Can you answer all my Kitty Questions?

Question

today I decided to take a stray cat in- I think she is pregnant and she might have been someone's cat ( she's very friendly and smart.) but she looks like she's lived on her own for a while. she's dirty and she has scabbed up wounds.

I'm saving $ to take her to the vet- but for right now I have Lots of questions.
I've never had my own cat- my roomate had one, so i know a bit..
can you tell me why she does these things.

-While I am petting her she climbs up my sholder and rubs the side of her face on mine ( while purring.)
- she lays right next to me and puurs / meows and when I stop petting her
- when I get up , even to go to the bathroom she follows me and waits at the door. If I am up too long she meows.
- She is always looking at me, even if i haven't moved.

- I bought 2 bowls, wet and dry food, cat box and crystal litter, i put her in the box once, and fed her once- will she remember when everything is?
-I put a blanket down- is that okay for now?
Thank you!

also, do I need to give her a bath?
I wasn't going to - but my neighbor said she might be dirty and I could she could get me sick. ( i didn't think that cats could spread illness to people, is that true?)

Is it okay to let her sleep on furniture?

Answer 1

Sounds like you are asking good stuff, and doing a good job so far.

The affection may mean several things. She may be just very friendly, because she is used to people, but she may also be in heat. When cats are in heat, they become incredibly affectionate, rolling and purring, following you around, sometimes rubbing on you. The good news is that if she is in heat, she isn't pregnant. The bad news is that if she is in heat, she could very easily get pregnant if she gets back outside.

Cats usually remember where to find food and the litterbox, as long as it is readily accessable. As for the bed, a blanket sounds like it is way more than she is used to, and she will probably love it. You could also leave a box out, she may want to cuddle up in that too. Cats like closed in spaces to sleep sometimes.

When you do take her to the vet, the most important things that you should have done are 1) feline leukemia/feline immunovirus test, 2) feline distemper and rabies vaccines, 3) deworming, and flea medication, and 4) spaying her.

You may not get all of these done at one time, but start with the testing.

Also, do not get over the counter flea medication like biospot, zodiac, or hartz, as they can cause severe reactions in cats.

Oh, and the most important rule with cats is that when it comes to medication, or flea treatment, CATS ARE NOT SMALL DOGS!!!! A lot of the medications that are safe for dogs are not safe for cats. Always ask your vet first.

Good luck, and I hope that she stays with you, and stays as sweet! Then you can enjoy what all of us other cat owners do every day!

Answer 2

I have had cats all my life.
to find out if the cat is really pregnant feel her belly if there is movement then she is definitally pregnant. When she climbs on your shoulders and rubs up against you and purrs, she is telling you that she trusts you; and when she purrs at night that means that she is happy and doesn't want you to stop.
When a cat follows you into different rooms it is a way of knowing that you will not leave her and she is there to protect you. With the litter box you have to teach her how to use it by pointing at it from time to time or have her follow you into the room where you keep it and place her in she'll get the point. The blanket- if she is bringing kittens into your home then you must set up a area. Unfolded cardboard boxes for the outside walls, put newspaper on the floor, a soft 'very very soft and fluffy bedding ' a mini litter box. Yes your going to have to potty train the kittens. When the kittens are born they're very small and fragile, thier eyes are going to be closed for about 2-3 weeks. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Congrats on saving a kitty from the street life! As for the face rubbing...its just a way of endearment. Kinda like how us humans hug each other...its her way of hugging you. Purring is a good sign! It means she feels loved and is happy being with you. You should feel good that she lays with you! Your kitty just loves to be petted! Don't worry about her following you to the bathroom...my cats do it too and actually know how to push the door open if its closed..just a sign that she's attatched to you. Your cat will remember where her food, water, and litter is. If your not sure if she's using it, just put her in the litter box again. And yes, a blanket down is perfectly fine. Try to get her to the vet as soon as you can. You'll need to get her shots, dewormed, and an all-over health check....oh yeah...give miss kitty a name too! good luck with the new cat! About your other questions...Its fine to give her a bath. Just go to a pet store or the pet section of a store and grab some cat shampoo. Make sure the water is just right..don't want to burn her or freeze her either. And yes it is fine to let her sleep on the furniture.

Answer 4

Like all the others here, I want to THANK you first of all for finding a place in your heart for this poor stray cat who sounds like she may have been someone's abandoned pet. And the poor dear sounds like she KNOWS that she has been blessed by finding YOU! Her behavior indicates that she is a mite anxious not to loose you - her incredible good fortune. So, she:
1) marks you as her own by rubing her face against you (there are scent spots at the sides of a cat's face)
2) shows that she trusts you by climbing up your shoulder
3) purrs and purrs to show you how she delights in you
4) follows you around to tell you that you are now her "mama"
5) stares and stares at you becuase she can't bear to loose sight of you in case you "disappear"

I know... becuase my two cats do the same. And beleive me, rescue pets do show their gratitude, loyalty and love.

