Meet my new little crumb.
I have been desperately wanting a kitten (a grey one, just like him) for the past few months, and now I have Miette! The human society here often puts cats and puppins in the window of the pet store, hoping that someone will adopt them...and that is just where I found my little grey one. Sara and I were out running errands and we thought: "Oh, let's go hold the bunnies at the pet store"...
and about an hour of deliberation later, we brought this little morsel home.
He is about 2 months old, and has beautiful green eyes, a pink nose, and pretty, subtle stripes. He is, of course, a bit scared, and is fond of hiding in enclosed spaces while he gets used to his new digs....
but mostly he is fond of sleeping and purring, which is what he is doing on my lap right as I type this (that is where that last photo was taken...as I sit at the computer, and he dozes). He is very sweet and docile and is going crazy-happy over all the cuddling and attention, which I am so happy about. Last night we were debating whether or not he had been mildly sedated, he is so calm and sweet. And now we just gotta get used to the litter box.
Does anyone have any suggestions about how best to get a kitten acclimated to the box?
I have no idea about his past, and whether or not he is has been using one so far... I've been gently placing him in there, and making a light "pawing" motion in the litter, but he seems unimpressed.
I had a nice break in the real world, and now it's a shipping + packaging party weekend for me!
At least I will have some nice company...of the kitten variety.
Comments (71)
What a beautiful kitty!
Jessie Mae · March 09, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Very cute. Can't go wrong with showing him where it is, placing him inside, and if you can making the scratching motion with his paw. That should do it.
good luck!
Danielle · March 09, 2007 at 12:28 PM
oops! I stopped reading after the question. I wouldn't worry about it then. He's probably thinking,"duh!" :)
Danielle · March 09, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Congratulations new mama! I was so excited when I got my cat BonBon, but I didn't think I'd ever get used to the litter box. Thankfully I did because my cat is the most lovely thing to come home to. Kitties love to dig, so he should be able to figure the litter out for himself. He is quite the handsome cat! Can't wait to hear what you name him.
Sasha · March 09, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Darling...and such a lovely name!
Emma · March 09, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Awww. kittens are so darling. I so have a basket like that one, too. Actually, I have about three of them for storing yarn balls which would be the equivalent of kitty heaven.
kiwi · March 09, 2007 at 12:47 PM
was it a 'city of lost children' influence?
i adore that movie!
and such a cutie, we all need a kitty in our lives!!!!
congratulations x
artandghosts · March 09, 2007 at 12:48 PM
Cute, cute, cute and cute! I want one! :)
Christine · March 09, 2007 at 12:49 PM
congrats! i have a grey kitty that is 7 which is 45 yrs old in cat years. he has green eyes and a saggy tummy. he eats healthy i guess i missed out on all the excerise classes with him. take advantage of it! oh my gosh you have to check these out! http://www.angelicalcat.com\ i never had enough to buy one, maybe you do... or possibly make one yourself!
lOve,kim*
kim* · March 09, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Congratulations!
Sweet pusses are the perfect crafter's/artist's companion. My husband didn't like cats until he met me and my puss. Now we have two and he often says "How did you grow up with cats? How did you ever get anything done?!" Their cuteness is so delightfully distracting!
Liz Harvatine · March 09, 2007 at 12:55 PM
What a beautiful new addition to chez Black Apple! Congratulations :)
Amanda · March 09, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Oh my goodness - he's soooo sweet!
Jenn · March 09, 2007 at 01:04 PM
oh no! i love kittys. you will have to meet nilla!!!
i would set him in his box s he gets "used" to it, maybe. he is so small.
missy · March 09, 2007 at 01:11 PM
When we got our kitten I read that some cats are a bit prim and like to have a bit of privacy when they wee so make sure the tray is somewhere a bit hidden away and not near the smell of his food or any other strong smells. Once he's been in it once he'll get the scent and be much more likely to head straight for it again. Just make sure you get rid of the smell of any accidents he has or he'll just go straight for your carpet! Have fun! I hope this helps. Alice x
Alice UK · March 09, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Mew! He's adorable, congratulations! I got my two kitty-gals when they were about that old and we could not get them to use the litter box at first. Because they were only having accidents at night, we decided to shut them in the bathroom [where the litterbox was kept] at bedtime [along with lots of blankies and pillows on which to play and lie, of course!] After four days, they got the hang of it and have never had another accident, four and a half years later!
