RSPCA starter kit; has anyone bought it?

[MrsBertMacklin]

I'm going to pick up my cat on Sunday. The volunteer who completed my home visit mentioned that they sell a starter kit for £50 which includes a carrier, food, litter tray and some toys. This sounds like a good deal, depending on the quality of the kit provided... has anyone seen it, please?

Going on from there, Pets At Home is my nearest (only, in fact) supplies shop, but the prices in there seem really high. Not keen on Amazon as I've had too many missing deliveries from them recently. Where else is good?

I've never seen it so I can't comment. I'm a little cynical, though, about the prices that some companies charge for things which have C.A.T. printed on them. (Or some paw prints.) Not everyone is on a really tight budget but if I suddenly had all the money that I'd spent over the years on things which languished subsequently in cupboards I could probably afford a rather nice holiday.

You actually need remarkably little for a cat in the way of bought goods and much of that can be picked up pretty cheaply if you shop around.

Zoo Plus and Pet Planet have been good online sources of all things cat related in my experience. When I needed a new one with a different sort of opening I got a carrier from Jolleys on special offer; though I brought my two boys home in secondhand ones bought from the shelter.

Wilkos sells some basic pet stuff like bowls, mats, little toys very cheap.

Pets at home is pricey.

Carrier, wilkos is cheap. Get one for 4kg plus so it's roomy.
Litter trays, supermarket is fine or online if you want a covered one.
Dish, buy cheap side plates in wilkos, 60p or so, easy to clean and they don't set off feline acne (yes that's a thing!)
Cat nip mouse, you cannot beat pets at home squeaky mouse.

How exciting for you all.

Thanks, supermarkets it is.

I see a lot of cat carriers and this I feel is the very best one out there. The top opening is fantastic. The next cat carrier I buy will be this one.

Is it front loading too? I front load mine.

I like that a lot!. Not too pricey either.

Yes fluffy front loading too, it has the widest front door I have seen too.

Another one voting for Zooplus. They're cheap, and quick delivery.

That's a terrible deal.
Ok without the food, they cost less than £30. Google, and you should find the sainsbury's and ebay options. Plus many, many others.

Oh well, another week to buy my own kit, so don't have to relay on the RSPCA's. Drove to the centre today (an hour each way), the lady I've been speaking to wasn't there, person on duty wasn't expecting me and told me that Mr. Cat isn't going to be ready for another week, as he still has to go to the dentist. Annoying! And a bit upset - I was all excited, now feeling a bit like I've turned up to a party on the wrong night.

I inherited a lot of my cat-kit from a very kind lady on eBay! It's worth checking locally.

Ordinarily I don't rate Pets At Home, they are pricey and a bit limited. I do however own two items from their range. Joining the VIP club will save you 10% on your first purchase.

• The £15 blue and grey carrier, which I rather like. The reviews online are mixed as it seems some cats are able to break down the door defences. It's unsuitable for large breeds but my 4kg tabby is quite happy.

• The covered litter tray (£15) which was the cheapest I could find for a covered tray. I unclipped the door flap (my cat's preference) but it does a great job of containing the litter. I use it in conjunction with Wilkinson's tray liners which are excellent value (you don't have to replace them every time you shovel the litter as long as you're careful not to tear a hole).

If you're feeding pouches their 48-pk 100g in jelly is popular with my felines and was good value at £9.89.

That concludes my dealings with Pets At Home!

I think the rest of my stuff was collected from Wilkinson, Amazon, eBay and Home Bargains (I have a much-loved radiator bed from here that cost £4.99). I've heard good things about Zoo Plus too.

I'm not sure about the supermarkets. I've never seen much beyond cat food and litter in ours. The few bits of kit that they sell are small, basic and overpriced. Personally I wouldn't recommend.

As for toys and beds I would wait until your cat is in residence. Most cats sleep where they want and ignore lovingly-chosen cat beds! You can improvise with string and ping pong balls to determine whether your cat is the playful type before investing...
A laser pointer and Da Bird are frequently recommended on here.

Some previous threads this month have more detail on new cat kit

Oh no, what a wasted journey. I'm sure it will be worth it when you and Mr.Cat are finally reunited!

I have the cat cabrio Lonecat and it's the best one I've used. It's so easy to get the cats in and out of it (or as easy as it ever will be!).

Oh and Harry's is a rather nice purple colour!