The New Additions
Posted by Deutlich on May 18th, 2009 | Filed under: UncategorizedI would like to introduce you to Tiger and Lily:
You can probably see why there was no way in hell I was not getting these two. Out of a litter of 7, I had picked them out pretty much immediately. By the time I had called, four of them were already adopted. And somehow, I was still lucky.
This is Tiger
Her face makes my heart melt into a puddle of goo.
This is Lily:
Her face makes me melt into a puddle of goo too.
They’re still a little skittish but given the craziness that is this household, I am not particularly surprised. I love them to bits. Especially when they come running after they realize I’m home. Or when they meow to get body rubs. Or when Lily blinks her right eye really slowly while Tiger does the same with her left.
And because they do stuff like this:
Right now, they’re konked out on my bed.
Things have been bumpy since their arrival (as in – one too many accidents). I’m aware that some things take time, but the person I rent from has expressed her displeasure LOUD AND CLEAR.
I won’t even bother getting into that because I’d rather just show you a video. About 25 seconds in, Tiger goes apeshit and it amuses the hell out of me. And yes, the country radio station is playing in the background. You’re welcome.
I realize this was an incredibly word intensive post, but sometimes it just be like that. Also, my English rawks.
Sidenote: If any of you cat owners have tips on the potty issue, I’m all ears. I’m doing what was recommended by the rescue agency, but more is always better. At least in this case.
May 18th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Tiger is a mush maker and Lily has the most impishly curious look in her eye. Ooooo, so much fun.
And believe me, Lily is WICKED curious…
May 18th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
THEY’RE SO CUTE!!! I’m dying to get a kitten but my housemate is allergic
Boo to allergies!
May 19th, 2009 at 3:15 am
They are absolutely adorable! One thing about the potty issue – make sure you have MULTI-CAT cat litter, cause cats won’t go in the same box if they can smell another cat’s stuff there.
The best store bought one I found was Tidy Cat Multi – the scoopable kind. It looks like sand, and it has a fresh scent. I hope I was able to help.
I do have multi-cat litter and I scoop AAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL the time. I mean, I may even be scooping too much. Because I like a clean bathroom, so I believe they do too. I’m using “World’s Best Cat Litter” because the only two things I won’t spare money on is their food and their litter. Although, I do wonder if moving towards a litter that is more sand-like will be beneficial. Or maybe I should do a mix of tidy cat and what I have now? Hmm… Food for thought.
May 19th, 2009 at 3:55 am
CapriceClassic’s advice is what I was going to suggest. PetSmart actually has a “house” brand of litter that’s about 30lbs for $10. I buy it four buckets at a time, but my cats were adults by the time I found it. I actually can’t remember what brand I used when I first adopted them (hey, it was ten years ago!)
Also — and this sounds dumb, I know — but do the cats *know* where they’re expected to pee? If you haven’t yet, lock your cats in the same area as the litter box. Leave them there until they’ve both gone wee-wee or poo-poo, then you can let them roam the house again.
(Also, change the litterbox frequently…)
That doesn’t sound dumb at all. They’re in a brand new house with new surroundings and new smells and new noises and new everything. After they’re done eating, I’ve been taking Lily (the accident-prone one) straight to the kitty box and scratching her paws in it. And I’ve been trying to give the both of them extra extra amounts of attention in case it’s a “HEY – WHY AREN’T YOU LOVING ME THE WAY YOU SHOULD” type of issue. As for the litterbox, I scoop every time I see anything in there. I may try the lock them in the bathroom suggestion if things don’t get better. Last night was the first night of no accidents!
May 19th, 2009 at 3:56 am
Also those are ridiculously adorable kittens. If you haven’t invested in a laser pointer yet, I highly encourage it. Also, catnip? Win.
(And get a scratching post — I assume they both are fully clawed — and train them to use it. Your furniture — and your roommate’s furniture — thanks you in advance).
Laser pointer and catnip are on order for this Friday’s trip to the petstore(s). Plus, LOTS more toys and probably a plain old boring box (’cause LiLu’s kitties LLLLLLLLLLOVE just playing in a box and I figure – hey – why not try that too).
I do have a scratching post and they took to it IMMEDIATELY. We really don’t have any problems with them scratching anything they’re not supposed to, although sometimes when they try to get up on the furniture and it’s too high, they’ll resort to using claws to wriggle their way up.
May 19th, 2009 at 4:46 am
I’m not a big cat person, but those pictures and video? Made me die from cuteness!
Little baby aminals make the world a better place.
