched some YouTube videos on the topic, but any thoughts or gotchas?

If I end up getting kittens from three hours away, what gear will I need to bring to make the trip successful? One big cat carrier? Two separate ones? If they seem calm, would it be okay for a passenger to let them out in the car on the way home? Or would it be best to keep them in the carriers?

I’ve gone through this page and I’ve got a few of their suggestions in a list and ready to order. Anything else that I should look at getting? Supplies, tools, furniture, toys?

Best way to choose a vet? Cheapest? There’s one very close to my house but there are a number of options and I could start making calls.

Once the cats can have kibble, what’s a good way to choose the kind to buy? What should I avoid and look out for?

Also, what would be some great names for a pair of sisters?

Thanks!!

Edit: Can I feed cats/kittens tuna from a can once in a while? Sardines? Anything to keep in mind with this?

I’m thinking of getting a collar for each and putting a Bluetooth tracker on them. Any experience with this? Maybe this would be the tipping point of finally setting up ESPresense. 🤔

Another edit: Anyone have a Red rocket cat litter pail? That seems to me to be better than the litter genie. But also I’m not sure if it will be needed if I use pine bedding and baking soda for cat litter. Maybe just decide later if I need it?

  • danzania@infosec.pub
    91·
    2 days ago

    If you’re asking these questions, you’re way ahead of the game and will be fine. Cats a pretty independent.

    I think you’re under the impression that you will make choices for your cats; in reality, they will make these choices (and more) and you will have to live with it as their human :) you’ll find out whether they will allow you to use horse bedding, for example.

    As kittens, just stick to cat food (no milk!). Generally wet food is considered healthier but perhaps more expensive. I feed my cats 2x/day out of canned wet food. You’ll have to see what they like. Generally stinkier is better. Cat food has is fortified with nutrients they might struggle to get otherwise so if you want to feed them something else like chicken as the basis you will need to supplement it with specific cat multivitamins.

    If they’re indoor cats, a pair is generally a good idea so they have company. Also make sure you set aside 15 mins/day at least to play with and engage them. Generally I find my cats don’t play with fancy toys, rather they like tampons, strings and cardboard boxes.

    With the vet, again it’s your call and you’ll figure it out with experience. Every vet clinic is different. I would start with the most convenient one, so that you’re incentivized to visit regularly. Your vet will give you a lot of information. Make sure to get vaccinations (edit: and spayed/neutered especially if allow them outside. Also I believe outdoor cats tend to kill a lot of birds/rodents unnecessarily so I think some cat owners put a bell on their cat collar but I don’t know).

    You’ll probably want to keep them in a carrier in the car, unless you want them peeing in your car. It’s also possible they get car sick.

    Cats tend to love high places, so if that’s something you can offer that’s great. Otherwise they may hide for the first few days and just come out at night so it’s fine to leave food out for them (edit: also if you choose to feed them kibble, make sure they have plenty of access to water as they can get dehydrated otherwise).