The O'Malley Alley Cat Organization

Tips for bringing home kittens

When bringing home a new kitty that is timid or frightened, be sure to confine it to a medium or large pet taxi or small room for a few days.

This comforts the kitty and allows him/her a chance to get used to its new surroundings (i.e. litter box, another cat or dog and children). Use same method for an outdoor cat. It is very important to confine your new outdoor cat for at least a week before turning the cat loose. Let it get used to its surroundings from a confined area (pet taxi or bathroom) first and then you can gradually start letting it out. Hint: Always transport your kitten or cat in a pet taxi. Cats are contortionists and escape artists. They can get out of boxes and out of your arms even easier!

Read the link below and make an informed decision before you declaw.

Store bought flea medicine such as Hartz and BioSpot can be hazardous to your cat’s health. In fact, I know of 5 incidences of cats dying from using such products. I highly recommend using only products recommended by your veterinarian such as Advantage, Frontline or Program. They are non-toxic and are effective in killing fleas and in some cases, ticks, roundworms, heartworms and hookworms! Use only products labeled for Cats. Dog Flea medications are toxic to cats.

Premium cat foods like Iams and Science Diet (my preference) can potentially save you $100s in medical bills down the line). If you cannot afford the premium brands, Purina 1 and Cat Chow are some of the better brands.

Special Kitty and other store brands are extremely unhealthy for your pet. It is similar to eating fast foods; however, the impact on cats is much worse because their life spans are much shorter than ours. Extend your pet’s life by spending a little extra up front on better cat food. Contrary to the wife’s tales, Milk is not good for bones on kitties! It can cause diarrhea (bummer for both of you). You can occasionally give 2% milk or fat free half and half.

Chocolate is toxic to cats.

Problems with Litter Box Training– if the kitty refuses to use the litter box, keep cat confined with a litter box to a medium or large pet taxi or small room such as bathroom. This will force it to use the litter box.

Then you can move to a bigger area. Be sure to place kitten inside box and scratch its paws in the litter a few times. Make it fun! Treats also work to train cats! Hint: Cats like clean bathrooms also! Be sure to keep litter box as clean as possible so your cat will continue to use it.

Kitty Toys – some toys can strangle cats such as toys with ropes, strings and so on. Be sure to chaperone when using these toys. Leather shoestrings, milk rings, boxes and paper bags make great and cheap kitty toys!

 

Tips for cats that go outdoors:

1. Check car engines before cranking them by beeping horn first and allowing time for cat to get out of engine.
2. Antifreeze is deadly to all animals, even our songbirds! Check vehicle for leaks and fix them. There is non-lethal antifreeze called Sierra that I use in my vehicles. I find it at almost any auto parts.
3. Cats tend to wander at night, which may cause them to get hit by a car. Bring kitty in at night, if at all possible.