May 19th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Holy crap they are cute! And my daughter’s name is Lily so I automatically think your little Lily is the cutest cat EVER.
My biggest tip is to clean the litter frequently. One of my cats will go piss in the tray to the hot water heater if the litter box is dirty. That is EXTRA nasty to clean up so I ended up buying one of those automatic cleaning boxes which is fantatsic.
I have two male cats that share a litter box (and I have had one cat for 8 years and the other I adopted last year) but I think they’re an odd exception. Most cats do not want to share a litter box.
If a scratching post doesn’t work you can also get those little nail caps that you glue on their claws. It sounds bizarre but they really work. They’re called Soft Claws and have saved my furniture.
Aww, I love that you named your daughter Lily! It’s a really pretty name. And thank you for the tip. Luckily, I’ve lived with cats before and I know how *I* feel about dirty litter boxes, so I am pretty meticulous about cleaning theirs. Perhaps even too meticulous. Not only do I scoop every time there’s something to scoop, but I rinse it out with water every two days. If I weren’t so worried they’d “forget” that it’s their litter box, I’d disinfect it just as often. But I think I’ll start doing that on a weekly basis in another month or so.
May 19th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Awwwwwwwwwww!!!!!
D & I were reunited with our kitteh last night after our honeymoon. Max vacationed with his ‘grandparents’ (my inlaws). D missed him so much while we were away – so adorable! He showed their dog who’s boss.
Awwww.. yay for kitties!
May 19th, 2009 at 6:24 am
Oh, man. Between you and Lilu, I’m totally going to have to adopt kittens in addition to my adult fluffball. Is it possible to drool over another species?
Do it! Do it!! Get another kitty!! It’ll be easy ’cause you already have one!! Haha
May 19th, 2009 at 6:30 am
I would suggest you lock them in the bathroom tonight. Half an hour or so should do it, and you can be in there at the same time playing with them.
Generally, cats should only be going to the bathroom out of the litter box in one of three instances:
Also, re: Hoss’s comment. Although my cats currently share a litter box, this was not always the case: when I had more room, and when they were both new to each other, I had two litter boxes. It could be that your kittens are feeling territorial — sort of like, if you and your roommate were pets in an alien house, and had to share the single twin bed, and your alien owner kept getting upset because she was coming home to find you asleep on the kitchen floor! If closing them in the bathroom doesn’t work, I’d buy a second litter box.
Now that’s a good point I hadn’t fully thought through. So far, everything’s good (for the first time since they’ve been here), which makes me happy. And I actually have three boxes for them, one on each floor. But I wonder if I should maybe get one more really small one for the bathroom on the middle floor? That’s the box they use most often and it’s on the same floor where the accidents have happened.
May 19th, 2009 at 6:32 am
I’ve always been, and always will be a dog person, but those are some damn cute kittens.
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE doggies! When I get my own place and work closer to where I live, I’m getting one. An English Bulldog, at that.
And thank you!! Their cuteness KILLS ME DEAD.
May 19th, 2009 at 6:34 am
I was sneezing just looking at this but they sure are cute.
Silly allergies! And thaaaank you!
May 19th, 2009 at 6:42 am
“Generally, cats should only be going to the bathroom out of the litter box in one of three instances: ”
And I knew I forgot something …
1. Medical issues.
2. Not changing litterbox.
3. LONG absence. (like, couple of days)
“But I wonder if I should maybe get one more really small one for the bathroom on the middle floor? That’s the box they use most often and it’s on the same floor where the accidents have happened.”
Do the cats have trouble getting up stairs? If not, I’d suggest putting two litterboxes in that bathroom, and then maybe one each on the other floors. Usually, though, unless they’re having trouble moving between floors (when very young, or very old), I think just having one bathroom equipped with litter boxes should be enough).
Oooh, that’s fantastical. Because they both get up and down the stairs with ease. So I’m just going to hope for the best that being vigilent is working. I’ve been keeping an eye on Lily and I make sure to TRIPLE clean/disinfect areas where accidents have happened. There’s been no use of the same spot, so I’m thinking that’s a good thing. As in, I’m cleaning it up well. Thank you, Nature’s Miracle.
May 19th, 2009 at 6:45 am
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: PLAYDATE.
