We have two older cats and a kitten just showed up about 4 weeks ago, so now we are up to 3. Reagan gets along with the kitten great. Its been great for her, of course she's an only pup(inside at least) so its either play with the kitten or noone. The older two just kinda tolerate Reagan. They don't really play with her that often, one is about 10 and the other is about 3 (we got her about a year before Reagan). Neither play with Reagan but once in a blue moon. Reagan will go up to them and "give them kisses" and occasionally they will swat at her but you can tell they aren't trying to hurt her just tell her to get away. They don't even use their claws and most the time don't actually touch her.
The kitten would be my only concern about hurting Reagan, only because she may do it unintentionally. She hasn't yet, though. Although she never really swats at Reagan its more of a jump on her back and go for a ride. They play great together actually. They are constantly running through the house, jumping on all the furniture. They rarely quit chasing one another. The new kitten, which is still nameless actually, has really been great for Reagan.
Honestly, I think that, at least in our case, the cats aren't really going to even try messing with Reagan they would jump to something high if she was bothering them. I guess its easier to jump onto a chair than get in a fight.
As far as the litter box, I guess it depends on the cat. We put in a cat door, if you have a sliding door they have doors that work with those, may be something to consider, and all our cats go outside to use the bathroom. Before we had the catdoor, the cats were still indoor/outdoor cats and would prefer to go outside to "go", one would use the litter box occasionally but the other never. Even with the catdoor they will sit at the front door and wait for us to let the out(they're so lazy). If you have any plants you may want to even try to cover the dirt up for a while, one of our cats would go there before he would a litter box. I think that once they get used to going outside they tend to prefer it, but I don't know for sure. My hair stylist has a cat who prefers a litter box so.... I love the fact of not having a litter box, so I know where you are coming from. I have a friend who is constantly telling her hubby that you can't tell we have animals unless you see them, I credit the catdoor and outside pottying. It really is the best thing we've put in our house.
With the shelter, if you do choose that, check with yours. I'm in Tuscaloosa and there's no fee for dropping off, maybe picking up don't know. But we took a dog in a while back and there wasn't a fee. I'm sure that depends on your area and your local shelter. That is kinda crazy though Jenn, 25 dollars for dropping of a stray. I think its kinda going to deter some people from bringing them in and just make them drop them off on the side of the road(not saying your wrong, just agreeing its crazy).
Sorry about the novel.....
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Courtney |