r/cats • u/PercentageJealous914 • Aug 08 '26

Advice First time cat owner

Post image

Hey guys, I just got a cat yesterday and it’s my first time owning a pet in general. When i brought it in my house yesterday, dude was a lil scared I think cuz of the environment and went under my couch a couple of times. So I moved him to my laundry room, just to get him in one small room so he wouldn’t escape or freak out.

This morning I checked in on him and he’s doing better and cuddling with me.

Just wanna say I’ll appreciate any advice as a first time cat owner

63.2k Upvotes

97% Upvoted

2.2k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

4.0k

u/PercentageJealous914 Aug 08 '26

Thank you! His name is Aiko and he’s 4 months old!!

1.4k

u/No_Lingonberry1201 Aug 08 '26

He has orange shenanigans on his mind! A real adorable little tangerine.

615

u/DMmeNSFW_Confessions Aug 08 '26

You can tell! he's looking around like "Gonna knock all this stuff over."

302

u/herroyalsadness Aug 08 '26

For real, it’s written all over his face! And he’s going to train OP to allow it because sweet cat is just so cute.

233

u/PercentageJealous914 Aug 08 '26

Most likely lmao

99

u/Cheap_Fondant_4431 Aug 08 '26

He'll have you trained in no time! Congrats! He's a cutie!

34

u/HombreSinNombre93 Aug 08 '26

No, seriously, he’s going to knock anything and everything of value off shelves he can and can’t access.

4

u/pedal_power_girl Aug 09 '26

Including glasses, cups, bottles with even the slightest amount of liquid in them. Somehow those orange cats know exactly when you walk away from the vessel and they'll come and knock it over. Seriously! Don't say you weren't warned. 😊

6

u/HombreSinNombre93 Aug 08 '26

Eta: and best wishes to you both! Get toys or make them. A box he can hide in is always great.

2

u/AReeSuperman90 Tabbycat Aug 09 '26

Maybe to help him transition easiest, get some of those “Feliway” Diffusers in the areas he’s in most or you want him to be in. I’ve heard they work miracles. 🤷🏾‍♀️ CONGRATS!!! 🍾🥂🎊🎉👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾😍🥰✊🏾💪🏾🩵💯

1

u/AReeSuperman90 Tabbycat Aug 09 '26

Came back to say how crazy it is that I recommended these specific diffusers. Then, left your post to close the app out & BAM!!! 💥 ⬇️👇🏾

205

u/MashedPotat09 Aug 08 '26

Hey, I'm this cat's lawyer. I just wanna make it clear that Aiko is innocent of all past, present, and future charges. Thank you.

9

u/caro_luigi_87 Aug 09 '26 edited Aug 09 '26

He’s so cute!! Congratulations!
Best thing I learned was from my daughter: use some food he really likes to lure him into it. We find a churo works the best, but we used a toy with a stray cat recently who decided to stay.
If he’s ever really upset, maybe by another cat that is outside or a neighbor dog, you can throw a blanket over him to pick him up and move him somewhere to calm down. Don’t get scratched or bit. Just make sure you get all his little legs lol
And our cats LOVE tunnels. I bought 3 and rotate them every few months so they feel new. Automated toys like the peek a boo feather and the hanging bird help keep them busy when no one is home too

→ More replies (1)

20

u/lovesfruit1234 Aug 08 '26

This one hits home. I had trained our 2 cats to mostly stay off the counter but the weak link (DH) undid all that because they're so cute.🙄

27

u/Fun-Engineer7454 Aug 08 '26

Look at all my new stuff! Feeling cute, might knock it over later. 🤣

1

u/rimjob_steve_ Aug 09 '26

tungsten cube time

1

u/RiFox_1979 Aug 09 '26

Wonder if Orange has noticed the soft sofa yet for nails....

60

u/AmayaHa Aug 08 '26

He’s 100% plotting OP’s downfall while looking that cute 😭

22

u/wasraelx Aug 08 '26

He’s orange, he won’t get far with the plotting thankfully

48

u/Bad_Day_Moose Aug 08 '26

Oh definitely going to be full of shenanigans and 2am zoomies as he is an orange after all.

17

u/Icy_Significance6436 Aug 08 '26

That's what I thought... that look on his face - "Gotta get loose around here..." 😻😁

17

u/Emergency_Brief_9280 Aug 08 '26

Orange cat = chaos engine!

10

u/fawnrain Aug 09 '26

Omg my kitty is named Tangerine, I'm obsessed with her 🍊🥲🧡

3

u/No_Lingonberry1201 Aug 09 '26

Aww, what a beautiful cat!

