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The Pet Advice Thread

Liger Null

13:00 / 29.07.08

I just got a new kitty, he's three months old and his name's Jet. The problem is, his mama was a stray and he has never been inside. I don't think he's ever even seen a litter box in his life; he relieved himself on his food and water bowls!

I really don't think he likes being inside. He hides everywhere and cries when he's hiding so I always know where he is. He likes to be held and cuddled (when you can catch him) and he didn't have much of an appetite until I offered him food when he was sitting on my lap, then he scarfed down half the bowl.

He has the potential to be a very sweet loving cat if he can make the transition, but I've only ever had adult cats so I'm not sure what I'm doing and I don't want to further traumatize him.

Any advice on turning an outside kitten into an inside kitten?

Closed for Business Time

13:06 / 29.07.08

Bongs. Huge fucking bongs.

Closed for Business Time

13:10 / 29.07.08

Seriously, now. In it's simplest version, I think the essence of good animal stewardship is to reward wanted behaviours and ignore unwanted behaviours. Positive punishment, such as smacking (bastards!) rarely if ever works well. At least if you're planning on having a reasonably warm relationship with your pet.

Do you keep the wee one inside all the time?

Liger Null

13:11 / 29.07.08

Bongs. Huge fucking bongs.

Well, I suppose that would solve the appetite problem...but don't think he can operate a lighter (lack of thumbs and all that). Plus he's underage, and I don't want to contribute to the delinquency of a minor.

Liger Null

13:21 / 29.07.08

Do you keep the wee one inside all the time?

Yes, he will be kept inside all the time, and I don't like that fact any more than he does. But I live near a VERY busy street, littered with the carcasses of critters who have had the misfortune to wander in the path of SUV-equipped morons who can't bear to drop below 50 mph in a 40 mph traffic zone. These fucks have been known to hit and kill PEOPLE, so a little black cat doesn't stand a chance.

Closed for Business Time

13:31 / 29.07.08

Yeah, fair do. There's a ton of advice on the interwebs, most of which converges on a typical set of instructions. You should have a look and work out what you think would work best for you in your circumstances. Litter training is important both for you and the cat - the rest (the fear and confusion you report) I'm sure will disappear as your cat gets used to its new surroundings.

Liger Null

18:56 / 29.07.08

The sites all say to lock him in a small room for a few days. But the only rooms here with a door are my bedroom and the bathroom.

He HATES the bathroom, and bolts out the door every chance he gets. Then I have to chase him around the flat, and dig him out of whatever cubbyhole he's found and put him back in the bathroom, where he cries and cries.

The bedroom is out of the question, because my snake lives there (in a secure tank of course, but I'm taking no chances with a curious kitteh) Plus it's rich in hideable cubbyholes, which would defeat the purpose of the whole "small room" thing.

But yeah, I'm following directions the best I can, but it's a lot harder than they make it sound.

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