(OMG, we are those people…)
We so totally are. And yes, please! Playdate!! OMG, I can’t even think of how nuts it would be. Four balls of energy head-kicking each other w/their hind legs?? It’d be epic.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:11 am
You’d think I could figure out how to work all this into just one comment, instead of spamming your comments — next year? when they’re bigger? and it’s hot out? You’re going to want a really nice vacuum, because those look like some long-haired cats, and mine (short haired!) shed enough in a week to clothe a donkey, so, really? Buy the pet Dyson now. You’reagonnaneedit.
Also: playdates with cats? … expect hissing, scratching, clawing, etc.
One of ‘em is short haired, the other is medium-long haired. I am DEFINITELY investing in a good vaacuum. Whee hoo!
And I bet the kitties would love each other. I’m just sure of it.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Well, fingers crossed, but keep a spray bottle of water close at hand so you can break them up if things turn fighty.
I’m trying to steer clear of the spray bottle approach.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:29 am
CUTE KITTEHS!!!
aw, shucks! thank you!!
May 19th, 2009 at 8:33 am
ok, those pictures and video have totally melted my cold, cat-disliking heart into a puddle of mush.
too cute.
yessssss.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Cutest kittens I’ve ever seen! I’m not even a cat person and I want them.
aww, thank you!
May 19th, 2009 at 8:51 am
*dies*
um, yeah. considering my TWO YEAR OLD cat has recently developed an “accident” problem (which i’m pretty sure is more of a “being an asshole” problem) i’m highly unqualified to offer advice. mine was going to be the 2 litter box one, but i see that’s been covered many times already
*dies more*
gah – I REALLY hope neither of mine do that. aaahh
May 19th, 2009 at 9:05 am
There is something to be said about the awesomeness of having brother and sister cats. They are truly a blessing and so lovey with each other.
Just pray they don’t end up like mine. Joker doesn’t find me necessary unless its to knead my boob and Harley likes to pounce on my head at 4am
They do still cuddle with each other like Tiger and Lily though
I got some cute pictures of that this weekend.
I’ve been working ueber hard at training, so I *hope* things work out properly. I think they might, but there’s just no way to be totally sure.
May 19th, 2009 at 9:19 am
They are so very cute!
well thank you!
May 19th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I love when dogs or cats just go crazy over stuff like that.
me too!
May 19th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Hmm. I’m something of a cat shit expert. I have four cats, all boys, and just one lonely litterbox. Of course, we let them roam our propertai, so they go outside most of the time.
Don’t scoop so much. Let that funkadelic poopy smell call them home for a little white. They shouldn’t have a problem using the same litter. They’re too young for all that territorial bullshit yet, and they’re littermates. They shared the tit, for goodness sake.
Like kiddies, kittens don’t always have good control over their bowels and bladders. My orange tabby wet the bed when he was that age. It will get better, and you’re treating the sites well. If they poo in the floor, I would put both the poo and the kitten in the litterbox. Like, hey, let’s put this where it goes, and next time? You can just go here first!
Last thing- if they were raised on rocks (litter type) and you’ve got them on sand, or vice versa, they may be a little freaked out by it. Texture is very important to cats, because everything is very important to cats, because they are picky little pain in the asses. But they purr and smell like stuffed animals, so no one really complains much.
Now you made some very, very good points. Things I hadn’t even thought of nor read about. I appreciate it!!
May 19th, 2009 at 9:37 am
They are soooooooooo cute. When we stay with LiLu in a few weeks you should bring them for a cat party.
I SO WANT TO! But I’m wwwwwwwwway afraid of lots of stress-induced accidents. Lame. I know.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:35 am
I never understand why people get mushy about babies, but give me kitties or puppies and YEAH BABY! The cute kills me. They are beautiful!
May 19th, 2009 at 10:36 am
I’m not usually into cats, but Lily sure looks cuteeee like an angel..in the form of kitty of course!
Ha! And of course she’s the mischievous one of the two. And I love it. She’s like me.. but in cat form. Oh fuck. I’m turning into the Cat Lady.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Ummm… so my cat never poops or pees inside. Ever. I think he would DIE OF SHAME if anybody ever saw him attend to his toilet-issues. Ergo we have no kitty litter, because he just would NOT use it.
So I really have no suggestions. My cat is a freak.
However, I would like to point out that most kittehs GNAW. My cat went through a teething phase where he pretty much nibbled through every cable in the house. NOT FUN. Watch out for this.
Apart from that… they are GORGEOUS! Congratulations! They clearly get it from you!
Hahaha. You are adorable
May 19th, 2009 at 10:51 am
OMG! So soft and cute! Congrats on your newest additions!:)
Thanks dear!