Karen · March 09, 2007 at 01:22 PM
He is such a sweetie... I missed him last night! Junebug was a little miffed, but she will just have to get over it!
p.s. Secret dinner/cupcake plans are in the works for later... I'll keep you posted.
Sara K. · March 09, 2007 at 01:23 PM
He probably wont "go" for a bit, as cats hate change and stop using the bathroom as they acclimate to things. What you are doing is the proper thing to do. If you see him pawing anywhere else, especially close to walls or in corners, take him to his box and have him paw in there. Eventually, he should "go." When he does, give him a treat, to re-inforce the good times to be had in a litter box. As he gets older, he may start to spray, so be sure to get him fixed!
Sarah · March 09, 2007 at 01:44 PM
oh my can't wait to hear the adventures of miette! love the name and love the photo in the tub!!!
lisa · March 09, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Such a cutie!! I've been after a kitten for months but no luck yet. I'm very very jealous!
Vicki · March 09, 2007 at 02:01 PM
Oh how sweet! When i got my kittie, Chester T. Winkle, about 4 years ago I just set up the litter box right in right of him (so he could help, yeah right) and really he got used to it right away. Do make sure it's some where private, like the others have said. And if he's really tiny be sure that the box edges aren't too high so he doesn't have to struggle to get in it. And if he does make an accident on the floor, try to pick it put with a paper towel or gloved hand and take it and the kittie to the box, to show him where it goes.
Also, be sure to try and keep tiny pieces of "stuff", like long threads and bag ties, little buttons, off the floor. Kitties love to eat things they shouldn't and may get choked!
I love Miette's little ears!
Jen... · March 09, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Oh so sweet your kitten! I'm so happy you chose a gray one because gray is my kitty color of choice, too - and I will have a gray kitty some day. I'm glad to hear he is liking all the love you're giving him!
I have the same basket, too! My daughter's stuffed animals live in it now, :) but I did use it for the two kitties we used to have (quite a long story). A flame-point Siamese male (mine) and an orange tabby female (my husbands'). It's quite interesting since it seems to often be true that a woman will often adopt a male cat, while a man will be more attracted to adopt a female. I've really noticed this lately. Hmmmm.
Enjoy your new companion! :)
Erika · March 09, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Litterbox wise, you got it down. If he looks like he's looking for the bathroom, plop him in the box. They make teeny littler boxes for little kittens. A regular one might still be too big for him to get into. But they learn pretty quickly on their own where to go.
Congrats on your new baby kitty. He is precious!
Sea Anemone · March 09, 2007 at 02:22 PM
Such a cutie! You need to put one of his 'accidents' in the tray and he will soon learn where to go xxx
Kristy · March 09, 2007 at 02:29 PM
oh, that's so wonderful that you have your own kitty companion now! our cats have made such an impact on my life and i think you are in for a great deal of fun with your new fella. what a great name too!
if he was born at the humane society, i would imagine that he's gotten used to using a litter box. the new environment will probably be a little nerve-racking for him at first, but i think most cats have an instinct for going to the bathroom in the right place.
all the best! and i look forward to seeing miette in your art!
Cathy · March 09, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Oh my goodness, he is so beautiful! So cute poking his little head out of the tub.
Emily S. · March 09, 2007 at 02:40 PM
Such a sweetie!! The bathtub photo is so darling. I would love to have a kitty...or a mastiff puppy.
Megan · March 09, 2007 at 02:49 PM
Congratulations on your new friend!
I don't know what I would do without my dark grey tabby, Jane; she's a sassy number.
Miette should have the instinct to dig and bury. As far as litter I recommend http//www.felinepine.com
Kristina · March 09, 2007 at 02:52 PM
According to my father, the best and most immediate way to litter box train cats is to pick them up immediately after they eat and put them in the litter box. That's when they're most likely to go, and they will make the connection pretty quickly.
Our cat came trained, so we didn't try this, but I have noticed that he always heads straight for the box after he eats.
Your kitten is adorable!
Alison Whittington · March 09, 2007 at 03:18 PM
Eep! That was my name suggestion for your name contest! It's so perfect for a tiny little kitten. His ears are adorably unique.
Cirilia · March 09, 2007 at 03:33 PM
Awwwww, how sweet! What a cutie pie. Congratulations!
