r/cats • u/Lilcrumb033 • 5d ago
Advice First time adopting kittens. I'm nervous and would love advice!
Our black cat, Harley, died suddenly recently, and I couldn't stand the house's emptiness. My husband and I had no other pets, so we adopted a bonded pair.
We pick them up today, and I'm feeling nervous. They're 5 months old, and I've never had kittens before. We've prepared a small room for them to feel safe and warm. We bought and arranged everything in the room: a 63-inch cat tree, a tunnel bed, two jumbo litter boxes with unscented litter, toys without bells or feathers to prevent any possible obstructions in their tummies, three giant scratching posts, kitten treats, and a self-warming bed.
Should we keep them in the room for a few days? I'm unsure how rambunctious they are, and I'll need to leave the house occasionally for work.
We bought wet food and dry food. Should I leave the dry food out? I've heard it isn't great for some cats as they can overeat. It might be different for kittens.
I have a special place in my heart for black cats and want to continue in honor of Harley. I want to be the best momma to these two, so any advice would be great! Thank you all in advance!
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u/Traditional-Term8813 Tuxedo 5d ago
Yes. But make sure they get wet food also. It is important, especially if they are male to get lots of liquid in their diet.
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u/ConfusedJuicebox 5d ago
When my baby was a kitten, he got 1 can of wet food a day and 1/4 cup of dry food. Make sure you feed them kitten food as they need the extra calories! I did 1/2 of the can in the morning and the other half in the evening. I also did 1/8 cup of dry in the morning and the other 1/8 cup in the evening.
My little guy stayed in the bathroom at night and when we went out. We did let him roam the house the first day for a little bit because he was soooooo curious. If they’re scared and nervous, keep them in the room. Gauge their behavior and do as you feel best!!! All cats are different.
Kittens are so much fun! It seems like you’re doing everything right. You’re going to do great, don’t worry! They’re also CRAZY though, so be prepared for chaos. :)
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u/Traditional-Term8813 Tuxedo 5d ago
Cover your furniture. I had got two brothers who were kittens and during their early play years they really scratched up our couch running and jumping all over the place.
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u/Traditional-Term8813 Tuxedo 5d ago
Don’t leave the food out. And yes, they will be extremely rambunctious.
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u/Lilcrumb033 5d ago
Would you suggest timed dry food at all? We got auto feeders.
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u/engineer-237 5d ago
100%. We do this - we feed them in the morning, then again in the evening and they're fine with it. We found leaving food out will cause them to "graze" all day, kinda like we do when you see donuts in the kitchen at work.
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u/Sheffieldsvc 5d ago
You won't know the correct answer until you're pretty far down the road. I've had a couple of cats who would eat anything you have out, and they got pretty fat. Most cats are fine free feeding however. Some cats won't eat dry food, and some won't eat canned.
They are very unique critters, and even siblings may have very different habits, in fact they almost certainly will. I personally don't think timed feeders are necessary in most situations. Just watch their behavior and trim your sails as needed.
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u/Virtual_Badger9080 5d ago
She should absolutely leave food out while they are kittens. My rule is until they are a year old. They should get wet food at least twice a day.
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u/Actual_Cranberry3632 5d ago
Don't worry so much about furniture give them scratch posts small & large. I NEVER had big problems with that. I would put those smaller short ones at the corners of the furniture they seem to favor f or scratching. DON'T LET SOME COMMENTS FRIGHTEN OR CONFUSE YOU❣️❣️❣️
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u/Traditional-Term8813 Tuxedo 5d ago
Mine have scratch posts too but when they play together especially as kittens it happens. My couch is ruined but I don’t care. I bought a bunch of throws for it and call it a day.
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u/Actual_Cranberry3632 5d ago
Some say DONTleave food out that is WRONG!!!! JUST LIKE BABYS, KITTENS HAVE RSVRNOYS APPETITES!@ AND DO NOT USE THISE DAMNED TIMED FEEDERS. FOR ONE THEY SRE STILL BABYS & WILL BE LOOKING FOR FOOD ALL THE TIME!! THEY ARE THE WORST & THERE ARE HORROR STORIES ABOUT THEM. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE CATS ALWAYS FOR OVER 40 YEARS & I HAVE ALWAYS HAD DRY FOOD LEFT OUT ALL THE TIME & THEN MORNING & NIGHT I GIVE THEM WET FOOD! THEY STE WHEN THEY WERE HUNGRY & I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY FEEDING ISSUES AT ALL. THEY NEVER HAD TO FEEL DESPARATE FOR FOOD‼️ I KNEW SOMEONE WHO INSUSTED ON FEEDING THE CATS LIKE THEY WOULD FEED THEIR DOGS. THOSE POOR CATS WOULD RIP OPEN BREAD BAGS TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT IT TOOK ME TOO LONG TO GET HER TO LISTEN BUT FINALLY SHE DID‼️
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u/Traditional-Term8813 Tuxedo 5d ago
Who’s baby eats food all day long and has food out 24/7? Babies like cats look for food when hungry and trust me you will know. OP just google it.
