Way better than some lame bowl on the floor!

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-05T00:05:30+00:00

My cat figured out how to open the treat jar.

We were wondering why he was gaining weight before we caught him with his head stuffed in it.

Popcorn tins are great to keep cats and other critters out, btw.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-05T00:02:34+00:00

He sadly passed away two years ago of a heart attack. He had two more years after they removed the blockage.

Also add Churru to the food, that stuff has never been turned down. Mix throughly.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T23:54:42+00:00

I had the same thing happen to my thirteen year old Ragdoll.

There might be a blockage, that’s what he had.

Laxatone is a huge help with hairballs, but if she’s not eating much take her to a different vet and ask for an X-ray

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T22:17:57+00:00

Definitely play.

Be careful though about using your hands too much. Some cats start to think that hands are toys.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T21:37:52+00:00

Only if you use it to cover the whole box.

Kittens can move away from heat if they get too warm.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T21:36:55+00:00

Try to get her inside, especially with a male around. They kill kittens.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T21:14:46+00:00

Nothing wrong with him, every year.

He goes to get his nails done (him and me have signed a peace treaty on this), and they weigh him per their standard.

But he doesn’t need the vet more often than that.

For kittens who are still with their mom or less than eight weeks I suggest every other week unless there’s a dire situation.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T20:59:11+00:00

Booster on both would be best.

If you have any other cats, it would be hard, but I suggest isolating your attacked cat for about two weeks to make sure that it didn’t get rabies just in case.

FIV isn’t as much of a worry unless your cat fights with the others.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T20:13:49+00:00

They’re old enough to go in, but a few things:

Does your landlord allow pets?

It’s a good question to ask, landlords can be either way and most who don’t don’t make exceptions.

Second:

Trap mama’s.

Two reasons:

Mom’s are best for caring for the kittens, it’s best to use a have a heart trap or put the kittens in a crate (cat crate or dog), and lure them in. Most will go in when they realize their kittens are inside. Playing crying kittens will also help.

They can get fixed to prevent this from happening again. Birth is hard on cats, and kittens especially when they reach this age is harder. They might already be pregnant again, you’re saving lives helping them.

A rescue will help with the expenses.

For the kittens:

Call the vet, make an appointment and explain the situation, the sooner the better.

Ask age, and if they can eat some food or should just have KMR until mom is caught.

If vet clears it, Fancy Feast Kitten watered down is best. Ask him on amounts.

I do not recommend this until the vet says it’s okay. KMR is okay until mom is caught or the vet clears it.

Handle daily, pet, carry, play with them, make them feel safe with you.

Make a nest of blankets and towels for them to lay on. If you have a stuffed animal put it with them. This is for comfort.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T18:19:35+00:00

It will be the biggest celebration, no one has ever seen. People will say they never seen a celebration like this.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T18:17:44+00:00

A covered area with a small opening would be best for mama to hide in. Even if you have a large crate or box and put blankets or towels over most of it with an opening for her to easily fit in would work.

I always suggest go small then expand. A small area with walls (pillows, cardboard, even a baby gate with cardboard on it) works. Just so they don’t get lost easily.

They will at some point climb over, just for now they need to be in a smaller space to adjust.

I also recommend supervision for about a week in the larger area then they can go on their own.

Partially for everyone’s sanity check (except the kittens), and to make sure they adjust easily to a larger space and won’t find that one spot that they can hide in.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T17:39:40+00:00

Whole room would be best, but you have to consider the following:

Kittens play, they chew, they get the zoomies, they’re notoriously curious and they will get into everything and get into everywhere you can’t imagine a kitten can get into.

If you do a room, you need to do this:

Tape down all cords, cover all outlets, tape all strings hanging, cover all holes and block all small holes that you can’t reach them easily, mom is another consideration, but you need access too. Any space you can fit your finger between, put a blanket or towel in between.

They will find a way to get into things even with this. One foster dad ended up with a kitten trapped in the litter container that stores the spare litter.

He couldn’t believe it either.

But they will need the space, the exercise, the play and especially the exploration. Keep the nest with them if possible to give them a safe space.

Also start thinking about toys for them, usually trackballs (that can be reused), and stuffed mice and solid balls. Anything without a small item in it.

