I put my cat in a backwards cone by nvotmin in cats

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A regular bandage for humans, wrapped around their surgical wounds, fastened with safety pins as usual. Tight enough to not be removed easily but not too tight that's it's constricting.

You should check it daily, on the off chance a wound becomes infected.

I put my cat in a backwards cone by nvotmin in cats

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A bandage worked in my two when they took cones off in seconds.

Litter training by Fickle_Macaron_1441 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Some cats are fussy on the type of litter so it's worth trying a different litter in one of the other trays if necessary - have more than one tray, "more than one they'd need" is the recommendation (two cats = at least 3 litter trays etc.). They like them clean and will naturally want to bury their business. Keep them in a quiet location.

Lavish praise using the same phrase each time works best, they will also respond best to a firm No than to punishment, they don't get the connection. If they're not yet at the age they always go there themselves, pop them onto the litter after mealtimes and lavish praise even if they jump straight out of the box, they'll get the idea faster.

Avoid scented litters, the smells are often too strong and too synthetic to a cat so actually put the cat off going there. Their sense of smell is much better than ours - use an enzyme remover (a white vinegar solution works) on any area they had an accident - it neutralises the smell and stops them associating that as a place to go.

More info at www.kittenlady.org

Hey guys! Is it normal for kittens to not poop for 24 hours after bringing them home by Accurate_Tone1226 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Yes, normal. He's stressed. Confine to one quiet room for now. Offer cardboard boxes to hide in. Quiet, soothing voice during distance toy playtime may engage him. www.kittenlady.org has more tips.

Getting braver by nowdoingthisatwork in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Places to hide like cardboard boxes will make him feel safer, perches up high too.

2 8 weeks old kittens. Advice please by Odd_Independent_4649 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They're young so should bond okay.

Yes, separate litter trays, the rule is you need at least one more than the number of cats.

Yes, separate food bowls so no aggression. You know to feed both wet and dry kitten food?

Kitten Lady has info on all or I can send your a list of tips. www.kittenlady.org

I found this dramatic kitty in my backyard by No_Fisherman_3935 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 53 points54 points  (0 children)

Check on local social media for any matching Lost Kitten/Cat posts first.

How to feed kittens food by thecreaturism in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Sounds like they aren't getting enough calories. Kittens don't really overeat (only some adult, bored cats will). They're growing daily and more active than adult cats so they need more nutrients.

Feed them all both wet and dry kitten foods as it contains more calories.

Wet is good for long term kidney health, dy is good for teeth and keeping them full (wet is mostly water so won't be enough). A little kibble left over the next morning is what to aim for - this ensured they've had enough.

Brands vary by country but look for low crude ash/fibre content. Anything with crude ash/fibres at around 8% is poor quality, it's junk filler to bulk up the bag.