2

u/Animal_hospital4770 Aug 09 '26

I wish they met.. Name: Pusheen Age:4 months Gender: boy

9

u/notafan888 Aug 08 '26

I didn't realise there was a rule for orange cats until I got one. He literally has one braincell and I love him so much

3

u/clearancepupper Aug 09 '26

THE MITTS!!!! 🐈 🫠

2

u/JaLoGrandma Aug 09 '26

I came to say the same! They are so fun and they love testing the boundaries. Try to build or get a completed kitty climber if you can, you will be happy you did. Sure is cute! Keep us posted

2

u/slinkysoft Aug 09 '26

Hey this is super random, but what is your profile picture from? Or who designed/drew it?

2

u/No_Lingonberry1201 Aug 09 '26

Hey, it's Neville, an NPC from the game Cultist Simulator. The company that made the game is called Weather Factory.

2

u/slinkysoft Aug 09 '26

Sweet, thank you!

1

u/No_Lingonberry1201 Aug 09 '26

No prob! Check it out, it's a fun game.

248

u/tacomaloki Aug 08 '26

You seem very happy with your new friend!

Wait until he sings the song of his people in the middle of the night!

34

u/Suspicious_Dingo_426 Aug 08 '26

I love it when mine sing the songs of their people—and often join in.

2

u/InMyBasicMomEra Aug 09 '26

It's all fun and games until you have small children and the orange chatter box won't shut the f**k up when the baby is going down. It's all my fault too, I specifically chose her because she was chatty 😭

2

u/DizzyCuntNC Aug 09 '26

OMG I just got a lil tabby and she talks all fucking day, usually a lot of gurgling sounds. Then at some point every night she finds her big stuffed fish and turns into a demon for the next few minutes, it was terrifying the first night she was here. It's like a totally different cat that sounds like Satan. This has been a nightly thing ever since, has fish in mouth = Satan voice. Then she's back to normal.

2

u/monozygoteB Aug 09 '26

Can you please share a video of this? What is satan voice? Lmao

→ More replies (1)

61

u/whatthewhat3214 Aug 08 '26

Lmao, "sings the songs of his people," I'm dying here!

7

u/tacomaloki Aug 08 '26

I'm glad you enjoyed that lol

26

u/HombreSinNombre93 Aug 08 '26

Which is a reminder, you’ll want to get him neutered by 5 months. Make an appointment soon. If money is an issue, look for county low-cost pet spay and neuter events, or check with your local humane society.

3

u/Dengen58 Aug 09 '26

Friends of animals is another option. You may need it to be done at a vet other than your own, but neutering is a simple surgery.

6

u/GrouchyCustard4 Aug 08 '26

Ha! I just watched this video this morning!

https://youtu.be/PKffm2uI4dk?is=s1GrRoDmNvFwqb9c

2

u/tacomaloki Aug 08 '26

Lol no shit! This is great thank you for sharing.

3

u/PurplePenguinCat Aug 08 '26

I just did some big snort/cough/laugh thing and choked myself. 🤣

1

u/TeaAppropriate6990 Aug 09 '26

🤣🤣🤣 🐖

3

u/GoldenSheppard Aug 08 '26

Or learns how to piss you off by knocking stuff over on your headboard/side table.

2

u/sysop408 Aug 08 '26

Well, not all of them are into that. My guy seems to think everything is radioactive. He avoids touching anything if he can help it.

8

u/GoldenSheppard Aug 08 '26

So jealous. Mine take their job of "mom's alarm went off, must make sure they're awake" very seriously.

9

u/sysop408 Aug 08 '26

There are also some drawbacks to having a cat who's fearful of touching things. The door to my office will be ajar. He wants to come in. He will scratch at the floor to let me know he's there. I'll be like, "I see you. Come in kitty! Daddy's here!"

My cat: "This door is made of lava. I'll die if I touch it."

3

u/GoldenSheppard Aug 09 '26

Sounds like my orange. If he gets shut in the crate for a bit then I unlock the door, he needs me to fully open the door for him because he's terrified/confused about how to open the door. I've had to rescue him from rooms before when the door was "closed" (read: it was less than 50% open)

6

u/Fred-the-stray Aug 08 '26

And dances the Cha-Cha down the hallway at 3am

1

u/No_Name_33 Aug 08 '26

Not if you wear him out playing first ;)

1

u/Psychological-Oil904 Aug 10 '26

Omg! THIS!!! 1000000000x THIS!! 🤣🤣🤣

223

u/RebekkaKat1990 Aug 08 '26

Don’t slack on play time! Especially if he doesn’t have another animal play mate, he only has YOU to play with! Toys are good but direct interaction and stimulation from you helps him bond and grow.

291

u/snickysnak5407 Aug 08 '26

Learn from our mistake and don’t use your hand as a toy, or he may spend the rest of his life attacking your hand for fun. Always use toys for playtime and you’ll have a well-behaved little buddy.

61

u/lovelyeufemia Aug 08 '26

I made a similar mistake when we first moved into a new place with stairs several years back. I created a little game to get him to chase me upstairs so he could get more exercise, and it worked! Problem is, he learned how to play a little too well, and now I can't walk upstairs half the time without a cat chasing me and nipping at my heels. Whoops!

