getting prepared for the cats

[yvi]

Hi cats!

I am getting ready to adopt (probably) two cats from the local shelter. I am not sure when this will happen, since I can only have strictly indoor cats where I live and the shelter has about 25 cats that need some outdoor time, and currently only one that could be kept indoors, but I am getting prepared. Neither me nor the boyfriend have ever had cats, but we have had friends and family with cats, so we are not totally clueless.

So far, we have bought:

* two cat litter pans
* tiny shovels for the cat litter and the first package of cat litter
* two water bowels
* two food bowels with two openings each, for fresh and dry food
* two cat carriers for picking them up etc.
* a 1.5 meters scratching post, screwed to the wall for added support
* a scratching mat to screw to the walls somewhere

Not bought any food yet, we hope to get some from the shelter for the first few days, so the cats will get the food they are used to at first.

Is there anything else you think we would need? I am planning on building some basic cat toys myself over the next few days, I am not too smitten by the things that are being sold.

And are there any tips you would give a beginning cat servant?

Comments

[fizzyblogic]

The most popular toys with the cats I've known have been empty boxes. Shoelaces and other dangly things are great for playing with them with, and wrapping paper is usually a hit, but I've had two cats now that deliberately seek out empty boxes to play with/hide in.

Oh, also! It looks like you're planning not to give them any, but just in case - some cats are lactose intolerant, so cow's milk isn't great for them. I've had at least one cat who just couldn't drink it, but she absolutely loved cat's milk. I don't know if it's a UK-based company or not, but Whiskas do some really good cat milk, and the family cats go nuts for it.

The scratching posts will (I hope!) be well-used, but be aware that cats tend to sharpen their claws on whatever's handy. Usually a short yell at them to stop will startle them out of raking up the carpet/couch/bed/favourite armchair.

[fallia]

Same here. Boxes and paper shopping bags, both of mine love those. Other random household things are way better toys than anything you could buy. And the cats always let you know what they love. :)

[yvi]

Ooh, good thing the scratching post came in a nice box, then.

I actually read that most cats are or will get lactose intolerant when fed cow milk a lot, so I am not planning on even starting that. Cat's milk sounds interesting, though.

Thanks!