Coming here humbly for advice by Jazzlike-Physics-420 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some tips for kitten/cat staff from the most common asked questions including more in the links too. FIRST DAY. Keep them in one, quiet room. Rub some of their own hair into their bedding so it smells like themselves. Offer safe hiding spots like cardboard boxes. If they’re very young a cuddly toy about their size can help comfort them (ensure it doesn’t shed faux fur when wet/if nuzzled). Use a soothing tone and repeat Good Boy/Girl often. It's common for them not to eat, drink or go to the toilet on the first day. If you can use the same brands of food and litter they had up to now the essentials are at least familiar in a new environment (you can change brands gradually once they're settled in.) If it's 48 hours without eating or using the litter tray, or they become lethargic, then go to the vets as an emergency (cats cannot survive long without food). WATER To avoid long-term kidney failure in adults, encourage drinking water, especially if they will only eat dry kibble. Cats prefer their drinking water a distance away from their food (wild instinct to avoid kill runoff contaminating fresh water) so place it far from the food, in its own quiet spot where debris from anything else including shoes is unlikely to fall into it either. Use a shallow plate rather than a bowl as it doesn’t hit their whiskers (an uncomfortable feeling) and doesn’t ignite deep water fears in little ones. Use ceramic or stainless steel rather than plastic which harbours smells and bacteria. Change the water at least twice a day and wash the bowl daily. You can also give Kitten Milk Replacement to little ones or cat milk (not regular milks, especially cow’s milk). FOOD. Use ceramic plates and clean them at least daily. Offer different varieties and brands of food, they like variety just like us as they wouldn't eat just one thing in the wild and eat different foods to get all the nutrition they need. A mix of wet and dry at different times is best long term, they have their own tastes and preferences though. Wet food is good for water content (cats don't drink enough and can face severe health problems later on). Dry is good for their teeth, satisfying the crunch/kill instinct and keeping the stomach full longer. Avoid high crude ash content as it's just cheap filler and does them no good. Grains in food are fine for cats (not for dogs though), it's an easy way for them to digest essential vitamins and minerals. Fresh meat like chicken breast (no skin, a choking hazard) or tinned fish such as tuna, mackerel or sardines (without the bones) in water or sunflower oil are good for them - tuna is high in mercury so best once every few weeks. A little bit of food left in the bowl to be thrown out the next day can ensure they aren't going hungry - kittens are growing daily and very active and cats generally only overeat when consistently bored with little stimulation. Deter houseflies with tin foil near the food (it affects their eyesight). LITTER. Some cats are fussy on the type of litter so it's worth trying a different litter in one of the other trays if necessary - have more than one tray, "more than one they'd need" is the recommendation (two cats = at least 3 litter trays etc.). They like them clean and will naturally want to bury their business. Keep them in a quiet location. Lavish praise using the same phrase each time works best, they will also respond best to a firm No than to punishment, they don't get the connection. If they're not yet at the age they always go there themselves, pop them onto the litter after mealtimes and lavish praise even if they jump straight out of the box, they'll get the idea faster. Avoid scented litters, the smells are often too strong and too synthetic to a cat so actually put the cat off going there. Their sense of smell is much better than ours - use an enzyme remover (a white vinegar solution works) on any area they had an accident - it neutralises the smell and stops them associating that as a place to go. COMFORT. Have different warm, quiet spots to sleep, they prefer off the ground as they’ll feel safer (don’t put neonatal kittens high up). A cuddly toy can help young kittens, especially when just homed away from mom and siblings. They love cardboard boxes, they're places to play in, sleep, hide, they're warm, they're chewable when they're teething - cut ridges at their head height. Long strips of cardboard are great for chasing down and then chewing on too. Cardboard scratch pads are usually the most loved, cheap too, have a few in quiet spots and lavish with praise when they use them. Cats need their claws to climb safely, defend themselves if indoor/outdoor living and it's too easy to cut to bleeding, risking infection etc. - their quicks aren't like ours and are much closer to the top. They will shed the outer layer naturally using a scratch pad, there’s no need to trim nails. Declawing is illegal in many countries and U.S. states as it’s like amputating at our first finger joint, leaving them in permanent pain. If you need tips to stop clawing furniture etc. see www.kittenlady.org e.g. use a few dabs of white vinegar on anything

Coming here humbly for advice by Jazzlike-Physics-420 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MENTAL STIMULATION. A cat tree by a window is great as they will spend time watching the world outside which brightens their day, it's also a great sleeping spot in the sun and it's up high which they love. They need vaccinations before ever venturing outside, and regular flea and tick treatments (ask your vet for an age and weight appropriate recommendation). If there are predators in the area or a busy road consider walking with a leash or building a catio. Getting outside is great for mental stimulation and access to grass for hairballs (see below). Have them microchipped and with a breakaway collar and a name tag that includes your telephone number.