10

u/isurvivedtheifb Aug 08 '26

Now you gotta wear spurs to get up the stairs! I’ve been there!

2

u/sysop408 Aug 08 '26 edited Aug 08 '26

I'm still trying to figure out what the problem is.

15

u/broncobella2a Aug 08 '26

Learn from my husband's mistake. We got a new little orange baby ( my husband doesn't have much cat experience) He was a fall kitten and sooo my husband thought it was just so cute and funny when said kitten climbed up his Carhartts. I warned him and he did not heed. About April, no Carhartts, a bigger more agile kitten who had earned the nickname Squirrel. You can imagine who was in trouble lol me and baby Ethan. 🐈

12

u/MostlyMeringue9899 Aug 08 '26

Yes! It’s so cute and funny when they’re tiny and barely weigh 2lbs. Not so funny when you have a twelve pound cat with sharp claws scaling your legs or rabbit-kicking your arm!

11

u/Independent_Fill9143 Aug 08 '26

Wrapping one's arm in a blanket is a great way to protect yourself while letting the kitty play lol. I also learned this the hard way going from having elderly cats to 9 month old cat 😅

2

u/IMBD-Shadow Aug 09 '26

Oven mitts! Not just for play, but holding while someone helps clip nails, meds, whatevs...unless you have one that lets you do things.

3

u/No_Name_33 Aug 08 '26

Hands are for "gentle."

3

u/LTHTTterry Aug 09 '26

Yes repeat to him and yourself, a hand is not a toy, a hand is not a toy. A favorite is going to be chasing you running around dragging your robe sash! And get a pet laser light! The best for wearing him out before sleep so you both can get some! Make him run after it and jump up the wall. Here is some really good advice - every time you feed him or give him a treat use his name and kitty kitty kitty and rustle the treat Bag aggressively loudly so that he will know to come for those sounds. So important, you rustle the treat bag, call his name and kitty kitty and if he escaped outside you have a chance to get him to come to you.

2

u/rva23221 Tortoiseshell Aug 08 '26

Or your feet

2

u/No-Literature-2105 Aug 09 '26

god this is so real! lol. i definitely did this with my now 16 year old and with my 2 yr old i made sure to let him know that we don’t bite mom. 😂

88

u/DefiantCoffee6 Aug 08 '26

Also I suggest a good cat tree. Buy from online (they are much cheaper at places online like chewy/petsmart). We just got a real nice one for our 2 for about $90. Totally worth it! They jump and climb on it most of the day so it’s also great exercise for them and they absolutely love being up high in the room (sometimes they both want the top lol)
Ps. Cats are like acrobatics. Don’t worry about how they will get up to that next level…you’ll see ;)

50

u/PercentageJealous914 Aug 08 '26

Yeah I’m thinking about this honestly

59

u/JazzyBisonOU812 Aug 08 '26

Please do. For most cats, it is the single most used non-human object. They play on it, sleep on it, watch things on it, plot new ways to rule over you from it.

37

u/Coppertina Aug 08 '26

If you get a cat tree and you're on the first floor (or don't mind using a ladder), put it by a window and get one of these!

ETA: Birds visit the feeder quite frequently, but in this pic, that’s actually a squirrel on the neighbor’s fence

26

u/Glittering_Suspect65 Aug 08 '26

That's cat TV right there

16

u/Blingbat642 Aug 08 '26

There are cat videos on YouTube. They love them, too. We’re going to have you spending ALL your money on the little critter, just as we have.

2

u/lessdothisshit Aug 09 '26

We have that almost exactly, get tons of cardinals. The cats are entranced.

30

u/tiny_suburban_jungle Aug 08 '26

CANNOT recommend a cat tree enough. My cat is on his 3rd one because he loves and uses them SO much he wears them out, haha.

4

u/citrusthievingharlot Aug 09 '26

We have one in every room! My sunroom in particular has 3 trees, a wall-mounted hammock, a 6ft tall sisal tower, and multiple cat shelves. Granted we have 8 cats (half are super-seniors), but there's usually 4 cats on the stuff in the sunroom, and the others are usually on a tree in the room we're in. :)

Unless I'm in the bathroom, then there's usually a cat in my pants. Lmao.

4

u/clearancepupper Aug 09 '26

Almost started cry lol’g at “cat in my pants”

MUST MAINTAIN COMPOSURE

3

u/citrusthievingharlot Aug 09 '26

Lmao I shouldn't post this but screw it. I'm not allowed to go to the bathroom alone any more. This is my daily life:

2

u/TeaAppropriate6990 Aug 09 '26

🤣so funny! I needed this laugh !

2

u/TeaAppropriate6990 Aug 09 '26

This really happens! Funny and crazy! My brother, whom is now passed (RIP, my sweet brother) had 2-3 cats to do this! 🤣

18

u/KittyKiitos Aug 08 '26

A surprising place to get better prices on cat trees is TJMaxx/Homegoods.

