Daniel - Many moons ago I used to work in a grooming shop, and saw kits to train your cats to go on the toilet. The best way to do it is to get one of the kits, a bag of litter and an extra bathroom if you have one. You will want to put the kit on the toilet and put some litter in the kit. Keep it there at all times (hence the extra bathroom). also there is a weight limit to this, so you will need to read the directions on the kit. I swore the next cat I get will be trained that way as I hate the litter box! Good luck! P.S. It is best to keep the kitten with it's mommy until weaned, if the owner of the momma is good, they will handle the kittens often.

Hey Lori! Finally, another cat show crazy person that I can also relate to with WLS! I'm going to be celebrating my 2 year WLS anniversary on 4-4-04 and so far have lost 165 lbs; would like to lose another 20-25 lbs. but am sort of "on hold" for the last few months. I show/breed American Curls in CFA, Great Lakes Region, living in southwestern OH. Like you, I have a "few" cats (some are mine and some are rescues that I'm trying to find homes for, also American Curls) and one dog, a Doberman rescue. I have a singleton kitten, born just a couple of days ago and am planning 3-4 more litters in the near future, both longhair and shorthair varieties. My web site is: http://geocities.com/am_curls . Beth Maynard 328/163 open rny 4-4-02

Hi Daniel, I'm very sorry for your loss. I know how difficult losing a treasured furry family member can be. Just think about your kitty, waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you. I know I do the same with my pets who have gone to the other side of the Bridge and it comforts me, knowing that they're waiting for me. I agree with the other two ladies who already replied, but with a different opinion of the "right" age to adopt a kitten. DON'T take the kitten from it's mother and siblings at such a young age. Kittens are not like puppies at 6-8 weeks of age. In their very early weeks kittens mature much slower than puppies so they really need that extra time with their mom. Kittens need their mothers and siblings, at least until they're 10-12 weeks, to teach them social skills, proper litter box habits (no, it's not always instinctual) among other things. I breed and show my cats, American Curls, and none of my kittens go to their new homes until they are between 12-16 weeks. This allows me to make sure all their shots are done, they're spayed or neutered before placement, and they have the necessary social skills to make the transition to a new home without their moms and siblings, making it a less stressful time for them (too much stress, new water, food, litter, etc. can cause kitten to get diarrhea, kitty colds, and many other things). I strongly urge you to leave this kitten with it's mom until at least 10 weeks if you can, longer if possible. The kitten will be much better off and will still be able to bond with you easily, especially since you're able to go and visit it on a regular basis. In answer to your question about it being "safe for the kitten, physically or emotionally", well, that is a tricky question. Yes, it can be done, but it's not the ideal situation for the kitten (staying with mommy is always the best thing to do). Why put that much pressure on yourself, especially if you have to go away. Who will take care of the kitten, nurse it, potty it, cuddle and keep it warm if you are gone all day at work, shopping, etc.? The kitten's mommy is the best one for that job. Beth

Hi there! I have much experience in introducing new cats into a household with other cats. I have to say though, all of my experiences have been different. I think that in your situation you are doing it the right way since Elvis is so used to being the only "baby". Elvis is probably feeling threatened along with curious and bothered like you said. I think a week is good to keep them apart while Janis heals, but make sure every once in a while you let them sniff each other while you are there. There will probably be lots of hissing and batting of the paws at first, but thats ok. One cat will be the "high" cat, and when this is established, they should be fine together. I have had only one instance a couple of years ago, where I had a cat who just wanted to beat on my other cats. It is very rare, and in time I think Elvis will come to enjoy Janis's company. (I found the cat a really good home with no other cats.) Good luck with your new addition, and keep me posted on how it is going. I would love to know! Desirae

Hello! I have just adopted a new kitten. Her name is Janis and the folks at the shelter think she is about 7 months old. My husband and I already have one cat, Elvis, who is a very territorial tom. Elvis is social and talkative, so we thought he would enjoy a sister. I just brought her home today and she is recovering from surgery (spayed). I'm hoping that I am doing the right thing. I am trying to introduce them slowly. I have Janis in a seperate room with the door closed.....Elvis, of course, is extremely curious and seems bothered. I hope this passes as he gets used to the fact that there is another cat in his house. I'll probably keep them apart for about a week. Any suggestions? _Mary P