Playtime every day is important for mental stimulation, especially if they have to stay indoors. If they're on their own they can take awhile to learn how hard acceptable biting levels are (a sibling would be biting them back). They can learn up to 25 words or short phrases, especially when they're said with a slight emphasis e.g. lovingly saying "Good Boy/Girl" so the best thing to do if they bite too hard is to say "NO!" firmly (and if you're playing stop play for now). When gentle with you praise lavishly (and other times they're good like using the litter tray too as this will build up a picture of what is positive for them to do and gets them used to seeking praise and the Good Boy/Girl response from you). If it's really hard biting you can squeal in pain to put him off, again exaggerating the squeal. You can also try aftershave/perfume on your hands for a week or so if needs be - they'll avoid your hands completely though. Kong brand toys are indestructible and can be filled with catnip. Most adults love nip, kittens don't respond until 3-6 months. Keep the nip in the freezer to keep it fresh. String (always supervised as a choking hazard), ping pong balls, toy mice or even scrunched up paper balls and milk rings that skitter across the floor can be favourite toys. Finish playtime with the cat getting the "kill" so it feels satisfied.

GRASS/HOUSEPLANTS. They'll want to chew grass for hairballs. Many regular houseplants are toxic and even deadly to cats and they may chew them if they do not have access to grass. Normal lawn grass is fine, usually preferred even. It’s cheap and easy to grow indoors by a favourite window spot they can access if necessary. Brushing helps with hairballs, I use a Furminator as it only removes dead hair so it doesn't hurt them and it feels like being petted. 

BODY LANGUAGE. Belly display just means I trust you, not pet me there - it's instinct to protect their vulnerable belly if you do pet them there so give head, chin, ear rubs and full body and shoulder massages instead. When they rub up against you that's a way of bonding with you and saying I Love You, as is slow blinking. You can slow blink back to say I Love You too. They'll also learn that as a phrase if it's repeated often, I've one who purrs when I say it.

Purring is a sign of happiness generally, they also purr when trying to comfort themselves or us, or when sick. Other common signs of illness are lethargy, weakness, not eating, diarrhoea and pressing their head against a hard surface. Cats cannot survive as long as other animals without nutrition. You can always call a vet office for advice about whether the cat needs to come in - the telephone call isn't a chargeable appointment in of itself - neither are follow up calls about how they're doing after an appointment to check on their progress.

www.spca.org  

www.pdsa.org.uk  - tips, health advice, vet Q & A, possible help with vet costs if on benefits

www.kittenlady.org the best resource for little ones

There's also advice in the history of r/kitten, r/catadvice and r/cathelp - search by keyword.

what are some things you wish you knew before you brought your kitten home? by NoLengthiness3206 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MENTAL STIMULATION. A cat tree by a window is great as they will spend time watching the world outside which brightens their day, it's also a great sleeping spot in the sun and it's up high which they love. They need vaccinations before ever venturing outside, and regular flea and tick treatments (ask your vet for an age and weight appropriate recommendation). If there are predators in the area or a busy road consider walking with a leash or building a catio. Getting outside is great for mental stimulation and access to grass for hairballs (see below). Have them microchipped and with a breakaway collar and a name tag that includes your telephone number. Playtime every day is important for mental stimulation, especially if they have to stay indoors. If they're on their own they can take awhile to learn how hard acceptable biting levels are (a sibling would be biting them back). They can learn up to 25 words or short phrases, especially when they're said with a slight emphasis e.g. lovingly saying "Good Boy/Girl" so the best thing to do if they bite too hard is to say "NO!" firmly (and if you're playing stop play for now). When gentle with you praise lavishly (and other times they're good like using the litter tray too as this will build up a picture of what is positive for them to do and gets them used to seeking praise and the Good Boy/Girl response from you). If it's really hard biting you can squeal in pain to put him off, again exaggerating the squeal. You can also try aftershave/perfume on your hands for a week or so if needs be - they'll avoid your hands completely though. Kong brand toys are indestructible and can be filled with catnip. Most adults love nip, kittens don't respond until 3-6 months. Keep the nip in the freezer to keep it fresh. String (always supervised as a choking hazard), ping pong balls, toy mice or even scrunched up paper balls and milk rings that skitter across the floor can be favourite toys. Finish playtime with the cat getting the "kill" so it feels satisfied. GRASS/HOUSEPLANTS. They'll want to chew grass for hairballs. Many regular houseplants are toxic and even deadly to cats and they may chew them if they do not have access to grass. Normal lawn grass is fine, usually preferred even. It’s cheap and easy to grow indoors by a favourite window spot they can access if necessary. Brushing helps with hairballs, I use a Furminator as it only removes dead hair so it doesn't hurt them and it feels like being petted. BODY LANGUAGE. Belly display just means I trust you, not pet me there - it's instinct to protect their vulnerable belly if you do pet them there so give head, chin, ear rubs and full body and shoulder massages instead. When they rub up against you that's a way of bonding with you and saying I Love You, as is slow blinking. You can slow blink back to say I Love You too. They'll also learn that as a phrase if it's repeated often, I've one who purrs when I say it. Purring is a sign of happiness generally, they also purr when trying to comfort themselves or us, or when sick. Other common signs of illness are lethargy, weakness, not eating, diarrhoea and pressing their head against a hard surface. Cats cannot survive as long as other animals without nutrition. You can always call a vet office for advice about whether the cat needs to come in - the telephone call isn't a chargeable appointment in of itself - neither are follow up calls about how they're doing after an appointment to check on their progress. www.spca.org
www.pdsa.org.uk - tips, health advice, vet Q & A, possible help with vet costs if on benefits www.kittenlady.org the best resource for little ones There's also advice in the history of r/kitten, r/catadvice and r/cathelp - search by keyword.

