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.
: 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.
"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)
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.
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
More photos of Paris, where our cruise began. This is the entrance to Ile Saint Louis.
I took my friend Linda to a favorite Paris haunt.
You don't have to be fancy or elegant to fit in in Paris. You'll still look charming.
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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Kristin:
Lovely photos of Paris. I’d love to see the newly renovated Picasso Museum and on a more sober note the Jewish Museum in the Marias District is worth a trip.
As to your kitties, I don’t recommend declawing which is cruel. We had a beautiful Abyssinian cat who was declawed and she was very neurotic. Please neuter your cats. We love them but we don’t want to see so many feral cats leading short and desperate lives. Keep them inside if you can, but if you’ve got a safe place outdoor, let them out when possible. You can use old newspaper in you litter boxes. You might need to have one for each cat or a couple in different places.
Good luck and Joyeux Noel.
Edie from Savannah
Kristin:
Lovely photos of Paris. I’d love to see the newly renovated Picasso Museum and on a more sober note the Jewish Museum in the Marias District is worth a trip.
As to your kitties, I don’t recommend declawing which is cruel. We had a beautiful Abyssinian cat who was declawed and she was very neurotic. Please neuter your cats. We love them but we don’t want to see so many feral cats leading short and desperate lives. Keep them inside if you can, but if you’ve got a safe place outdoor, let them out when possible. You can use old newspaper in you litter boxes. You might need to have one for each cat or a couple in different places.
Good luck and Joyeux Noel.
Edie from Savannah
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I love it — 2 dogs and 2 kittens. Your kids have good hearts – just like their mom! I have always had indoor cats —- but see what works. They usually have a longer life span than outdoor cats.
Thanks again! I woke up to snow on the Oregon coast and your FWAD really put some warmth in my bones & heart!
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I love it — 2 dogs and 2 kittens. Your kids have good hearts – just like their mom! I have always had indoor cats —- but see what works. They usually have a longer life span than outdoor cats.
Thanks again! I woke up to snow on the Oregon coast and your FWAD really put some warmth in my bones & heart!
Kristin: The Navigator is one of our favorite restaurants in Paris, having been recommended by a local many years ago. They have a resident cat (and dog) and you can usually see the cat sitting right out front ! I will send a picture if I can find it.
With kindest regards,
Mary Iturrioz
California
Kristin: The Navigator is one of our favorite restaurants in Paris, having been recommended by a local many years ago. They have a resident cat (and dog) and you can usually see the cat sitting right out front ! I will send a picture if I can find it.
With kindest regards,
Mary Iturrioz
California
Hi Kristin, I’m so glad you had a good holiday.
The kittens are, of course, adorable. In Victoria, British Columbia, birds are the issue regarding cats. We have always had cats, at one point 4 kids and 5 cats on a subdivision lot. The answer to the bird issue is a ‘bib’ . Our current young cat, now we are reduced to two of us and one cat, took to the bib very well. We use a small cat-harness and the bib, made of a light weight neoprene, slides over the neck portion of the harness. It can go on a collar, but we found the collars can pull off over the cat’s head, which can not happen with the harness. (CatBib ™) is made in Oregon, I think. Sold here in ‘Birder’s’ stores.
We have ‘cat-doors’ making it possible for the cat to be as free as he likes. After attempts at keeping cats indoors over the years, this is the solution.
If you are worried about leaving the cats while you go away, there are people who will ‘cat-sit’ for you.Offer your home to the right people, in exchange for cat-sitting and you’d be giving them a holiday along with yours. We have done this for apartment-living friends who love being here in our home and garden with the pets.
I hope this helps you make a decision. Have fun getting to know CATS! Diana
Hi Kristin, I’m so glad you had a good holiday.
The kittens are, of course, adorable. In Victoria, British Columbia, birds are the issue regarding cats. We have always had cats, at one point 4 kids and 5 cats on a subdivision lot. The answer to the bird issue is a ‘bib’ . Our current young cat, now we are reduced to two of us and one cat, took to the bib very well. We use a small cat-harness and the bib, made of a light weight neoprene, slides over the neck portion of the harness. It can go on a collar, but we found the collars can pull off over the cat’s head, which can not happen with the harness. (CatBib ™) is made in Oregon, I think. Sold here in ‘Birder’s’ stores.
