Our first cat joins us next week!

[CatHelp]

And now im in organisational mode.

We're shopping for bits tomorrow, looks at bowls, trays, carriers (is there a certain size im looking for?), things to climb, scratch posts.

Anything anyone can recommend making this easier for her to ease in?

We live in a three bedroomed flat (she's an indoor cat) and i read its recommended she has her own room to start with.

I'm really left with our own bedroom or the living room, but i'm guessing the living room isnt the brightest of ideas?

Yes, one room to start with - ideally without much traffic so I think your bedroom is the better option. Although it depends on how busy your household is in general. And if she turns out to be quite confident, she can explore the rest of the home quite soon. If she is shy to start with, it's easier somewhere she can't hide in some tiny gap behind things...

In terms of carriers, top opening ones are easier to get a cat in. The wire cage type tend to be safer than the plastic ones with a wire door (in terms of preventing escapes).

Ceramic bowls better than plastic. For litter tray you might prefer a covered one in the long term - you can always give her just the base without the top to start with, as if she's not used to a covered one, she might not know how to use it.

For scratching something tall enough she can stretch out fully. Some cats prefer vertical scratching, those cardboard scratchers are a good option for that, or sisal mats.

Some toys - the Yeoww catnip toys seem an universal favourite, especially the banana.

Much of this stuff will be cheaper online than in shops, by the way! Fetch has a discount for new customers. ZooPlus is great for food (better brands than supermarkets).

With an indoor cat, look up Flat Cat screens to secure your windows.

I have 2 of these (2 cats) www.petsathome.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/pets/roadrunner-2-with-metal-door-cat-and-small-dog-plastic-carrier. My cat tree was from zooplus. I have committed a sin it seems as mine have plastic bowls from pets at home. They sit on a silicon mat. I have a large high sided litter tray from pet planet. I get litter from zooplus or bitiba

Wow thank you @viccat and @dementedpixie , all amazing advice!

Does anyone have a cat tree big enough for a cat rather than a kitten? Ours is only 3 years old, shes not huge but I believe cat trees tend to be quite small sometimes

You can get huge cat trees, Amazon, zooplus. Petsupermarket.

I have to stand on a wee step stool to see in the top of mine!

Does this show scale any better?

oooh demetedpixie thats perfect!

Its from zooplus. It's in the medium cat tree section

The only thing you need to remember is that the cat is is charge. Once that is established, everything will fall into place.
There is nothing better than being enslaved to a cat. (Apart from being enslaved to two cats)

If you have open fire places, it would be a good idea to block them off, as some cats will scarper up them when they arrive in a new home.

It's imperative that cats drink water, (they're notorious for avoiding it) & mine have always drunk from a glass. A shallow glass with a wide brim is good. Keep they're food and water in a different location, as they prefer that. Cats are contrary creatures, which you'll learn as you go along. Enjoy your cat slavedom.

Oh, & one of these or similar.

Yes to a glass rather than a bowl for water.

Don't forget this but use sparingly. It's know as cat crack in our house!

KONG Premium Catnip 2 oz. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0018N1DRW/ref=cmswwrcpptai_5HIRAbAEV9DF6

Mine like dreamies and webbox sticks as treats.

Thank you so much everyone, based on some of the suggestions we have got most of the things we need, including the Kong catnip crack and Dreamies. A sturdy Cat tree and beds from pets at home (I actually don't enjoy spending money in there!) and the trays etc from the Range - we really shopped around!

Mine don't use the beds we bought them but they do like shoe boxes. Pets at home can be expensive compared to online.

They sleep in the cat tree too

Put the dreamies in a tub and you can rattle the tub to encourage them to come to you when you want them (disclaimer: this only works if they also want to come to you )

In that case, our new cat will be spoilt with all the shoe boxes i have LOL! We have a mixture of beds and hideaway types so who knows, we didnt pay much

The most important thing is to post a photo of her on here!
Our hooligan loves his laser pointer and spends ages chasing the light.