so, growing up i always took care of neighborhood cats--made them beds around our porch and fed/ watered them. but i could never have a cat of my own because my mom was allergic.

then i went to college and lived in a dorm, so no cat.

now i've been in grad school for three years with a roommate who was allergic.

BUT... now i'm moving to a new apt where it's just me and one other person and i'm going to FINALLY get my own cat.

i'm really excited and trying to plan what i'll need before i get her.

so, here's my list of things i thought of. i just want more knowledgeable people than i to look it over and add to/ edit it.

-scratching post
-nail clippers/grooming tools/ flea comb (?)
-carrier
-food dishes
-litter box
-bed and toys
-pet insurance

thanks! :nigel:

You may want a collar with an identification tag. Not all cats like wearing them, but if you have one on her and she somehow gets loose, it'll be easier to get her back.

rather than a collar, which can come off or get caught on things, I would recommend a microchip. Almost all shelters and vets have the readers now and gives you a huge chance of getting a companion back should they sneak out or get lost. It is only about the size of a piece of rice. Worth thinking about!

I can't remember what it's called exactly, but my cat has one of those collars that comes apart if she gets it caught on the rug or something. It prevents choking, and it works really well.
wish i knew the name

I can't remember what it's called exactly, but my cat has one of those collars that comes apart if she gets it caught on the rug or something. It prevents choking, and it works really well.
wish i knew the name


break away collars.

so, growing up i always took care of neighborhood cats--made them beds around our porch and fed/ watered them. but i could never have a cat of my own because my mom was allergic.

then i went to college and lived in a dorm, so no cat.

now i've been in grad school for three years with a roommate who was allergic.

BUT... now i'm moving to a new apt where it's just me and one other person and i'm going to FINALLY get my own cat.

i'm really excited and trying to plan what i'll need before i get her.

so, here's my list of things i thought of. i just want more knowledgeable people than i to look it over and add to/ edit it.

-scratching post
-nail clippers/grooming tools/ flea comb (?)
-carrier
-food dishes
-litter box
-bed and toys
-pet insurance

thanks! :nigel:


the micro chip is a good idea.
treats (maybe for breath, etc)
food dishes - i would stay away from the plastic ones. the porcelain are really good - easier to clean, less bacteria getting absorbed.
litter box - i have the ones with the deep pans and they have detachable hoods.

I have four cats and I am thinking of investing in a cat water fountain. It helps keep the water fresher than the automatic wateres and it holds more than just a regular bowl.

YOu had a (?) by the flea comb - i'd definitely get that and also maybe or two more different types of brushes, depending on the kind of fur your cat has. I have a flea comb, a shedding comb and a soft bristle brush.

With the scratching posts, I've always had better luck with the all carpet ones rather than the ones that have some sisal on it. They would always get their claws stuck in it and it was kind of aggravating. Make sure you get one that is REALLY sturdy and heavy. The lighter ones are cheaper, but it slides all over the tile floors here. lol

Oh, and.... maybe some catnip :p

I have to make a plug for getting a huge litterbox. It really improved my cat's life.
Most things labeled "litterbox" are too small, after a while you cat may object (mine did, but then again, she's convinced that she's a princess. :stinkeye: ).

Most cat behaviorists have nothing good to say about small litter pans, or ones with covers.
Get a long storage container with high sides (feel free to cut down one side if your cat has trouble getting into it).
I have one that just fits inside a bathtub (to give you an idea of the size of it).
I love it because I don't have to clean it as often (every three days instead of every day.) Christina loves it because it doesn't hold in the smell and she's got more room to move around.

Most cat behaviorists have nothing good to say about small litter pans, or ones with covers.
Get a long storage container with high sides (feel free to cut down one side if your cat has trouble getting into it).
I have one that just fits inside a bathtub (to give you an idea of the size of it).
I love it because I don't have to clean it as often (every three days instead of every day.) Christina loves it because it doesn't hold in the smell and she's got more room to move around.

Yeah, I agree. I don't understand the covers. I wouldn't want a stinky bathroom with no ventilation, I assume my cat wouldn't either. My family does something similar with the storage containers. They cut out large hole and puts a smaller box in there (no lid). It gives the cat privacy and it collects litter they kick out of the box.

For the actual box they have always used large dishpans. Some at the pet store are cheap and wimpy.

Large litter boxes are good because many of the natural clumping litter (like "Worlds Best Cat Litter" made out of corn) works best in a big box with lots and lots of litter.

And don't forget litter cleaning supplies. If you have flushable litter, get a dedicated dustpan for transfer from the scooper so bits of litter don't get all over the floor. If you will store dirty litter, get a small trash can with a tight lid.

I also recommend a package of thin elastic from the fabric store. nail one end in an archway tie the other to a toy that hangs just above the floor for them when they are bored. And of course the Cat Dancer (http://www.catdancer.com/products.htm), the best cat toy ever.