We have ‘cat-doors’ making it possible for the cat to be as free as he likes. After attempts at keeping cats indoors over the years, this is the solution.
If you are worried about leaving the cats while you go away, there are people who will ‘cat-sit’ for you.Offer your home to the right people, in exchange for cat-sitting and you’d be giving them a holiday along with yours. We have done this for apartment-living friends who love being here in our home and garden with the pets.
I hope this helps you make a decision. Have fun getting to know CATS! Diana
What a sweet little kitten! Yes, cats do live longer if kept inside. Our white cat, Blue, just passed this Fall – he was 18 years old. I let him out through the summer as he loved to sleep in the lillies under a little redbud tree but he picked up a lot of fleas from cats already roaming free out there. Still tackling those fleas with my little Papillon dog Jasper. What a pain! As long as you treat for fleas and diseases, they can go outside. Farms have barn cats who do double duty.
What a sweet little kitten! Yes, cats do live longer if kept inside. Our white cat, Blue, just passed this Fall – he was 18 years old. I let him out through the summer as he loved to sleep in the lillies under a little redbud tree but he picked up a lot of fleas from cats already roaming free out there. Still tackling those fleas with my little Papillon dog Jasper. What a pain! As long as you treat for fleas and diseases, they can go outside. Farms have barn cats who do double duty.
I can imagine you will have an ABUNDANCE of cat advice, so I don’t think I’ll need to add mine. Just enjoy them! xoNancy
I can imagine you will have an ABUNDANCE of cat advice, so I don’t think I’ll need to add mine. Just enjoy them! xoNancy
Pancho is adorable and is the calico, Lily? Calicos are may favorite. They will have lots of fun in your home. Love the photos and recognized a brasserie in which I have eaten several times on Ile Saint Louis.
Pancho is adorable and is the calico, Lily? Calicos are may favorite. They will have lots of fun in your home. Love the photos and recognized a brasserie in which I have eaten several times on Ile Saint Louis.
If you have not seen the “Gregory, il a fait boum” scene in Truffaut’s “Argent de Poche,” (with a kitty who goes out the window first), it’s classic. I think that if you like to have your doors and windows open, there is no way you will be able to keep your kitties inside. But if you are outside a lot, they will stay close. We have a dog and cat, and they get along great. Enjoy!
Joan L
If you have not seen the “Gregory, il a fait boum” scene in Truffaut’s “Argent de Poche,” (with a kitty who goes out the window first), it’s classic. I think that if you like to have your doors and windows open, there is no way you will be able to keep your kitties inside. But if you are outside a lot, they will stay close. We have a dog and cat, and they get along great. Enjoy!
Joan L
Hi Kristin!
So glad to see you back. I’m laughing to myself about these photos because you’ve shared one of a “my” florist from when I lived on Île Saint-Louis, and I feel like I’m seeing it for the first time! All the times I have bought flowers there, shot photos of it, and just admired it, I’ve never noticed the window above it.
And I love that you shared a photo of Le Navigator, because I just happened to take a photo there the other day – with a couple kissing in front. <3
Looking forward to hearing about your November.
Julia
Hi Kristin!
So glad to see you back. I’m laughing to myself about these photos because you’ve shared one of a “my” florist from when I lived on Île Saint-Louis, and I feel like I’m seeing it for the first time! All the times I have bought flowers there, shot photos of it, and just admired it, I’ve never noticed the window above it.
And I love that you shared a photo of Le Navigator, because I just happened to take a photo there the other day – with a couple kissing in front. <3
Looking forward to hearing about your November.
Julia
I am heavily in favor of an outdoor kitty life; When I was a child- our cat(s) all enjoyed roaming outdoors, and had years of strong and interesting lives (ages 12+). More recently, we found an abandoned kitty in the Florida woods (wild?) that lived to be 15+, and a neighborhood cat had the (outdoor) freedom to adopt our home as one of his 3 families he lived with on my street. He hunted, visited everyone in turn, and lived to be over 18 years old! Providing a safe spot from night hunters and inclement weather is important- but you’d all be anxious and nervous trying to limit it’s life experiences.
So glad you’re back on line (and I guess the cat has been let out of the bag about JM’s Christmas present, right?)