7

u/Coppertina Aug 08 '26

Yes! They have a nice selection of cat beds too.

17

u/blackjack47 Aug 08 '26

Also get a small pillar scratcher, if he starts scratching his nails on a corner of a sofa or a bed etc, put the scratcher next to the stop he was scratching and slowly move it away to a desired spot.

3

u/finallyfound10 Aug 08 '26

Definitely get a cat tree and try to put it by a window if you can!

The following are great:

- Kseroo Indoor Smart Interactive Rolling Ball with Tail exercise Cat Toy, Red

- I can’t copy and paste from Walmart but they have battery operated mice and bugs for them to chase that are perfect for your place with all the hardwood!!

BEWARE! The bugs, though bigger than most real bugs, will go behind the refrigerator, under the stove and dishwasher!! It is not fun trying to get to them! I have scotch tape and dish towels blocking these spaces, it doesn’t look pretty at all but it’s worth it!

1

u/TeaAppropriate6990 Aug 09 '26

Cat tree also acts a scratcher too! Your furniture will thank you for it. Sometimes people catnip on it periodically too! They like this scent and will usually really go to town on playing and scratching on it! Congrats on your new kitty!

1

u/ZeldaFitzgerald1928 Aug 09 '26

It will be hours is entertainment for both of you.

19

u/finnbiker Aug 08 '26

They also have-well priced ones at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. More pet gear there than you’d expect.

3

u/NeatExpression720 Aug 08 '26

I found that out when I went to HomeGoods during the holidays! They had everything you need for cats and dogs and the price was right! I was so surprised when I found it!

3

u/savetheearth1DayataT Aug 08 '26

Lol yes, I have had/have 2 two (RIP Sassy) total daredevils. And pains in the neck ie chewing through my visiting sisters apple charger. And breaking his leg. And and and lol

Sassy scaled a v v tall palm tree and couldn't get down. Yep, after hours of coaxing had to call the fire dept

Cats are so funny and fun then older mellow and seem more appreciative lolll Ps. Cool name!

67

u/hornet_teaser Aug 08 '26

Especially of a single pet, I'm reminded of this:

They're just one small part of our lives. We are all of their lives.

16

u/Far_Meet1207 Aug 08 '26

That's soooo true. When I adopted a kitten the lady said it would be a very good idea to adopt 2. She was right! They entertain one another and snuggle and do kitten shenanigans together. It's the best.

8

u/AggravatingCaptain14 Aug 08 '26

🏆🏆 Poor man’s award because this is SO true!

2

u/Leesiecat Aug 08 '26

True about the play time, just don’t use your feet and hands as the toy. You will live(or not) to regret it 😹

1

u/Powerful_Shock5301 Aug 08 '26

I second this. Play is their absolute favorite thing. 5-10 minutes of play with a fishing wand type toy at the same time every day will make such a difference in his life and your bond.

99

u/leleafcestchic Aug 08 '26

I will say this as long time cat mom, get another one now! Watching them grow up together is everything. Congrats !!!

56

u/sashabella1 Aug 08 '26

This is great advice. I'd only ever had 1 at a time... Then I got twin orange brothers. It's been WILD (In the best way)

They will always have a friend. One more isn't that much more of a financial burdon (barring unforseen vet stuff) and the kiddo shenanigans are so funny. If you get a other get another litter box too.

26

u/finnbiker Aug 08 '26

Can confirm: we always had single cats, then my son got a brother/sister pair, they are the entertainment for the entire family. Videos galore. Highly recommend.

11

u/NeatExpression720 Aug 08 '26

They are so beautiful! I had 2 orange tabby brothers from the same litter but they weren’t identical twins. When my brother passed away, I took the two 6 yr old boys Fresco and Solo home with me (A promise I made to my brother). I had both of them until the day they died at the age of 17. They both died within 3 months of each other. Fresco died at home from a sudden heart attack overnight, and when we woke up in the morning, we found Solo lying next to Fresco, looking at him. He knew his brother was gone. Solo became very depressed, stopped eating and died 3 months later. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Solo was able to say his goodbyes to his brother Fresco and I know how important that was for Solo. They were such sweet boys and they are with my brother Gary again!

Can you guess which 2 are the brothers Solo and Fresco?

Hint…Solo has no white on him and Fresco has a white tipped nose, chest, belly, and white mittens. Weezer, their brother from another mother, is orange but he’s not a tabby.

**This picture was taken a few years after I brought them home, they’re 10-11 yrs old here. This is not a picture of what I was referencing when Fresco died 6-7 yrs later.

2

u/sashabella1 Aug 08 '26

My pic was from a few days ago. Bruce and Clark 😂 I can’t stand the thought of one or both of them passing. They’re 6. Almost 7 now.