Nichole · March 09, 2007 at 03:43 PM
You KNOW I'm in love. Kitties are just the best best best. And I don't know if someone has suggested it yet but confining their space (I know it's hard) for the first week or at least for a couple days with the catbox in that small space (like your bedroom) will really help them adjust. Too much space initially can prove a little overwhelming for them. He is just too cute. If he needs a girlfriend my little Isadora would be a great older woman for him :)
ashley g · March 09, 2007 at 03:49 PM
KOBE CAN HAVE A FRIEND!!!
Though I fear my kitty would beat your kitty up.
Call me and we can chat about the litterbox situation. It'll be so much fun.
Kobe still likes to pretend his poop is a toy. It's really charming.
heart you.
e
elizabeth · March 09, 2007 at 03:55 PM
Oh! So adorable. Most cats aren't too hard to train. They like to be clean. As long as he is pawing the litter box, you should be fine. He's just nervous right now.
Rachel · March 09, 2007 at 04:16 PM
Adorable kitty (especially that picture in the bath!). Strangely, because I live in Australia and not France, I know a couple of girls called Miette.
andi · March 09, 2007 at 04:16 PM
That is the sweetest little kitty! Especially where he's peeking out of the bathtub. He's got such a wonderfully round face and delicate ears - bringing up some vague memory of a kitten paper doll from my past I think...
Jenny Rebecca · March 09, 2007 at 04:37 PM
Yay! I'm so happy about your kitten! All of the grey tabbies I've met are the sweetest cats ever.
It's possible his mom taught him what he needs to know about the litterbox, plus the natural instict thing helps. If you are having litterbox problems later on, there is a brand called "Cat-Attract" that supposedly works well.
I agree with the person who mentioned the small space thing. You could start by just keeping him in the room his litterbox is. Then let him explore a little each day.
But it sounds like he'll be perfectly settled in anyway! Congrats! He's so lucky!
Alison Latimer · March 09, 2007 at 05:37 PM
that is the sweetest kitty. hope sarah shows up in some paintings. too cute!
megan · March 09, 2007 at 05:49 PM
I second the Cat Attract litter recommendation - sorry I forgot to mention that earlier. Here's a link for more info: http://www.preciouscat.com/ I couldn't find a good litter for the longest time, then once I found Cat Attract, I never bought a different brand for our kitties.
Have fun on your learning adventure!
Erika · March 09, 2007 at 06:07 PM
WHAT a little lovie!! His color is fantastic!
Julia · March 09, 2007 at 06:20 PM
No worries - the cat box will soon be a place to kick up his heels in :-)
Congrats on your new addition!
"Happy is the home with at least one cat" - Italian Proverb
Melanie · March 09, 2007 at 06:46 PM
Adorable!
ellie · March 09, 2007 at 09:39 PM
What a cute little possum! You must be a proud mum. I have been reading your blog for awhile and just thought i would uncover myself and delurk. I am new to this whole cyberworld. Love your stuff and just thought I would let you know.
denise · March 09, 2007 at 10:27 PM
keeping the kitten in a small space or small room is a good idea until it is eating well and using litter box. They can get overwhelmed at that age if they have too much space... the smaller the space , the better.
angela · March 09, 2007 at 11:36 PM
THis might be a little gross, but if he poops somewhere else, put the poop in the litter box and let him see that it's where it's supposed to go, and maybe give him a little treat to encourage it. A little tuna or a dried fish or whatever he likes, my guys like sushi seaweed like it's crack.
good luck, he sure is a sweetie.
I've never posted before, but I think that your blog is just lovely.
jana · March 09, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Congratulations on your new little lovely! He is adorable.
odd dotty · March 10, 2007 at 12:21 AM
He is adorable! congratulations! When I got my cat, Wyatt, they told me i should keep him in one separate room for about 3 days. So I got the laundry room ready with his litter box and everything worked out fine!
Julie · March 10, 2007 at 01:00 AM
Such a beautiful little kitty!! And a beautiful name too :)
Alison · March 10, 2007 at 05:53 AM
Such a cute kitty. Does he had stumpy ears? Adorable.
janet · March 10, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Eeek! He's sooo CUTE! =D
Laura · March 10, 2007 at 08:48 AM
So cute, he looks such a sweetie.
Rhian · March 10, 2007 at 10:10 AM
I love him!!! He has a round little apple head, very appropriate :) Gray kitties are wonderful, I've known a few myself.
