TheReddestMage [2019-09-13 04:37:58 +0000 UTC]

As others have said, investing in pet insurance is worth it. Health problems that may be discovered later can be very expensive, and having insurance coverage already will help.

I'd recommend getting an x-ray and or sonogram to check their organs too. Cats can have problems that may not be visible or show any symptoms immediately.

I have a cat who would sometimes cough while young. A regular inspection judged him fine as he didn't have a cold or anything, but when they did an x-ray and sonogram, they found he was born with a condition in which his lungs (or one of his lungs) got stuck in one of his heart chambers. He's fine for the most part, and doesn't take any medicine as the only way to fix it is through surgery, but since the surgery is risky we deemed it best to not do it unless a problem develops (the problem being that it's possible his intestines could also someday get stuck in his heart chamber, which would make him unable to eat). So we just keep an eye on him and get x-rayed once or twice a year to make sure nothing has changed with his insides.

I have four cats by the way. As for the other three, one has allergies and eats special food so as not to get diarrhea and some eye issues, and one has some nose and eye issues. None of these are serious, and they don't take regular medicine aside from some eye drops or nose drops when needed, but it means we visit the vet for check ups once or twice a year, or whenever we want to make sure they're okay, and without insurance that would add up. Fortunately we got the more expensive insurance that pays 80% of the costs if a problem is found, so the vet bills haven't been so bad.

Also, when they were kittens, two of them had a mold issue on their ears that was contagious, and required ointment for a few months before it went away.

So yeah, be prepared to get regular check ups and have money saved away for any emergency illnesses or injuries and such, and invest in pet insurance.

Also, keep the kitty litter boxes clean. And if you have two cats have at least three litter boxes in the house. Some cats don't like to share litter boxes, and sometimes they won't want to use them if they're too dirty and smelly and will instead poop or pee just outside of the litter box (note, cats have much stronger senses of smell than us, so even if you don't smell anything the cats might think a litter box smells really bad).

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Marcellocameo [2019-09-12 22:07:37 +0000 UTC]

They are adorable! Dont let the cute faces fool you though, cats are tricky little creatures! I skimmed through previous comments so I'll try not to repeat too much!

My number one thing for new cat owners is to stay away from clumping litter, I haven't seen it around as much in recent years but it had its moment. Unfortunately the bonding agent used on clumping litter isnt very particular about what it bonds to and can be very painful and expensive for your kitties!

If they start exploring somewhere they shouldn't be try dusting the space with some spices like cayenne pepper powder, something with a sharp scent and not harmful to discourage them from going back. 

Everyone knows a good squirt bottle is one way to discipline your naughty pets, but what if they dont care about getting wet? Canned air is an amazing tool, I have a cat that this is the onlything that works on him! Little bugger will let me squirt him all day with the bottle but if I bring out the can hes already left the room xD

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Bcfosterheart [2019-09-12 20:00:57 +0000 UTC]

Awwwwww they are sooo cute

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serenofariane [2019-09-12 19:13:52 +0000 UTC]

TT.TT OH MY GOSH LOOK AT THOSE LITTLE CUTIES!!!!
I definitely recommend a cat tree just make sure it has a sturdy base in case they decide to get a running jump on it... That way it is less likely to fall over if they do. Don't give them a lot of wet food as kittens or they will have runny poo. As babies drinking water should be plenty to keep them hydrated. Wash water and food dishes often as bacteria can build up in them pretty fast from leftover food or saliva. Lots of toys; avoid catnip. Kittens have enough of their own energy without being high as kites... If there is furniture you don't want scratched, block it or cover it somehow to prevent it from getting ruined... Trimming their nails will minimize that as well but not completely prevent. For two cats/kittens, have three litter boxes in easy to access parts of the house for them. That way if one is occupied or they are not able to get to it fast enough there is no accidents. If they are to wear a collar, make sure it is breakaway so if they get it caught on something they can get loose. If you want them to wear a collar, start them with it early. *thinks* If you have any simple care questions, feel free to note me! I use to work at a pet store AND I have a cat of my own. n_n

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graveoftherave [2019-09-12 18:43:24 +0000 UTC]

I picked up a litter of stray kittens a few years back and ended up keeping 2 myself! One of them checked out fine at the vet until he was about a year old when he couldn't keep food down.  Turns out he had a huuuuge tapeworm that was producing more and more in his digestive system (yeah, I almost threw up too) that the vet missed entirely until it was several feet long!! Thankfully it was easy to treat and we preemptively treated our other kitty as well.  Something to watch out for/have your vet look for!!

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Eineko [2019-09-12 18:24:52 +0000 UTC]

I suppose just make sure tiny bits of string, wires, etc, anything they could eat and get stuck in their digestive tract is put away. Feed them a high quality food and make sure they have wet food as well and lots of water to avoid urinary tract infections. Get the zoom groom brush! Looks like you are gonna have some fluffy kitties. Not only do cats love the zoom groom brush cause it feels like theyre being pet and massaged, it gets all the loose hair! Win win. 