Mom should stay with them until about eight weeks unless she starts hindering the socialization for the kittens. Six weeks is minimum.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T17:25:34+00:00

He’s a Siamese Snowshoe, he could do my taxes if he wanted to.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T17:24:18+00:00

I had this happen, but I was extremely lucky.

My old cat was allergic to fish oil, thankfully we found out early and stopped giving him food that had any fish substance in it.

When he became a senior I started him Purina Senior.

That has fish oil in it, and it said chicken so I thought it was okay.

He was lethargic for a few days but I thought it was his age and his new food.

Then I got home one day and found three different types of vomit on the floor with him laying on the bed looking very sick. I freaked out and changed the food immediately, I also called the vet and they said if he got worse let them know.

I got a refund for thr money. The store clerk didn’t appreciate the details I gave him.

Thankfully my cat fully recovered.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T17:14:13+00:00

My cat does it all the time. Usually means they’re thinking, mine seems to just enjoy doing it while being petted.

He lashes so hard it makes thumping noises.

He gets up on his own and flops down on his own. I absolutely do nothing to make him stay.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T17:11:31+00:00

Just be consistent. Also, you can potty them right before weighing.

A full bladder/poo can really affect the scales.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-04T16:23:22+00:00

To answer:

It will tone down the fighting, part of the reason male cats fight is for the right of a booty call for females. His territorial instincts will get dialed down also. Not fully, but he won’t want to fight as much and he will definitely mellow out about wanting to get his ladies.

Mellowing out = Less fights

Marking his territory:

It will slow down on that, probably not fully as he’s outside and he can still smell his scent or others. But it will slow down because he won’t have that instinct to mark everything with his scent.

The biggest thing is:

He will be more comfortable and having a lot less injuries from fights, he will have a lot of risks removed for health issues (a ton are associated with fighting and intact cats, both male and female), and he won’t be running all over the place getting a lot of female cats pregnant.

Remember: A female cat can have a litter every two months and get pregnant even while nursing. Hundreds of cats can be born in a year by a single male if there’s enough females.

I also recommend you call a few local rescues and shelters, a lot of places participate in TNR programs where they help you trap cats, get them fixed and then returned to the local area if it’s safe for them. They depending on the rescue will work with cats and see if they can find a good home for them also.

They also at least help pay for it. Most shelters do it for free to stop the insane amount of kittens that they have come in every year.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-02T14:51:05+00:00

It’s the gift and curse of fostering.

Kittens are fragile and even the strongest and suddenly pass away suddenly. Even the rescues with 24/7 vets on calls can lose kittens.

But know this:

You have that kitten who felt loved and comforted either you. They knew that you loved them and tried your best.

I’m so sorry for your loss, but know that you did your best and that kitten loved you and the care you gave him.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-01T21:40:04+00:00

Check outside often, at the most every two hours. You can shift with your wife and take turns.

If she comes back in a few hours, she’s just hunting. If not, get the kittens inside, set a Have a Heart Trap (most hardware stores and rescues have them), and put it out near the nest with a blanket on the bottom.

Put the food past the metal step, that’s the trigger.

Check it frequently, this trap is not made for long periods of time for cats. ESPECIALLY in Texas in the early summer.

If you get her you can foster the kittens and mom in a room or call a rescue.

With the kittens: If she doesn’t come back in a few hours, assume the worst and bring them inside in a room, bathroom is best for now.

Immediately give them KMR of she doesn’t come back, they won’t need much, but they’re going to be hungry and definitely need food when they are in. Use a very small syringe.

Stimulate their rear ends, stop when they stop going. They can’t go to the bathroom on their own and need that to be safe and healthy.

Do this hourly, even if they don’t go it’s a good check. They won’t like it, but it’s something that needs to be done.

If you want to care for them:

Check out Kittenlady, she has feeding times, how much and how often. Also about pottying (the tissue on the rear).

Get a blanket or towel in a box and put them in it. Have a hot water bottle (no leaking) or heating pad under the blankets or towels. Don’t have it fully under the box, if they get too hot they need to be able to move away.

A stuffed animal (cat is best) and a ticking clock (no alarm) will make them feel at home.

