Two New Kittens, Two Litter Trays ... and a Chair

Two new kittens. Two resident dogs. One beautifully prepared room. What could possibly go wrong?

After weeks of waiting, planning and counting sleeps, Bizby and Barnabas finally came home — two tiny, curly-coated, 15-week-old Devon Rex brothers. Completely devoted to one another, full of curiosity and, as we were about to discover, quite capable of rewriting my carefully made plans.

Our Purrinces had arrived. 

Welcome to The Purrinces' Quarters

Vera and Bertie, my two much-loved rescue dogs, have always had the run of our home — every room, every comfy spot and pretty much wherever else they please. I didn't want two new kittens arriving and the dogs suddenly wondering why doors were closing and the household rules had changed overnight.

On the other hand, two tiny kittens meeting two very curious dogs on Day One didn't feel quite right either. So I created a safe room for Bizby and Barnabas: a large, sunny room with big glass windows, cat trees, scratch posts, toys and enough kitten entertainment to keep two little Devon minds busy.

It needed a name, of course.

The Purrinces' Quarters 

When I first arrived home, the first thing I did was place their carry bag inside the large crate and leave the crate door open. They had somewhere familiar to curl up if their big new world suddenly felt a little too... well, big. My plan was simple: give them time, give them space and let them find their paws.

A beautiful plan, I thought.

And Then Came the Chair Incident

I'd put one of Vera and Bertie's blankets on a chair in the room.  My thinking was that the kittens could become familiar with the smell of their new doggy siblings before actually meeting them — a gentle introduction by scent. Clever, I thought.

One of the Purrinces thought otherwise.

During their first quiet afternoon, one of the boys ignored the two waiting litter trays and had a little mishap on the dog blanket.

Two kittens. No witnesses. Neither suspect is talking. 

Fine Litter, Dog Smell... or Just a Very Big Day?

Both litter trays contained a fairly fine-textured litter. Perhaps it felt unfamiliar. Perhaps the dog blanket was simply too interesting. Or perhaps one kitten had just had enough excitement for one day. The truth is, I still don't know.

Luckily, I had a coarser litter on hand. I changed the litter, removed the dog blanket and waited. The litter trays were used and there have been no more mishaps. Which change did the trick? Your guess is as good as mine.

And there it was — my first little lesson from the Purrinces:

We pet parents can plan everything down to the last detail... and then our pets quietly remind us that they haven't read the plan.

If I were doing it again, I'd ask what type and texture of litter the kittens already knew and keep that one small thing familiar while the rest of their world was changing.

 We have to watch, adjust and learn their language.

The Short Version  

What did our first-day chair incident teach me?

• Ask what litter your new kitten already knows.

• A quiet, safe space to find their paws is highly recommended.

• Keep litter trays easy to find - for two cats - two trays.
  

• Watch. Adjust. Learn.

The Purrinces have used their litter trays perfectly ever since, and the chair has been cleared of all charges. As for our first-day mystery? Bizby isn't talking. Barnabas isn't talking.

Case closed.  

 

A Little Note from Bizzibabs: Need to stock up on cat litter or other pet or kitten goodies? The litter our Purrinces settled happily with is Anibest, which you will find in  our online pet shop Bizzibabs sells goodies for cats and dogs and we deliver countrywide across South Africa. Pop in and have a browse - you may just find something for the paws in your home.