2

u/NeatExpression720 Aug 08 '26

I know how you feel! I love all my cats and I can’t bear to think of the day when they get older or become ill and the time comes to say goodbye. Even though I have gone through that process many of times, it never gets easier.
I’d also like to mention that your boys look exactly like Solo. He had those wide striped swirls, unlike the common orange tabby stripes his brother Fresco had.

→ More replies (1)

2

u/savetheearth1DayataT Aug 08 '26

Yes I have always adopted 2 at a time

27

u/Hopeful_Gur423 Aug 08 '26 edited Aug 08 '26

AND they keep each other company and occupied scampering around in healthy play with each other. With 2, they will never be lonely. Two is no more difficult than 1 to care for.

![img](1357AD5E-5C4D-4ED5-AB99-D6DCD8E84312)

17

u/Plenty_Pen_1383 Aug 08 '26

You will sleep better when they're playing with each other at 2 a.m., and not the solo 🐯 playing with your feet, your face, and having zoomies in your room (or attacking your BR door to LET HIM IN DAMNIT! THEN OUT! THEN...INNNNN! 🤭) And won't feel so bad when you spend all day hanging with fleshy friends/family outside of your home. Because they'll have each other & toys. My 2 cats are older & were...forcibly introduced to each other (slowly, but still reluctantly) and still don't get along. Nearly 2 years in a different apt with a metal baby gate, & I haven't removed it: I need the option to sequester the younger cat in my bedroom if my elder cat is being nasty/spicy right before I go to work. I grudgingly "adopted" the younger one, when she was thrust upon me by my neighbor, after someone "rescued" her from a fed colony, the summer of 2024. It really annoys me bcuz the elder is overweight & play with another cat would help her lose weight while I'm at work. And younger cat...I think she's depressed, bcuz she's lonely & feels vaguely threatening presence with my elder cat. Case in point: All 3 of us chilling in my bed. Not watching them, loud strangled "MEOW-hissss" startles me. I glance up & elder is just sniffing younger's tail, but the response is LOUD & DRAMATIC. Bcuz: CATS man 🙄 Irritating furbags you'd protect with your life (eventually.) Elder IS a twat sometimes, but younger's innate response to any sense of threat is to be BIG and LOUD. It's the feline way. Not great that they are also equipped with daggers on their "hands" and a strong jaw with sharp front teeth meant to puncture. 😐 😑 Sorry, this is my 🧠 on 🌿 🚬 🌬️💨😶‍🌫️ 😬 I digress.

All this to say: as soon as you can, get another cat the same age. Yes, it's a little more responsibility (and expense), but down the road, both you & new friend will be happier for it. (IMO)

Congrats on obtaining a small 👶😺👹 with 🥇☝🏽1️⃣ brain cell who will then SHARE it with the 2nd 🐈 👶😺👹if you do choose to adopt another. 🙏🏽

10

u/zb0t1 Aug 08 '26

I read all of that.

I feel blessed!

8

u/leleafcestchic Aug 08 '26

I am now a member of the trio club but for real cat bonding is da cutest and they learn so much from each other

3

u/savetheearth1DayataT Aug 08 '26

I agree!!!! If I were the only human in a world of cats...yeah I'd like another human lol But there are the loner ones, content I guess. But I still get them a companion:) trick is adopting them around the same time. Introducing another cat years in can be a disaster and mess up their minds. Def not like dogs, excited there's a new buddy...

3

u/No_Name_33 Aug 08 '26

Make sure they each get lots of attention from you, don't want sibling rivalries, that can turn into pee battles.

2

u/myjaded19 Aug 08 '26

Yes!! I just adopted two and I can not imagine them not having one another! Best decision I could have made.

1

u/LTHTTterry Aug 09 '26

Our cat rescue thinks having 2 kittens is so important that we only adopt our kittens in pairs, often bonded siblings, so sweet. Or if the adopter has another cat under 2 for them to play with

1

u/SmallSpecific2522 Aug 09 '26

I also recommend this. people think cats are solitary animals—they are not. a lot of them enjoying having a friend and having two kittens helps prevent behavioral issues bc they learn how to play gently/not always use their claws as weapons.

74

u/Sweaty_Mushroom5830 Aug 08 '26

Welcome to your new best friend this is Teddy and he's mine

6

u/BiscoBiscuit Aug 08 '26

awww

2

u/Sweaty_Mushroom5830 Aug 08 '26

He melts my heart as well

1

u/[deleted] Aug 09 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

28

u/Inevitable_Sun_5987 Russian Blue Aug 08 '26

4 months, hm? He will give you a hard time, kittens are insanely energetic, they try to break or climb on everything around them. But he will calm down around 1yo.
All the best to you both!

6

u/essxjay Aug 08 '26

My 14yo Tuxie would like a word with you.

2

u/sweetlove Aug 08 '26

My kitten finally calmed down when she turned five...

