As some of you might remember, I lost my Gracie about a month ago... sudden and devastating to me.

Have been checking out local animal shelter, hoping to find a small dog. Unfortunately, the cute, small ones disappear and what's left looks like Michael Vick's place... nothing but pitts and pitt mixes. Haven't had a cat in YEARS, but have gone into cat room to look, too.

I'm a yard saler, so figured when I find a small carrier, that'll be a sign to get something. At a yard sale today, asked about what I thought was a carrier but it was a litter box with "roof". Woman said I could HAVE it. When I explained my situation... she gave me one of those dry food dispensers and a carpet covered scratching post. She REFUSED any money! Said she picked the items up at yard sales and was planning to donate to shelter if no one bought them. When she mentioned that many shelters are NOT "no kill" when it comes to cats... that sealed the deal!

Need some suggestions:

Dry food. With dogs, they always got dry food and usually store brand. I think the canned stuff is GROSS. Sister has cats and told me if they never found out the canned was out there, they probably wouldn cry for it!!

Litter. Same thing... any store brands to recommend?

Gonna get off computer... looks like a BIG t-storm rolling in. But I'll be back!

Congratulations on your decision!
I hope you find the perfect match in your new companion.

This is what I use for mine- I have 6. They are all healthy, happy and only need to go to the vet for their yearly shots, so I like to think I am doing something right.

I free feed dry food from a dispenser. I used to feed store brand, and I cleaned up hairballs it seemed constantly. I switched to Friskies Dry a few years ago and -no more hairballs! I couldn't afford the high end pet foods if I wanted to because I have so many cats, but we are all happy with the Friskies. In the evening I split a can among all of them. They don't really need it, they just expect it and drive me crazy till they get it. I use friskies, also.

As for litter, I switched to Tidy cats scoopable for multi cat households and and even though it costs more, in the long run I don't spend any more for litter than if I were using regular litter. And there is no odor, and no changing the litter once or twice a day. I just scoop daily.

Good luck on finding your new family mamber!

Oh what happy news! I remember your loss and your kindness to me in the loss of Soko. My empty house and heart, plus DH's sadness gave me the push to look. It was very emotional, so just as I was about to stop looking and wait a while, through a series of things that could only be Divine, I found Aslan and you know the rest. Good luck to you!

"thatchairlady," I am so HAPPY that you have decided to rescue a shelter cat(s)

I have had cats all my life; right now I have five indoor-only cats. I use the scoopable type litter. It is actually less expensive than regular litter as none of it is wasted.

I prefer Jonny Cat Mutiple Cat Unscented but it's been hard to find lately so I now use Tidy Cat Muliple Cat Scoopable. I buy the large size of it for around $7.99 at Walmart.

For the scoop, most places have the plastic type but I think one with a wire mesh holds up longer and scoops better. I scoop daily and completely clean the box every 2-3 weeks.

Just like Becky56, I free feed dry food in a dispenser meaning the food is down all the time so they don't become "gobblers" and none have ever been fat. I alternate between Cat Chow and Friskies Dry. I also buy a sack of Cat Chow Indoor Formula and mix it with the other dry food.

I, too, split a can of canned food between them as a treat each night but I don't think it is actually necessary for their health. If you don't to mess with it, just don't start with it as they do become a bit used to it!

Also, it is becoming more and more expensive; we used to get cans at 4 for $1; now each can is .49 unless you find it on sale. You will need a water dispenser too so they have fresh water at all times; much easier than filling a bowl all the time.

Are you thinking of one cat or two? I think one is nice because you get all the attention BUT two is better so they have company when you are busy or gone. Let us know what you get.

I'm so excited for you because I know how empty your home has been since Gracie has passed. I do hope that you are planning on making them indoor-only; they won't miss it if that is simply the way it is from the day you bring them home even if they were outside cats before.