I am heavily in favor of an outdoor kitty life; When I was a child- our cat(s) all enjoyed roaming outdoors, and had years of strong and interesting lives (ages 12+). More recently, we found an abandoned kitty in the Florida woods (wild?) that lived to be 15+, and a neighborhood cat had the (outdoor) freedom to adopt our home as one of his 3 families he lived with on my street. He hunted, visited everyone in turn, and lived to be over 18 years old! Providing a safe spot from night hunters and inclement weather is important- but you’d all be anxious and nervous trying to limit it’s life experiences.
So glad you’re back on line (and I guess the cat has been let out of the bag about JM’s Christmas present, right?)
Welcome back, Kristin!
(Didn’t have a chance to respond to your 4 Dec. post.)
Welcome back, Kristin!
(Didn’t have a chance to respond to your 4 Dec. post.)
Wow, so many posts , pro and against letting kitties go outdoors.
We have always had cats and dogs together ( now 2 big dogs and 5 assorted kitties ( 2 black, 2 grey, 1 calico) and they have to have their claws if they live in a house with dogs. Also, they cannot stretch without them, and stretching is a necessity for them. AND it’s inhumane to declaw them for all the reasons mentioned by your readers…
Killing birds is the number one reason to keep cats indoors. Ours look out the window at the birds, then catch the field mice that come in this time of year, or the big flies…They can easily get lost or injured outside, even killed by cars or other animals ( or birds of prey…)
Having 2 is wonderful, they will always entertain each other ( and you) and the kids can make toys ( wadded up pieces of paper, or feathers on a stick) to give them exercise…but they’ll chase each other around enough for that, or run away from Braise and Smokey!
Have fun, what a great addition to your family, yaaay Max! And welcome back, tu nous a manque’ !! xox
Wow, so many posts , pro and against letting kitties go outdoors.
We have always had cats and dogs together ( now 2 big dogs and 5 assorted kitties ( 2 black, 2 grey, 1 calico) and they have to have their claws if they live in a house with dogs. Also, they cannot stretch without them, and stretching is a necessity for them. AND it’s inhumane to declaw them for all the reasons mentioned by your readers…
Killing birds is the number one reason to keep cats indoors. Ours look out the window at the birds, then catch the field mice that come in this time of year, or the big flies…They can easily get lost or injured outside, even killed by cars or other animals ( or birds of prey…)
Having 2 is wonderful, they will always entertain each other ( and you) and the kids can make toys ( wadded up pieces of paper, or feathers on a stick) to give them exercise…but they’ll chase each other around enough for that, or run away from Braise and Smokey!
Have fun, what a great addition to your family, yaaay Max! And welcome back, tu nous a manque’ !! xox
Meeeow! Like enjoying the warmth of a cute kitten on a crisp winter evening .. it is great to snuggle up to your words again. Mahalo Kristin! Aloha
Meeeow! Like enjoying the warmth of a cute kitten on a crisp winter evening .. it is great to snuggle up to your words again. Mahalo Kristin! Aloha
Exciting times with two new kittens. You are going to enjoy them so much! Bon week-end. (Again, so happy to be reading FWAD once more…)
Exciting times with two new kittens. You are going to enjoy them so much! Bon week-end. (Again, so happy to be reading FWAD once more…)
Welcome back! It’s lovely to read your postings once again. I love animals, especially les chats, and wish you many years of joy with your new additions. I have two kitties myself, and currently the three of us are living in close quarters (one room in a house) so anything is possible with ingenuity, a lot of love and plenty of scooping. I use crystal cat litter because it seems to really control the odor and less tracking of little bits of litter around the floor. They seem to do well sharing one box and if you do end up letting them go outside, you probably only need one box for yours. The (break-away) collar with bell is a great idea, birds are in danger (what isn’t, these days?!). My only caution is regarding your neighbor’s dogs—dogs that attack other dogs can easily harm cats, too, so make sure your kitty babies are safe. Once again, welcome back to your sweet home in la belle France! 🙂
Welcome back! It’s lovely to read your postings once again. I love animals, especially les chats, and wish you many years of joy with your new additions. I have two kitties myself, and currently the three of us are living in close quarters (one room in a house) so anything is possible with ingenuity, a lot of love and plenty of scooping. I use crystal cat litter because it seems to really control the odor and less tracking of little bits of litter around the floor. They seem to do well sharing one box and if you do end up letting them go outside, you probably only need one box for yours. The (break-away) collar with bell is a great idea, birds are in danger (what isn’t, these days?!). My only caution is regarding your neighbor’s dogs—dogs that attack other dogs can easily harm cats, too, so make sure your kitty babies are safe. Once again, welcome back to your sweet home in la belle France! 🙂
Love your kitties. We have 2 cats (sometimes 4) that come begging for food – I don’t think they are hungry they just like to come visiting. They are adorable and after they eat they go their separate ways. Both very loving. They are not ours but are beginning to feel like they are.
