AEPhiAlum,
Sorry this kitty didn't happen but I hope you decide to adopt soon. I've had my boy for 12 years now! When you pick up a kitty hold him under the armpits with one hand and hold his hind legs with the other. Don't pick them up from the middle. It could hurt and might make them puke! As for your kitty running out the door- you'll have to adjust your life a bit if you are in the habit of keeping the door open for any period of time. Just be sure to close the doors all the way. Tommy can open the door with his little paw very easily. He can also open doors with those french door handles. He can just reach up and pull down. He used to walk in on me in the bathroom all the time in my old house, LOL!
You also have to be careful with medications, aspirin, tylenol etc. If you drop anything be sure to pick it up. Don't give them milk (yogurt, ice cream etc). As much as they love it, it is very bad for them. My cats on a special intestinal diet because he had abnormal liver enzyme count. Thats from eating too many human treats.
Good luck and let us know what happens!
