Maki (11-17-2019)
Cats are moody, I would say in all my experiences lol. Lots of fun though but definitely have attitude. As Hecugoth said definitely get a scratching post to sway the want to scratch any furniture.
Maki (11-17-2019)
Cats are so chill. And I know there are high kill rates for older cats, but kittens have THE highest kill rate of any shelter, internationally. So many are born and can have so many health issues; theyre too much work for shelter employees to handle so they tend to get euthanized first. You did a great job in rescuing your cat from that. Just make sure you cat-proof your home: wires that are out (and might be chewed on) should be hidden or managed against a wall; cupboards are not able to be easily opened, no small places for them to get stuck (like a chimney or any holes in walls or ceilings). Put scratching posts or scratch toys in every room if possible, especially next to furniture the cat might otherwise claw. Get only stainless steel or ceramic dishes for food and water, or better yet a water fountain if you can afford that (no plastic!).
You are definitely overthinking it, which is easy to do but cats are so much less work once you've cat-proofed the home vs other animals (dogs, small mammals, etc).
Avoid scented litters as they irritate the cats. Crystal litter is best for odors but expensive depending where you live; if you can get natural ones like pine (stinky and needs to be replaced every few days but VERY cheap and easy to get in bulk) or walnut (comparable to clay clumping litters, less odor, but still dusty). Clay is a last resort because especially young cats will try to eat it and since they don't quite know how to use the litterbox without making a mess, they will track peepee and poopoo clay bits all over the house.
Maki (11-17-2019)
They pick up using the scratcher exclusively pretty quick in my experience.
If they have problem scratch areas, place the scratcher where they inappropriately scratch. Gently take their paws and use it to scratch the scratcher, and they will catch on.
Slowly over time you can move the scratchers into more desirable places, and they will follow along and keep their scratching to the dedicated areas.
That is how I trained my cats to keep from destroying my carpets and couch
Cats are the best, I kind of love that they have a reputation for not loving on everyone immediately the way dogs do. You kind of have to earn their affections.
Maki (12-09-2019)
@(you need an account to see links) any update? ^^
Maki (12-09-2019)
Maki (12-09-2019)
Erik. (12-09-2019)
Maki (12-09-2019)