a new kitten in the household

I loved your photos, shysal. I miss having cats, but live on a busy road and couldn't bear the heartbreak of losing one that way. I'm quite excited about the new kittens coming soon to my youngest GSs. The old cat died on Christmas day which was quite traumatic. The other family has two, brother (a huge fat slob of a cat) and sister (a slim and active hunter!)

Both new cats are home bodies who love a lap to sit on, something I am not used to with my Bengals - they are a bit highly strung and very vocal.The brown spotted Bengals have the silkiest coat ever, which sparkles with gold in the sun.Bugsie and 'Lulu' are over-grooming and moulting, probably from the stress of being at a rescue centre for a month, then coming to me. I could easliy have given homes to all of the cats there and was tempted by a 16 year-old - didn't like to think of him spending his remaining days in a pen.
I am turning into my mother in my old age , she was mad on cats and feeding wildlife. I am glad I grew up with pets, three of my grandchildren have/had dogs,cats,parrots and fish, but the other family of three kids have a Dad who is not keen on animals, but has just been persuaded to allow fish. It is a start anyway, and teaches the children that work is entailed in caring for pets.

Ooh - Tallulah is just like my Wesley! Is she as soft as satin, and does she spend as much time as possible curled up on your knee and gazing into your eyes?

Just added my latest cats to my photo file.They were named Bugsie and Tallulah by Gransnetters. They are the friendliest I have ever had, they can't get enough attention from the grandchildren.My granddaughter came the other day with her library book to finish reading, spent the whole morning on my bed surrounded by cats whilst her brothers caused mayhem downstairs.

Fabulous photos, Shysal - I loved the nocturnal visitor one.

I think my youngest grandson will be gentle (he certainly understands that idea), but I think he might be gentle too much for a kitten to take!

The idea of respecting sleep time is excellent, though. My youngest grandson still has naps - he enjoys them.

When my first cats were kittens (from same litter) they slept most of the day, then as soon as I got into bed they started what I called the 'zooms',using the house like the wall of death charging up, down and everywhere including under my bed sheet, over me and out the other side!
My grandchildren, though young, instinctively treated them gently. I feel all children should have pets, it teaches such a lot about caring.

Jangran Luke's kitten has settled to sleep on the chair in the kitchen when every one has gone to bed,but during the day she is having nap's of about an hour at a time and then come tea-time she has a "funny half hour" where she goes really OTT and play's with everything including the curtains,she then
collapses and settles down for the evening,so not to bad.

Does anyone know how long kittens are supposed to sleep?

My grandson would understand that they were babies and needed more sleep, I think, and he does understand rules, but as I say, he is a bit obsessive about cats.

May I also suggest a talk about strict rules regarding letting the kittens sleep. Two and a half is old enough to understand rules. Also, as harsh as it may seem my DD found with her new kitten that the children soon learned when he was fed up as he either scratched or bit. A hard way to learn, but they now respect him.

Yes, a space of their own is a good idea. Thanks.

DGS had kitten bought for his 8th birthday and DD has also bought a cat
basket for the kitten to have some respite away from loving (but sometimes)
heavy hands.She puts the basket in another room for a while and everything
seem's to be going ok,once the novelty has worn off everything will be fine

Perhaps give the kittens an area of their own while they settle in, and make it clear to the little one that it's their space and when they're there they mustn't be disturbed. I'm quite envious; kittens are so adorable and, unlike puppies [why oh why do people buy puppies for children?] they come ready house trained. It's lovely that he does like animals, though; my grandson is scared of them. They'll probably sleep a lot at first as well.