I'm looking into adopting a cat, but what do I need before I adopt?

Question

Can anyone give me a short list of what I should get as far as supplies, etc, that I will need before I adopt a cat? Or can you give me a website address that would list the things that I need.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Bowls
Food
Litter
Litter box
Scooper
Scratching post
Collar
Flea treatment
Hariball treatment
Treats
Toys
ID tag

Don't forget to make sure your cat is up to date on all his/her shots and vaccinations!

Answer 2

Good advice already; just want to add that a cat bed is a nice thing to have, and don't get too too much in advance. A brush might not even be necessary; ours barely shed, and brushing doesn't do much -- we only use it if we're going to the vet's, and anticipate some stress-related shedding...

Trimmers for the claws are also good idea.

Money set aside for the basic shots and a spay/neuter if you're not adopting from somewhere like a humane society that's taken care of it for you.

Cat treats and toys are good to have. The bigger, better pet stores (avoid those ones in malls) let you bring your cat; if you're into it, get a harness and leash, and let the cat select its own toys. No, really. But you don't have to spend much; "toilet paper on a string" is, I'm told, a fascinating game.

Find out what the cat's being fed now, and switch to a good brand of food gradually.

You can get away with very little at first -- we found ours on the street, and brought her home with just a quick stop for litter and a couple of tins of food. A plastic storage box that was roughly litterbox-sized worked great as a litter box; we're still using them -- I had a pile, and it makes it easier to clean it out if you have a clean spare one. (Not just scoop, I mean, but completely clean the box itself.)

Try to get some good recommendations on litter and food.

This page:

http://www.cat-olholics.com/cat-supplies.php

has some decent advice, though a collar's not necessary for an indoor cat.

Answer 3

What kind of cat ? . long hair or short ,what color , the color might match your furniture :) . Declawed, fixed,male or female,inside or out you will need a litter box and cat litter with a good pooper scooper . A food dish and water bottle type water bowl,( cats like fresh water), a Meds box just for the kitty your vet can help you put one to gether a tackle box works good . plan on having your kitty around for 18yrs or so.Also a good small animal vet is a must. Most of all be ready give it lots of love . good luck

Answer 4

I've had cats for years and the answer Apple gave you is complete. De-clawing is a personal matter. Some think it's cruel. I think it saves your furniture. In my experience you could have a half dozen scratching post and they would still use the end of the couch.

Answer 5

-Food
-Litter
-Water and food bowls
-Litterbox
-Scoop
-Brush
-Toys in lots of varieties
-Scratching post
-Expenses to spay/neuter, vaccinate, and checkups

Please, PLEASE don't declaw if you decide to adopt a cat. Declawing is an inhumane practice that involves removing an entire section of the toe, not just the claw. It causes extreme pain to the cat and possible negative behavioral changes as a result.

Answer 6

first and foremost,
allow expenses to spay or nueter the cat.
declawing perhaps too.

all the other things fall into place after that.