PS. I think Gracie had a hand in sending you to that particular yard sale. How much clearer of a sign could you have received?!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,

Idaho... I SWEAR I heard Grace BARK early this morning!?! She only ever had contact with cats one time in her life. My sister has 2 cats that she trapped as feral kittens. Went to visit her at her get away. Cats laid low for hours until one decided... I don't know what that big brown thing is, but it's NOT gonna keep me from a lap!! Sauntered across room and Grace, the "killer" Dobie, didn't know what to do!?! She ran up to the cat who quickly put up a paw... speak to the hand... and kept walking. When cat got to sisters lap, all Grace could do was cry!! Those cats made her crazy... ya can't chase something that won't run... and she didn't have anything more than the desire to chase.

NOW, gonna have to think of a name?? NO "pet" names... no "fluffy". All dogs have had people names... Louise (a Dalmatian Dad named after sister's middle name), Hilda ( a shepard/collie mix), Jenny & Mandy (mother/daughter Dobies), Ivy & Rose (nephew wanted Rose to be Poison... 2 Rotts) and Grace (ALL feet and far from graceful as a pup).

Litter - I use the PetsMart house brand unscented. Whatever you decide to use, try not to change.

Food - I don't trust WalMart house brand petfood. And I find the grocery store house brands are just as expensive as the Friskies and 9 Lives I get at PetsMart. PetsMart house brand is a little less expensive, but Spot is a picky eater and looses weight if she doesn't get her choice of food. Right now thats Friskies Salmon, canned. BTW- the current canned catfood doesn't smell nearly as bad as the stuff smelled 30 years ago.

thatchairlady, I am so happy you've decided to get a new addition to the family!

That yard sale wasn't just a any ole yard sale, that was an in your face, get a cat! sale. Its so funny how signs come to us.
Can't wait to find out who you finally bring home.
You've probably checked the ASPCA, Humane Society and I don't know if you have the AC&C in Jersey, but they have sites you can check out also. I'm so happy you'll be saving a life!

As far as the litter I used to use the Tidy Cat scoopable also (scoop every day) and cleaned the box 1x wk or every other wk. For food, I used to give them Science Diet dry and wet (it doesn't smell). But you might want to check the ingredients whatever you choose, like with dog food it should always be meats first, no meat by products, no corn or any other fillers.

Good luck and keep us posted.

tcl,

congrats on your new family member! I'm sure he/she'll be a very lucky & happy kitty! And you're saving a life...it doesn't get any better than that!


I do have to ask this ? however. Am I the only one feeling totally heartbroken for those poor pit bulls & pit mixes?

quote:

Originally posted by GypsyDancer:
tcl,

I do have to ask this ? however. Am I the only one feeling totally heartbroken for those poor pit bulls & pit mixes?

No, I have a soft spot for bulldogs, but I am just not in the position to have a dog right now.

It's official! 6 week old tiger stripe girl... almost black & tan. recently spayed on 6/28. purring like a motor boat. following me everywhere and just seem to wanna be on me all the time. i'm typing with one hand... that's why no caps. shelter loaned me carrier so i could take her home right away. gonna take pics and post if i can figure out how!

That's wonderful news! Once the signs all line up, it all just works. Here's wishing you and kitty many years of good times and snuggles. Got a name picked out yet? My son had a cat named Lucy. She was all attitude.

name?? right now VELCRO would work!! will definitely not be a "cat" name... no fluffy or muffin.

congratulations!!! we use fresh step litter (haha--the cats) and dry food (fancy feast) that i leave out all day next to fresh water. try to keep your cat indoors only if you can. i have no doubt you heard gracie, either.

