Adopting a Cat

[Cloud9889]

Hi,

I am soon to be (pending home visit) adopting a 1 year old moggie from our local RSPCA centre. He has met all the family and we are very much looking forward to having him.
I have not owned a cat since a child so am just really looking for any helpful tips on how to help him settle him and also any essential kit I might have missed. I have bought so far:

A scratching post
Radiator bed
brush
food - what he currently has at the rescue centre
food bowls and mat
covered litter tray
cat carrier

Also looking at buying flea and worm treatments.
Do all cats need a collar - any recommendations on type as there seems to be a lot of choice

Do I need to buy any toys?

Please do get insurance. My cat (who very sadly died last year) had chemotherapy for four years at about £3k a year. It cost me £26 a month for her insurance in comparison. You never know what the future will hold.
Also congratulations on your new cat! Has anyone recommended an empty cardboard box yet?

I definitely recommend insurance, when I adopted mine he came with 1 month free from pet plan- I've extended it to the lifetime cover which is around £19/ month.
I kept mine inside for a month before I started letting him explore , he had previously been and indoor only cat before I got him at 18 months, then started letting him follow me outside when it became clear he was desperate to go out. Once I let him out on his own he always came back to the sound of his dreamies being rattled.
Mine also wears a collar with a bell - I'm aware of the potential risks of a cat wearing a collar - but I make sure it is a quick release one that I have tested. I also know the one he wears ( reflective safety collar from Wilko) DOES release as required as it came off when the stupid cat got stuck under the sofa trying to catch a spider - he came out, the collar didn't! My reasons for having him wear a collar are that he is a black cat - as is the local feral Tom - so I want people to recognise that he is 'owned' and also if he does manage to venture onto a road in the dark it may reflect in headlights.
Enjoy your new furry addition to your home- they will take over!