Question for the Cat Lovers on the board...

[Raevengeance]

When I move into my own place, I'm thinking of getting a cat - but not really sure...just wondering a few things while I try to decide.
:wondering: :wondering:

How hard are they too train to use the litterbox?
Is it easy to leave them home alone for a few days if I were to take a short vacay?There may be more later - but thanks in advance for helping :D

[Leslie]

It's not hard to train them. Just make sure to be aware when they are about to do their business. When we first got Andy he almost did his business on the floor but I quickly put him in the litterbox. After that he knew where to go. Just make sure you show them where it's at and all.

When Luis and I go to his mothers - we leave Andy extra water and food. It all depends on how long the vacay is for. I think there's a food dispenser device that you can buy.

[Raevengeance]

thankies

[LuvLachey]

I used to have a cat back when I was in college and I left the cat alone for up to 2 days if I went away for the weekend or something. I think anymore than that you should have someone at least drop in every other day and feed him/her and give them some attention. Cats are independant but they can feel abandoned too!

[Raevengeance]

I very seldom go for more than like a weekend , but thanks for the info :)

[a7xnsl98d]

We always leave out extra food and water for Boris and Neko when we go away, the longest we left them for was 4 days, and Bo was clingy when we returned, but things were ok. The litterbox was pitched, but all else was fine! I always leave a radio on really low for them to have some kind of "voice". I've learned that country isn't their fave as the house was trashed in just 2 days. So now it's DC101, which is rock! LOL

As to training, our two were easy! Neko was dumped in the box when he came in the door, it was the first thing he saw, and Boris was previously trained as he was a rescue kitty from the shelter.

[kris]

Well I have 3 cats, 2 of them I have had since I was little (15yrs). But I have always litter box trained my cats by taking there front 2 paws and scratching them in the litter box, normally it only takes a 1 time deal and they are trained. Cats are very easy to look after, and take care of. My cats are like my kids, I love them lots..

[Raevengeance]

Thanks Kris & Tasha :)

[Addictedtonick]

I've had 3 cats and never had to train them. I just put the litter box out there and they knew what to do- and I got them all as little kittens. The one thing we did to train our cat to keep off the kitchen counters was to squirt her a little with a water bottle and say "No"- we only had to squirt her 3 times and she's never been on the counter since- it's been 5 years now!
We've left her for a week but had someone check on her 2x that week. Cats are pretty self sufficent, much easier than dogs, in my opinion! You can't leave a dog alone for very long!!

[Lindsey Lou]

I've had, and still have cats. If you get more than one cat, however, make sure they have they're own litter boxes otherwise you'll come home to some nice surprises!!!! Yeah, that's not the fun part!! Cat's are so funny just to watch!!

[Raevengeance]

Thank you gals :)

I appreciate the help with the research before I do anything. And Linds - it'll be a smallish apartment - I'm not gonna get more than one kitty cat. I just need something to help keep me company when I'm on my own.

[Lindsey Lou]

hmm... maybe someone will come for a visit... I wonder who... Lol

[Raevengeance]

LOL Linds

When I get my own place (and a new bed) there will be room for guests - and if they happen to come from the Milwaukee area - that's alright ;) LOL

[Lindsey Lou]

Hehe. Since I live the closester than anyone else on the board to you! ;-)

[Raevengeance]

LOL - but I might convince my sisser dear (Mz. Izz) to come visit me :p

[Lindsey Lou]

Hehe Well that'd be awesomerer!! Lol