Welcome back home.
Love your kitties. We have 2 cats (sometimes 4) that come begging for food – I don’t think they are hungry they just like to come visiting. They are adorable and after they eat they go their separate ways. Both very loving. They are not ours but are beginning to feel like they are.
Welcome back home.
My family and I firmly believe in a cat’s need to roam. Advantages to us is a slender lean kitty who eats lots of greens and has good cardio health. She will take birds down but her favorite to take down are mice. We love that she keeps our yard and home mouse free. She also does most all of her business outside and a litter box is only kept for the sake of rainy days and emergencies. We really like that. I don’t believe a trapped house cat can get all the green food and exercise it needs. Declawing is evil but I believe that is illegal in Europe so I have no worries there.
My family and I firmly believe in a cat’s need to roam. Advantages to us is a slender lean kitty who eats lots of greens and has good cardio health. She will take birds down but her favorite to take down are mice. We love that she keeps our yard and home mouse free. She also does most all of her business outside and a litter box is only kept for the sake of rainy days and emergencies. We really like that. I don’t believe a trapped house cat can get all the green food and exercise it needs. Declawing is evil but I believe that is illegal in Europe so I have no worries there.
Darling post and darling kitties. I have two kitties who love to roam outside. I know they would not trade their joyful existence for a longer one.
Darling post and darling kitties. I have two kitties who love to roam outside. I know they would not trade their joyful existence for a longer one.
Bless you for taking in the homeless kitties! And I agree with both sides of the indoor/outdoor debate. I want my cats to be safe, and would never let a dog of mine roam free wherever it wanted to, so why should a cat be allowed to? But I also don’t feel it’s fair to deprive them of experiencing the fresh air, lying in the sun, playing in the grass, and chasing bugs. So, at our house, we found a compromise – fenced in a part of the back yard so they can’t get out of it (well, mostly! One loves to climb, and a couple of times has gotten over the fence.) And there is netting attached to the top of the backyard fence, so when I can keep an eye on them, they are allowed in the full back yard and are pretty well contained. There are many packaged systems of cat fencing and many ideas on various websites, but I just took the combination of them that worked best for us and didn’t cost too much.
Bonne chance!
Bless you for taking in the homeless kitties! And I agree with both sides of the indoor/outdoor debate. I want my cats to be safe, and would never let a dog of mine roam free wherever it wanted to, so why should a cat be allowed to? But I also don’t feel it’s fair to deprive them of experiencing the fresh air, lying in the sun, playing in the grass, and chasing bugs. So, at our house, we found a compromise – fenced in a part of the back yard so they can’t get out of it (well, mostly! One loves to climb, and a couple of times has gotten over the fence.) And there is netting attached to the top of the backyard fence, so when I can keep an eye on them, they are allowed in the full back yard and are pretty well contained. There are many packaged systems of cat fencing and many ideas on various websites, but I just took the combination of them that worked best for us and didn’t cost too much.
Bonne chance!
oh your kitty looks just like our Tuxedo… we got him when he was 3 day’s old. Today he is now 6 month and we had him “fixed” today together with his adopted sister Betsy.
I love the story, the way you write!
oh your kitty looks just like our Tuxedo… we got him when he was 3 day’s old. Today he is now 6 month and we had him “fixed” today together with his adopted sister Betsy.
I love the story, the way you write!
Beautiful kittens!
I mix 1/2 cup baking soda in with 5 lbs. clay litter(natural) and rake it out daily. No odors. Good for 1-2 cats(just one box).
I have heard that clumping litter has harmful chemicals.
Definitely agree with others about not declawing.
You might try planting catnip seeds in the spring. “If you sow it the cats won’t know it, but if you set it(plant plants) the cats will get it.”
