Looking to rehome a cat - looking for advice!

[OogieMcBoogie]

I’m thinking of getting a cat to live with my dad (nearly 6) and I, but have never owned a cat before! I’d want to adopt, and have seen a gorgeous 9 year old tabby at our local Animals in Distress centre who I’m hoping to meet tomorrow. Apparently she is a very loving, cuddly indoor cat which reassures me, I guess I’ll find out more tomorrow! However, never having had cats, I was after a bit of advice as to what I’ll need to consider in terms of what to ask, what to check for, what we’ll need to help a cat to settle in and some tips for the future!

DD, not dad

Take your DD And see how the cat reacts to her. Adopting an older cat is a great idea as their personality is known.

You do not own a cat. They own you and will become your Absolute ruler. But it's the best thing ever.

Awww, how exciting! Do the rescue centre know about your daughter? Sometimes they can be funny about rehomig to people with children. I've never had a cat but a few things to consider:

Would you cope ok with it bringing in mice and birds, not necessarily fully dead ones at that?
Will it be allowed to free range or be restricted to the house and garden? If the latter, how will you keep it from escaping?
Will it have litter trays or be expected to go outside to relieve itself?
Look into cat foods to see what the recommended brands are
Will it be allowed in every room? If not how will you prevent it from entering some?
Do you have anything precious or expensive you would be sad if it spoiled? Ornaments can be knocked off things, sofas clawed etc, so things may need to be moved or covered.
What will you do when you go away? Do you have neighbours who would feed it? Will you use a cattery?
Look at the costs involved - neutering, microchipping, food, insurance, vaccinations, etc

Thanks toddlertea I wasn’t sure whether or not to take DD as I don’t want to get her hopes up, but yes it’s probably best to so that I can get an idea of how they get on. I chuckled at the fact the cat will own us! I hadn’t thought about three quarters of the things on your list Furry - I have family close by to help out if I go away (v rare), the rescue centre website says that cats are neutered, vet checked etc but yes I’ll cost out insurance and stuff tonight. Is it even possible to stop cats going in every room? I had just resigned myself to carrying round a lint brush everywhere I went

Check what they mean by "indoor" cat. Mine are indoors 24/7 and not allowed out under any circumstances (vet trips excepted), which reduces some dilemmas and adds others e.g. FlatCat screens for windows, care in going in & out of the house, must be litter trays, no panics if they wander off for 24 hours, no chance of them being run over etc

It's quite true, you don't own a cat.

You turn up at the homing centre with high hopes. The cat turns up with a team of lawyers and a list of non-negotiable demands.

You try and tempt them with a feathery toy and a packet of dreamies. They quote a 1973 redundancy agreement and several housing Acts at you.

You agree that they can have YOUR double bed. They agree to move in on the proviso that you pay their moving expenses.

Oh and they make you sign a document that states that they will not be held responsible for any breakages. Or damage to house, chldren and the contents of your wardrobe.

I would ask why indoor only. We couldn’t have an indoor cat due to the layout of the house. No way to get everyone in and prevent escapees. They can be quick!
Do find out what food and litter they use and remember it will need vaccinations and regular flea and worm treatment.

My cats are indoor and it's less worrying. However they are a breed that suits being inside only. They are not bright enough to go out.

And you need to post a picture of your new mini dictator!

MrsAshwell