This lil 9 week old guy adopted us 4 weeks ago. Showed up on our doorstep, crying and scared. He took to us immediately, and because of an impossibly dumb rule I made years ago, he now lives with us permanently. We named him Critter, and according to the vet (and the size of his paws), he's expected to reach the 17-18 lb range. He has become incredibly affectionate, and being my first ever pet (in my late 40s), I can't get over just how much joy he brings us. I'm in love.

I have yet to upload it anywhere, but one of our cameras captured a rather remarkable moment when Critter made his move to join our little family of two.

Anywho, new to the world of cats, and so far it has been the most rewarding and fascinating experience of my recent life. Hope to share more of Critter's future with the community.

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[–] kindnesskills@literature.cafe 1 points 2 minutes ago

I can see why you love him already!

As a new cat owner there are a lot of pitfalls (I've stumbled into plenty in my time). Figure out how he acts normally, and whenever he strays from that normal - go to the vet.

For example: regular advice is if cat seems more withdrawn than normal they are sick - for me cat was more affectionate than normal so didn't realise they were sick,

Another time I was toilet training cats, and the one who got it turned out to be sick, because potty training isn't very normal and hides changes in urine and poop schedules.

And speaking of: if you have outdoor cats, keep them inside for three days now and then to have them go in a litter box just to check that they don't have parasites, bloody stool, pain around peeing, frequent pees etc.

If its an option, always have the insured for the vet, and better safe than sorry. Cats are experts at hiding their pain and injuries until its too late, so any change can be a symptom.

Not to bee a gloomy doomy - my current bastard is nearing 20 years old (with regular vet visits and daily medication no one guesses his actual age). They are for sure the light of your life, and I hope you have a long full life together!

[–] lonefighter@sh.itjust.works 1 points 6 minutes ago

Critter is adorable!

My first cat was also a stray kitten that my ex rescued. He was 2 pounds and completely stretched out was barely longer my forearm. The first time my Dad saw him he said "look at the paws on him, he's going to be massive"

The best part about having a cat that is 17 pounds of muscle and long legs is that there's so much of him to cuddle and hug, and he loves cuddles and hugs. The worst part is that when he decides to sit on my chest at 4 am, slap me repeatedly across the face, and scream for breakfast, it takes a surprisingly large amount of effort to get him off.

Consider yourself warned, and may you have many cuddles ahead of you.

[–] aramis87@fedia.io 11 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

You can't just drop this and not tell us about this impossibly dumb rule you made years ago.

Also: welcome home, Critter!

[–] tanisnikana@lemmy.world 5 points 2 hours ago (1 children)

We demand impossibly dumb rule!

[–] tooks@lemmy.world 4 points 1 hour ago* (last edited 1 hour ago) (1 children)

Wildlife love our backyard. We've had a family of groundhogs, skunks, raccoons, oppossums, gorgeous arrays of birds, specifically geese... lots of geese.

I adore these animals for no good reason, so much so I donned the house in cameras to catch their goings-on. It's essentially a 24/7 parade of cute.

So my dumb rule. If any of them ever want to willingly enter our home AND allow us to bathe them, they can stay.

Not only did Critter essentially invite himself in, he also allowed us to give him a Dawn dishsoap bath in our bathtub (figuring if Dawn is safe for ducks, this lil fella would be fine). Not only did he allow this, he didn't make a sound, fight back, or anything. Just a peaceful little wet mess of fur (with gigantic paws). Wrapped him up in a towel (tossed in the dryer for maximum warmth) and sat on the deck under the afternoon sun when he dried/rested. Even with the rule, we decided on a 2 week trial. That lasted less than a day.

Nothing exciting, but the probability of it all atop the impact his limited time with us has had. Just a lovely critter.

[–] tanisnikana@lemmy.world 1 points 26 minutes ago

BEST RULE

[–] b72@lemmy.ml 6 points 3 hours ago

Welcome to Critter! He’s wonderful!

I’ve no doubt he will give you as much love as you’re already giving him. Thank you for taking him in when he needed it.

[–] Catoblepas@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 2 hours ago

This made me smile, he looks exactly like our girl did when she was a kitten. What a cutie, it’s so sweet he already trusts you guys enough to sleep belly up right in front of you!

Since you mention this is your first cat, I just wanted to let you know that as a long haired cat at around 6 months old he’ll start needing to go to the groomer to get sanitary cuts, which are what they sound like. I really don’t recommend doing it yourself just because their skin is so thin it’s easy to hurt them accidentally. The cut lasts around 3 months, but accidents will probably still happen. Speaking from terrible, learned experience 😂

[–] MintyFresh@lemmy.world 1 points 2 hours ago

When the universe seems you need a cat, bam! You've got a kitty! Critter seems dope AF