What is “miaulement”? + a new Paris tip on what to see in the city!

Ile st. louis in Paris, at the fleuriste's (c) Kristin Espinasse

Thank you for the generous "welcome back" following Wednesday's post. I am touched to the core–or coeur–by your encouraging words and warm reception! These flowers are for you, en vous remerciant! Picture taken in Ile Saint Louis, Paris.

le miaulement

 

    : miaowing (or le cri du chat)

Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's word: Download MP3 or Wav file

Depuis le couloir, j'ai entendu le miaulement des chatons.
From the hallway, I heard the miaowing of kittens. 

A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse

"The Scoop"

Before I tell you what happened during my one-month sabbatical, I should tell you what happened just before it.

Cat litter. Cat litter happened.

Three days before my one-month departure we were a family of 6: four humans, two dogs. But in the early hours of November 4th–when the moon was high over the Mediterranean Sea and all the valley lay sleeping–our son smuggled home a kitty.

As I lie there in bed oblivious to the goings-on, Max came into my room. Speaking in hushed tones he informed me he had a Christmas present for Papa.

"But it's November, Max! Noël is next month."

"Yes, but they'll be out of stock by the holidays…" With that our 18-year-old motioned for me to follow him up to his sister's room.

Opening the bedroom door I saw my daughter's tousled hair. The rest of her was hiding behind a sheet. As Jackie lowered the drap I saw a second outline: that of a perky-eared interloper. 

kitty, bowtie, white socks, minou, kitten (c) Kristin Espinasse

Meet Pancho…

"You guys, no! No, no, no!" This was no time to take on a cat–not even an especially cute one with its natural bow-tie and white socks.  No…. But the miaulement of the fragile creature had my heart saying YES.

Meantime, three precious days remained in which to check off my To-Do list. There were a lot of loose ends to tie up before my one month absence. Already I fretted about household management–how would the kids and the dogs fare while we were away? And now a 6-week-old kitten!

True, Jean-Marc would return the week after the Seine to Normandy cruise—but I would be away for the month. Sure, my husband could take over on his return, but would everything run smoothly without the woman with the measuring stick? (Who would correctly measure the dog–and cat–food? Who would verify water bowl level? "You know," I kept reminding everyone. "An animal can go without food–but NOT without water!" I said this just to drive home the point–of course an animal needed la nourriture, too!)

"Look, I think it is best that we take the kitten when Papa and I return from our trip. Besides, it is only 6 weeks old–it needs another two weeks of mother's milk!"

Alas, it was too late. The kitten's mom had washed her paws of the responsibility. She was already out hustling on the streets again. And this was out of my control–but I could take responsibility for a kitten. It would need to be neutered, for one…. 

My pre-sabbatical To-Do list grew. Only now priorities were re-arranged: instead of a suitcase belt (sorely needed for my torn valise), "kitty milk" now topped the chart.  As count-down to departure loomed, I could be found whiling away the minutes in the supermarket Pets aisle. We needed infant formula for chatons and  kitty litter. But which kind of each? (There were several to choose from!) It was easy to linger among pet paraphernalia when my eyes caught on non-essentials like the jingle-bell collar (the green one or the red one?), or the jouets (the felt mouse or the plastic jingle ball). I didn't dare consider the cat skyscraper. Gosh no!). I grabbed the inexpensive toys. Tossing them in my caddy, I told myself I would deal with my husband's reaction later!  

Though I wanted our kitty to feel comfortable and to meet all its needs, I had my doubts about how this would all work out. Sure, the kids were motivated now. But would they really keep up their end of the kitty-litter/feeding agreement? And what about family vacations–already a tricky situation when it comes to pet care.

Mostly I wondered if we were capable of giving another living, breathing soul the attention and care it deserved. And what about the little creature's safety? After posting a photo of our adoptee on Facebook, a commenter wrote in: Please make sure he's an in-door cat. You will triple his life-span. 

