posted November 03, 2005 06:24 PM         

I have a cat too and he's happy now being indoors. He was an outdoor cat for a long time and it took a while for him to get used to being inside an apartment all day, everyday. It's been over a year now, and the noticeable difference I've seen in him is more restful sleep and being much more relaxed.

He is the first cat that I've ever lived with and my, does he have a personality. He's barely two feet tall, and commands attention from everybody. Whoa nelly. Most everyone says this about cats in general though.

I feed Willard dry food made from whole meats, veggies, fruits, brown rice, vitamins and minerals. I was informed by a Vet that if you feed a cat a diet high in digestable product with nutrients it can absorb, the waste poops will be small, and the odor less offensive ( ). There are a lot of reputable brands out there and I highly recommend giving the cat samples to see what he or she likes best.

When he gets stressed out or seems irritable, I give him a few drops of flower essences, "Bach's Rescue Remedy," and he calms down within a few minutes. Catnip is a great treat as it is supposedly good for their digestion.

As for litter pan supplies, I tested out a number of clumping litters and found out that I am allergic to the ones made from clay (lots of dust). I switched to Swheat Scoop (all natural wheat litter) and things have worked out good. I also add an additive (Ammo Cat) to absorb ammonia odors, and use the disposable Arm & Hammer Baking Soda litter box liners to make clean up so much easier. I empty the litter box waste with a slotted shovel everyday.

That's basically all that I buy on a regular basis for Willard. I used to also give him flea medication (Advantage), but now it's not necessary because he doesn't go outside.

Good Luck and keep us posted!!!

posted November 03, 2005 06:50 PM         

Cats are very adaptable, and I'm sure she will adjust well to her new home. It was no accident that she 'found' you.

I have 4 cats in a small apartment, and we all manage to find our own space. They're all quite content and happy, even the two who were let outside often by their previous owners.

You should probably get her to a vet soon for her shots, and to be fixed (if you don't object to that sort of thing; I know some people do). It's not a fun experience when a cat goes into heat.

There's a "Cats for Dummies" book that's handy for a first time owner.

Please let us know how it's going.

Aphrodite, what brand cat food do you use?

posted November 03, 2005 09:13 PM         

Thanks for your replies I am in love with this kitty, she's solid black with shiny green eyes and oh so tiny. I'm going to take her to the vet asap, to get her shots and have her health checked out. I've named her Magus, because she's my Scorpio/Halloween cat (there's also a cool Aqua in this forum by that screen name and I love it). I think getting her fixed is an excellent idea. I once had a cat lover friend who stressed the importance of cats not having to endure the discomfort the heat cycles bring. I bought a flea collar, food, litter box, and a pet bed but didn't find the box. I'll try the library tomorrow. I've heard cats are really smart hwen it comes to housetraining, do you have any insider trips to help me help Magus with this?

Thanks,

posted November 03, 2005 09:37 PM         

~ geminstone
*edit* got excited and ahead of myself there .... to litter train, it has been my experience that, when you place them in the box no more than 1 hour after a meal, they are more apt to be ready and do it there in the box.... When there are accidents of the solidified kind, the best trick is to put the pittle in the box, not the toilet.... then she'll get the idea real quick about where she should take care of eliminations.... good luck to you both Cats are great.... and yes, that has sooooo much to do with their smarts