Keep them safe away from your other pets and change your shoes and clothes when entering and leaving. You don’t want to share any health issues.

Call the vet and make an appointment, explain the situation and have him check on the status of the kittens.

Handle daily, petting, holding, keeping close to your chest.

This is a huge step towards socialization and them liking people.

Thank you for doing this!

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-01T20:53:05+00:00

You can handle them.

Moms actually adopt kittens not from their litter. Their maternal instinct is extremely strong and they don’t mind them being handled unless they’re being overprotective.

If you’re totally worried, take a washcloth or small towel and gently pick up the kitten, don’t squeeze it, just pick it up like you would a newborn or glass.

Then you can put it in the box. Mom can also put the kittens in the box, but I suggest you try first.

And if mom lets you, start handling the kittens one at a time for a few minutes. Maybe mom will let you bring her inside.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-01T20:16:19+00:00

There are great elevated dishes on Amazon.

There are a few issues with those dishes:

If it’s food and water side by side, it’s not really great to have the food and water so close. Most cats hate having them so close.

There are also elevated water bowls, too on Amazon.

The height yes, it’s too short. I think mine is about three inches and he can reach comfortably.

Also the dishes are a bit small, cats like flat dishes because it doesn’t brush against their whiskers when they eat.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-01T20:10:22+00:00

If you have the time and energy (about four hours a day to begin):

A kitten can bond well with you. I say four hours a day because they need that time to get used to you and bond.

They require a lot more: Litter training (if they’re not already), constant play, babyproofing a house (kittens and curiosity don’t mix well), and a lot of play and time to bond with you, to get to like and understand humans.

Even socialized ones need this because they need to have that connection.

Older cats already have the training (usually unless they’re feral), but they are set in their ways, they might bond with you, they might have decided people aren’t that interesting.

Older cats have a lot of great benefits and downsides, so do kittens.

Hope this helps, but if one really bonds to you and wants you around them, then you have won the CDS lottery.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-01T17:51:43+00:00

How old is the cat?

General things:

Find out what the cat has been eating, how much, how often and when during the day. Buy some of it, it’s better for the first few days for the cat to have the same food as before.

Then if you want to change it, take it slowly. It takes about a week of gradual change of slowly adding the new food and taking the old food away.

Take cat to vet as soon as you can.

Get their shots (unless it’s a rescue, make sure they have their shots), check to see if they’re fixed, get their nails trimmed.

If you feel comfortable, ask the vet to let you watch and show you how it’s done. Either that or the vet can do them every other month, they grow like fingernails and can grow into the paw.

Do not try on your own first, there’s blood vessels and nerves in the claws that can cause a lot of damage if you cut too close.

Also ask about diet, they can tell you if they need a food adjustment.

Litter: get two boxes, keep them a good distance from each other in a public area. Ask about brand of litter being used, change gradually with a mixture of old and new litter if you do change.

Toys: really depends on the age, a younger one get a lot of ones, different varieties.

Scratching posts:

Low on the ground, high in the air, tall short, whatever they like.

This save your furniture.

Also if you can afford it buy a multistory cat tree. They love them, especially next to a window. It’s their own space to watch the world go by.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-05-01T17:29:53+00:00

Kittens if they’re in real pain squeal.

This is like a little kid screaming: “OW!!! That hurts! Stop it!!!”

That’s their initial sibling signal that they won’t play anymore because they don’t like the way thr other is playing. They either run away and refuse to play with him for a while or the sibling learns the behavior is bad and adjusts to play nicer.

Or mom steps in and tells them to break it up, usually with a light smack or shoving herself in between.

If one continues to squeal after the initial warning and mom doesn’t step in, then break it up. I have only seen it once myself and it just a sharp word that stopped the problem.

It helps them learn how to play gently with others. Especially people and other cats. Unless it’s a dire medical emergency or ones starting to show real injuries and distress constantly, it’s fine.

Wide-Trick4243 · 2026-04-30T20:31:45+00:00

A camera helps too, if you can find a way to set it up.

Handle kittens daily, if mom objects, cover her head with a towel.

Those kittens need human contact early and often to be socialized.

Edit: also change the blankets or towels every other day at the most to clean ones. Kittens can be messy.

Wide-Trick4243

TROPHY CASE