Have fun!
Beautiful kittens!
I mix 1/2 cup baking soda in with 5 lbs. clay litter(natural) and rake it out daily. No odors. Good for 1-2 cats(just one box).
I have heard that clumping litter has harmful chemicals.
Definitely agree with others about not declawing.
You might try planting catnip seeds in the spring. “If you sow it the cats won’t know it, but if you set it(plant plants) the cats will get it.”
Have fun!
Oh, I can’t wait to read the stories to come. I’m sure there will be many.
Que les jeux commencent et bienvenue chez vous !
Oh, I can’t wait to read the stories to come. I’m sure there will be many.
Que les jeux commencent et bienvenue chez vous !
The kittens are absolutely adorable, Kristin! We have two cats and have always kept them indoors, simply because a few years after adopting the cats, we expanded our human family and felt it was safer for our babies to be around indoor cats (outdoor cats sometimes contract parasites that, while safe for adults, can be harmful for pregnant women and young children). I have also, in the past, lived with an indoor/outdoor cat that loved her freedom to run around and hunt mice outside, then bring them to us as a reward (!) 🙂 Regardless of what you choose to do with your two new feline babies, cats are generally easy to care for. Keep them fed, give them lots of love and cuddles (when they want them, of course), and clip their claws from time to time to spare your furniture. Enjoy your family of eight! 🙂
The kittens are absolutely adorable, Kristin! We have two cats and have always kept them indoors, simply because a few years after adopting the cats, we expanded our human family and felt it was safer for our babies to be around indoor cats (outdoor cats sometimes contract parasites that, while safe for adults, can be harmful for pregnant women and young children). I have also, in the past, lived with an indoor/outdoor cat that loved her freedom to run around and hunt mice outside, then bring them to us as a reward (!) 🙂 Regardless of what you choose to do with your two new feline babies, cats are generally easy to care for. Keep them fed, give them lots of love and cuddles (when they want them, of course), and clip their claws from time to time to spare your furniture. Enjoy your family of eight! 🙂
Welcome home, Karen; I’ve missed you.
Lucky, lucky you, to have not just one (very cute) kitten, but two – and the second a calico! Calicos are always female since the colouration is a genetic mutation rather than a breed type, but perhaps you already knew that. Did you know, though, that calicos are super-sweet-natured, cuddly and decidedly people-oriented? I envy you a kitten to watch growing up even as I enjoy my my 5-year-old calico, Little She, (named by my grand-daughter). Those kittens will turn your lives upside down and you will be glad they did/do. Watch to see how much fun discarded wrapping paper can be:-)
Welcome home, Karen; I’ve missed you.
Lucky, lucky you, to have not just one (very cute) kitten, but two – and the second a calico! Calicos are always female since the colouration is a genetic mutation rather than a breed type, but perhaps you already knew that. Did you know, though, that calicos are super-sweet-natured, cuddly and decidedly people-oriented? I envy you a kitten to watch growing up even as I enjoy my my 5-year-old calico, Little She, (named by my grand-daughter). Those kittens will turn your lives upside down and you will be glad they did/do. Watch to see how much fun discarded wrapping paper can be:-)
Hi Kristin! Welcome back. Congrats on your two new babies. I had to put my baby down a year and a half ago (he was 24) and I still cry all the time. I miss him so. Let’s see: 1. Definitely make them inside cats. I know it’ll be tough since they’re kittens. 2. DO NOT declaw. It’s mean. 3. Get them used to having their nails clipped. That will help keep some of the damage under control. You can do it yourself. It’s not a big deal. 4. Lots of scratching posts and cat trees so they can play and hopefully keep off your counter tops. 5. Cat nip and wheat grass are fun. Good luck!
Hi Kristin! Welcome back. Congrats on your two new babies. I had to put my baby down a year and a half ago (he was 24) and I still cry all the time. I miss him so. Let’s see: 1. Definitely make them inside cats. I know it’ll be tough since they’re kittens. 2. DO NOT declaw. It’s mean. 3. Get them used to having their nails clipped. That will help keep some of the damage under control. You can do it yourself. It’s not a big deal. 4. Lots of scratching posts and cat trees so they can play and hopefully keep off your counter tops. 5. Cat nip and wheat grass are fun. Good luck!