I'm getting a cat, what should I get before hand?
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 at
6:16 pm
Hi, I’m going to rescue an older cat from the shelter (debating on actually rescuing 2 older cats). What’s the best kind of litter box (I see different kinds) or is just the big old plastic bin the best? I know foods and I’m picking up a scratching post/cat condo tomorrow. What else should I get before bring the cat home? I’m doing a lot of research before I get the cat(s).
The cats will be indoor cats only and will be neutered. Thanks.
Filed under: Cat Scratching Post
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I have a large covered litter box because one of my cats use to like to dig in it just to get litter all over the place. I recommend using arm and hammer super scoop FRAGRANCE FREE
you want to have at least one scratch post in the house when you bring them home so they can learn good habits from the start. make sure to have a variety of toys.
as far as food I would recommend EVO or blue spa.
don’t forget bowls for food and water I would recommend not getting plastic bowls they can harbor bacteria and some cats are allergic to it.
I would really recommend getting a drink well pet fountain, cats love running water since they know it is the freshest. if you don’t get that make sure to change the water at least 5 times a day and wash the water bowl at least twice a day.
you are doing a wonderful thing by rescuing older cats, unfortunately they get over looked way too often.
Riot gear. Those creatures sure love to scratch.
a litter box that can clean itself. get it these little treats and wet cat food cause the cats like both dry and wet food
you should get a regular plastic bin, maybe one of the electrinic ones that scoops the box for you, if you can afford it, and nine lives cat food, its best for older cats, and some treats, b/c they won’t be used to you until a while after you get them so just get them some treats to show that your not going to hurt them, get cat shampoo, and flea collars, and places for the cats to sleep, maybe some cat toys etc, but thats all i can think of, b/c i have 4 cats of my own and 2 of them are older cats, good luck!
DO NOT get the self-cleaning litter box. A friend of mine had it, and they tend to malfunction…it ended up breaking her kitten’s paw.
I recommend just a plastic litter box that you get from any pet supply store. If you’re only getting one cat, get a medium sized box, if two, then get a large. The cats need to be comfortable, or else they will choose not to use the box at all.
Every one is different when choosing litter and cat food for their cat.
We use Scoop Away cat litter, it clumps really well, and our home never has smelled.
Cat food we use Iams dry which we keep a bowl of this out for our cats at all times, we also give them soft can cat food twice daily.
We also keep their water bowl full with fresh water, you want to encourage the cats to drink water.
Also some cats are very picky will not use the same litter box as other cat, so you may want to pick up two litter boxes.
You will need a comb and brush for the cats.
Hair ball remedy medicine for the cats.
Bowls to put their food in
Shampoo so when you give them a bath, you already said that you are getting a scratching post for them that is a wonderful thing to have.
Also you may want to have a spray bottle filled with water, when you notice the cats doing something that you don’t want them to do, simply spray them with the water, this will teach them that this behavior is not acceptable.
Best of Luck with the Cat(s)
for the litter box, get one with a cover over it. (almost looks like a dog house.) the top is removeble. easy to clean and it doesnt smell as bad. you should also get a brush. my cats shed a lot! if you keep brushing them, about every week, you will keep control of the hair. have fun with your cats.
I think its awesome that you are adopting older cats from a shelter. adopt as many as you can! my two cats, and the others, we’ve had come to us. also get two of the same gender so u dont end up with kittens! ; )
toys cat box liter pooper scooper ear mite medicine worm medicine flea medicine frontline works the best
Go to a Family Dollar near you there should be a smalplastic box that could accomdate you new cat. Or oder a litter box from Petsmart or Petmed and get scoop away cat litter for him or her thats in the purple box