thatchairlady - congrats on the new member - you won't regret your decision.
I gonna have to show DH this thread so he knows I'm not the only one to mix dry and moist cat food - I just do it in the reverse. I have three cats (three dogs too!). In the morning, I use meowmix dry and add one of those small containers of meowmix moist (they come twelve in a box and are in a plastic "dish" the size of the ready made jello you get). I just put it in a bowl, mix it all together and then divide it up between the three; it ends up at about a third cup total each. At night, they just get dry. I don't leave food out for them because the dogs just eat it up anyway, so when I get home from work, you can bet they're hungry. I actually do the same process with the dogs - one cup dry and I mix either fat-free gravy or peanut butter & yogurt with it (about two tbls each dog) - at night they just get dry.
For litter, I like Scoopaway the best. I tried Tidycats, but they seem to do better with the Scoopaway.
Names??? DH doesn't like "pet" names either so we have "Kat" "Emmett" and "Clyde" and they are very true to their names; Kat is a Miss Pri**, Emmett is a clown, and Clyde, well he's the only cat I know that you can hear when he walks! BTW...I kinda like "Velcro"!! LOL

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rcksmom,

Do cats eat "people" food? Not junk... thinking left-over chicken or fish... maybe hard cooked eggs? Have already been "bloodied" from her sharp claws. She's a climber! Mostly to the top of my head.

oh yea, cats love that stuff. Just be prepared for a finicky eater if you start it. They don't miss what they never have.

quote:

Originally posted by thatchairlady:
Do cats eat "people" food? Not junk... thinking left-over chicken or fish... maybe hard cooked eggs? Have already been "bloodied" from her sharp claws. She's a climber! Mostly to the top of my head.

just make sure you do a google search on what things cats can't eat. things like chocolate, onions, raisins--maybe also avocadoes. one of my cats will eat absolutely anything. yes, i created the monster. the other cat will eat cheese and pork, very little chicken.

Chairlady; Nice of you to adopt a shelter cat.
WE have 3 indoor cats and 1 outdoor...well actually garage cat. We use Tidy Cat multicat and scoop every day.
We feed on demand or when we return form work or whatever...one of our indoor cats was the runt of the litter so she will eat and eat and eat until she pukes...so we can only feed a little at a time. We use Iams Indoor Hairball, we have had good results...the litter box does not smell as bad with it as with other supermarket foods.
hope this helps.

Oooohhh! Kitten claws...what fun, for the kitten! Be prepared for shredded hands and forearms. I love kittens! Can't wait to see pics. We've had Hal, Chester, Lucy, Little Kitty, Gracie and George. I grew up with Zsa-Zsa (as in Gabor) and Chee-Chee. As for litter, we use Fresh Step crystals. Really absorbs the urine and we just scoop the nasties. The crystals last quite a while.

quote:

by GypsyDancer:
I do have to ask this ? however. Am I the only one feeling totally heartbroken for those poor pit bulls & pit mixes?

GypsyDancer, you're not the only one. My heart goes out to them. I wish I could adopt one, but with Honey being so small and fragile, I would worry constantly when they're at play. Believe me, I have given it serious thought, but I also don't want to have anything happen to Honey (with her legs).

thatchairlady, Congratulations!!
I am so envious of you right now, I just love kittens and puppies, but then again who doesn't.
As for feeding her "people" food...if you start that you're most likely going to end up with a very finicky kitty, so I wouldn't do it. Also, I agree with sowdog, please google foods that are a no-no for them.
I also like the name "Velcro"
Names I like: Kiki, Peggy, Katey, Beatrix or Toby as in McGuire (Spidey), get it.

Congrats on your new family member!
Yve...I had a wonderful tortie called Kiki....she was a great cat. I like names that fit, too, and I think Velcro is great....you can tell everyone it is a nic-name for Velvet! We have a Jack Russell rescue named Moose (don't ask why <grin> but we call him Mussolini since he moved right in and acts like a dictator to the other two dogs!

quote:

by cotontail2:
We have a Jack Russell rescue named Moose (don't ask why <grin> but we call him Mussolini since he moved right in and acts like a dictator to the other two dogs!

That is hilarious!

quote:

Do cats eat "people" food? Not junk... thinking left-over chicken or fish... maybe hard cooked eggs?

This is a post from June, but was just scanning thru and saw it. So, "thatchairlady" what did you name your kitty?

My cat Buzz loves Ritz crackers. He won't eat chicken or any other kind of "human" food, but when we get the Ritz out, you can't get rid of him.