Thinking of getting a rescue cat - what should I know

[ememem84]

Am thinking about adopting a cat from our local rspca shelter. Have filled in the paperwork and am going later today/tomorrow to see if they have anything suitable.

Is there anything I should know (it's been ages since I was last involved in rescue cats - I was 7 and was only interested in the fluffier ones...!).

We live in a huge flat - no outdoor access so am hoping for an indoors only cat. Would I be better with a young cat or an older one?

Where is best for a litter tray to go?

If indoor cat should I bother with pet insurance as potentially less risk of accidents/injury ?

[thecatneuterer]

For an indoor only cat I would go for an oldie - they tend to be more content indoors than youngsters. Having said that though the shelter should point you towards cats that would be suitable for your situation.

If you're going to be out a lot I would consider getting a pair for company for each other.

No advice on where to put the litter tray really - it all depends on how your flat is set up.

I would still go for pet insurance if you can (although if you adopt an oldie it can be difficult). Indoor cats can still have all manner of accidents, including falling out of windows and swallowing foreign bodies. And they are just as likely to get ill. If you have lots of savings and could, if necessary, find £2000 or so at short notice then you can probably afford not to have insurance. Otherwise I would.

You may find this thread relevant (they adopted an oldie 'flat cat'): www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_litter_tray/1681116-Were-probably-getting-a-rescue-cat-soon-What-do-we-need-to-buy-and-how-much-will-upkeep-cost

[ememem84]

Ooh thanks.

We both work full time but our jobs are flexible in that we can work from home one day a week (so would do different days) and mines close enough that I come back for lunch most days anyway. So it would only be left alone for a few hours really.

Dh has said that insurance is a must. So will look into this. Hoping it's cheaper for indoors only ones...!

I've filled in the mother of all questionnaires from the shelter. 12 pages of questions. And then we get to look at the cats. Once we've looked and been matched they then have to come and make sure our house is suitable.

You'd have thought we were trying to adopt a child.....!

[moonbells]

The cats are just vetting the prospective staff properly, that's all.

[sparkysparkysparky]

Litter tray with a cover. Bathroom generally better location for you but depends a lot on what suits your new kitty.
Try plenty of toys - ones where kitty has to hunt out food are good. A flying frenzy (feathers on string on stick) or similar are fun.
Look up Jackson Galaxy (I think he's called) on YouTube.

[cozietoesie]

ememem

I recall having to get a veterinary certificate for Oneago to travel by air.

Humans just walk on the plane!

[ememem84]

Ah yes. Forgot the cats rule the world...! What if my house isn't suitable...? What if kitty doesn't like it...?

not sure how I'll cope being rejected by a cat

[girliefriend]

Pet insurance is quite reasonable for bog standard moggies! I pay £11 a month for my two cats, have already had to make two large claims on my girl cat for non out door related things!!

I would go for a cat that is used to being indoors, can't imagine a cat that has been used to freedom will like being kept in.

I have a covered litter tray and find it works well in keeping things contained!!

[ememem84]

Eeek my paperwork has been handed in to the shelter. Now I'm just waiting for a suitable cat.

The process has started and I am excited!!

(I suppose it's too early to go buy cat stuff is t it...?)

[Fluffycloudland77]

Yes. Wait till you've been matched.