Planning to adopt a cat? Here is my handy checklist with everything you’ll need to prepare for your new cat’s arrival. These products were tried and tested (and approved) by Charlie and Socks! For more information about adopting a rescue cat, click here.
Food
I thought it was better to get some standard adult cat food for the first few months so that I could check if they had any allergies or sensitive tummies. After several months of living with a stinky tabby though, I decided to try grain free biscuits and wet food with deodorising properties! 🙂 Now we’re free to breathe easily in our own home again!
Food accessories
I bought some ceramic dishwasher safe food and bowls for the first few weeks but after learning that Charlie is a food thief, we ended up buying the Surefeed Microchip Pet Feeder. A food mat is also a good idea to keep the floor around the dining area crumb free and the food timer allows us to have a night away every so often (much to Charlie’s disgust!).
Water Fountain
On the face of it, a water fountain does seem a bit excessive but actually this was a good investment. Our cats actually seem to prefer running water to water sat in a bowl as it appeals to their natural instincts of finding fresh running water in the wild. Perhaps this is a good idea if you think your cat doesn’t drink enough. Top tip: Make sure it’s far away from the food bowl!!
Litter Trays and Accessories
My top tip for litter is to ask at the shelter exactly what the cats are used to! I optimistically chose to go for a wood based cat litter as I was hoping to go for an eco-friendly option. While Socks was open to trying something new, Charlie was not so keen to embrace his new status as an eco-warrior and wouldn’t use the tray until clay was reinstated.
I bought two different types of litter tray: two of the open trays and one hooded tray. I preferred the hooded tray to keep smells in but bought the open one too in case the cats didn’t.
Sleeping
Socks absolutely LOVES her radiator bed in winter when the heating is on. She is a big fan of the suspended warm feeling 🙂 She spends her time travelling between this bed and the doughnut bed that was originally bought for Charlie. Charlie prefers to share a king-size bed and sometimes lets his owners sleep on it too!
Toys
I read that it is really important for cats to play as it lets them release their pent up energy stored for hunting. I bought a variety of toys as I wasn’t sure whether they liked flying objects, small ground objects, balls or kickeroos! I also found that spraying the toys with catnip increased their interest in them.
Scratching Post
Charlie and Socks own a multitude of scratching posts. You can find more information here.
Transportation
If you are adopting an extra large tabby cat, I would highly recommend this cage/airline crate. We have no issues transporting Charlie around in this beast! I also put blankets in for extra comfort.
Grooming
It’s important for cats to have a good brush to boost their confidence and wellbeing. I invested in a flea comb as both cats had fleas when they were brought to the shelter.
Calming
Cats Protection recommended setting up the cats in a single room first with everything they need so they get can used to the house slowly. This helps to stop the cats getting stressed. I plugged in the Feliway 24 hours before we brought the cats home. The initial introduction to the house was successful so I’d definitely recommend Feliway to others!
Flea and worm
Charlie and Socks use Advantage flea treatment and Drontal worming tablets. Check at your vet or online for these products here.
Cleaning
It’s worth investing in some good cleaning products early on. Charlie was sick on a carpet within a couple of weeks of living with us and I was very grateful to have this in the cupboard!
Please feel free to contact me if you think I have forgotten anything!
