This weekend I'm adopting my first kitten ever... I've done as much homework as humanly possible (I've researched vet visits, food, litterbox habits, spaying... the lot!). But there are two things I can't seem to find answers to: Now and then I get the odd problem with ants and beetles in my kitchen. Up until now, I used to solve this with insect traps, but I'm scared they might harm my kitten. What non-commercial or homemade products can I use? Please be aware that I live in Spain, so storebought remedies may not be available over here...
Also, I live in an attic. The balcony rail is covered with a bamboo net (because I'm scared of heights and this provides some psychological confort when hanging the laundry). I'm not sure whether I should let my cat go outdoors or not, though...
I'm pretty nervous because I've never owned a cat before and would really like to protect him or her!
Thanks in advance!
MarCat newbie worried about bug control and balcony?
Wow.. sounds like you are going to be a good cat owner.
#1 I wouldn't let your cat outside. Cats get what is called high-rise syndrome, where for no apparent reason cats end up falling from their upper-floor apartments. Safest thing is to keep her inside. If you want her to have some air, get GOOD screens on your windows that she cannot push off, and there are things you can buy that attatch to the window and make a bed for the cat. She'll love it.
#2 For bugs don't leave poision laying around. Look for sticky traps that are inside a little ';House'; or something that the bugs go in and get stuck, but the cat cant' get to the sticky part. Hope that makes sensse. I live in the U.S. So I don't know what you have in Spain. You'll just have to look around and see what your options are. Here's one thing I suggest, that I woudl do myself (owning 2 cats)
When you find ants in your kitchen, lock the kitten in your bedroom for the day. Use all the poision you want, spray the counters, whatever, very well with poision, then let it sit for several hours (while the kitten is shut away and cant' get to it) Then clean it up as good as you can with dish soap, whatever. Make sure all the poision's cleaned up and washed away before your cat has acess to the kitch again.
Hope that helps!!
Cat ownership is easy and awesome!Cat newbie worried about bug control and balcony?
leash train your cat and you can take him/her out with you. just don't let him/her out on their own.
as far as your ant problem, you may want to contact and exterminator.
First of all congrats on getting you new kitty! Thats so awesome! You will do great with your new kitty dont be nervous!! I can tell b/c your doing all you can to find out as much as you can for them wich is so awesome!!
ever heard of bounce sheets (usually for the dryer)?? bugs hate the smell of them. if you know where the ants are coming from just put one in that particular area. It would not be harmful to your kitty.
Also I think she will be ok with being on the balcony as long as she does not attempt to lean over to far which most likely she wont. But if she does do so then I would just keep her inside.
Good luck w/everything!
The cat will know that he is up high. While he is still a kitten, take him outside. If he has never been outside before... he wont do much. He will hate it. Pick him up, and show him around. Put him down, and get him comfortable in the apartment. I'd say don't leave him alone outside until he is a bit older and can handle himself. Even if he does fall, he will land on is feet and be okay.
Do they have pet stores in Spain? I honestly have no idea about the ant/beetle problem. The beetles... those will become something to play with for the kitty. If it moves, he will follow it. I dont know about ants. Ask some sort of pet specialist at a pet store... or even the pet/bug isle there.
Enjoy your kitten, it will be a blast!
Spain.. WOW!! How exciting loL!! I've come close to visitng there but ran out of time.
Anyways! I have 4 indoor cats, and I live in south west florida, the kingdom of bugs. We have ant traps, but place them in place that cats cannot get to. Such as behind a flower pot, under the stove, etc. The best thing you can do is just make sure whatever you use, no matter if it says ';pet friendly'; or not, keep it some where the kitten cannot get to it. Sounds hard, but you'll find a spot for it, i'm sure of it!
DO NOT let your cat become an outdoor cat. It's the worst thing you can do. My house has a screened in pporch, and the cats go ';outside'; that way,a but i'm very wary about it still, as they can still get fleas, and other parasites. If they are outside i'm there with them 99% of the time.
The best thing you can do is keep him/her inside with you, he/she will learn to love being indoors with you, I promise.
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