Kitten Question - To Get One or Not?

Question

Hi all!

My sister is looking into getting a kitten for the first time and would like to know what does she need to get to prepare for it? Also, is it safe for a kitten to be left alone in a house? As my sister is only going to have the cat inside, she's just trying to think of ways for it not to be destructive. Everyone in our family has always had dogs, so this will be the first time that someone tries for a cat. Are they better than dogs?

Answer 1

Here's a good article on the subject. Two actually.

Answer 2

Cats or dogs?? It totally depends on the person.. I personally like dogs better, but I just adopted a cat last weekend. You definitely shouldn't get a dog if you have to leave it alone all day long... They need more of your time and training and all that jazz. I'm gone for like 9 hours at a time on most days.. so I got an older cat that didn't need all the attention and time that even a kitten would need, and she is working out purrfectly.. tee hee Of course your sister would need a litter box and litter, dry food and wet food, lots of toys (especially if the kitty would be alone a lot), scratching posts and cat nip! If the cat gets bored or depressed it could become destructive to furniture, carpet and anything else it could get it's claws into. I would NOT recommend declawing though, it is inhumane. If you must do something about the scratching, try soft claws or soft paws. These are acrylic nails that you glue onto the cats nails to make them dull instead of sharp. My cat so far has been very content being alone and usually sleeps all day. Adopting an older cat (2 or 3 yrs) is a good way to find out about their history and any bad habits, and the shelter usually won't lie to you because they want you to actually keep the cat. If the kitty does develop behavioral problems there are TONS of websites that offer their advice, and shelters would gladly give you tips on how to fix your problems so that you can enjoy the kitty! Good Luck to your sister! Cats can be a lot of fun, I know I am enjoying mine!

Answer 3

Kittens!!
Yay a fun subject
Well first of all you need the basic stuff, like food and a litter box. Then you should find a vet to take her to to get shots and other medical attention. A vet to call would also be helpful if you have any kitten emergencies. You don't really have to kitten-proof your house, just keep cords and other dangers out of her way. And keep potted plants off of the floor too if you have any. And yes, she can be left alone in the house, but not like days at a time. Also, make sure to spend lots of time with her when she gets home so she can bond with you :)

I wouldn't say they're better than dogs, they both have their strong points. Cats are independent and a lot less work. They're way cleaner too, which is always great. Ah! And they're good hunters if you have a rodent problem LOL. Good luck with the new kitty!

Answer 4

Cats are much better than dogs.The only bad about that is that cats can get so smart they don't listen to you.If your sister has a high reaction to fur,she should not bother.Your sister will have to prepare for a big responsibility.Your sister may also have trouble finding a good place that sells kittens.Your sister will have to buy the kitten,shots,medication in case her kitten gets worms or anything bad,food,a litter box,food bowls,water bowls,toys,and a beds for her kitten.You can't leave your kitten at home until a couple days after getting the kitten.

Answer 5

I have grown up with cats all my life and even though they are very fun to have around they are also alot of work...she will need to have proper kitten food and also kitty litter and a kitty liter box and liners, a pooper scooper (mini one) and toys. Kittens can be very rambunxious at times and they hurt when they scratch you even when they don't know it, so when the kitten is old enough take it to the local vet have it registered and have it get all it's shots have it be spayed or neutered and also have it declawed (if it hasn't been already, and it won't interfere with it's health or it's ability to have fun, it just makes it less dangerous) also if you decide not to get it declawed give it something like a scratching post to encourage it to scratch that instead of furniture, you also will need a spray bottle and you can fill it with pickle juice and when ever the cat scratches up the furniture you can spray it and it will hate the taste of it (it has to clean it off) but you can show how much you appreciate it not digging into the furniture by giving it treats, or better yet catnip and as kittens will not come potty trained you must teach it....hope I helped!!

Answer 6

Not better than and not worse than dogs, it's a matter of preference. Basic baby proofing is the first thing your sister needs to do, except that she will have to consider up above as well. If your sister is concerned for the cats safety while she is out she can lock it up in a kitty safe room where the kitten can play, eat and do her business freely.
She needs good kitten food, a litter box, scratching posts, toys and love.

Answer 7

I have an indoor cat. You need the usual things like water and food bowls and litter box and scoop. I use doublesided tape to keep my cat from scratching the furniture. Another person I know put reynolds foil on her counter when she wasn't home. They don't like the feel on their precious feet. Cats are very independent and don't mind being alone. If she has plants she will need to check if they are poisonous to cats. Cats tend to chew on them. There is a spray that has an apple smell (ask at a pet store) that cats can't stand. You can spray this on anything you want the cat to stay away from. You'll have to reapply it every couple of days. These are the things I know that work. Hope it helps. By the way, innuova is a great cat food and not on any recall list. A little pricey but worth it. Don't forget the toys.

Answer 8

Cats are very independent creatures. I have 2 cats, had them since they were kittens.
I left them alone during the day. Made sure nothing was left out that I did not want to be eaten or destroyed and left plenty of self entertainment. I had it lucky because I had two at the same time. They kept each other occupied for the most part. But I could tell they did some scheming together and still do.
The key to raising very well behaved cats, is to choose your form of discipline and stick to it.
When in kitten stag play it out and enjoy. They grow too fast!

Answer 9

They are easy to care for, but kittens are very active. Make sure there are lots of toys and scratching posts to keep busy. It is safe to leave them alone, just be mindful of open toilet lids and electrical cords. They will put things in their mouths just like dogs will. Maybe she could consider 2? They would be able to play with each other rather than things in the house. Another kitten would keep it busy while you are out. Just remember, kittens are going to get into things and occasionally bounce off the walls. Be prepared for things to be broken if they are not put up, that's just the way it works with dogs, cats or kids. Good luck!

Answer 10

well dogs and cats are two different animals as you already may know. for cats you kinda have to pay more attention to them because some cats are sneaky. you would need to have the normal food and water, cat toys, and a scratching post, and maybe something high for it to be on because cats like to be in high places. i cant tell you if cats are better than dogs because it depends on what you like