Question:
I'm a new owner to a kitten, so I'm pretty new to -everything- about cats and I'm having a huge problem right now.
My parents aren't so fond of cats, they're only tolerating me having a kitten because I've paid for all of its expenses so far (and because she's cute in the morning when she's being cuddly). At night however, she likes to jump onto my parent's bed... My parents HATE that. They're threatening to get rid of my kitten or to lock her up in the carrier all night and I don't want that to happen. So... how do I keep/teach my kitten to stay off the beds?
I know the obvious answer would be to close the door, but we only have one Air Conditioner in the apartment and if we close the door, the night will be very hot and uncomfortable. We also tried putting up a little gate in the entrance but my kitten can easily climb over it.
I've been locking her in my room, but my problem is that she won't sleep at night. Even right now she's running around chasing some imaginary fluff all over my bed and she doesn't seem to tire out... I've tried playing with her until she gets tired but then at around 4 a.m. she wakes up again and runs all over the bed, nibbles and bites and pounces around on me, I totally can't sleep at all.
Please help me. I don't know what to do and I don't want to get rid of her.
Answer:
I recommend keeping your parents' door closed.
The kitten will be active at odd hours. If it annoys you on your bed, try getting a crate for it to sleep in at night.
Answer:
One air conditioner in the house? WOW that is tough. In light of the incessent global warming I would recommend you guys get a window AC unit. If it is an Energy Star unit you can get a lot of the costs rebated through government tax programs.
I sleep much better with five cats than one cat. There is nothing that wears out a cat than another cat. This might be troublesome if your parents don't like cats already and won't let you have another kitten.
The playful behavior should start to decrease around 8 months or so.
If you have money to buy a pound of catnip (around $20 in health food stores) I would recommend it. It wears out the kitten quickly and puts him right to sleep after a vigorous playing session.
Married for one year. Three male cats. Three female cats.
Answer:
I agree, you are going to have to close your parents door or get a crate for the cat for night time or some bigger run to enclose him in during the night.
Check out
www.jefferspets.com or
www.DrsfostersSmith.com
there are some enclosures that are made for outside also, but maybe you could keep it inside during the night with him inside to allow him more room, yet , it will keep him off your parents bed.
Answer:
I'm not sure about the bed problem, but here's some tips on taking care of your new kitten!
First here are some things you should look out for:
1.Kittens should be used to being handled from birth, and should not be frightened of humans.
2. Their tummies should feel plump but soft; any hardness could indicate worm infestation.
3. Their ears, too, should be clean; any brown, waxy deposits may mean the kitten has ear mites.
Make sure you have all this necessary equipment needed for appropriate cat care!
1. Litter tray
2. Cat litter and litter scoop
3. Food and water bowls
4. Food
5. sleeping basket and bedding
6. Cat carrier
7. Scratching post and toys
8. If cat is outdoor, collar and tag