Adopting an older cat - help/advice!

[inspiredbutohsotired]

An elderly family friend is having to go into a care home due to ill health, and was devastated at the idea of having to get rid of her cat as they don't accept pets. She asked around but couldn't find anyone who would take her cat, so I accepted.

I've had lots of pets before back when I lived with my parents - guinea pigs, a hamster, a dog and tropical fish - but never a cat. DP and I both love cats and are happy to be taking her in. The cat in question is approximately 11-12 years old, a lovely, fluffy black and white, fully trained housecat. She's very docile and lazy and should be no trouble. We do have a young DD but I don't think it'll be an issue; however we will be careful and keep them apart unless supervised.

The cat's current owner is having her fully flea'd and wormed before she comes here, as well as checking her injections are up to date. She's also coming with her bed and food.

Aside from that, what do we need to do to prepare ourselves for a cat? The main thing is insurance. Using Compare The Market I've had quotes for different types - accident only, time limited, max benefit, or lifetime - but I don't really understand the difference. As far as we know the cat has no pre-existing health problems.

Any tips on cat-care are welcome! I'm excited to welcome our new family member.

Prepare to have a new boss in the house . She will worm herself into your lives & hearts very quickly, and end up the ruler of all she sees.

With small DCs it's advisable to ensure the cat has somewhere up high out of reach of children, maybe ask the existing owner if she has a cat tree? You'll also need scratching posts or similar.

Don't forget that you'll need to keep the cat indoors for the first few weeks so it settles & knows that your house is her new home.

Ah how lovely & what a happy ending for the cat, well done.

I adopted an 8 year old indoor cat (Ragdoll) a coupe of years ago, I went for lifetime insurance as at the time I would have found it difficult to pay for expensive monthly medication if a condition appeared. Being an indoor cat she's unlikely to have an accident, unless she escapes she won't have a car accident, get in fights with other cats etc. The insurance was lower for a housecat as well, you do need to deflea her or deworm her still though.

Mine will escape at every opportunity, I've had to be very firm about my DS closing the doors etc or she would be off, yours might be the same.

Also an older cat may be less inclined to play & happier lying asleep somewhere, make sure you DC know she may not always want to play as she's an old lady

I've bought her a ceiling high cat tree so she can escape from the DS for some peace, let me know if you want me to post a link. I also kept her food the same e.g. dry & wet & also her litter the same so she had some continuity to her old life before she lived with us.

Congratulations on your new family member!
With insurance get lifetime it is more expensive but if they get I'll is worth it! Like other insurance not all are on the comparison sites e.g. Petplan (who I recommend).
Get vaccination record and what flea and worm treatment she has had. Get her microchipped or if already done make sure your details are on there.
Cats Protection website has lots of downloadable leaflets with advice.
And everyone on here will want a photo of her!

11-12 isn't very old, really. My pal just lost his supercat and it was 19. My childhood cat lived to 19 too.
Get the best insurance you can afford. Preferably lifelong. Petplan have always been great for us.
Google cat behaviourist Jackson Galaxy for ideas if yours need a refresh.

Thanks for the advice!

I'll be sure to get good lifetime insurance.
She's solely a house cat, so I'll make sure I get her a good scratching post and that she has some comfy spots around the house. I'll also put rules in place about windows and doors. Luckily DD will be too small to open any of the doors or windows at present, we have quite an old fashioned house and they all have bolt locks quite high up.

I'm excited to look after her!

If she's indoor only, have a look at Flat Cats. Been invaluable to me in the steamy weather we've been having here this year .