About the vet... its a good idea to get a primary check up and do whatever the vet recommends as far as shots go. If you plan to keep your new kitty completely indoors or indoor supervised outdoor outings only, then the vet will mosy likely recommend only the basic feline shots (rabies, distemper). some shots will not be necessary if your cat is highly unlikely to come into close contact with other animals.

Ask the vet too when the kittens will be due and get some instructions on how to prepare for the birthing (pretty simple really as far as cats go). I always use to prepare a warm, dark cozy place (like a roomy box lined with a towel) tucked under a bed or a private corner for kitty to give birth in. I do hope you plan to keey your new kitty mostly indoors and never let her stay out without supervision.

Answer 5

Hi Catherine,

Thank you for taking in a stray cat :) That was very kind of you. It sounds like you are off to a good start. It also sounds like she really likes you if she is following you around, as cats are generally very independent. All those rubbing and purring activities are signs she likes you.

Don't forget to give her plenty of fresh water in a bowl near her food. If she is pregnant, she might be feeling stressed out from being homeless. If you think she could be somebody's pet, you might want to try running an ad in the lost & found section of the paper or hanging up signs around the neighborhood. In the meantime, show her lots of love.

Eventually she will be able to clean herself off and the scabs should heal. If nobody claims her & you are planning on keeping her permanently, it's a wise idea for her to get a checkup from a vet as soon as you can afford it. Some vets have payment plans. Call ahead and see. After the kittens are born, you should seriously think about having her spayed.

Cats like to give birth in a private dark place such as a closet or drawer. Perhaps you could find a box for her & put something soft in there like a blanket. Yes, she will remember where everything is. Don't be surprised if she jumps on your bed and prefers sleeping near you. Cats generally sleep at least 15 hrs a day. They like to stay warm too. Keep petting her. She loves that! I have had lots of pets before. If you have more questions, you can reach me on yahoo messenger.

Oh- cat nips toys are very cheap & provide lots of fun entertainment for both of you. The only other thing I can think of that you might want to purchase sometime down the line, would be a scratching post as most cats like to stretch & sharpen their claws & most people don't prefer that they do that on their furniture. Cats like their litterboxes to be kept clean so be sure to do that often to ensure that they use it.

Take her picture for your scrapbook & don't forget to name her. Hope all this info helps. Again, good luck with your new kitty.

Julie J.

EDIT: Unless your cat has rabies, OR, unless YOU are pregnant, she is not going to get you sick. Cats are by nature, very clean animals & like to groom themselves, so now that she is settling into your home, she should begin grooming herself, so no baths should be necessary. You may consult your vet on that, however, I'm certain he/she will confirm that cats are not cooperative if you try to bathe them. All cats have a fear of water.

P.S. Here are some cat websites that might further help:

Answer 6

The only thing that I can think that you MIGHT be doing wrong is the wet and dry food thing. I have had several cats in my life and most all of them except for the current three were very picky eaters. Pick one healthy cat food for your cat and stick to it. If you change its food often it will start to get picky and not eat some of the foods, which will be money wasted and annoying for you because the cat will sit and beg for something different. Also avoid giving the cat table scraps. If you do the cat wont leave you alone during meal time and will probably start to raid the trash when you are not around. Good luck with your new kitty!

Answer 7

First let me say you did a wonderful thing taking in this stray. God bless. I myself rescued a stray kitten and she is just the most affectionate little kitty. I think they know that you have saved them and tend to be more affectionate cats.
My kitty will rub her face againt mine as well, she is marking her scent on you so if another cat were to smell you - that cat will know you belong to her and it is a sign of affection. She loves you.
If she meows as mine does when I stop petting her, keep petting her or if you can not because you have to take care of something give her a toy to occupy her time, if you cant afford cat toys roll up a ball of aluminum foil and watch her swats it for hours or give her a drinking straw - she will swat it and bite it and carry it around in her mouth - these are easy home made toys - I buy my kitten tons of toys yet she's always carrying that straw in her mouth!
My kitty follows me to the bathroom as well, I let her in there with me but it's normal for your cat to follow you around - what you have is a puppy-cat - you're very lucky!!!
My cat has chosen a spot on my entertainment unit to lay and watch me while I lay on the couch and watch tv when she's not usually laying with me on the couch. I set up a cozy pillow for her to lay there while she watches me, I think it's adorable.
Cats are very very smart, she will remember where her litter box is - when I take my cat to the vet or anywhere outside of the house she will not go to the bathroom until we are at home and she can get to her litter box.
The blanket is just perfect - you are doing EVERYTHING right... you're a natural born furmommy.
Good luck and God bless you for this doing wonderful thing.