I'd get large litterboxes for both of them. Make sure to clean once in the morning, once at night preferably. If you put it off it is harder to clean and smells yucky! Oh yes, buy some enzyme cat cleaning spray, for if they throw up or poo or pee somewhere theyre not supposed to. 

I'd recommend trying out a litter other than clay, since when theyre kittens it is the perfect time to train them and get them used to using whatever you choose! Research cat litters and find whats best for you and your babies.

Black spots of their chins as far as I know are caused by bacteria on their food and water bowls, and is actually acne. Avoid using plastic bowls, and instead opt for ceramic bowls, and clean them regularly (Plastic holds bacteria)

Outdoor cats will not live as long. They can eat something poisonous, get fleas much easier, ticks, etc. Your cats look very beautiful, someone may steal them. Many outdoor cats simply get hit by cars. If you love your cats, keep them indoors, and let them play outside in a cat tent or enclosure~ 

Congrats on your sweet adorable babies, they're so cute. 

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Prismaticlysm [2019-09-12 17:48:15 +0000 UTC]

I have had the worst luck with pets/cats, so I'm going to give you advice to help you get a handle on potential issues.

Keep tabs on any heart murmurs they develop. I had two cats that had terrible heart murmurs, one of them passed away very suddenly (that's why I mention checking any heart problems asap) and the other had her murmur turned into heart disease that she now takes 4 pills a day, some twice a day.

Keep an eye on their chins, if they get black marks it could be allergies that you may need to get them special vet prescribed pet food.

NEVER remove their claws. Think of it this way: look at your hand. See the first knuckle on your finger after your nail? They completely remove the end of the finger to remove the nail entirely, and it's EXTREMELY inhumane and painful for your cat. Please don't do this. Just get a nail clipper and have your vet teach you how to clop their paws. Since your cats are still kittens, get them used to having their paws handled, it will make nail clipping that much better for you and them. And always have styptic powder or cornstarch on hand to stop any bleeding in case you hit the claw vein while cutting. I speak from experience!

Do not let them be outdoor cats. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. If you ever want your cat to be outside, you can do a few things. 1) They sell mesh tents for pets that you can bring outside and put them in to get fresh air. 2) If you have a screened in porch, these work great for my cat and she loves being out there. 3) they sell window cages to let your cat literally hang out the window safely. I never tried them but I have seen people who have. 4) This is a long shot, but wealthier people sometimes make outdoor enclosures for their cats to safely stay outside. 
If you do plan on having them outside, get them on heartworm and tick shots that last 6 months, or otherwise specified from your vet.

Brush your cat every so often. I'm assuming your cats are long haired, but even if they aren't, brushing your cat helps prevent painful matting in longer furred areas (like the belly) and they usually enjoy the attention if you're gentle.

As people said above, get to understand cat language and noises, because then you can understand better what they want.

Have one litter box per cat, plus one. So in your case, you'd want three for them to be really happy.

Never have food and water near litter boxes. 

Give them lots of attention. Getting them exposed to being held and rubbed and petted should help them become more friendly to others.

These are things that came to my head first. Good luck, they are beautiful!

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Feinny [2019-09-12 17:48:02 +0000 UTC]

Omg they are sooo cute <3 I'd say outta seven years living with two very different cats : as much as possible, esp since they are kitten, put away any thin electrical wires ! (includes : earphones w/ cords, phone and pc chargers) because they will go for it just like bunnies ! (I've lost count of the amount my family had to replace because they don't listen to me then yell at the cat)

I figure anything else I will have to say, you probably already read since it's basic knowledge ! 

I don't know if you live around other cats/if you plan/can let your kitties go out but be very careful when you open windows or doors (even upstairs) if there are other cats in the neighbourhood ! My first baby cat was attacked once, we were visiting our family in the country side and had her safely locked on the third floor, we left the window open for two minutes and it was enough for a freackin adult cat to clim the wall and attack our baby, because of that she's very hostile to any form of animals, she won't let dog or cats approach her, beside her daughter who's my second cat

if you don't plan on them being outdoor cats : they also escape real quickly lmao my cat used to jump from our balcony down to the garden one floor below so you wanna make sure they don't take the chance ! 

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SailorDeathstar15 [2019-09-12 17:34:01 +0000 UTC]

Look at those little faces! Ahhhh!!

Um....hmmm
from my experience its a good idea to look up cat language and imitate it if possible.
I worked with two cats for years and I used some of their body language to convey that I was their friend, worked wonders.

Slow blinking, getting down on their level, copying their meows.
...that soft tummy is a trap and they will dig their pointy everything into your hand.

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Risaru [2019-09-12 17:32:49 +0000 UTC]

Make sure there are no sharp objects. One time I caught my cat almost swallowing a tooth pick
 Kittens tend to not know better. If you want look up pet insurance I never thought of that but late cause it doesnt treat ongoing illness.

Other then that hope all goes well

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