Bringing two cats home

[may2724]

I'm bringing two cats home soon, they are indoors and grew up together

I have not had cats since c childhood so please tell me your best tips for:

• fur control in clothes and around the house
• food
• pet insurance
• regular treatments for fleas, worm etc
• litter type
• water fountain
• toys
• anything else I'm missing?

Good luck with the cats! My tip would to be prepared for them to 'disappear' indoors for a few days while they get used to a new household. Be patient and you'll gradually notice them coming out for food, water and eventually fuss!

Consider something for them to scratch their claws on. Plus keep a pet carrier handy for any vet visits.

'Fur control' would be the last thing on my mind here, but if you're worried, get a soft grooming brush and use occasionally. Maybe a lint roller or clothes brush, next time you upgrade your vacuum, get a 'pet' version. Has not been a problem in our household though (short-haired cat).

If ‘fur control’ is something that you’re already worrying about then best not to get a cat I’m afraid!

Stick with whatever food and litter they're already using and don't try to make any changes until they're well and truly settled in with you.

You'll need to get them registered with the vet to organise flea and worming medication - most OTC stuff won't work and the new law means the vet has to have seen your cat recently in order to prescribe anything.

I'd ask their current owners what toys they like - I'd also highly recommend a cat tree and lots of cardboard boxes for them to play in!

Fur control wise we have a pet brush off Amazon for our long haired boy and we have to vacuum everyday too.

Insurance wise we're with Tesco who have always been very good. Enjoy 🥰

I think this is essential for fur control, it is the best purchase I ever made for my cat. We use it on the duvet every evening because that's where he likes to sleep during the day. I've tried to include a picture below.

And I would also not bother with a water fountain. My cat didn't drink any more with it and it was a real faff to keep clean and mould free. A bowl which can be washed very easily is much better IMO.

Just a word of warning too that if they are litter mates of the same sex you may have issues in the future when they reach adulthood. Noone seems to mention this when people get two kittens together!

ah I see
pet owners should not worry about dealing with their pets fur
👍🏼

I recently adopted 2 kittens from the same litter, almost 11 months old.
I'll be honest there isn't much hair/fur being left in their trail but they door love trailing the litter everywhere. I'm hoovering and cleaning several times a day. I'm having issues with one of them pooping in the bath, even though I have a litter tray in there. They've not been used to a litter tray in the house they were rescued from. I bought a bed, not sat or slept in once 🙈
One settled almost instantly and the other hid for about 18 hours.
I got blankets from the foster carer that they used there and again not went near them.
Depending on how old your cats are, they may be "teachable" to items you buy

I pressed send too quickly 🤦🏼‍♀️

Pet insurance we got pet plan with the adoption, will be registering with vets for pets as they do a deal for vaccinations.
Food we are on kitten food wet and dry as until they were rescue they had never had kitten food before.
I've not looked into worming treatment as they will be indoor cats

• fur control in clothes and around the house Groom them with a brush or grooming glove. TempCat loves a brush. Vacuum frequently, buy some lint roller and a handheld vac, get used to fur on everything!
• food Use whatever they'd been on then if you want to change it, buy small amounts and see if they are fussy or not. It gets expensive! Try for higher protein, grain free options. Experiment with different textures and flavours e.g TempCat He'll eat pretty much any dry food but for wet food is a nightmare. He likes mousse and hates lumps and has turned his nose up at anything good quality (and expensive).
• pet insurance Get it. Go for the best you can afford - so life long coverage for conditions if possible as if they get a long term medical issue it will get expensive. I went with Tesco.
• regular treatments for fleas, worm etc Vet can advise but for indoor cats you can get away with only doing it if/when they go to a cattery
• litter type - use what they been on before then trial some if you don't like it. Have at least 2 trays in different locations. One may also prefer a different type to the other! I was using Catsan non clumping but it needs replacing weekly or gets pongy, recently tried Katkin clumping which is biodegradable & meant to last a month (as it's more expensive). Smells like popcorn. You shouldn't use clumping with kittens I believe, in case they eat it..
• water fountain - TempCat loves his and will sit by it and look at me to turn it on. I got his (and cat tree) cheap on FB marketplace.
• toys - Buy ALL the toys! Especially a cat tree & scratching posts. Indoor cats need lots of stimulation, exercise and play or they get bored, fat and naughty. Feather wands, interactive toys, flipping fish, balls, you name it. Just don't expect them to play with them all - they are ungrateful cats. Catnip or silvervine sticks and toys are fun if they react to it. Also: cardboard boxes and crinkly paper, can't go wrong
• Any else - Get a plug in Feliway. Block off under beds for the first week to prevent them hiding under them. Give them a quiet room with some bed & hiding options - doesn't have to be a purpose made cat bed, a cardboard box to hide in with an old jumper to lie on is fine, or the bottom of the wardrobe.

Give hairball paste regularly, I think indoor cats groom more plus it helps with any constipation issues. Keep an eye on the litter tray to make sure both are weeing and pooing regularly. Stress can bring on UTI's and constipation.