Good luck with your future kittens!!!

Answer 8

Good for you!
the first 2 things is her way of showing affection. Rubbing her face on you and anywhere else is a way for her to 'mark' you as her own family in addition to expressing/returning affection.
Meowing when you stop petting before she's ready to stop? Well, if you had someone stop when you were just enjoying it, wouldn't you ask for them to continue? My husband's cat will reach out to hold his hand if he stops petting, and will gently nibble on his fingers to let us know he wants more attention.
Just talk to her, so she gets very familiar w the sound of your voice.You don't have to 'baby talk'. She'll probably answer you back inher language.
I'd advise you go buy a scratching post that is made with sisal rope,,, the carpeted kind sometimes confuses the cat if you have carpeting.... rub a bit of catnip into the rope to entice her to use it instead of your upholstery or flooring.
If she's skinny or is pregnant,, try to use dry kitten food instead of regular food. It will have higher nutrition while she is developing the kittens. Sometimes cats will tend to have some diarrhea if allowed to stuff themselves on the wet food. Sometimes cats get sort of an acne from eating all the time from a plastic bowl... try to use a porcelin/glass one for food at least.
Most cats are 'hard wired' to scratch around in a litter box, she should be fine. If she uses the box while you are in the same room- praise her a bit to reinforce to her that she'd doing it right.
That blanket?? She will probably end up wanting to sleep on the bed with you. You can sleep with the blanket and then leave it down for her to have your scent on it for her comfort when you are gone from the house.
Enjoy your new family member-and don't worry about alot of toys. Take your time and see what she likes to do. Do call the vet to ask what else they may suggest. Have her checked out as soon as able

Answer 9

yep, what most everybody else said. If she's really dirty, she does need a bath and it's a good way to check out if she has any wounds that need attention.
If you can afford it, at least have her checked for injury at the vets and while there ya'll can discuss costs for shots and such.
If she will allow you to bathe her, use a mild cat/kitten shampoo. A baby shampoo that is 'tearless', basic Ivory soap/shampoo will work in a pinch. Dawn dish soap tends to dry the skin.Better to use a cat shampoo though.
Don't soak her head, use a damp rag to clean her face and take care to not get water in her ears-water in the face and ears tends to scare them. Keep a steady, calm voice and constant talking to her.
I usually have the warm water already run into the sink and set the cat down in it gently. Keep a hand on her so she doesn't jump out. One hand on the cat, the other scooping up water over her. You can try using a big cup to get her wet faster. (If she is calm enough you could try the kitchen sink sprayer hose- but some are afraid of the spray) Lather her at the neck and work the suds back from there. Gently massage and work your way down to the tail. This way you can check for any lumps/cuts that may need doctoring. Have 2-3 bath towels ready and wrap her in one while you let the old soapy water out and run fresh warm water in to rinse the soap off. Use the second towel to wrap her once she's rinsed off good. Probably will need to use a 3rd towel to finish drying her off. Hair dryers get it done faster, but most cats panic at the sound. Just give her a good rub over and bundled in the 3rd towel. If you can wait for a cat knowledgable friend to come help, that would be best.
Doesn't hurt to call the vet and ask how much to bathe her and have a basic checkup. You can always get the shots a bit later on- if she's pregant the doc may recommend holding off til the kits are born. Phone calls are free- ask what the vet would suggest and if they'd agree to you paying them in installments.
The big fuss about cat poo is if YOU are pregnant,, there is a parasite called toxoplasmosis that can be transmitted to human fetus'... Wear gloves to change the box or have someone else do it while you are expecting. Otherwise, just use common sense and wash hands well after scooping/dumping out the dirty litter.
Umm,,, she's going to sleep where she chooses-mine have never slept in any 'kitty bed' I made or bought for them. She's probably going to want to sleep with you-- and thats's fine as long as you are comfortable w it. She's going to need to be close to you.

Answer 10

From the was she is staying right with you and crying when she can't see you, it sounds like she was someone's cat and they threw her out or they moved and left her to fend for herself.

Once she gets comfortable and knows you are not going to abandon her she will settle down.

As for the purring cats do that when they are content and happy.

As for rubbing her face on your face is she rubbing her scent on you so other cats will know you are her territory so to speak. Cats have scent glands on their heads. But don't worry you will not smell it none will it ruin your clothes or anything like that.

It doesn't take cats or dogs long to learn where their food and water bowls are at. Don't worry about that.

A blanket will be fine if she'll sleep on it.

the litter box will be the problem is she is not house broken. You might have to go to your local pet shop and ask the sales clerk about this. They sell something you can spray on her litter box to help in litter box training her.

Word of caution don't always feed her dry food. She needs moist food.

Good luck sounds like you have gotten yourself a friendly cat. Just take care of her.