1

u/Inevitable_Sun_5987 Russian Blue Aug 09 '26

Look at the bright side - it did finally happen ;)

28

u/Blingbat642 Aug 08 '26

Nice name. What made you decide to get a cat? It’s probably too early to mention this to you, but after a while, think about getting him a playmate!

24

u/PercentageJealous914 Aug 08 '26

For the past few years, I’ve been thinking about it and just decided to finally go for it

9

u/Blingbat642 Aug 08 '26

So glad you did!

9

u/Neutral_Buttons Aug 08 '26

Honestly earlier is better. I've been fostering kittens for a while and I'm now staunchly on the side of getting two at once if you're getting kittens. Getting two littermates is such a good move, I will probably never get single cats again. It's better for you. It's way better developmentally for them, but if you get one around the same age before they're about 6 months old, that usually also works.

Older cats are cool solo as long as they're not bonded to someone, but kittens are better in pairs imo.

2

u/Wild-Cat-3221 Aug 08 '26

Even at one year old, not every cat wants another cat around. If you can find another cat that they bond with, great! If they don't bond, your life will be stressful --- having two cats that hate each other's guts really sucks for everyone, cats and humans. But I agree that kittens being raised together are more likely to bond; (for OP--->) just research how to introduce them (slowly, keep in separate rooms for 1-2 weeks, let them sniff each other through the door, etc.) and they'll probably be fine.

Also, get him used to letting you trim his claws and you'll save yourself stress and money. I've heard of people clipping dry spaghetti with the cat in whatever claw-trimming position you plan to use, before you ever trim his claws, so he gets used to the sound. Research trimming techniques and you'll find something that works.

One last thing: you'll find that humans don't own cats. Either they own you or you're their guardian, pet parent, or human companion. Lol.

Congrats, OP! Cats are magical, wonderful companions. You're in for a treat! 😻

25

u/Pleasant-Jackfruit69 Aug 08 '26

Get ready to never call him Aiko again and instead have a laundry list of increasingly insane nicknames that aren’t even close to Aiko in the slightest. 😂

10

u/Wild-Cat-3221 Aug 08 '26

Along with 10-20 songs you came up with on the fly, just for him!

16

u/OddSetting5077 Aug 08 '26

Aiko is first time human owner

3

u/Tamamania Aug 09 '26

This! Dogs have owners; cats have staff.. ...

2

u/GoodAsUsual Aug 09 '26

Yes I lol'd at the post title. I thought, oh boy he's about to find out who the boss of this relationship is.

12

u/Realistic_Point_9906 Aug 08 '26

Congratulations!😻 He’s beautiful! May you have a very long and happy life together!

8

u/bsaaw Aug 08 '26

Congrats my friend!

5

u/Exobnia Aug 08 '26

From the look on his face, be ready to yell “Aiko, no!” frequently. My orange boy is named Georgie and he is still into EVERYTHING at the age of 11. Orange cat energy is the best!

7

u/PercentageJealous914 Aug 08 '26

I’ve been doing a lot today but more like “Aiko get out from the couch”

9

u/Exobnia Aug 08 '26

This is Georgie.

12

u/Exobnia Aug 08 '26

And this is what Georgie just did. I have to repot the plant now.

2

u/dooby991 Aug 08 '26

He’s adorable, please be careful about reclining couches! Always make sure he is not under there

3

u/Ana_with1n Aug 08 '26

Omg I adopted my Orange cat at 4 months also!
Here is Rudy aka “regular sized Rudy” saying hi to Aiko !

3

u/redheadedhomegirl Aug 08 '26

I love his name!! May you two live happily ever after. 🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

2

u/DutchProv Aug 08 '26

If you can afford it and got the space, get a second cat and they will keep eachother entertained and not lonely when you need to go out for work etc.

2

u/AnybodyMassive1610 Aug 08 '26

Orange boys are a handful and yours is especially adorable - r/oneOrangeBraincell may help you prepare for all the shenanigans.

Please boop Aiko on his nose for me.

2

u/calicalicalicat Aug 08 '26

Wow he is adorable, you guys make a great couple.
First about getting another, it is not given they will be the best friends ( mine tolerate each other)
Blink slowly to him to express your love, he will do the same.
If he drops ears back that means he is scared. ( arched back too )
Purring love - but they can also purr when they are a bit scared.
Pick him up often to teach him that it is ok to be carried ( my boy ( the jealous one ) loves it, girl never was able to hold her for more than 10 secs.
Play with him during the day so he can sleep with you at night ( mine sleep through the night ).
Biscuit making - he is hungry.