Could we make sure? Were we willing and able to watch all the doors and windows… when in summertime we live les portes ouverts, or "doors open"? Besides, did I really agree with indoor cat philosophy? It had a kind of Stepford Wives feel about it: eerie and unnatural. To never feel growing grass beneath one's paws–to live in a contained world–that's no life for a cat!

But what do I know? Inexperienced, I would have to develop my cat philosophy and opinions along the way.  

And it looks like there will be plenty of experience to be had. Returning home from my sabbatical, groggy from jetlag, I tripped over a basket. 

"Oh, hello you!" I said, greeting our little minou.

That's when I heard not one miaulament…. but two!

(To be continued)

1-DSC_0318

The pillow reads "Love you more." It's a gift I brought back for Jean-Marc. That's Pancho (beside ol' Mr Sacks), and do you see something under the couch? Surprised me too! Meet Lily, Pancho's sister. She's a calico.


Do you have any cat tips for me? Any ideas for a waste management system for those kitty crottes? How to control litterbox odor? Is your cat an indoor or outdoor cat? Declawed or not? Homemade cat toy ideas? Click here to answer or to see other cat tips.

French christmas music
Everyone loves this holiday CD! Listen to A French Christmas and "Mon Beau Sapin", "Saint Nuit", "La Marche des Rois", "Petite Ville Bethléem", "Il est né Le Divin Enfant". Order CD here. 

If you liked the LOVE YOU MORE pillow, pictured with above, you can order one here (great gift!)

French Vocabulary

le coeur = heart
la nourriture
= food
la valise = bag, suitcase
le chaton = kitty
le jouet = toy
le minou = kitty

Ile Saint Louis and a brasserie (c) Kristin Espinasse
More photos of Paris, where our cruise began. This is the entrance to Ile Saint Louis.

Shakespeare and Company bookshop (c) Kristin Espinasse
I took my friend Linda to a favorite Paris haunt. 

5-DSC_0013
You don't have to be fancy or elegant to fit in in Paris. You'll still look charming.

street scene in Paris 5th arrondissement (c) Kristin Espinasse
Something about this soft-spoken bouquet, set on a modest table with its own cloth. Can the eyes ever tire of these scenes? To comment on this post, click here.

What to Do in Paris? I don't want to forget this latest tip by Lanier. This one's going on my bucket list!

They are now offering a guided tour of the kitchen gardens at Versailles which are run by the national School of horticulture. There aren't nearly the crowds you find at Versailles and you will see possibly every form of espallier known to mankind. It really is a worthwhile outing made even better by the lovely folks at la Cuisine Paris.  Posted by: Lanier Cordell

Thanks, Lanier! And for more tips on what to do in Paris, click here. (There are two pages of comments, so when you get to the end of the first page, click the link beneath the last tip to get to the next page.)


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176 thoughts on “What is “miaulement”? + a new Paris tip on what to see in the city!”

  1. Welcome back, Kristin!
    I MISSED you and your lovely writing(not to mention the pictures!). And now we are all racing to Christmas. In between all the cat and dog and kid excitement, please make sure you relax and enjoy the season!
    Amicalement,
    Alyssa

  2. Welcome back, Kristin!
    I MISSED you and your lovely writing(not to mention the pictures!). And now we are all racing to Christmas. In between all the cat and dog and kid excitement, please make sure you relax and enjoy the season!
    Amicalement,
    Alyssa

  3. Please, please, please keep your kitty inside. It will be healthier and will live longer. Even if it begs to go out, keep it in. After all, you are bigger, and your will should win out.

  4. Please, please, please keep your kitty inside. It will be healthier and will live longer. Even if it begs to go out, keep it in. After all, you are bigger, and your will should win out.

  5. Congratulations on the new family members. As a cat lover who’s lived with cats most of her life, I would say please don’t keep them indoors. I quite agree with your feelings. The answer, in my opinion, is a cat flap. I have one in my kitchen door which my cat uses to come and go as she wants to – and she’s now 15 years old.

