Quarantine Room for F2

[KKLRx7]

First, thank you for the wealth of information I have seen on this site. I have downloaded Deborah's guides Acclimating Your New SV and Introducing Cats. I will be getting a new F2 at the end of next month. We have a 6 year old Maine Coon and 5 year old Labradoodle, who get along great currently. My question is regarding the quarantine room. We have several options. One is a bedroom that is quite large on the second floor (about 16 x 12). Another is a den that is on our main floor just off our great room and kitchen. It is in the heart of the house and is separated by double glass french doors on the kitchen side and a single glass french door on the entry side. The kitten would be able to see and hear/be exposed to everything in this room but I don't know if it would be too much. The room is about 14 x 12 and could be easily kitten proofed. Is this a good idea, or would the kitten be over-stimulated? I plan to have all of the items suggested in the guide as well as a cocoon-style bed and box for safe places. Thank you!

 

[WitchyWoman]

The method I used with all 4 of my SVs was to first put the new kitten in a bedroom for a week and spend lots of bonding time. If the bonding went well, I moved the kitten into my office which has french glass doors. The kitten got to see, hear, and smell the other cats as well as get acclimated to the usual sounds of the house. I think it made introductions to the older cats easier when everyone had a chance to see each other prior to the intro.

If you don't want to have to change rooms, you can always start with the den and if the kitten appears to be upset by seeing the other cats, tape some paper over the glass for awhile.

 

[Patti]

I think quarantining the kitten in the den is fine as long as you provide hiding places for it to retreat to if the stimulation from activity on the other side of the doors becomes too much for it. As Deborah mentioned, if the kitten appears too overwhelmed you could always relocate it into the bedroom. Wherever you start it out, just be sure to spend plenty of time with it so that you can develop that special bond and trust.

 

[KKLRx7]

Thank you both. He looks like a sweetie now (see below) but I'm expecting a handful! I have included a few photos - born 1/17/2017. I do plan to include lots of play and to clicker train. I have done it with my Maine Coon and he is a much better cat for it (comes, sits, fetches, etc.). The time it takes greatly increases the trust and bond.

I'm also debating about food. I don't think I can do the make-your-own route. I attempted it with my Maine Coons seven years ago, but I didn't keep it up and I was always worried about the amount of supplements to add even after reading the Ultimate Diet book. I have been feeding primarily wet (Natures Balance) with cooked chicken and Acana dry to supplement. The breeder I'm working with (who I really like and trust) will be feeding Royal Canin kitten (wet and dry) to start. I know there are many thoughts on this, but I would like to hear them. I have read through the information at catinfo.org and best cat food reviews 2017 which seems to be quite comprehensive for standard canned and dry (http://www.reviews.com/cat-food), but they do not include balanced raw options you can purchase, which are many (Stella and Chewy, etc.). What are your thoughts?

 

[KKLRx7]

I found your food threads and am getting my answers there. As I have seen other newbies post, it is taking me a bit to negotiate this site. One of my problems is I get sidetracked by the photos and find there is good information peppered through the posts on various topics as well. Thank you again.

 

[Renee]

I love Witchy's posts as well they have been very helpful for me. I do not have the time to feed Loki a raw diet or the patience. Instead I have gone off the guide she supplied and made the best decision for us. I feed both cats wellness wet food (as much as they would like, but usually a couple cans a day). They get instincts dry food free fed to them. They are not fat, yet. I also sous vide chicken for the lil dude - not much a lil guy anymore.

 

[ami0c]

What a cute kitten!!!!

 

[KKLRx7]

What a cute kitten!!!!

Thank you. We think so. He's growing quickly - already 4 months.

 

[Rob1984]

the black on the tip of his tail carries down quiet a bit is that the angle of the photo or just how much it carries before the rings start? i like it

 

[KKLRx7]

the black on the tip of his tail carries down quiet a bit is that the angle of the photo or just how much it carries before the rings start? i like it

It's not as long as it looks there, maybe an inch and a half. He does have a long tail. His parents are both from Drinkwater (bred by Lynda at Salem's Pride). I'm told his Serval grandfather throws big boys with long tails. Here he is at 8 weeks and last week at our cottage (about to jump on the dog) for comparison.