If this isn't too gross, you can move his 'litter' into the litterbox and show it to him. they pick up pretty quickly. i think bringing him there and pawing will work too. cats usually choose a spot and go only there, so they have a litterbox instinct; if you notice he's going in one spot most frequently, and it's not inconvenient, you could put him there.
good luck with your new little baby!!
samantha · March 10, 2007 at 10:13 AM
haha i meant put the LITTERBOX there
samantha · March 10, 2007 at 10:15 AM
I agree with angela, they like being in small spaces and then wandering out and exploring the more comfortable they get. That would help a lot with his anxiety. Also, I was going to say that most kittens do best when they have another one to play with, but it sounds like your guy is so mellow it may not be the case. And toys are really great for them at this age. I hate to say it, but I bet he's going to love your dolls!! Maybe you can make him one of his own!
He is BEAUTIFUL. (i agree that he will figure out the litterbox right away, no worries.)
Natasha · March 10, 2007 at 01:36 PM
ooooohhhhhhh.......em!..............
Blair · March 10, 2007 at 01:57 PM
I can't offer help on the litter box front, but wanted to offer the suggestion of getting a companion for him. We adopted a 3 month old boy, Jasper, a few years ago and fantasized that he and our older cat, Max, would be pals. That never happened and, despite our best efforts to play and tucker him out, we could never seem to drain enough energy from our little guy and it manifested in some destructive behavior - clawing furniture, dumpster diving in the garbage, unrolling whole rolls of toilet paper, tearing around the house in the middle of the night, etc. Our vet said it was normal, especially for males, and that he would grow out of it in 2-3 years. To which I responded, "Two to three years!" It's been four now and we love him to death, but he is still a bit of a terror and would probably love a little playmate. So, it might not seem feasible for you to take in another one, but, from my experience, I would offer that it might mean less work for you.
Enjoy your guy while he's little. They grow like sprouts!
Carrie · March 10, 2007 at 02:03 PM
SO cute!
rebeccca · March 10, 2007 at 02:12 PM
he is scrumptious! are you managing to do anything besides stare into his cute little eyes?
risa · March 10, 2007 at 02:12 PM
Adorable. Love him. Our cats are almost two and they would eat your little guy in a heartbeat. Oh, but he's such a love. Enjoy the tiny-ness while it lasts!
erin michelle · March 10, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Litterbox -- if you show it to him he should get it quickly. Kittens are awesome that way. If not, go back to the petstore with a baggie and ask for a little bit of used litter from the kittens' boxes (ewww...I know.) Sprinkle that in his box and he should get the idea.
Melissa · March 10, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Congratulations on the new kitty! He is such a cutie! Hope you have a lifetime of love together.
Re: the litter box, just keep doing what you're doing. He'll get the hang of it soon.
maritza · March 10, 2007 at 06:52 PM
Did you know you've popped up on Knitty.com? At the very bottom of this page:
http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring07/FEATspr07stuff.html
Congrats!
Cirilia · March 10, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Aaaw! he's soooo cute!
as for the litter tray, they do like a bit of privacy. He'll get the hang of it :0)
Erica · March 11, 2007 at 06:27 AM
What a sweetie he is! Oh, he's so adorable! I think I've developed a toothache! My best advice to you is to get a decent, well-rounded book/guide for cat care. Ours has definitely come in handy on numerous occasions! Good luck!
April · March 11, 2007 at 10:57 AM
He is absolutely gorgeous! And an adorable name you chose, too.
anushka · March 11, 2007 at 11:08 AM
ohhh...I want a kitte too!! He's so lovely!!
anita · March 11, 2007 at 11:30 AM
what a cute little mitten kitten he is!!!
Just watch him all the time, when he looks like he's going to "go" stick him in the box and if he does it give him a little treat "pounce" cat treats work wonders...
stilettoheights · March 11, 2007 at 03:13 PM
He must be your kitty twin, he looks like you! :)
Pixiesaurus · March 11, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Grey kitties are the cutest! I don't have any litter box advice, although making sure he gets lots of cuddle/handling time is really important. My cat was constantly being picked up and hugged when we first got him, and he's the most sociable, entertaining, sweetest kitty!
Jennifer · March 12, 2007 at 11:57 AM
oh kitteh!
I must keeeesss him.
Elise · March 13, 2007 at 12:48 PM
your kitten is adorable! what a perfect name too.
natalie · March 13, 2007 at 02:47 PM
Awwwwwww. That's all I can say. Just awwwwwwww.
annulla · March 16, 2007 at 08:43 AM