  6. Congratulations on the new family members. As a cat lover who’s lived with cats most of her life, I would say please don’t keep them indoors. I quite agree with your feelings. The answer, in my opinion, is a cat flap. I have one in my kitchen door which my cat uses to come and go as she wants to – and she’s now 15 years old.

  7. My neice sent me the “love you more” pillow last Christmas. So great because we are always trying to “out-love” each other with that phrase. The kitten pic is adorable, with itty bitty Lily peaking out beneath the chair! I must have missed something- where were you for 3weeks? I know we were left bereft (of our French connection), but did not know your sabbatical took you to…

  8. My neice sent me the “love you more” pillow last Christmas. So great because we are always trying to “out-love” each other with that phrase. The kitten pic is adorable, with itty bitty Lily peaking out beneath the chair! I must have missed something- where were you for 3weeks? I know we were left bereft (of our French connection), but did not know your sabbatical took you to…

  9. Welcome back to you and your expanding family!
    As for kitties indoor or out, well most cats will do whatever they please.
    After I rescued a half drowned kitten, our vet explained that an indoor cat’s life would be far longer and an outdoor cat’s life would be about 3 years. Since, I had just pulled him out of a ditch filled with water I figured he was living on borrowed time anyway. I vowed he would live a pampered indoor life but his piteous yowling to be outside proved otherwise. After 18 years he is still happy and healthy. Good luck with the kitties.

  10. Welcome back to you and your expanding family!
    As for kitties indoor or out, well most cats will do whatever they please.
    After I rescued a half drowned kitten, our vet explained that an indoor cat’s life would be far longer and an outdoor cat’s life would be about 3 years. Since, I had just pulled him out of a ditch filled with water I figured he was living on borrowed time anyway. I vowed he would live a pampered indoor life but his piteous yowling to be outside proved otherwise. After 18 years he is still happy and healthy. Good luck with the kitties.

  11. Hi Kristin,
    Yes, welcome back and welcome to the new family additions.
    We use clear plastic liners bought in among other places, Carrefour and then it is much easier to dispose of the litter when needed.
    We have had cats for over 40 years and currently have only one, a Korat aged 17.5 and we love her very much. All our cats have always been allowed outside of their own free will with the use of a chatiere. Most of our cats have wanted to use a litter box, especially the girls. Until 11 years ago we lived in London and we brought 3 cats with us of whom “Nanny” is the last as we never leave her alone if we go away and it can become very complicated for us, arranging a temporary carer.
    It most definitely should be the job of Max and Jackie to be the litter-tray monitors!
    Thanks for the great posts!

  12. Hi Kristin,
    Yes, welcome back and welcome to the new family additions.
    We use clear plastic liners bought in among other places, Carrefour and then it is much easier to dispose of the litter when needed.
    We have had cats for over 40 years and currently have only one, a Korat aged 17.5 and we love her very much. All our cats have always been allowed outside of their own free will with the use of a chatiere. Most of our cats have wanted to use a litter box, especially the girls. Until 11 years ago we lived in London and we brought 3 cats with us of whom “Nanny” is the last as we never leave her alone if we go away and it can become very complicated for us, arranging a temporary carer.
    It most definitely should be the job of Max and Jackie to be the litter-tray monitors!
    Thanks for the great posts!

  13. Welcome back, Kristin! I didn’t know how much I missed you until I read this morning’s charming post. Two gorgeous dogs and now two adorable cats. That’s my idea of heaven on earth! What do Braise and Smokey think of their new family members?Over the years we have had dogs and cats (only one at a time though) and loved them all. Right now we have a 12 year old cat we adopted from our local Humane Society when she was 6 year old. The family who had her before had to give her up due to allergies. Her front paws had been declawed at some time so of course she is an indoor cat. We have always kept our animals in or on a leash. Our very first dog was killed by a car early in the morning when we let her run. That was a heartbreaking lesson for us to learn. Peace from Lee Mears in Bradenton, FL.

