House Cat

[KisstheTeapot14]

Going to look at a cat who is 3 years old this weekend.

She's always been a housecat (which is what we have been after as live in 2nd floor flat and don't really want to create a housecat by adopting a kitten - kind of don't think that's fair, as I guess most cats like being outside some of the time).

She's lodging with friend of friend after a rental move where landlord would not allow pets.

Never 'owned' a cat before - what shall I ask and what kit do I need?

Guess I should ask about vaccines and if she is neutered. Not that it matters vastly if she is indoors. and what food she is used to.

Bowls/litter tray/bed? carrier.

If we do adopt shall I register with a vets straight away and take her for a checkup? Shall I get medical insurance? Or just start a savings pot?

Thanks cat people x

Guess she is not likely to have fleas or worms

They can still get fleas, you can pick up the eggs and take them home. Un-neutered females go nutty so hopefully she's neutered.

You'll need crock bowls for water/food, a litter tray or two & a carrier. Something sturdy, not a cardboard one.

She'll sleep on the sofa or bed so you don't need to get one.

The neutering thing. It matters enormously - even for indoor only cats. When a cat is in heat it will do absolutely anything to get out - including throwing itself out of a ten storey window. Also, if a cat comes into heat and then doesn't mate, she will come into heat almost continually and it causes a type of psychosis that seems to set in around three years of age. The cat can become suddenly incredibly aggressive and such cats have put their owners in hospital because of the aggression. And even if you manage to escape all of that then she will be at very, very high risk of developing life threatening pyometra. So you absolutely do need to ask if she's spayed, and you need proof (from the vet). Many, many people (often on this board) adopt cats in similar circumstances and are told the cat is neutered, only to find out later it was lies. So definitely get proof.

If you can't get proof you will need to book her in with a vet to check she is spayed.

Oh yes, and indoor only cats also get fleas (and then consequently worms). Only use stuff from the vet or Advantage/Drontal. Nothing else that can be bought in shops works and it can be dangerous.

Thanks for the sage advice! If this family had her neutered and innoculated, would they have paperwork from vets for these things?

If she is not neutered how much does it cost for the operation - would having it done now at 3 years old be ok for the cat and prevent the problems outlined above?

Its good for us to be prepared with this info in advance.

The vet should have it on record, costs vary across the country.

Neutering prevents the conditions.

Ask what vet, if any, she is registered with.

My vet gave me a medical record book(a bit like the book babies get!) this keeps a record of her weight, injections and flea and worm treatments. If she does go to a vet they will be able to call up her records.

I would recommend good pet insurance - vets bills can run into thousands if she gets sick.the

Cost of spaying will vary but maybe £50- £75.

You also need to check what vaccinations she has had - house cats still need some.

You will also need some toys to keep her entertained. House cats can get bored and she will need to use up some energy.

My pair are house cats. Both neutered (one boy, one girl) and they are both microchipped "just in case". They get Advocate (flea and worm spot on, vet prescription only) once a year at their MoT, when they also get their inoculations. It's worth bearing in mind that reputable catteries won't board cats if they don't have up to date inoculations.

I use Flat Cats on my windows so I can open them wide in summer without them escaping.

Definitely get insurance. My boy has been poorly this month and has run up £750 in vets bills for all the tests and treatment he’s had. I pay around £5 a month with Animal Friends.