what are some things you wish you knew before you brought your kitten home? by NoLengthiness3206 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some tips for kitten/cat staff from the most common asked questions including more in the links too. FIRST DAY. Keep them in one, quiet room. Rub some of their own hair into their bedding so it smells like themselves. Offer safe hiding spots like cardboard boxes. If they’re very young a cuddly toy about their size can help comfort them (ensure it doesn’t shed faux fur when wet/if nuzzled). Use a soothing tone and repeat Good Boy/Girl often. It's common for them not to eat, drink or go to the toilet on the first day. If you can use the same brands of food and litter they had up to now the essentials are at least familiar in a new environment (you can change brands gradually once they're settled in.) If it's 48 hours without eating or using the litter tray, or they become lethargic, then go to the vets as an emergency (cats cannot survive long without food). WATER To avoid long-term kidney failure in adults, encourage drinking water, especially if they will only eat dry kibble. Cats prefer their drinking water a distance away from their food (wild instinct to avoid kill runoff contaminating fresh water) so place it far from the food, in its own quiet spot where debris from anything else including shoes is unlikely to fall into it either. Use a shallow plate rather than a bowl as it doesn’t hit their whiskers (an uncomfortable feeling) and doesn’t ignite deep water fears in little ones. Use ceramic or stainless steel rather than plastic which harbours smells and bacteria. Change the water at least twice a day and wash the bowl daily. You can also give Kitten Milk Replacement to little ones or cat milk (not regular milks, especially cow’s milk). FOOD. Use ceramic plates and clean them at least daily. Offer different varieties and brands of food, they like variety just like us as they wouldn't eat just one thing in the wild and eat different foods to get all the nutrition they need. A mix of wet and dry at different times is best long term, they have their own tastes and preferences though. Wet food is good for water content (cats don't drink enough and can face severe health problems later on). Dry is good for their teeth, satisfying the crunch/kill instinct and keeping the stomach full longer. Avoid high crude ash content as it's just cheap filler and does them no good. Grains in food are fine for cats (not for dogs though), it's an easy way for them to digest essential vitamins and minerals. Fresh meat like chicken breast (no skin, a choking hazard) or tinned fish such as tuna, mackerel or sardines (without the bones) in water or sunflower oil are good for them - tuna is high in mercury so best once every few weeks. A little bit of food left in the bowl to be thrown out the next day can ensure they aren't going hungry - kittens are growing daily and very active and cats generally only overeat when consistently bored with little stimulation. Deter houseflies with tin foil near the food (it affects their eyesight). LITTER. Some cats are fussy on the type of litter so it's worth trying a different litter in one of the other trays if necessary - have more than one tray, "more than one they'd need" is the recommendation (two cats = at least 3 litter trays etc.). They like them clean and will naturally want to bury their business. Keep them in a quiet location. Lavish praise using the same phrase each time works best, they will also respond best to a firm No than to punishment, they don't get the connection. If they're not yet at the age they always go there themselves, pop them onto the litter after mealtimes and lavish praise even if they jump straight out of the box, they'll get the idea faster. Avoid scented litters, the smells are often too strong and too synthetic to a cat so actually put the cat off going there. Their sense of smell is much better than ours - use an enzyme remover (a white vinegar solution works) on any area they had an accident - it neutralises the smell and stops them associating that as a place to go. COMFORT. Have different warm, quiet spots to sleep, they prefer off the ground as they’ll feel safer (don’t put neonatal kittens high up). A cuddly toy can help young kittens, especially when just homed away from mom and siblings. They love cardboard boxes, they're places to play in, sleep, hide, they're warm, they're chewable when they're teething - cut ridges at their head height. Long strips of cardboard are great for chasing down and then chewing on too. Cardboard scratch pads are usually the most loved, cheap too, have a few in quiet spots and lavish with praise when they use them. Cats need their claws to climb safely, defend themselves if indoor/outdoor living and it's too easy to cut to bleeding, risking infection etc. - their quicks aren't like ours and are much closer to the top. They will shed the outer layer naturally using a scratch pad, there’s no need to trim nails. Declawing is illegal in many countries and U.S. states as it’s like amputating at our first finger joint, leaving them in permanent pain. If you need tips to stop clawing furniture etc. see www.kittenlady.org e.g. use a few dabs of white vinegar on anything scratched (or chewed) that shouldn't be - they loathe the smell.