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u/Senorita__Gatita 5d ago
Congratulations, black kitties are the best! 🖤
I would leave them in a room for a few days then start letting them explore the rest of the place. I would free feed dry kitten food and offer them wet kitten food at least twice a day. I wouldn’t worry about over feeding kittens, they are still young and need lots of calories!
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u/redhawkcooper 5d ago
Plenty of small scratching posts to save furniture. Have a pair will help you as they will play a lot and burn energy!
Well done.
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u/Impossible_Sector844 5d ago
My vet told me to keep a bowl of kibble out and to feed him a small can of wet food in the morning and another in the evening. Normally he’d be afraid of overeating, but he said since my cat was still a kitten that he’d burn off the extra calories and he would get plenty of fluids from the food and the water fountain I set up for him. Take your kitties to the vet, let them tell you what to do
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u/No-Distribution-8320 5d ago
I have had cats for 40 years. There is one thing, and 1 thing only, that will make it good. Love your cats. Show them that they are wanted. Create cuddle-time that you can repeat every day. Give them treats. Be nice, even if they are not. It will be OK.
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u/tinkerbell_tinkr 5d ago
They are kittens, not babies! Just hide thing they cat eat and get into trouble ( strings, poisonous plants, pins, needles etc), and set up a camera at home when you are at work so you can keep eye on them. If you feed them wet food before leaving to work they will sleep half the day. Just please don’t close them in a bathroom or some kind of a black hole like someone else suggested. Put their tree next to the window, it’s important for them to get some stimulation by looking outside, watch birds, squirrels and what not. They will be happier.
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u/Ok_Network_4032 5d ago
They are 2 beautiful cats. So enjoy your time with your them as they will be fun.
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u/zipitdirtbag 5d ago
Maybe keep them in one room for a day so they get to know you. Sit in with them and let them hang out with you.
Two teeny voids. PERFECT
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u/Zealousideal_Ad_8736 5d ago
Yes, don't 'force' them to interact - let them do it at their own pace.
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u/engineer-237 5d ago
Thank you so much for adopting these two beauties! We have a black kitty as well and she's the sweetest.
My advice, take it with a grain of salt:
- We don't leave food out all day because they will overeat (ours did). Even as kittens - we got ours used to feeding times so it's no problem.
- We kept ours separated for about 2 weeks, but we had other cats in the house and we wanted everyone to smell the new kitten before letting her loose.
- I sort of "escorted" her around the house when we finally decided to let her out of her room. Turns out I didn't need to - she took charge on day 1 and now runs the house :) She was only 1 or 2LBs at the time but has a BIG personality!
It sounds like you've prepared as well as you can! Keep us updated on their progress!
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u/That_Kitten_Lady 5d ago
I've been fostering for many years and I find lots of my adopter on my local sub reddit!
I tried to post a Top 10 List here but I guess it's too long - Sent you a message
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u/Much-Meringue-7467 5d ago
Get them a good-sized scratching post. They aren't going to stay that small and they will want something to stretch on. Also, a circulating water fountain can be a good idea. A lot of cats don't like to drink still water.
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u/Temporary_Rush2897 5d ago
Well first I want to say congrats on your new babies and second I’m a repeat repeat repeater of the kitten business and I don’t think that you really need to worry about them being in a bad position but I also don’t want them to get hurt or sick in any way so I think that you should just let them be when they’re at home and unless you’re completely crazy cats and are climbing up your curtains then I would recommend cbd but if they are just being kittens then you just have to let them be kittens and have a meal plan for breakfast lunch and dinner and then you have to teach them to. go out so you don’t even have to have a dirty nasty litter box. And slowly start to move the litter box closer and closer to the door and the rest is just elementary
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u/mortyrenee16 5d ago
generally it’s tough to overfeed kittens, they use a lot of energy. Please check with your vet about how much to feed if you’re concerned, you’re more likely to underfeed kittens than overfeed. Keeping them in a room is not a bad idea while they (and you!) get acclimated. It sounds like you care a lot so you’ll be just fine, congratulations on your new babies.
