Adopting a cat

[Mooey89]

We registered with a pet adoption place and have had a call to say they have a cat in mind for our family -

He’s just over a year old, cuddly, used to children and doesn’t like to roam too far.

I have not owned a cat since I was 5, so I’m trying to cram with research!

We are soon to have our home visit, but I’m excited and thinking of all the things we’ll need for him:
Bed
Scratch post
Litter tray
Carry box
Toys...
I’ve been looking into insurance and there is a vet just down our road.

What else do I need to think about?

[viccat]

Food (supermarket brands are usually crap quality...)
Who will look after him when you're away/on holiday?
Do you have a room in your house you can dedicate as his safe room for the first few days/first week when you get him?
Potentially some cat-proofing in the house or garden - i.e. do you have lots of plants around, some are not safe for cats (lilies are toxic, for example)

[Sparklingbrook]

If you have DC explain that the cat has to stay in for a few weeks and they must be mindful of opening external doors.
I put a post it note on all the doors with a drawing of a cat on to remind them.

Don't worry about tidying up for the Home Visit and ask them lots of questions too.

Good luck!

[Emma198]

If you haven't bought a litter tray yet, we've just bought a modkat one. Life changing! We also feed grain free dry food. Are you going to have a cat flap?

[Allergictoironing]

Initially you should feed the same food as the rescue, and use the same litter. If/when you change it, do it slowly. Sudden changes of food is likely to cause stomach upsets, and you want them to realise the litter tray is the right place so use what's familiar to them.

You probably won't need a special cat bed, he/she will sleep where they want and if anything like my pair anywhere BUT the cat bed. i think they think there's monsters in it, quicksand or it's a trap, as they totally refuse to even sniff it let alone set foot in it.

[Toddlerteaplease]

Remember that you are not in charge. You must surrender to your furry overlord.

[ScreamingValenta]

If he's going to be an outdoor cat you might want to get him a collar and name tag (your name and tel no, not his) , even if he is microchipped - it will increase the chance of being reunited should he go wandering. Look for a collar that has safety release so he can free himself if it snags on something. As pps have said, you'll need to keep him in for a few weeks while he settles.

[Mooey89]

Thank you everyone! Home visit is tomorrow, I’m so excited!!!

[Mooey89]

Pic of prospective fluff ball for gratitude

[reservoircats]

Omg he's gorgeous - please keep us updated!

[Mooey89]

He is isn’t he?! I’m trying really hard to hold back but I can’t stop looking at his little face, I’m in love already

[ScreamingValenta]

What a handsome chap!

[Emma198]

So beautiful! We've got a floor to ceiling cat tree that has a few hammocks, platforms and a box. We got it from Zooplus and mine live on it! They adore it.