New cats...what do we need....?

cheltenhamgirl

Hi all, there's proably a thread about this somewhere on here so please direct me to it if there is.

We've just been told that we should be able to pick up two rescue kittens/cats on sunday (so excited!)...but now we're wondering what do we need for when we collect them?

They are a ginger brother and black sister, 9 months old, and they will obviously be staying inside for the first month at least. As far as we know they have no major issues.

What will we need? What's best for travel when we pick them up? How much food do you suggest getting in? What about litter trays etc...anyone got any reccomendations?

Also, has any one got any advice on helping them settle in? What can we do to make it easier for them? I've always had dogs before so this is all new to me (no dogs now though), and my partner has had a cat in a previous relationship, but it came with his ex-girlfriend so he didn't have to do any of the settling in process!

Anyway, any tips would be gratefully appreciated!

xxx

JCD_Capulet

If they're from a shelter, am I right in thinking they've both been snipped? If not, get that done as soon as you can because brother and sister or not, they will mate.

I've not had a kitten in years so can't give too much advice (although I have adult cats), they would probably like a couple of toys and somewhere to hide and sleep too, like an igloo type cat bed.

vyvyan_2

Ask what food they've been used to and buy some of the same for a while.

Joannef_2

I'd recommend a scratching post. I got 2 kittens recently who were 3 months old when I got them and they like climbing. They still seem to like climbing up my wicker shelving unit but they do use the scratching post too.

cheltenhamgirl

JCD_Capulet wrote: »

If they're from a shelter, am I right in thinking they've both been snipped? If not, get that done as soon as you can because brother and sister or not, they will mate.

I've not had a kitten in years so can't give too much advice (although I have adult cats), they would probably like a couple of toys and somewhere to hide and sleep too, like an igloo type cat bed.

Yes as far as I'm aware they come neutered and wormed. Do you think they would prefer one bigger bed or two seperate ones? the same with travelling....do we need a specific travel cage type thing? One or two?

divadee

i have had many kittens over the years.

My personal opinion is cats will sleep where they want to sleep. I have spent ££'s over the years on beds etc... none of them really used. An old box and clean blanket would be fine, they probably wont use that either!

When we got 2 kittens we got a small/medium sixe dog carry case so we could take them to the vets together as obviously being brother and sister there jabs etc.. will be due at the same time.

What you will definately need

litter tray
cat litter
food (as said above find out what they have been having and start off with that, if you do want to change wean off slowly or they could get a porrly belly)
food dishes
water dish
a plastic place mat type thing to put under the dishes as cats can be messy blighters
few cat toys
A travel carry case
a scratching post
and a while lot of love and affection!!!


Post some pics when you get them home and they are settled i would love to see them.

EDITEd to add dont be at all surprised if when you bring them home they run and hide somewhere and wont come out for a good few hours. Ours have always done this. And with our current cat if she gets a bit insecure or something spooks her, shes straight behind the sofa.

leoetal19

hi
i have 4 cats the first one is 8 now and was my first ever the baby is 14 weeks
my advice is to et one of the larger double decker carrying boxes-pets at home do them
check what food theyre on now-but as a rule you usually need dry biscuits, clean water and wet food down
dont worry if theyre eating the wet food and not drinking much the wet foods mostly moisture
i bought beds for mine but they never used them-i suggest a fleece and put it where they choose to sleep
though cats love heat so the radiator beds are great apparantly-sheepskin cradles you hang over the radiator
some damgly toys and little balls to chase are good
id advise pet insurance-check out the different ones at your leisure and just get 6 weeks free from pet plan for now to tide you over
litter trays are cheap from most places-with 2 get the buggest you can
litter varies but i use the wood based pellets-not the cheapest but the best ive found and biodegradable too so environmentally friendly
when you bring them home let them come out of the carrier in their own time and dont be surprised if they just run and hide give them tim they will soon get used to the sounds and smells and come out in their own time
cats have mant autistic tendencies so dont rush them let them go at thier own pace
i just love having cats each one has their own personality and its so nice to get to know them
congrats and good luck
oh and theres a great forum called the feline forum thats great for all sorts of advice and cat chat
sue xxx leo is my youngest et al the rest (user name!!)

cupid_s

Hi,
Congratulations on your new kitties.
Divadees list is great for things you need. We also didn't bother buying a cat bed, which is good as our cat sleeps wherever is most awkward for us at that time (the chair you need to sit in, on top of your head at night, the exam papers you need to mark etc), so definately wouldn't sleep in a cat bed.

They'll probably take a while to get used to you, so just give them a bit of time. I hope they settle in well and give you lots of joy

TrikerAndBiker

divadee wrote: »

i have had many kittens over the years.

My personal opinion is cats will sleep where they want to sleep. I have spent ££'s over the years on beds etc... none of them really used. An old box and clean blanket would be fine, they probably wont use that either!

I'll second that DD. We spent a pound or two on our moggy in his lifetime buying him lovely furry beds and he much prefered the carrier bag they came in!! :rotfl:

Hope all goes well with the new aditions cheltenhamgirl

bindiboo

cheltenhamgirl wrote: »

Hi all, there's proably a thread about this somewhere on here so please direct me to it if there is.

We've just been told that we should be able to pick up two rescue kittens/cats on sunday (so excited!)...but now we're wondering what do we need for when we collect them?

They are a ginger brother and black sister, 9 months old, and they will obviously be staying inside for the first month at least. As far as we know they have no major issues.

What will we need? What's best for travel when we pick them up? How much food do you suggest getting in? What about litter trays etc...anyone got any reccomendations?

Also, has any one got any advice on helping them settle in? What can we do to make it easier for them? I've always had dogs before so this is all new to me (no dogs now though), and my partner has had a cat in a previous relationship, but it came with his ex-girlfriend so he didn't have to do any of the settling in process!

Anyway, any tips would be gratefully appreciated!

xxx

ahh lucky you, I'm still waiting for cpl to ring me to say they have got a kitten for me.

Zeldazog

divadee wrote: »

i have had many kittens over the years.

My personal opinion is cats will sleep where they want to sleep. I have spent ££'s over the years on beds etc... none of them really used. An old box and clean blanket would be fine, they probably wont use that either!

Agree with this wholeheartedly! Cat #1 sleeps in the same place everyday for about a week, then moves on, finds a new place for a week, etc

Cat#2 tends to sprawl on the floor or my son's beenbag (black cat, dark brown beanbag, the odd oops moment) - and has got into the habit of trying to sleep as close to Cat#1's place as possible.

Neither of them sleep in the cat hammock - well, aside from once it was the spot of the week for Cat#1.....

Try toys WITH and WITHOUT catnip - tis a myth that they all love it - two kittens I have had so far have hated it with a vengeance. But don't clear out the petshop toy shelf - Cat#2 likes pens and cotton buds more than anything, and Cat#1 liked sweet wrappers and rolled up foil.....

I would assume that they will be up to date on wormers, flea treatment, etc, but best to check when these are due and make sure you have them in ready.

Get a (flea) comb and get them used to being groomed whilst you still have a chance.

Be prepared for hours of enjoyment and entertainment!