[Smileonmyface]

i am trying to figure this out for myself but i'm curious what others might say. i currently have a black lab, a senior cat who keeps to herself and two young daughters who love animals, especially the youngest.

so this week some kittens were found at hubby's job. they need homes. i really want to take one but i've never had a kitten before, only adult cats.

the way things are set up the old cat mainly keeps to herself in my bedroom, though she is free to come out if she wants.

the dog is big goofy and loves everyone.

i would probably set up litter box and food for the kitten in the kitchen and keep the older cat to herself with her stuff in my bathroom.

i probably need more creatures to care for like a hole in the head but i love animals. just last week a family member was crying out for help for someone to adopt an older cat of someone who went into a nursing home, and i was actually sad that i couldn't help because the cat didn't like dogs.

i take the responsibility of a forever home very seriously and while i would welcome the distraction of a cute kitten to help me mentally, i want what is best for the kitten.

any kitten people out there? is this a huge undertaking or probably not too big a deal for an adult cat person like me? thanks

[lizardlady]

As a crazy cat lady who shares her heart and home with five of the fur babies I'd say at least go meet the kittens and see if one tells you it wants to go home with you. Be forewarned that kittens are way more active than adults cats, but they are a ton of fun.

[Yoda]

If you do get the kitten give it a private place to adjust to new smells and sounds and gradually introduce the kitten to your other animals. Your older cat will likely want nothing to do with the kitten. The lab may or may not bond with the kitten.

Best of luck

Yes!

[possum220]

Given that you already have kids, a cat and a canine......................... why not? Like liz already said why not have a look?

I'm new to cats. I have had dogs for years. I adopted a cat last year and it was the best thing that I ever I did.

[Smileonmyface]

turns out my husband didn't see or talk to his coworker who is currently fostering the kittens. i was surprisingly disappointed when i asked and that was his reply. i was hoping to go see some kittens this weekend i think hubby has cooled off to the idea but i am still thinking about it. if one of these kittens doesn't work out i know there would be plenty at the shelter that need a home. thanks for the support and encouraging words. you all helped me feel more confident about the whole thing!

[lizardlady]

If you go the shelter route, please consider adopting an older cat. Everyone wants kittens. Older cats are often overlooked.

Actually, I'm going back to what I said before. Go look. The one that is meant for you will pick you out. I'm a firm believer that they pick us not the other way around.

[Smileonmyface]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

If you go the shelter route, please consider adopting an older cat. Everyone wants kittens. Older cats are often overlooked.

Actually, I'm going back to what I said before. Go look. The one that is meant for you will pick you out. I'm a firm believer that they pick us not the other way around.

i couldn't agree with you more. my first cat i adopted from a shelter and she was 9. she only lived with me about a year, turned out she had cancer and passed away soon. she was very special and i credit her with helping me tremendously at that point in my life, more than i helped her by taking her in.

the urge to go look at cats in the shelter is very strong now i would tend toward the adults if that were the case. i'd just be careful to try to pick one who is more "outgoing" who wouldn't be so phased by the dog and my kids. or hope that one like that picks me i don't think it's going to happen today but definitely this has got me thinking about it

[lizardlady]

I have some amusing stories about critters picking me.

Many years ago I was driving down the road and saw this puppy running along the road. I live in a very rural area so thought either he was lost or someone dumped him. Stopped and picked him up. Drove to the nearest house to ask if they knew where he came from. Turns out some tenants there had a female dog who had puppies. I put him back with his momma and litter mates. He was waiting for me when I got back to my truck. Took him back and put him with the others. Again, he was sitting next to the truck when I got there. I don't know how he got there without me seeing him on the way. The third time I found him by the truck the lady of the house and I laughed and said "Looks like I have a dog!"

Then there's Dobby, one of my cats. My favorite cat had died months before. I was finally ready to see about another cat. Was driving by a vet's office and saw a sigh "free kittens." I decided to stop. Turned out the kittens were almost full grown. I decided to take a look anyway. When I walked in the room where the cats were one reached through the bars of his cage and snagged my shirt. Took him out and played with him, then put him back to look at the others. The whole time I was looking at the others, who all ignored me, he had his paw through the bars trying to get to me again. We took him out of the cage again and he wrapped himself around me in a hug. Needless to say he came home with me. He is still my most loving and demonstrative kitty.

I'll quit now. I have a zillion of these stories.

Originally Posted by lizardlady

If you go the shelter route, please consider adopting an older cat. Everyone wants kittens. Older cats are often overlooked.

Actually, I'm going back to what I said before. Go look. The one that is meant for you will pick you out. I'm a firm believer that they pick us not the other way around.

Agree 100% my cat I have now I got him from a shelter. He is the most gentle cat ever, Love him to bits.
People want kittens but don't realise they grow up.