When We Get New Cats...

When we get new cats, whether planned or by rescuing them, we have a responsibility to the new cats to care for them, and to our existing kitties so that they know they are not being replaced.

Once these responsibilities are met, and the new cats are calmed down, comfortable and on a similar schedule, then introductions can be made. One nose at a time to another nose. Supervised only, and with protection for each cat. This should be done in neutral territory - not near food bowls or litter boxes. Once kitties have started growling and hissing, separate them and give everyone some time out to calm down. Repeat as necessary.

If a new cat is feral and the existing cats are not, then you have a duty to tame that cat or release it. It should be spayed or neutered before release. If you choose to tame it, I suggest you come to the website for details on how to tame a feral cat. That will ensure that your new cat learns to trust humans and won't try to eat your budgie or your house plants.

Our existing kitties will best be served by play sessions. These let our cats know that we love and value them. I suggest a good, rousing play session of at least 15 minutes, twice a day. Use toys on strings. sticks, or balls. Once your bond is renewed, you can also use the play therapy to help the cats adjust to each other. Play therapy is the best technique to help cats bond.

Give your cat some catnip. However, do not  give catnip to your combined kitty family for at least a week or two after introductions. They need to learn to trust each other before you introduce that element. So, use play therapy for two weeks, then sprinkle catnip around for them. The bonds should be cemented after that.

Catnip for Cat Sitting?

Catnip for Cat Sitting jobs? Sure! I bring a little of the good stuff with me when I first start a cat sitting job.

Cats can be pretty finicky when their owners go out of town. They don't want to see anyone, they are lonely, they are a little snitty. So, I bring catnip and dig around for an old ratty washcloth or clean rag. I'll put a little bit of catnip on the cloth (about 1/2 teaspoon) and rub it around to break up the leaves and get it aromatic. I'll then give the cloth to the cat.

They go nuts!

My favorite catnip is Cosmic Catnip. It comes in a plastic tub and stays fresh to the very bottom of the tub. Much better than the stuff at the local store in a plastic bag!

New Testimonial - Petsitting

I did a cat-sitting job for a friend, and she has always been a little skeptical of "Cat Whispering" for her cat. Her cat is very needy, vocal, and part Siamese. Of course, she's also an only-cat!

So, I guess she didn't have anyone else to call, so she called me. I agreed to do the job for half my normal fee, because I know of her skepticism.

I set an appointment, went to meet the kitty, find out where things were and how the place should look (basic furniture placement, and so on) so that I would know what to look for. My service includes a sense of security because of this extra bit...

So, she goes off on her trip, and I start coming daily to care for Mica. Normally, I come twice a day, stay about 45 minutes and then leave. For Mica, I stayed 2-3 hours and only visited once a day. I brought 4 toys and some catnip on my second day, when I saw her boredom with her existing toys.

About day 5, she started meeting me at the door with meows and crying. Very excited! I would pick her up to greet her, and she would walk on my shoulders and I'd put her onto a counter (she'd walk there) and then jump down. She would entwine herself under my feet. She was so excited, she wouldn't eat!!!

Well, I would sit down, play with her, or just watch TV. Mica would calm down, and eventually come to sit with me or on me - snuggling.

Eventually, it would be time for me to leave. She would accept it - watch me leave and not complain. She grew accustomed to my visits. I always left her with a little catnip on a washcloth.

The last day, I went to check on her and the key was gone. I figured mom came home, so I called. Sure enough, mom was home and was very pleased! Dishes done, trash out, Mica happy and sassy.

So, I've posted her comments on the contact page. I hope you find comfort in them. I sure did! I don't think my friend will be so reluctant to call me next time. And I'll be happy to take care of Mica again...

Sometimes, you have to release your skepticism to find the jewel inside the claim...