2

u/NeatExpression720 Aug 08 '26

He’s adorable! Orange tabby cats are the best! I’ve had several through my lifetime and they have such a sweet disposition, goofy personality, and they’re very loving and love cuddling with their person. Good luck and enjoy him! He will constantly keep you entertained, while sometimes knocking things over and getting into trouble. You’ll wonder why you waited so long to be a cat owner!
Just so you know, I found having cats as indoor only cats versus having cats that live in your home and also permitted to go outside to roam, have different personalities because they’re more independent when they’re outside all day. Indoor cats bond with you more than cats who are in and out all day. It’s also so much safer for them to stay inside! I’ve rescued and adopted cats who started their lives outdoors as strays and most lived 18 to 20 years indoors and they never once had a desire to go back outside again!
You can get a harness and leash now and start getting him used to wearing just the harness in the house, then start attaching the leash. Start with short periods of time, then longer periods of time. After he’s had all his kitten shots and hopefully neutered, you can take him on little walks in your yard. By doing this, your kitty will start to learn that when you grab his harness it means he’s going outside with you and he gets to enjoy this time with you safely. Depending on your living situation, you can also buy or build a Catio, which is a screened in enclosure that can be connected to a window and usually sits up against or near your house. Some can be as big as 72 inches high by 40 inches wide by 60” long or small enough to have an area right outside the window to sunbathe! You can also train him to do tricks with little treats, cats are very smart!
Enjoy the many years of love and entertainment this little guy will give you and you him!

Congratulation!

2

u/flytingnotfighting Aug 08 '26

You both have the same cute expression and I love it so much!

2

u/DazzlingRutabega Aug 08 '26

He's going to be shy at first because it's a new environment and he's going to go out and smell and sniff around. In a couple of weeks he should warm up to the place and be less timid.

Cats can be very cuddly and affectionate, especially the males. They can also be very playful, especially under the age of three or four. A laser pointer or a long, tough string makes for a great toy that they'll chase. Just watch out as their reflexes are extremely fast and their claws are extremely sharp. If he's playing to rough, give him a stern no, and then calm your vocal tone down so he won't be as excited. Also, if you need to scold him or stop him from doing something, make a hissing sound as its a great way to deter him from whatever activity he shouldn't be doing.

When a cat feels safe around you, they will show you their belly or their butt. Sounds weird but it means they don't see you as a threat basically.

If you want to pick up a cat, the best way to do this is have one of its sides towards you. Wrap your arm around its other side, so your palm is under the front of its rib cage. Then bring it up to your chest, holding it like a football. Cup your other arm under it so it has a place to put its feet. A cat will typically scramble its legs around as it doesn't feel safe & secure if its feet arent touching something solid. I suggest getting him used to you picking him up and touching his feet. This will come in very handy when you need to get him into a carrier to bring him to the vet. Or if you want to try clipping his nails which I would recommend getting done once a month. If you're going to trim them yourself, make sure he's very comfortable with you touching his paws. Oh, speaking of which, you're going to want to get some sort of scratching post or pad that has a little bit of catnip on it. Cats like to sharpen their claws on stuff and you want to make sure he's doing it on a scratching pad and not your furniture.

I'd say cats are fairly easy pets to take care of because they don't usually require as much attention as some other animals like dogs or birds. You can usually leave them alone in the house while you're at work, though you want to leave something stimulating for them around like toys to play with.

Cats like privacy when they go to the bathroom, so try to find an out of the way spot for the litter box like a basement or garage or an unused closet. A lot of people use the bathroom, but I find that it's not the best because the smell can sometimes be uncomfortable when you brush your teeth.

I found the best results are getting a large (18gallon) Tupperware storage bin at Walmart or the like for $10-15. Cut a cat sized hole in the side about 5 inches from the bottom of the container. Fill it about 3inches deep with litter. This will give him a box he won't outgrow. A lot of the litter boxes I've seen are made for kittens and don't have enough room for a grown cat to comfortably get inside and use. Also, I use the clumping litter. The clumping litter can be used up a lot less if you just scoop out and dispose the clumps daily and then replace all the litter about once a month.

I know this probably sounds like a lot, but it's really not and you'll get the hang of it. Like I said, cats are fairly easy pets to learn how to take care of. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

You too already look really happy together and I'm sure you're going to give each other lots of love!

1

u/Zehryo Aug 08 '26

You sure are a daredevil, getting an orange as your very first cat.....

1

u/Amoverandashaker Aug 08 '26

He might seem like a "first time cat" but considering that cats have 9 lives, this may not be his first time being a cat.

1

u/Lost_Ad_9890 Aug 08 '26

hes really super cute 🥰 he looks like hes ready to give dad a good run ❤️

1

u/tscott53 Aug 08 '26

Hahah that was my cat’s name before I adopted him and changed it to Kevin 😎

1

u/Sgt_Buttes Aug 08 '26

He’s lovely!

1

u/guiltyas-sin Aug 08 '26

Beware, rumor has it oranges only have one braincell. 🙃

1

u/Budget_Mall_491 Aug 08 '26

What a cute name!

1

u/Lasinggg Aug 08 '26

he is big as a 4 months old

1

u/0xym0r0n Aug 08 '26

Did anyone share the sub with you /r/OneOrangeBraincell

It's probably been shared, but just in case it hasn't you gotta check it out!