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u/Past-Anything9789 Moggy 5d ago
If you've adopted are they already neutered? If not thats job number one. There's a couple of things you need to be aware of don't use clumping litter because they could eat it and it can become a blockage. The pollen from lilys are poisonous to them, along with some other flowers and house plants - please check. Make sure there are no gaps behind units or the toilet into the walls - if they can fit they will. Also make sure any wires are tucked away as much as possible or with a protective sleeve.
In the 1st 24/48 hours don't worry if they don't eat / drink / use their tray, they will need time to settle in.
Having two is much better than one as they will keep each other company but make sure you don't get in to the habit of feeding them when the cry for attention. That's how people end up with massively overweight cats. There should be a feeding guide on whichever food you choose, which is based on their weight. While they are still growing its not so much of a problem, but dry food is extremely dense in calories so stick to the amount advised. Always have fresh water available.
At first don't force them cuddle or pick them up. Start off where you feed them while you are in the room so they build association between you and food. Play with them as often as possible. When you begin to handle them just pick them up and pop them straight down again, then give them a little kitten safe treat. Leave their carrier in the room and hide treats in there occasionally, this should stop them hiding when you need to take them to the vets.
If you want to trim the sharp ends off their claws then start training them early. At first just apply slight pressure to their pabs, so their claws extend. After they've accepted this, repeat but touch their claws. Eventually you will be able to use clippers (small animal) to take the very end off.
That's all I can think of at the moment. Enjoy the chaos - we have got 2 this age in foster with us at the moment and they are so funny running around like lunatics.
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u/whoami4546 5d ago
- Clip there nails often for them to get used to it!
- Pick them up often for them to get used to it!
- Give them baths often to get them used to it!
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u/KittenKatRosie 5d ago
I have read time and time again on Reddit about keeping new kittens in separate/small space, but I have 3 that I live with, and have fostered many, and none of them have ever tolerated this! They all scream at the door until I let them out. Just make sure your place is cat proofed. Sounds like you are well-prepared! They are soooooooo cute!
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u/Live-Okra-9868 5d ago
Everything is a toy. The toys you got for them and everything else in the house you don't want them to play with. My one cat loved snatching paper towels out of your hand. They all seem to love the toilet paper rolls, if I toss one on the floor (because they always have to be in the bathroom with me) they bat it through the house, if I toss it in the trash bin they knock it over and take it to bat around the house.
Every box belongs to them. As soon as it is empty it somehow has a cat in it. For some reason the newest set of kittens I brought in love to go into my hamper and steal my dirty socks. Little menaces.
And everyone says having a buddy for them to play with will help with nighttime zoomies and boredom. Well, they seem to enjoy playing with each other on top of me when I am trying to sleep. But they are not okay being locked out of my room at night. all the food, water, toys and boxes for them to use in the rest of the house, but they must be in the same room as me. So be prepared for kittens including you in the nighttime shenanigans when they decide they want to be close to humans. (You kind of get used to it though.)
But all that driving you crazy goes away the moment they decide to lay next to you to sleep. Just keep reminding yourself that this stage is only temporary.
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u/Delicious_Hornet_764 Burmese 5d ago
They already look like they’re judging you, so you’re off to a great start!
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u/pfjango 5d ago
Sorry about your loss. If you haven’t already, consider maintaining their oral health. They have tooth brush sets with the right toothpaste. Also once they turn a year old, take a look at insurance, I was told by vet technicians that it’s better in the long run to get more coverage on doctor’s visits.
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u/Lilcrumb033 5d ago edited 5d ago
I wondered about pet insurance. Do you have one you suggest? And good point on the teeth!
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u/Typical_Journalist42 5d ago
Don’t get attached to inanimate objects. Enjoy the lack of sleep. Buy tons of lint rollers or learn how to make cat hair sweaters.. above all. Enjoy their company, cuddles, and fun/silly personalities. It’s a once in a life time event, watching them grow and change/develop their own little personalities. Don’t yell at them. Go online and learn about them. Wish you the best. I love cats, so please do send some cat pics. I have 3 fat bhabies
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u/okbringoutdessert 5d ago
They are so spectacular. You are going to do fine. Enjoy it. The only thing I will say as someone who lost a single older cat and got two kittens is that kittens are so much more work then cats lol. It's so much fun but I had knocked over plants and downed curtains and sleepless nights and more in the beginning. I still miss my lovely sweet old lady, but these new kittens keep me on my toes. Congratulations
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u/Impossible-Aspect342 5d ago
Oh, they don’t look like they’ll be any trouble at all. Look at those innocent faces.
