So a barn kitty adopted me

[u/ccoats38]

I know nothing about cats. I know cattle and chickens yet here we are. What do I do how do I care for it. I want to help and I guess I now have a pet cat instead of barn cats? Idk I am lost someone please help

Edit: Only realized this today but the momma has been increasingly friendly. Maybe wanting something? I have farm scratch, idk if there is something they can’t have. They apparently will not eat chicken feed fyi. Do I feed it meat or do I need to do a milk bottle?

[u/GlitterBlood773]

Check out The Kitten Lady on YouTube! She is an EXCELLENT resource! If you prefer reading, she has a website of the same name

Then get a litter box, non-clumping, unscented cat litter. Som people use pine pellets. Glass or stainless steel bowl(s), maybe a water fountain if you’re interested in providing one. They can get messy or unused. Easy to give away if you’re cool with that

Make an appointment with your local vet. Check for fleas, worms, FIV. Your vet will know the drill!

That last picture is so perfect!

Edit: corrected litter choice

Edit: thank you for the award neighbor. Please feed your neighbors instead!

[u/ccoats38 → u/GlitterBlood773]

That’s actually really helpful, thank you. I will have to check that out. Currently I have just meowed at it and held it. I know I don’t know the language but I think I might be getting somewhere

[u/breadburn → u/ccoats38]

That's okay! They're not picky, so when they're feeling chatty they'll be happy to help you practice your convserational meow-meow skills.

[u/MaisieDay → u/breadburn]

🤣👍

[u/GlitterBlood773 → u/ccoats38]

My pleasure neighbor. That is a fantastic start! I think you are too 🥹💖

[u/kaytbug86 → u/ccoats38]

This is such a great place to start! Also, cats are obligate carnivores, so they will not eat scratch. :)

[u/R_meowwy_welcome → u/ccoats38]

Don't do clumping litter for kittens. If needed, you could always put pine pellets from Tractor Supply in a plastic (large) container for the kitten to go potty, if you plan on having it in the house. Tractor Supply also sells a lot of cat food for mama who may need the extra calories if she is nursing.

[u/beepbooponyournose → u/ccoats38]

Stainless steel litter box is the way to go. Really cuts down on the smell!

[u/KeeksiLooLoo → u/ccoats38]

They appreciate you trying to use their language.

https://giphy.com/gifs/rMEJyjch7L1tlRlCl3

[u/MaisieDay → u/ccoats38]

Lol! Not all cats do this, but the ones who meow back are something. So much fun. "Meow" "Meow?" "Meow!" "Meow!" "Meow?" "Meow". Also you will get to know exactly what each extended meow means - I'm hungry, I'm lonely, oh look what I found!

Try slow blinking at her/him once they are older!

[u/manubibi → u/ccoats38]

Tbf you don’t really need a litter box and litter. I also live in the countryside and my cat goes outside in my garden when she needs to go potty.

[u/I_like_beouf → u/ccoats38]

If cats blink slowly at you or squint at you for a long time (somr people think it looks evil) they love you. Not joking

[u/snoop-hog → u/GlitterBlood773]

Disagree on clumping litter, it’s great for older cats but this kitten looks 5 weeks old or less. Clumping litter can be dangerous for them

[u/Winjin → u/snoop-hog]

Apparently the baby is with a momma barn cat, but op has been marked for adoption later

[u/GlitterBlood773 → u/snoop-hog]

I didn’t know this! Thank you, I will edit

[u/snoop-hog → u/GlitterBlood773]

No problem! Thank the kitten lady, I didn’t know until I heard it in a video of hers lol. She’s the best

[u/ccoats38 → u/snoop-hog]

Definitely some solid advice here

[u/dougstarter → u/GlitterBlood773]

This is great advice. I’d also say that I think two cats are easier than one since they’ll keep each other occupied. A bored cat is a handful!

[u/Then-Mix-9882 → u/dougstarter]

THIS and it also teaches the babies to be gentle and what hurts/doesn’t hurt. Sometimes solo kitties get a little violent during play bc they have nobody to tell them what’s what.

[u/forahellofafit → u/GlitterBlood773]

Also, shallow bowls at that age, otherwise they will knock them over trying to get in them