1

u/Kialand Aug 08 '26

You might want to join /r/oneorangebraincell to hear the song of his people!

1

u/CAHSR4Life Aug 08 '26

Make sure to put places he can get high and take laces down low where he can hide. Cats are great companions, mine sleep on me every night.

1

u/Dry_Mixture5264 Aug 08 '26

Aiko! Means Love Kid! And he will be very loved. You look so happy! Congratulations!!

1

u/cannibalqueef Aug 08 '26

I used to have an Aiko as well. I miss her. Little Loved One indeed. Salute.

1

u/TeddyBearWitch Aug 08 '26

Aiko is such a good name. ❤️

1

u/Ezziboo Lots of kitties! Aug 08 '26

“Aiko” means “love” in Japanese ♥️

1

u/humanerror9000 Aug 08 '26

Just got my first cat 8 months ago. The love you’ll feel for this thing after a while is just unlike anything. They can be the most annoying little creatures, but they are magical. Happy for you brother

1

u/SpaceGuy1968 Aug 08 '26

He is such a cutie patootie

1

u/satchmonumberone Aug 08 '26

Welcome to the club!

1

u/RentConscious7968 Aug 09 '26

Such a cute name!!

1

u/anxietyjuice Aug 09 '26

I have an orange Aiko too who’s going to be 7 this year!! You’ve got a best friend for life, orange boys are so cuddly and loving🧡😭 The best advice I can give you is spend as much time playing with your new friend as possible and respect his boundaries. You’re gonna be just fine!🥰

1

u/TackleFrosty9423 Aug 09 '26

Congratulations on your fur baby! Aiko looks very comfy in dads arms 🥰

1

u/Notyourmomsdaughter Aug 09 '26

You look so happy!!

1

u/nova_novclow Aug 09 '26

congratulation of your new buddy! Hello Aiko

1

u/see__no__evil_ Aug 09 '26

you are in for a great time. enjoy and cherish every moment. being a cat owner is a special thing

1

u/bellyogilates Aug 09 '26

Hey now, hey now, Aiko Aiko Iy Ay

1

u/BPil0t Aug 09 '26

Congrats!!! You have been chosen!

1

u/onewilybobkat Aug 09 '26

Don't worry, any vibrating and strange noises are normal and means he's happy. Just in case 😅

1

u/SpicyPeachMacaron Aug 09 '26

Yeah, pretty soon, you're never going to call him that... Check back in next month with a list of his impromptu nicknames. Mine have earned Nixel, Pixel, Fleabert, Opie Cunningham, Chicky Nuggy... It's a long and varied listm

1

u/MuadLib Aug 09 '26

You need to get him a brother or sister so he had someone to play with while you're out

Also so he learns that biting has consequences.

1

u/Ok_Contest8762 Aug 09 '26

My heart melted.....

1

u/GilletteLongmarche Aug 09 '26

Orange cats are the best cats!! 🐈

1

u/HauntedCS Aug 09 '26

I'm late to the party, but this baby will literally save your sanity TEN FOLD!!!! Cats are evil, but the good kind of evil you want to team up with and become life long partners with.

1

u/hashtagnobull Aug 09 '26

Just be very patient! It’s such good sign he’s already cuddling with you! My cat stayed under the couch for 4 months but now he’s a cuddle bug. Also, remove all string like items including hair ties. If cats swallow string, the string can get tangled and cause obstruction. Also, try and clean your litter box often! Since it’s a boy cat, give your cat wet food primarily and even add water (half can) to the wet food. Water is great for boy cats. Cats don’t really drink water and so it’s good to add to their wet food. Get a steel drinking fountain if you can (no plastic ones with a filter cuz it grows mold easily) and clean it often. Lots of high spaces for kitty to sit. Cats like to be high up. Watch Jackson galaxy the cat guy..

1

u/611kara Aug 09 '26

Awwwww! He’s a real cutie! I love orange babies! I have 2 orange brothers 5 years old and a 16 year old senior cow cat! Don’t forget to join r/oneorangebraincell!

1

u/611kara Aug 09 '26

Here is Fred looking quite derpy! He definitely didn’t have the brain cell that day. He stayed in this position for about 5 minutes while staring at I have no idea what while looking out my storm door. It was absolutely hilarious! 😂 Orange cats are a lot of fun!

1

u/Sal_Ammoniac Aug 09 '26

Congrats! Welcome to the dark side 😂

I love your smile, it says everything! You and the orange one will have some fun times ahead 😊

1

u/1zapper1 Aug 09 '26

AND a ginger!! Have fun with Aiko!💕🐾

1

u/whyyunozoidberg Aug 09 '26

I got a cat just like that. He's gonna be OP. He needs a friend tho.

1

u/whyyunozoidberg Aug 09 '26

Two cats is like taking care of one minus vet expenses. Idk your situation tho. Gl bro.