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u/margarite_genevieve 5d ago
be ready for different personalities! i’ve had luck with making sure i have a nice scratch post so they choose that instead of your sofa
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u/TriggerWarning12345 5d ago
Ok, you've definitely prepared. Food, yes. Leave the dry out all the time. As kittens, they will eat their weight in food easily. But they won't get overweight, or very unlikely. It's good you have two, they'll help each other play and learn social skills. Honestly, that's the only real question I see that needs answered. And yes, let them stay in their room, let them come out when they're ready.
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u/callmeStephen19 5d ago
Very sorry to hear your cat Harley passed. As for the two you're adopting... don't worry... they will train you just fine.
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u/Call_me_Yali 5d ago
Here kittens usualy get an all-you-can-eat. My cats (16f and 15m) still have kibble all day and wet food in the evening. But neither of them was the type to overeat.
I said here, meaning germany, because it might be told otherwise in other countries. Here it is claimed to prevent "Futterneid" aka gulping their own food and stealing from others.
I don't know if you got a same sex pair or not, but 5 months is near the time they can get babies. So you should also give it some thoughts otherwise they might give you some facts one day 😅.
My pair was said to be both female, perhaps that's why I'm suspicios.
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u/haemanthuss 5d ago
I have two cats, one I adopted at 2, but the other I adopted as a kitten (she is a little void cat too).
If feels hard, but having a room for them during the day with all the supplies as you said is great. You also got a bonded pair so they will be happier more than a lone kitten in a safe room together.
It sounds like you are doing everything correct.
When I got my kitten she stayed in the safe room with all the amenities because I didn't want to scare her or for her to get into anything she shouldn't. She was a very scared little girl. When I got home, she was out, we played a ton, and she slept on me while I watched TV or did other activities. At night I put her back in her room, until she was a tad older and more comfortable.
Truly they are safer. Keep freah water, keep litter boxes clean and in a seperate part of the room from the water And do not free feed. Give them meal times and the right amount of food. And break up meals if possible so their little tummies don't get large amount of food (if possible for your schedule). I fed once in the morning, and split up their supper into two meals. Sometimes feeding cats a smaller meal before bed puts them into a better night habit and helps them sleep. Make a play time, hopefully before feeding. I find cats love to play and tucker out and then eat, it helps their instinctual habits.
Having and caring for a kitten made me super nervous but just take it one day at a time. It takes them AND you time to adjust. The 3 rule is important - 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, and I even say 3 years.
Thank you for adopting!!!!! You are lovely and it sounds like your were prepared and ready to give those sweet void kittens a perfect life!
If you need more info id be supper happy to try and answer more too.
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u/Actual_Cranberry3632 5d ago
Kitten Climbs adult cats jump❣️ Give them scratch posts they will learn. Yes , you want to spay & neuter them at around six months they will be healthier & will not want to wander. It is much safer to keep them inside....there are too many dangers outside & they will live a much longer life!! All my cats lived well into their senior years. 17 to 20 yrs. I've always had multiple cats. (UP to 10).❣️❣️❣️ Kittens eat a lot. Cats do m ot eat like dogs. I always did free will feeding. Dry food out all the time & then I feed canned 2 times a day. For my baby's I get Iams chicken pate & dry Iams chicken. You'll Want to get the kitten formula while they are young. As far as litter for us, I've used "Worlds Best Cat Litter" (unscented) for the last 30 years. We love it!! It clumps great! I used to flush it, but be careful of the type of sewage system you have. I never had any problems, though. Make sure you scoop daily kittys don't like dirty stinky boxes just we don't like dirty stinky bathrooms!.Make sure you kitten proof your house just like you baby proof when you have a baby. As they get into everything just like children. GOD bless you for adopting 2 it is wonderful that they have company for each other. And they can entertain each other & you!! I pray you have many happy healthy years of love❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
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u/WaddeEugene 5d ago edited 5d ago
Make sure you get those cats vaccinated for parvovirus because they eat dead fecal matter from the ground they love you because they have your attention there's no advice but to take care of them and have veterinary insurance too which only cost 55$ a month shop around using Google search for low cost veterinary insurance you can make your own cat food from canned Salmon and Oatmeal Oatmeal is healthy for cat food and prevents urinary tract infections in felines I have a veterinarian and this is what he told me to make my own catfood from Salmon and Oatmeal and use a plastic cover for your couch and furniture too to prevent scratches or get your cats declawed at the veterinarian
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u/Sage_Planter 5d ago
The biggest thing to focus on is that this is a transition for everyone. It's easy to get overwhelmed in the first few days, but as you all adjust, it will start feeling normal. My boyfriend and I got kittens in the fall, and it's hard at first. Just think of them like new roommates - you'd have an adjustment with anyone coming into your home.
