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

[rydra_wong]

A few thoughts:

If you're planning to get two cats, look for ones which have already been living together; introducing strange cats to each other can be a big deal, and is not ideal to do when they're already dealing with a strange environment. Or plan to get one cat, then a second once the first is fully settled in.

You might consider asking about cats with FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) -- they need extra check-ups and treatment for minor infections, but can live as long as FIV-negative cats. However, shelters will generally insist on placing them as strictly indoors-only cats to prevent transmission to other cats.

Also, be prepared for them to completely ignore the scratching post, the scratching mat, and any toys you have lovingly made for them, in favour of scratching the furniture and playing wildly with a plastic bottle cap. Cats can be brutal like that *g*.

[yvi]

*nods*

I actually called the local cat shelter yesterday and they have two that are already together in a foster home and need to be kept together.

Also, be prepared for them to completely ignore the scratching post, the scratching mat, and any toys you have lovingly made for them, in favour of scratching the furniture and playing wildly with a plastic bottle cap.

:D Well, at least i only have one piece of furniture (a couch) that would make a good scratching toy. That and the tapestry *winces*

[rydra_wong]

Yes, if it's a wall tapestry you might need to raise it up. Or move any adjacent furniture that can be used as a launch pad.

Especially with young cats, any kind of fabric into which claws can stick may be seen as an exciting chance to CLIMB!!!