  14. Welcome back, Kristin! I didn’t know how much I missed you until I read this morning’s charming post. Two gorgeous dogs and now two adorable cats. That’s my idea of heaven on earth! What do Braise and Smokey think of their new family members?Over the years we have had dogs and cats (only one at a time though) and loved them all. Right now we have a 12 year old cat we adopted from our local Humane Society when she was 6 year old. The family who had her before had to give her up due to allergies. Her front paws had been declawed at some time so of course she is an indoor cat. We have always kept our animals in or on a leash. Our very first dog was killed by a car early in the morning when we let her run. That was a heartbreaking lesson for us to learn. Peace from Lee Mears in Bradenton, FL.

  15. To stop cat litter box/tray odour, feed biscuits that contain chicory (GoCat Indoor). It’s amazing – no smells.
    Our Lulu is a house cat -she watches the birds through the window…..and we are sure of her safety. If you must let cats out, please NOT at night.

  16. To stop cat litter box/tray odour, feed biscuits that contain chicory (GoCat Indoor). It’s amazing – no smells.
    Our Lulu is a house cat -she watches the birds through the window…..and we are sure of her safety. If you must let cats out, please NOT at night.

  17. Hi Kristin,
    I’m wondering what Braise and Smokey think about these two new fur balls. I think the kitty door is a good idea. My brother in-law has one for his cats but a raccoon decided he/she would use it too! Imagine waking up to a raccoon in your kitchen!

  18. Hi Kristin,
    I’m wondering what Braise and Smokey think about these two new fur balls. I think the kitty door is a good idea. My brother in-law has one for his cats but a raccoon decided he/she would use it too! Imagine waking up to a raccoon in your kitchen!

  19. my darling calico, MUSHY FARRENKOPF, is both an indoor AND outdoor cat, depending on the season (she doesn’t enjoy cold weather either, just like me!) ~ to combat any catbox odor, i use an UNSCENTED cat litter (the perfumes used to scent these products are worse than the natural cat odor!) and i make sure to SCOOP OUT THE TURDS, ETC. EVERY SINGLE DAY. i keep the small plastic bags from my fruits and veggies close by, and empty the turds into one of those bags until ready for disposal. good luck with your two darling chats ~ they will provide much love, laughter and comfort through the years!

  20. my darling calico, MUSHY FARRENKOPF, is both an indoor AND outdoor cat, depending on the season (she doesn’t enjoy cold weather either, just like me!) ~ to combat any catbox odor, i use an UNSCENTED cat litter (the perfumes used to scent these products are worse than the natural cat odor!) and i make sure to SCOOP OUT THE TURDS, ETC. EVERY SINGLE DAY. i keep the small plastic bags from my fruits and veggies close by, and empty the turds into one of those bags until ready for disposal. good luck with your two darling chats ~ they will provide much love, laughter and comfort through the years!

  21. I have no words of wisdom about cats. One reason I would advocate an indoor cat, though, is that they are known to have a significant impact on songbird population. It’s a huge problem in the UK.
    How did you get such great pictures in Paris? The one day I was there before the cruise it was all rain and little inspired my photography. We just wanted to hurry back to our great hotel room and get dry and warm.

  22. I have no words of wisdom about cats. One reason I would advocate an indoor cat, though, is that they are known to have a significant impact on songbird population. It’s a huge problem in the UK.
    How did you get such great pictures in Paris? The one day I was there before the cruise it was all rain and little inspired my photography. We just wanted to hurry back to our great hotel room and get dry and warm.

