Adopting a rescue cat what do I need to do to prepare

[PurpleElla]

We are being home checked this evening with hopes of adopting a five year old rescue cat. I had hoped to adopt a younger cat but this cat sounds perfect for our home so I'm considering her anyway. Her foster family say she's a very affectionate, calm, human and home loving cat. She comes with a full health history and is healthy. I have three kids (5,7 and 9) so I think cat's temperament is probably more important than age? I'd love to hear thoughts on this, and whether we should hold out for a younger cat or go with her?

So if we do go with her what do I need to do to prepare? What should I buy? I've never had a cat before (had a house rabbit pre kids but nothing else) and I want to give our cat the best home and life.

[cozietoesie]

Gosh. Five years old is a young cat in my books.

She sounds just right for you.

[Vinorosso74]

5 isn't old for a cat and they will also be calmer than a kitten so less scratching and no running up through curtains!
What to buy:- decent food though fund out what she currently eats then gradually change (stops upset tummy), bowls for food and water, litter tray, cat litter, toys, scratch post/mat (our cat never liked them so maybe not essential), bed though this may not be slept in or fleecy blankets you can put on sofa or bed, pet carrier for those vet trips, insurance, find a decent vet.
There may be more I've forgotten but think a rescue will give you a checklist.
Good luck!

[cozietoesie]

Yep. Some decent food - find out what she's used to to giver a feeling of familiarity - water, litter tray(s) those good things.

Have you already got a carrying case?

[thecatneuterer]

Five is young! Many cats live to be beyond 20. The only things you will really need are a litter tray (make it a big one), a carrier (not a cheap one from Argos with a plastic door - make sure at least that the door is metal) food and water. And insurance if you're not rolling in money.

[cozietoesie]

You're likely to have many of the things you need around the house, actually, or be able to source them from other people's cupboards. I'm thinking eg of food and water bowls - you really don't need those pretty ones with embossed paw prints that are labelled 'Cat' in the local supermarket - plain old cereal bowls - and plenty of them - will serve just fine and you may well have some of those around, along with old fleeces for sleeping on and cardboard boxes for playing in.

I do appreciate, though, that the DCs may well want to buy some 'cat things' to mark the occasion. Maybe just don't go mad with the CC?

Oh - and have you a 'safe place' for her to go to if it all gets too much for her? With 3 DCs, she may well want some 'Me Time', especially at the beginning. (Says Purple, 'Wish I could get some 'Me Time' ! )

[PurpleElla]

Thanks everyone, reassuring on the age thing. I didn't think it was particularly old but when I told my cat loving friend (who used to work at a rescue) she said we should go younger for playfulness and because of potential health problems. I shall disregard that now.

Fingers crossed the home check tonight works out.

[cozietoesie]

You just can't tell about health and things that might happen to them. Yes there's a greater chance of them developing something the older they get but she's in the prime of her life right now.

And as for playfulness ? I recall having to retrieve Seniorboy from the top of a door at 15. (15!) With 3 DCs, you'll be glad of a cat with a little bit of a head on her shoulders.

Fingers crossed for your home check. (It will likely be fine.)

[Rollypoly100]

How exciting! We got our two tabby rescues at 13 and 10. Home check will be fine. It's lovely having cats!

[PurpleElla]

So all good with the home check. Now I wait for an email to organise meeting the cat! So excited!!!

[cozietoesie]

[Vinorosso74]

Exciting!

[Quodlibet]

Ahh lovely! Some cheap cat toys are good, although she may not play much till she has settled in a bit (took ours over a year). You can get them in Asda for a couple of quid.
A Feliway diffuser is useful for settling a cat.
We installed a cat flap and have now done away with the litter tray (hurrah!)
5 is not old at all.

[Papergirl1968]

Our two-year-old boy doesn't play with toy mice etc much anymore but does like to wrestle with a life size toy cat. Other favourites are a laser light (which we find useful for getting him in at night when he is crouched under the car) and a large round plastic circle with balls in, which has holes in for him to put his paws in and knock them round. Oh, and he quite likes his fabric tunnel.
I wouldn't bother too much with pet beds as cats being cats they prefer the sofa or a human bed. Ours does like a fleecy or knitted blanket though (spoilt).
He does use his scratching post and I think it saves the furniture if not the carpets!
We feed a mixture of wet, dry and human (chicken, steak, tuna etc) food with cat milk and Dreamies as occasional treats.
Don't forget to get a poop scoop and maybe some poo back or nappy sacks unless you have a plentiful supply of plastic bags.
A flea collar and Id tag possibly? We don't have a collar for our cat. Just personal choice.
Post a pic when you get your new arrival...

[thecatneuterer]

That's great. Don't get a flea collar. The anti-flea bit of it doesn't work but can cause irritation and also can't be used alongside 'proper' flea products (Advocate/Advantage/Stronghold/Broadline). And collars generally are a bad idea (they can hurt the cat in an accident - even the quick release ones) and people tend to ignore cats with collars in trouble as they assume they must have an owner.

Microchips are essential however.

[OliviaStabler]

Make sure you get good pet insurance. I recommend Pet Plan Lifetime cover. It costs but has always saved me money overall.

Once your cat is settled take them to the vet for a check up. You can also stock up on flea treatment. Never buy flea treatment or products from a supermarket or shop, only from a vets.

When you get your cat home try and find a quiet room for them to settle in. Kit it out with all they need and let them get used to their new environment. It is tempting to all crowed round but some cast will be very nervous and need time to quietly adjust.

Please post a photo!

[PurpleElla]

Going to meet and potentially bring home the cat tomorrow evening! Pictures when I get her.

[cozietoesie]

Good luck.

[dementedma]

Just give him/her time to settle and accept that during transition he/she might be scared and bitey!

[PurpleElla]

Well she is here, and she is absolutely beautiful (pic as soon as I get one). She's very confident and spent most of yesterday evening scenting everything. Despite the plan to keep her in one room it was clear she wanted to be near us so we let her follow us upstairs and she slept on the end of our bed. Lovely.

[Rollypoly100]

Looking forward to pics, great she is so confident and lovely having a furry on the end of the bed. She'll be hogging your side of the bed soon!

[cozietoesie]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with Rolly slightly - if my boys have been anything to go by. It's no longer the bed, it's actually her bed. (You will be permitted, as favoured humans, to sleep in it, as long as you don't forget your lowly status. )

[Rollypoly100]

I agree Cozie, I usually sleep diagonally to accommodate my furry bedmate and no fidgeting or they make it clear I'm disturbing them!

[cozietoesie]

[ILikeUranus]

5 is not old at all! Congratulations on your new owner and bed hog - we need a picture!

[PurpleElla]

She has spent the whole morning under the sofa. Will get some pics as soon as she emerges!