adopting a new kitty

[rodeo417]

Hi everyone

I am a lurker that is in the process of adopting a wonderful cat from my local shelter. I will be bringing him/her home on the first of the month. Right now I am in the process of cat proofing my apartment so that my little buddy will be safe and comfy. I already picked up some wet and dry food, cat litter and litter box, food and water bowl. I am trying to figure out what type of bed to get this poor cat and also anything else I would need. I haven't had a cat in years so help me remember. This cat is not being declawed so I will need recommendations for scratching posts also. And I already made an appointment for kitty to be seen at a local vet so he/she can get use to the new doctor. Is there anything I am forgetting?

[niemand88f]

Some cats like covered beds, and some like flat ones or cozy rounded ones. I would get a couple really cheap beds until you can figure out what they prefer. Same with scratching posts- both my cats like carpet posts, one also likes rope. Neither will touch a cardboard scratcher but some cats love them!

Pick up a couple cat toys too - the ubiquitous catnip mice, a laser pointer, and a wand toy are good staples to start. At some point you'll also want to pick up a brush and nail clippers.

Good luck with your new cat! Thanks for adopting

[katietornado]

Congrats! I think you're probably all set. Might want to get a nail trimmer. Make sure you're feeding quality food. There shouldn't be any corn anywhere in it. Brands to avoid would be Iams, Purina, Friskies, etc. They are loaded with undigestible fillers and garbage. Good brands include Taste of the Wild, Innova, Merrick, Fromm, Nature's Domain, Natural Balance, etc. Two of our cats eat Taste of the Wild dry and Merrick wet, and the third eats premade raw: www.primalpetfoods.com/product/detail/c/7/id/10 We would feed the raw to all three if we could afford it; it's done wonders for his arthritis, his weight, and a chronic bladder condition (Feline Interstitial Cystitis).

We use a sisal scratcher for our felines and they absolutely love it. It's something like this: www.amazon.com/TRIXIE-Pet-Products-Scratching-Wave/dp/B000OLZF78

Also, we got out cats a window seat and they are pretty sure it's the best thing ever. They usually take turns, but sometimes I find two of them on it together. www.amazon.com/Sunny-Seat-Window-Cat-Bed/dp/B005AUM8U0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357441086&sr=8-1&keywords=cat+window+seat FYI we bought this one and while it's fantastic, it smelled godawful when we first got it (like chemicals). Ran it through the washer and set it outside for several days and then it was OK.

Good luck with your new cat!

[katietornado]

Oh, and when your cat sees the vet, it might not be a bad idea to have bloodwork done. Our cat was attacked by our foster dog in November and almost didn't make it. While he was hospitalized, they tested his blood constantly, and having a healthy baseline to compare it to was invaluable (they had done bloodwork within the last year before the incident).

[rodeo417]

Jan 5, 2013 22:06:05 GMT -5 katietornado said:

Oh, and when your cat sees the vet, it might not be a bad idea to have bloodwork done. Our cat was attacked by our foster dog in November and almost didn't make it. While he was hospitalized, they tested his blood constantly, and having a healthy baseline to compare it to was invaluable (they had done bloodwork within the last year before the incident).

I will do this! Luckily this will be our only "child" since we don't have children or any other fur babies.

[kellbell191]

Congrats and thanks for rescuing! My cats will sleep basically anywhere, they have never used the cat beds I buy but like the dog beds (weirdos!) Mine love the cardboard alpine scratchers and the little jingly toy mice. I agree with feeding grain free food; transition the kitty slowly so it doesn't upset his/her stomach.

If you're anywhere near VA my friend is fostering an awesome 3 yr old calico who needs to be an only cat.