We have been mulling over getting a cat for a while, but with children and a dog thought we’d need to get a kitten, as most of the shelters around us don’t rehome to families with children under 8. However we have found a shelter who will consider us, and are going to meet a couple of young adult cats (18 months - 2) who they think might be suitable tomorrow.
I’ve never had a cat before. DH grew up with them, but hasn’t owned one as an adult. We’re all big animal lovers and have various pets who are loved and cared for, so I’m not worried about the responsibility and commitment - more about the practicalities. What do I need to buy? (Bed, bowls, food, litter tray, litter, scratch post, toys, carrier, collar and tag - anything else?)
Any top tips for introducing the cat to our dog? I’ve read lots of advice online about taking things very slowly. Our dog goes to a boarder who has a cat and there doesn’t seem to be an issue, but I know that’s different than a cat suddenly being in her own house.
I’d planned to keep the cat in a large garden room at the back of the house (the dog doesn’t normally have unsupervised access to this room anyway) if we go out in the first few weeks and overnight - the dog will be in the front part of the house, kept separate but able to see the cat through glass doors. Does this sound ok? We’ll also fit a cat flap to the garden from this room, although I know we’ll need to keep the cat in for a few weeks to settle.
What else do I need to know to help the cat settle in? We won’t bring one home tomorrow, but I’d hope that we could collect within a day or two.
We’re excited but it’s all happening quite fast and I want to be as prepared as we can be.