  23. Welcome back! Love the photo of the new kitty,I have 8 cats, all rescues. Re: declawing, please don’t do it. People think it’s no big deal and that’s not true. It doesn’t just remove the claw, it’s a surgical procedure that removes a lot of tissue, causes nerve damage and many cats experience a lifetime of pain. I think declawing is banned in the UK and some states are banning it here. My cats are all indoor cats, it’s much safer. Plus, don’t you have some rather vicious dogs living near you? I think you said they attacked Smokey one time.
    Loved your Paris photos!

  24. Welcome back! Love the photo of the new kitty,I have 8 cats, all rescues. Re: declawing, please don’t do it. People think it’s no big deal and that’s not true. It doesn’t just remove the claw, it’s a surgical procedure that removes a lot of tissue, causes nerve damage and many cats experience a lifetime of pain. I think declawing is banned in the UK and some states are banning it here. My cats are all indoor cats, it’s much safer. Plus, don’t you have some rather vicious dogs living near you? I think you said they attacked Smokey one time.
    Loved your Paris photos!

  25. Welcome back Kristin! I have long wanted to write comments about your wonderful articles but have never had the guts, as we would say. But now that you have kittens I have a lot to say on the subject. Congratulations on the new darlings! If you are thinking of declawing I beg you not to. It is like removing the top digit of your finger, nail bone and all. And should you decide to let the kittens outside they would definitely be in need of their claws. That said, I am a strong advocate for indoor only kitties. Like some have mentioned, it does lengthen their life. It also keeps them from killing birds and other creatures, which when eaten can then give your kitties some nasty tummy troubles, the results of which you will not enjoy having to clean up after!! Inside, they also stand less of a chance of getting ticks and fleas etc. Lastly, remember what happened when your sweet puppy wandered away and was attacked by other dogs, that was horrible.
    As for litter, I prefer clumping litter, it’s easier to clean up and the old adage “you get what you pay for” is true, the better brands usually have better odor control. Your new kittens are quite beautiful and will bring you so much joy! There is nothing quite like a warm, purring kitten snuggling in your arms! And having two is perfect so they can play together whenever they want! Please let us know what you’ve named them! And many congratulations! 🐱🐱🐱

  26. Welcome back Kristin! I have long wanted to write comments about your wonderful articles but have never had the guts, as we would say. But now that you have kittens I have a lot to say on the subject. Congratulations on the new darlings! If you are thinking of declawing I beg you not to. It is like removing the top digit of your finger, nail bone and all. And should you decide to let the kittens outside they would definitely be in need of their claws. That said, I am a strong advocate for indoor only kitties. Like some have mentioned, it does lengthen their life. It also keeps them from killing birds and other creatures, which when eaten can then give your kitties some nasty tummy troubles, the results of which you will not enjoy having to clean up after!! Inside, they also stand less of a chance of getting ticks and fleas etc. Lastly, remember what happened when your sweet puppy wandered away and was attacked by other dogs, that was horrible.
    As for litter, I prefer clumping litter, it’s easier to clean up and the old adage “you get what you pay for” is true, the better brands usually have better odor control. Your new kittens are quite beautiful and will bring you so much joy! There is nothing quite like a warm, purring kitten snuggling in your arms! And having two is perfect so they can play together whenever they want! Please let us know what you’ve named them! And many congratulations! 🐱🐱🐱

  27. Hi Kristen,
    Declawing is inhumane. It removes a joint, like amputating your first finger joint. If the kittens ever get out, they will not be able to protect themselves plus declawing throuws off their balance. I have 2 of the little furry guys- I’m what they call a “failed foster kitty parent”. Couldn’t bear to let the little fur balls go after 6 weeks of fostering. They are the loves of my life!

  28. Hi Kristen,
    Declawing is inhumane. It removes a joint, like amputating your first finger joint. If the kittens ever get out, they will not be able to protect themselves plus declawing throuws off their balance. I have 2 of the little furry guys- I’m what they call a “failed foster kitty parent”. Couldn’t bear to let the little fur balls go after 6 weeks of fostering. They are the loves of my life!