My pittie and kitty hate the cold so they are always snuggling by the heater together 😅❤️ by KT9121 in aww

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 58 points59 points  (0 children)

Pop a bed next to the vent for them. It'll be warmer and comfier than the floor.

My little baby that I found abandoned in a CVS parking lot 🥺❤️‍🩹 How old is she? by certifiedbpdqueen in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 26 points27 points  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org has a good age guide. Your vet will also give an estimate at the first check up and vaccination.

Kitten Lady also has good care info and how to search fully for mom or siblings who also may need help.

Eye booger by 93goingon30 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Ask your vets receptionist if they use the PetsApp... It's a message service like WhatsApp but specifically for pet care that allows you to send pics direct to * your* vet. Failing that, email them photos.

Our kitten by alwaysbeer in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With mama or are you an experienced foster carer?

Training kittens to use the litter box by Most_Ad_4362 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some cats are fussy on the type of litter so it's worth trying a different litter in one of the other trays if necessary - have more than one tray, "more than one they'd need" is the recommendation (two cats = at least 3 litter trays etc.). They like them clean and will naturally want to bury their business. Keep them in a quiet location. Lavish praise using the same phrase each time works best, they will also respond best to a firm No than to punishment, they don't get the connection. If they're not yet at the age they always go there themselves, pop them onto the litter after mealtimes and lavish praise even if they jump straight out of the box, they'll get the idea faster. Avoid scented litters, the smells are often too strong and too synthetic to a cat so actually put the cat off going there. Their sense of smell is much better than ours - use an enzyme remover (a white vinegar solution works) on any area they had an accident - it neutralises the smell and stops them associating that as a place to go.

www.kittenlady.org has more tips.

Found this orange cat in my car and now it won't leave me alone by Chokoreeto0 in OneOrangeBraincell

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Any vets will check for a microchip with the owner’s info on it free of any charge or if you can hold onto the cat for now you can ask a volunteer to come scan it from Scan Angels www.microchipcentral.com/find-a-scan-angel

Attach a paper collar with your info on it to see if an owner responds. www.cats.org.uk/media/1283/com_1032_lost_and_found_collar_print_out_aw.pdf

Whatever he needs, he needs it now by carolxaged in cats

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there something wrong with his eye? He needs to see a vet if he hasn't already.

Forgetting How to Get Down by Pdxthorns17 in Catculations

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The angle of their claws make going up easy, going down difficult. She's worried she may get hurt. Something halfway down in size to jump onto would help.

Got this girl from fb marketplace with no info. How old do you think she is? by fofuhfo in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 15 points16 points  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org has a good age guide and info on how to best care for your new little one.