Advice for first time rescue kitten mum

[Cleanmean]

Hi we have been in the waiting list for a cat from our local rescue. We are finally meeting a female kitten, 6 months old, in a few days. We've never had a pet, and I'm suddenly terrified and I don't know why. What do we need to buy? Cat bed, litter tray, food, some toys... anything I've missed. Also she's spayed but not vaccinated so should I register with a vet? What are the monthly fees likely to be? I'm ashamed to say in the past I've been scared of cats, I know that sounds ludicrous. We are getting a cat because my kids have wanted one for about a decade and I've finally caved. I'm excited to have a new family member.

Any advice?

Bed not needed, buy catnip mice and chew sticks, dreamies. She’ll need vaccinating.

Have you picked a name?.

No! We are supposed to be meeting her tomorrow, we've been told she's friendly and spayed but needs vaccinating. Only 1 of its can go see her due to covid rules so not sure whether to send dd in who desperately wants a cat or to send hubby in to check.

It's completely normal to have the WTF have I done moment! But you will not regret it and you'll wish you'd done it years ago.

Some cats do use beds. Mine do. So maybe get a cheap one.

Scratch box. Some prefer the flat cardboard type, some the tall scratch posts
I was always wary of cats and was worried when I got mine. My friend pointed out I had managed to keep horses alive for 25 years so a small cat was unlikely to be an issue
Had him 5 years and adore him

Litter scoop and nappy bags
Soft brush, a kids one if cheaper
Pet antibac spray and extra kitchen roll
Empty cardboard boxes
Food and food bowls and a mat
Cheap fleecy blanket
If you're scared then a toy on a stick

We bought an igloo type of bed for our cat which she used loads. She seemed to love being able to snuggle up in it. I think because it was an enclosed dark space she felt safe. Mind you she sleeps wherever she likes! We also have a lidded litter tray with a flap door for her privacy and smell reduction but she doesn't use it much now she goes outside.

It’s worse for the cat, they’ve got several new slaves to train and they just know one of you will not get the “cats do what they like” theme.

Worth asking at the rescue what the cat's preferences are e.g. likes to "perch" high up then a cat tree would be a good idea, likes catnip then catnip toys, whether they think it will tolerate a covered tray or will have to be open (mine flatly refused to use a covered tray) etc. OFC you also ask them what the current litter and food is, as a) helps them settle with something familiar & b) changing diets too quickly leads to messy accidents (yuk).

Decide on a designated room for the cat to go in for the first few days while it settles in, and be prepared for it to vanish into hiding for a few days - some do, some don't. Let the cat come to you rather than chasing it about to stroke & hold.

Be prepared to arrange your entire home & lives going forwards around the whims of an autocratic ball of fur!

We missed out! ummed and aahed and she's been met by another family. I am devastated but the rescue said they'll keep up us in mind for the next rescue. Thank you for all the advice here, hopefully I'll be back once we manage to get a rescue.

Oh no! Your poor kids too. There will be another cat.