  29. PS. I made a screened 10 x 12 x 6 kennel for my guys so we could sit and feel the breezes. I read with a kitten on watch and a kitten on my lap purring. Ocassionally, they change places. I intend to have my large deck converted into a screened in porch in the spring, but for now, the kennel I made will suffice.

  30. PS. I made a screened 10 x 12 x 6 kennel for my guys so we could sit and feel the breezes. I read with a kitten on watch and a kitten on my lap purring. Ocassionally, they change places. I intend to have my large deck converted into a screened in porch in the spring, but for now, the kennel I made will suffice.

  31. Hello Kristin!
    Soooo good to hear from you again! I missed your stories and pictures a lot!
    Cats are cats and.. I guess little Pancho will enjoy climbing up the trees or chasing mice in the garden! (he will be so proud to bring them to you as a present!)
    His two new dog friends will take care of him for sure! Golden retrievers are so protective I am sure they already love their new kitty friend!

  32. Hello Kristin!
    Soooo good to hear from you again! I missed your stories and pictures a lot!
    Cats are cats and.. I guess little Pancho will enjoy climbing up the trees or chasing mice in the garden! (he will be so proud to bring them to you as a present!)
    His two new dog friends will take care of him for sure! Golden retrievers are so protective I am sure they already love their new kitty friend!

  33. Welcome back. Cat advice: No declawing if an outdoor cat, and the latest methods do not remove a joint as stated above, but that is just common sense. My last cat was born in my house, went out every day and lived to be more than 18 years old. He probably would have lived longer but he inherited a propensity to kidney failure from his dear, sweet mother who showed up at our door carrying a secret (just one). We have had cats over the 45 years of our marriage and they have done pretty much whatever they pleased and lived a long happy life. With the litter box you just have to be diligent and scoop it often. If they go outside you won’t have to worry about it anyway, they prefer the privacy of the outdoors. Good luck!

  34. Welcome back. Cat advice: No declawing if an outdoor cat, and the latest methods do not remove a joint as stated above, but that is just common sense. My last cat was born in my house, went out every day and lived to be more than 18 years old. He probably would have lived longer but he inherited a propensity to kidney failure from his dear, sweet mother who showed up at our door carrying a secret (just one). We have had cats over the 45 years of our marriage and they have done pretty much whatever they pleased and lived a long happy life. With the litter box you just have to be diligent and scoop it often. If they go outside you won’t have to worry about it anyway, they prefer the privacy of the outdoors. Good luck!

  35. I’m glad you are back, too, and with new family members to enjoy and love. You have many useful pieces of advice, but I must add, spay and neuter your kitties as soon as they are old enough. It is the kindest thing for all.

  36. I’m glad you are back, too, and with new family members to enjoy and love. You have many useful pieces of advice, but I must add, spay and neuter your kitties as soon as they are old enough. It is the kindest thing for all.

  37. Kristin, I am thrilled you have returned to us!
    Enjoy your new cats. Don’t let anyone guilt you one way or the other. My cats have been indoor/outdoor for years and all have lived into their late teens.
    I have heard one old wife’s tale that before you let them out you should wipe their paws with butter as you sit on the front steps of your house. Hold them. By the time they have licked off the butter, they have the scent of the house and know where they live.
    Alanna
    PS As you live in a more rural setting, I suspect your cats will become great mousers!

  38. Kristin, I am thrilled you have returned to us!
    Enjoy your new cats. Don’t let anyone guilt you one way or the other. My cats have been indoor/outdoor for years and all have lived into their late teens.
    I have heard one old wife’s tale that before you let them out you should wipe their paws with butter as you sit on the front steps of your house. Hold them. By the time they have licked off the butter, they have the scent of the house and know where they live.
    Alanna
    PS As you live in a more rural setting, I suspect your cats will become great mousers!

  39. I was so glad to see the return of your blog in my Dec.4 inbox. I realized how much I missed not only the French vocabulary, but also the stories about les enfants, la maison, et les chiens. And now les chats!!
    Looking forward to stories about your menagerie!

