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Original poster

Getting a cat in 2-3 weeks, what do we need?

34 replies

Hulababy · 26/02/2006 18:56

Following my last thread Wanting a cat DH has agreed .

We went to the cat shelter today and had a lovely hour there vsiting the 4 "cvisiting" rooms each with 4 or 5 cats in. They don't normally adopt to people with children under 5 unless the child(ren) shws they are suitable to be with one or more of their cats. DD was just fine and very gentle, and well behaved so they have said we can definitely have one of their cats

We did see a lovely, adorable pair of cats - one with DD's name, who she fell in love with there and then. But we can't have two cats - think DH couldn't cope! And we can't get a cat until after our weekend in London in 2 weeks.

So, we are off in 2-3 weeks time to see what cats they have ready for homing, and hope to bring one home to live with us

My question now - what do we need to get before our cat comes home to live with us?

I need the essentials first, but also the things you would suggest too.

We are not looking for expensive, silly priced stuff - just your best buys

Thank you for your help!

OP posts:
Socci · 26/02/2006 18:58

Message withdrawn

Nbg · 26/02/2006 19:01

A nice comfy bed
Maybe a couple of simple toys, catnip mouse, string or a little ball.
Food and water bowl
Litter tray
Collar

Don't buy food though until you get the cat as they may only eat certain foods.

vitomum · 26/02/2006 19:07

actually there's quite a lot of advatages in two cats. we got two cos we are out quite a lot and they are good company for each other!

Twiglett · 26/02/2006 19:08

neighbours who don't mind cat poo for a start

sorry .. pet hate of mine

Original poster
Hulababy · 26/02/2006 19:10

DH says no to two cats. To start with he doesn't want to pay out £120 for two, as well as two of everything else! I have only just persuaded him on one cat!

Neighbours have a big dog - can't imagine cat going near

OP posts:
DumbledoresGirl · 26/02/2006 19:12

We got 2 in Sept.

I bought 2 litter trays (one wasn't enough for my 2 but one should be fine for your one cat unless it is gong to have free acces to the garden (cat flap therefore needed)

Cat bowls - not plastic, the food smells can permeate the plastic. My top tip is buy very cheap crockery from a charity shop or equivalent.

Bed - but you can just use a cardboard box and an old blanket - they do tend to use them

Dh bought a scratching post. I was scathing as I have never known a cat use one, but I was proved wrong as ours love theirs.

Surfermum · 26/02/2006 19:36

We got our cat in November and I got some great advice on here beforehand. I will try and find the thread, but basically they said not to bother getting anything in, to wait and see what the cat was like.

All we bothered with was a bowl for food and water and a litter tray. He doesn't scratch hardly at all so we haven't needed a scratching post and he is happy to find himself places to sleep (rocking chair by the radiator is a fave), so we haven't needed a bed. The RSPCA advised on what food he needed, and I just had a tin of meat and some dry food in for his first couple of days and took it from there. I started giving him the cheap supermarket brand food in the hope that he would eat it without getting used to anything more expensive, and he is fine with that.

Oh I ended up getting a pooper scooper for fishing the poo out of the litter tray after a few days.

Last week Lidls had pet carriers for a tenner if you need one.

nulnulcat · 26/02/2006 21:15

dont bother with the bed i spent a fortune on 2 when got our cats and they wouldnt go near them one sleeps in the airing cupboard the other has a favourite chair

Original poster
Hulababy · 26/02/2006 21:19

Thanks all

OP posts:
wannaBe1974 · 27/02/2006 18:10

I wouldn't bother with a bed either - mine sleep on chairs etc. I did get an expensive litter tray though - one of those enclosed ones, firstly because it smells less, and secondly because the little shallow trays mean cts can sit on them and flick litter everywhere which means lots more cleaning. The enclosed trays aren't cheap though (about £25) but definitely worth it.

Original poster
Hulababy · 27/02/2006 18:23

Was looking at the enclosed litter tray - seems "nicer".

Not sure I am keen on our cat finding his bed on our chairs (we have a leather sofa and an expensive cream chair!). Besides when we are out the door to the bedrooms, kitchen and living rooms will be closed - giving the cat the run of the three floors of landing and stairs, plus the utility room, so will need a bed there. if I csan get the cat used to its own bed//cushion I would rather.

OP posts:
fairydust · 27/02/2006 18:27

make sure that the litter tray is a small one as kittens can't get in the big ones.

We we're advised to collar them asap to get them use to wearing one didn't tag till later.

Food we use dry stuff as i can't stand smelley meat also means dd can help put it out.

We can a food bowl and water bowl although ours choose to dribk out of a glass so they have there own.

We have 2 beds and nither of them use them.

A Scratching pole

will think if there's anything else.

fairydust · 27/02/2006 18:27

enclosed litter tray never heard of them can anyone link to one at all.

Jodee · 27/02/2006 18:31

Hula, I'm stunned at the price for two rescue cats! Last month we got two 6 month old cats from the CPL and paid £50, for both of them. They asked for a donation, we could have given a fiver if we wanted, I suppose!

Jodee · 27/02/2006 18:32

Fairydust, I know argos do one, I tried to get one, but they were out of stock locally.

katzg · 27/02/2006 19:00

hi

congrats on convincing DH, do you want me to look in the pet shop window for you? theres one just round the corner from me and often ads in the window

oxocube · 27/02/2006 19:23

Hula, you can absolutely guarantee that if you fork out for a bed for your cat, it will NEVER use it. Believe me, as someone who has owned/shared my house with over a dozen cats over the last 20 yrs. My 2 current cats are 15 and 16 years old. One sleeps under the covers in my bed and the other shares his favours amongst the children! Are you looking for a kitten or an adult cat?

oxocube · 27/02/2006 19:24

forgot to say, the enclosed litter trays are much better as the litter sprays everywhere otherwise!

nulnulcat · 27/02/2006 19:42

use clumping litter much easier to clean out

fairydust · 27/02/2006 19:53

£60 isn't that expensive when you consider it'll have had all in vacunations and it's being chipped.

Original poster
Hulababy · 27/02/2006 20:46

Won't be a kitten as we haven't the time for the training, etc. and the Cat Shelter prefer not to home kittens with people who will be out of the house during the day for any length of time or with young children. They don't often place any cat with under 5s, let alone a kitten.

I am happy to pay £60 for a cat. This covers all its vaccs and neutering, etc. and I guess a donation to the charity.

So if I don't have a bed, where will the cat sleep during the day when we are oout? Bear in mind that the cat will not have access to bedrooms and living room during this time. My own cat from childhood, and my two friends cats always slept/sleep in their own bed - so my past experience is different to what said here. I guess it must depend on each cat and something we will have to just wait and see about.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hulababy · 27/02/2006 20:47

I think I will have to have a visit to the pet shop Katz and have a look what is in there. I am still a little shocked Dh gave in so easy! He must have a hidden soft spot - I knew taking him to the Shelter would clinch it Grin

OP posts:
misdee · 27/02/2006 20:49

a football Wink

Original poster
Hulababy · 27/02/2006 20:51

Got plenty of them :) DD is already thinking she might have lost her furry beanbag when the car arrives!

OP posts:
red37 · 27/02/2006 21:00

Dont bother with a catbed, none of our cats have ever used one.