Rescue Cat coming home on Saturday

[KisstheTeapot14]

Getting our first family cat this Saturday. A one year old girlcat, black and white. Current name Debbie (ahem)

Got cat carrier, bought treats and toys and bows today. Kitty litter and food coming with the shop on Friday. We are doing a DIY bed with box and fleece.

Anything else I need? comb? Scratch post? Cat tower? May get flat cat thing as she's a house cat and don't want her taking a dive from a high window (2 floor flat).

Vets pet plan? or just Pay as you go? She's neutered and vaccinated and chipped. Flea/worm treated.

Any tips for collecting her and 1st few days to lessen any stress for her?

DS and I are very excited (hoping he's not too allergic as he did get goosebumps and itched after we visited cat sanctuary, ladies there have commented in past that immune system often readjusts when cat has lived with you for a bit ). DH less excited but humouring us as we have been planning this for a year.

bowls, not bows.

Scratch post or two for sure

Oh and cat nip

Cat nip toys? Seen a few in pet shop - and they had bags of it too. Looked like drugs! Ok, will get scratch post or two.

Also - do I need to watch out for things like house plants (we have half a dozen), marbles etc. that a cat might try to eat? Just googling about disinfectants, seems zoflora is an no-no, but very diluted bleach is OK to do cat tray with now and again?

Make sure you don't get lilies as they are very poisonous to cats. I've never had cat ill with nibbling a house plant! Cleaning a tray with bleach or disinfectant is fine as long as its rinsed well.
Get flea and wormers off Animed online its much cheaper than the vets. I'd get her insured as well it wont be much and it stops the stress of an unexpected large vets bill.
Enjoy your new cat, and keep her in for at least 2 weeks.

I like it when cats have human names! It tends to be male cats-I have met Dave, Bob, Theo, Robbie and Kevin amongst others.
I clean tray out with washing up liquid and hot water. You could get a disinfectant called Anistel-it's safe for animal use.
Pet insurance is essential. Our vets don't do a monthly payment thing and to be honest I don't think they're good value. Put aside money each month yourself-we have a cat bank account.
You can get scratch boards-cardboard ones which some cats prefer to posts (ours likes a post which was ignored by my previous 2 cats and lived in a cupboard).
Zooplus is a good website for all your food, litter and toy needs.

Cat tree? Expensive, but they look fab! Just had a browse on zooplus.

I don't like catnip toys, it sends mine a bit doolally! Also, be careful using bleach, it produces certain enzymes which make cats want to wee in that area. The first few days, don't worry if she hides away, just let her take it at her own pace, she'll come out when she's ready.
And come back here and post a pic, its the Litter Tray law you know!

Thanks for the heads up. Might get some special disinfectant from pet shop. Yes, I know I need to post a piccy. Will let her settle in without too much fuss x

Good luck!

Thanks, hoping to give her a very loving home. She's been at the sanctuary for a few months so she might take some time to realise she is queen of the castle :)

Or then again you might instantly become her cat slave, as is your rightful place

Lucky girl. Enjoy her

It'll probably take about 30 seconds for her to realise she's the boss. Don't forget cats haven't forgotten they were gods in Egypt.

Just remember: dogs have owners; cats have staff. You do that and all will be good.

If she's going to be a house cat, a vet plan isn't worth it as she won't need the frequent worming & flea-ing that outdoor cats need, and vet plan costs are usually based around that. Insurance is a different matter of course.

Flat cats are great, let me have windows wide open during the hot summer. Just make sure you get the real thing, as the netting type ones can stretch if a heavy determined cat tries to get through (voice of experience from local tom trying to get in to terrorise mine).

Start out using the same food & litter as the rescue she's come from, and if you change it do it slowly so you don't upset her tummy.

Other than that, just let her come to you not the other way around. I'm a great believer in bribery with Dreamies though !

Try Amazon for cat trees! We've just got this for £30 after previously buying a tiny one from Pets at Home for £40!! www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01JUOZ81M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8

Lik e Lix go down a treat with our cat! Gone in seconds.

Yes definitely be careful with windows to prevent falls. What kind of windows do you have and how do they open/close at the moment? i.e. sash, double glazed etc.

Start her off in one room when you first bring her home for a few days to give her time to adjust to the new environment.

Feliway plug in is good or you could buy felisept from Zooplus and spray it on her bedding etc, cat scratching post definately.

Also for future have a look at viovet and order her flea and worm treatment online,much cheaper.

For food and accessories have a look at Zooplus they are excellent and a third of what you would pay anywhere else.

M&S is excellent when it comes to pet insurance but if you would like to choose one yourself use compare the market and make sure it is an all inclusive and also ensure it covers anything ongoing as most insurance companies will only pay a one off and then you have to carry the brunt of the rest. So read the small print and ensure they cover everything, accidents, illnesses etc.