  40. I was so glad to see the return of your blog in my Dec.4 inbox. I realized how much I missed not only the French vocabulary, but also the stories about les enfants, la maison, et les chiens. And now les chats!!
    Looking forward to stories about your menagerie!

  41. Welcome back, and welcome the kitties! While it’s true that urban indoor cats live longer, your less-urban setting changes the equation somewhat. Do what works for you and them!

  42. Welcome back, and welcome the kitties! While it’s true that urban indoor cats live longer, your less-urban setting changes the equation somewhat. Do what works for you and them!

  43. OK, I’ve owned cats for 30 years and I work with a cat rescue group so here’s the scoop. I love the way that 2nd kitty snuck in and I think you must keep her. I mean look at that face!
    There are 2 schools of thought on the indoor/outdoor thing. I’m for the outdoor–too mean to keep them in, unless you’re on a busy street. BUT I put a bell collar on my cat, and that works for the birds (but not the mice, or baby birds). BE SURE you have a collar that is BOTH all elastic AND has a break-away catch, you can find them on Amazon or other sites. You will need a litter box either way–clumping litter is the only way to go. they won’t use it unless they’re sick or get stuck in the house too long. DO NOT de-claw! Too cruel and they can NEVER go outside after that. Cats need mostly wet food, not dry, and cream, not milk, as a treat. Cat doors are great but get one you can lock when you need to and be aware other cats (or animals!) can use it. You can get one that responds only to a chip that the vet puts under the skin, that’s best. I’ve never had a cat door though. Bon courage and you are going to LOVE those darling babies! email me anytime with questions, I’ve been through it all. And welcome back! xxoo Lynn

  44. OK, I’ve owned cats for 30 years and I work with a cat rescue group so here’s the scoop. I love the way that 2nd kitty snuck in and I think you must keep her. I mean look at that face!
    There are 2 schools of thought on the indoor/outdoor thing. I’m for the outdoor–too mean to keep them in, unless you’re on a busy street. BUT I put a bell collar on my cat, and that works for the birds (but not the mice, or baby birds). BE SURE you have a collar that is BOTH all elastic AND has a break-away catch, you can find them on Amazon or other sites. You will need a litter box either way–clumping litter is the only way to go. they won’t use it unless they’re sick or get stuck in the house too long. DO NOT de-claw! Too cruel and they can NEVER go outside after that. Cats need mostly wet food, not dry, and cream, not milk, as a treat. Cat doors are great but get one you can lock when you need to and be aware other cats (or animals!) can use it. You can get one that responds only to a chip that the vet puts under the skin, that’s best. I’ve never had a cat door though. Bon courage and you are going to LOVE those darling babies! email me anytime with questions, I’ve been through it all. And welcome back! xxoo Lynn

  45. Kristen…you were gone for a month? Tempus fugit.
    You found le Navigator. Been a favo of mine for ages.
    Next time Le Languedoc on bd de Porte-Royal…red chequered tablecloths and the best confit de canard on the planet.
    indoor-outdoor — let the chat decide
    declawed — NEVER
    toys — never buy em. take a yardstick (or meterstick, tie a meter of string with a knot on the end, dangle it in front of les petites, and you’re in for a barrel of fun. Or take a laser pointer and bounce it nearby and the chase is on

  46. Kristen…you were gone for a month? Tempus fugit.
    You found le Navigator. Been a favo of mine for ages.
    Next time Le Languedoc on bd de Porte-Royal…red chequered tablecloths and the best confit de canard on the planet.
    indoor-outdoor — let the chat decide
    declawed — NEVER
    toys — never buy em. take a yardstick (or meterstick, tie a meter of string with a knot on the end, dangle it in front of les petites, and you’re in for a barrel of fun. Or take a laser pointer and bounce it nearby and the chase is on

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