May 19th, 2009 at 11:01 am
The cuteness makes my heart melt into a puddle of goo too! I love the one where they are hugging each other, too cute!
aww, thanks!
May 19th, 2009 at 11:15 am
i’ll refrain from making a dirty comment about your pussies.
but, they ARE adorable!
but whyyy??? dirty comments about pussies is what makes the world go round
May 19th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Ohmigosh, I love them and want to pet them. Congrats on the new addition to the family
Thank you!
May 19th, 2009 at 11:16 am
OMGPRESH
haha. thanks!!
May 19th, 2009 at 11:25 am
OMG – these little fur balls are too adorable!!
aww, shucks!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
AWww the kitties!! They are too cute.
hee!!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Very cute.
May 19th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
My heart just melted into an Alex Mack-esque puddle.
May 19th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I’m definitely a dog person, but they’re very very very cute. Congrats on your new babies.
May 19th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I am allergic to cats, but i love them to death. I especially enjoyed the video…
May 19th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
aw they are so cute. love it.
May 19th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
They are ADORABLE. What potty troubles are you having?
May 19th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
oh SO cute. They remind me of little Gary when he was a kitten. He’s so big now.
It’s wonderful you have two. Two kittens are always so much happier because they have company. I’ve been thinking of getting a second one but I’m not sure yet. Will have to see.
As for potty training, if you lay sheets of tinfoil in the places they like to go that’s not their litterbox it helps. Cats hate the crinkly tinfoil. Also, if they’re always going in one particular spot can you move their litterbox there to see if they use it? Our Gary came toilet trained even though he was so young so we rarely had that problem.
May 19th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
OMG! Sweetness! And I love their names!
I have two kitties… well, cats now (they’re almost 6)… both girls. I will tell you that I have FOUR litter boxes in my 1100-sq-ft condo b/c one of the girls doesn’t particularly care for her litter box. Everything I read said to have one more litter box than cat (so, for you, three). And, maybe try different litter in each in case it’s the litter that’s causing the issue.
P.S. I am hoping the fact that I have two cats is not the reason I’m still single… just sayin’…
May 20th, 2009 at 3:49 am
They are so adorable! What a lucky mama you are Lily posing for the camera, genius. I cannot wait to see pictures at the meet up next month. Love the video.
Aww.. I won’t be able to make it next month. I have a work conflict.
May 20th, 2009 at 9:11 am
I officially love your kitties! I love cats myself, though I am somewhat allergic to them. Never stops me from hanging out with them, and I really wish I could have one of my own. Someday, maybe.
Aw, well thank you! I love them too.
May 20th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Adorable! Welcome to cat ownership.
I had litter probs at first: they liked the blanket in spare room and used it as a pee pad until I discovered it (argh! Was a gorgeous blanket too). I got a 2nd litter box and that really seemed to help. Only one ‘accident’ since then.
I find that putting the baking soda in there to not only help offset smells, but also makes them want to pee/poop there. At least with my cats… I put the stuff in and they need to assert their ownership over the box by peeing/pooping almost immediately.
Good luck! And post lots of pics, please
Thanks for the tips!! You rule.
May 20th, 2009 at 9:37 am
They are sooooo perfect! I wish I could have kitties too!
The pot issue..hmm, I think the sandbox (they’re like stones actually) is the best idea ever…you have to sit them there, try to make them rub their butts, lol, so that their smell is in there, and if they don’t, then you could (this is gross but works) pick their poopoo (lol) and put it in the box, and take them there once in a while during a day, they will remember afterwards.
I think finally both of ‘em are “in sync” and doing it where it’s supposed to be done. Thankfully.
May 20th, 2009 at 10:38 am
ohmygod, so flipping adorable!
well thank you!!
May 24th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Have to say I approve of their names!
May 27th, 2009 at 12:52 am
Um, can I come and play too?
Please do!
May 27th, 2009 at 5:15 am
I’m late but I absolutely love kittehs! I have one, but two would be twice as nice. Good luck with the potty issue. I trained my first cat using a stuffed animal that looked like her and demonstrating that after the “cat” ate it went straight ot the litter box, which I was told should be placed directly across the room from the food. Hope you figured it out!
I think we’re golden these days! They’ve not had many accidents, except for the one other time on the couch — which I suspect is from having done it before and the smell attracting ‘em to do it again. I thought I’d cleaned it well enough. But I was wrong. It’s better now though.
May 30th, 2009 at 7:25 am
I want. Want want want. Hi! They’re so cute! I love kitties. I’m so happy to be home and able to play with my own kitties.