Adopting a cat!

[Loveluella]

Despite never being a cat lover, I’ve found myself in a situation where I am adopting a 6 year old cat. Obviously I’m reading online but any tips or pearls of wisdom would be amazing, thanks!

Congratulations! The main thing to remember, is that you are no longer in charge. And you will bend over backwards to keep the furry tyrant happy. 🤣🤣

You need food bowls, a cheap bed. (May or may not be used) a litter tray and litter. And the best insurance you can afford! Get a brush as they may like being brushed. (Or may not)

I fully expect you to report back in about 6 weeks that you are a fully fledged cat person.

Ive been a fully paid up member of the dog fan club but the more independent side of cats appeals. Luckily it’ll come with all its home comforts, bed etc but feel more clueless than when I bought my child home from hospital!

You'll be surprised at how low maintenance they are compared to dogs. And you'll be wondering how you ever lived without a cat before 😂😂

Check what food the cat likes and don't rush into changing diet if you plan to. Place the food somewhere quiet (ie not too much footfall likely) and show them where it is, as well as litter tray(s).

If the cat is nervous give them time to settle in, ie leave them to hide and adjust. They'll come around in time when they realise you're fun and feed them.

Hopefully you won't have to worry about a vet any time soon, but worth registering with one - hopefully you'll get an appointment sooner that way.

Unless you pick a 'tricky' cat, which would be silly for a first cat! you really do just need to follow the cat's lead, they are master manipulators and make sure we know what they want. The rescue will give you pointers for food and litter, it's worth having both vertical and horizontal scratchers as cats often have a preference, and lots of toys!

Did you forget to upload a picture? 😉😂😂

If you have children, make sure there are places the cat can be in peace. Even if you don’t have kids cats love to be up high and observe so make sure you have a tall cat tree or similar.

Congrats on your new furry overlord!

Sounds a bit obvious, but don't expect them to act like a dog! I was so used to being around dogs, it was a learning curve to appreciate the differences. A lot of body language and mannerisms are a lot more subtle. (I'm not counting the 3am eyebrow licking).

Some cats like being high up so they can look down on their kingdoms, there’s some good shelving options that cats can climb, with a cat bed on top. They love hunting and catching games. Some like to lay across the top step of a staircase, so beware. Some like to curl around your head when you’re asleep. Above all you’ll be the cat’s housekeeper and not its owner.

The cat equivalent of a friendly smile is a slow blink, so try that.

Most of them LOVE cardboard boxes. I’ve got a pile of boxes which I drop treats into for cats to hunt down.

In general, yes, don’t worry. The cat will tell you what to do.

Ha ha I love that the message is basically the cat owns you now! Going to introduce my daughter to it before we commit as she’s the other boss

In general, yes, don’t worry. The cat will tell you what to do.

Yes, and you will understand their requests. Although if Cheddar would tell
Me what she wants at the minute, instead of just shouting at me, I
Would appreciate that. 😁

Take things slowly
Talk to it in a low friendly voice
Establish a routine (helps their confidence)
Dreamies
Playtime if it wants to play

Also Lick-e-Lix. It’s a kind of yogurt for cats and they love it.

At some point you’ll need to get your cat back into its carrier. I leave the carrier out all the time and put treats in it every so often, so it’s familiar & associated with good stuff.

I got a car recently (like you OP I'm a dog person but can't have one for allergy reasons). My cat stayed hidden behind the sofa for 3 weeks and although was tempted out with toys/treats, wouldn't let us near. I was despairing. Now I can't leave a room without being followed and genuinely fear what will happen if I ever want a holiday! I'm ruled by my cat now. My more experienced cat loving friends say cats don't love you, but I'm sure mine does.