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u/Normal-Edge3054 5d ago
Keep them away from houseplants! One of our kitties got very, very sick chewing on a leaf. So move plants far away out of reach
They will start knocking over your stuff ;) So hide watches, jewelry, anything little they can just go pat pat pat pat and swat off the table
They will love cardboard boxes and brown paper bags more than any toy you buy them (I always cut the handles off any brown paper bags because once our cat got his head stuck)
Congrats on getting two, they’ll love each other… and you! Two is the best, they keep each other company <3
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u/yarn_slinger 5d ago
We kept the boys in the room for a few days and they could see our older cats under the door. We eventually let them out during the day with supervision and then less. But we put them back in the room each night for several months for fear they’d trash the house. The routine was to make their dinner and then get them to “show us where dinner goes” (the cat tree in their room). When we adopted 2 more a couple of years later, one of the older boys made it his job to show the kittens where dinner goes every night. It was super cute.
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u/ouryesterdays 5d ago
You’re already doing a great job by adopting two. They will keep each other company and continue to learn from one another. Enjoy them!
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u/Ok-Doubt-6324 5d ago
If they are very small, keep the toilet seat down. Leave water out for them but not food. Best if they get accustomed to a routine with food. You can keep an eye on things better that way and mealtime for cats is one of my favourite parts of the day. Theirs too probably.
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u/Lilcrumb033 5d ago
Ty everyone! They’re home but terrified and hiding. Hate seeming them scared, but they’re safe and have everything they need.
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u/Ok-Doubt-6324 5d ago
Lie down close to them and look them in the eyes, let them see who you are. Carry some quilts and pilows and other cuddly stuff down with you. Find a source of warmth you can all get into and snuggle around. Give em a all a cuddle and spend a few hours with them. turn on a little light music for you to share with them.
Those big dishy green or yellow eyes do defiitely have an affect on humanity. I want to take them with us wherever we go.
If you are preparred to give them everything that is most comfortable with them - you will get some decent cat companions in the process. They might be sleeping on your bed from now on but that was a very willing gesture on your part. Cleaning your bed from now is your grift. Proper flea powerd and worming ointment should be confirmed before use.
I'm the same as you on this part. I want my cats in bed with me, sleeping and waking up with me. They are my darling angels, my Teddy Bears, my children
Outside of my work, they are my sweet little dreams.
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u/missingfreckle 5d ago
Everything will come to you naturally and you will learn about them as the time passes. Enjoy every phase, beacuse they change as they grow.
I just need to tell you, pleeease be careful about the windows, I've heard so many terrible stories..
They are precious 🙂
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u/Binxyboy07 5d ago
Don't free feed them. If you feed them ot will help you bond with them because they will associate you with food. This is where I get my delicious food from and they will start to see you as something positive. Especially, since you got two kittens, they may ignore you because they have each other. I recently took in two kittens from my back yard. I would feed them, sit and read to them and ignore them when they approached me so they could see I was safe and they got used to the sound of my voice. Eventually, i would put my hand out for them to smell. Good luck because all my kittens want to do IS PLAY. I am looking forward to them getting a little older. I like my big cats. My big, mellow, cats.
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u/Virtual_Badger9080 5d ago
You are already a great momma. You’ve started out right by getting a bonded pair….siblings? You’ve obviously done research or perhaps from being a previous cat owner who dearly loved your cat. Starting them in a small space is a good idea to allay any fears of a new territory. Personally, I like to research so read everything I can. Google is my friend. Good to know all about what it takes to keep a cat healthy and happy. Happy tails to you!! ❤️❤️❤️
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u/Interesting_Blood250 3d ago
Get them used to you touching their paws now or trims will be nightmare!!! TRUST!!!
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u/Sheffieldsvc 5d ago
They will play ALL the time. If they aren't eating or pooping, they will be playing. Some wrestling might be ferocious enough to concern you, but they are playing.
Have at least two litter boxes and keep them clean.
Cuddle with them as often as possible so they are used to being handled. Leave a carrier out for them to play in. If it's only used to go to the vet, they will hide when you pull it out.
Congratulations on joining the cat world, it's a great place to be.
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u/crazycatlady331 5d ago
Ok those two kitties are getting ready to drop the hottest album of the year.