I got my cats a litter box with a detachable cover because they were kicking the litter out of the box every time they were in it. I didn't like litter flying everywhere and getting into everything. They don't seem to mind it much, although there are times when I have the cover off to scoop and one of them will come over to use it (while I'm cleaning!).

And yeah, I would definitely recommend a drinking fountain for those who can afford it. Even if there's only one cat in the household, the cat will appreciate not having to drink stale, standing water. :yes: The fountain DOES require cleaning every couple of months because the water can collect dirt and hairs, and if you use tap water, mineral deposits will eventually form on the moving parts inside. A good drinking fountain will have a detachable electric motor so the rest of the fountain can be disassembled and submersed for soaking and scrubbing (the fountain can get slimy, ugh). And if a filter is used, it will need to be changed every month or two. All this attention to detail is from my own experience, but I consider the fountain my cats use to be one of the best cat-related purchases I ever made.

And of course the Cat Dancer (http://www.catdancer.com/products.htm), the best cat toy ever.

Oh yeah! Get a cat dancer! Best. Toy. Ever. All I have to do it unwind it and I have Rascal's full and undivided attention. You would not believe the heights he'll go to to get it.


Christina likes it too, but sometimes has trouble tracking it with only one eye. She prefers bootlaces that stay on the ground.

I got the Cat Dancer for my girls and they loved it... and then lost interest in it. :(

However, I also bought the Cat Charmer (http://www.petacatalog.org/prodinfo.asp?number=CA996&variation=&aitem=13&mitem=35)from PETA and they both go nuts over it... :dizzy:

-scratching post
-nail clippers/grooming tools/ flea comb (?)
-carrier
-food dishes
-litter box
-bed and toys
-pet insurance

thanks! :nigel:

The scratching post should be big enough that your cat can extend to his full length while scratching. I also recommend sisal over carpeted posts, cause the carpeted posts just say "Hey! You're allowed to claw the carpeting!" Uhmm.. no.

The scissor type (as opposed to guillatine style) nail clippers work best. Try not to have fleas, then you won't need a flea comb. ;)

Don't get plastic food dishes as they can cause allergic reactions. Stick to ceramic or metal. Cat fountains are good too. Plastic, granted, but I just got my cats one (as one cat took to sitting in the sink for water) and they love it!

You need food! Pick one type and stick with it!
I don't know who said it on here, but it isn't a good idea to let cats play with string toys when you're not around cause they can get tangled in it and choke/get a foot stuck and lose circulation while you're gone.

A collar and tags are a good idea, a microchip isn't a bad idea either. Ideally, both for ID. A lot of people find cats and just take them in and don't have microchip scanners in their homes, but mostly people can read tags.

Some sort of dental care kit is good too. Dental care is critical to overall health!

You should also get some kind of bedding. When I got my cats, I went to Pic And Save and bought some bath towels as bedding. I also use them underneath the litter box to help contain the litter to that area. There's also a plastic mat in front of the litter box to capture the litter when they step out.

You should also get something to cover up whatever "people furniture" your cat will be on, because cats shed hair like mad, especially in the summer. You can get a large throw blanket, or you can use an old bedsheet temporarily.

Also, if you get a kitten, your house will need to be "kitten-proofed", just like baby-proofing a house. Kittens are very curious and active and get into everything. My girls liked to check out the wastebaskets. I had a paper shredder sitting on top of one wastebasket and plugged into an outlet. I put the shredder back in the box and now I only take it out occasionally when I shred a lot of stuff. I also started keeping the lid down on the toilet because I was afraid one of them would fall in and drown! I still do that. :D

You have to make sure the cat won't chew on electrical cords. If you have any window blinds, the cord can be accidentally wrapped around the cat's neck.

Cleaning products, etc, of course, have to be stored out of reach of the cat.

If you do get a cat, will it be inside only, or will it go out? If you keep it inside only, you should make sure it has a constant window to the outside world. This keeps cats occupied and happy.

wow, thanks everyone!

i will not be getting a kitten, but an adult from a shelter. i prefer adults and they are easier.

it will be an indoor cat. i live in a big city and outdoor wouldnt work. most of the windows have ledges so she'll be able to climb up whereever.

i'll let you know how it goes as it goes. i move next week then i'll need a few weeks to organize my life before getting my gal.

I don't know who said it on here, but it isn't a good idea to let cats play with string toys when you're not around cause they can get tangled in it and choke/get a foot stuck and lose circulation while you're gone.

...Some sort of dental care kit is good too. Dental care is critical to overall health!Yes about the strings. I only use elastic very securely fastened to the ceiling and not long enough to swallow from the ground. But if you know your cat is crazy enough to get it lose, don't leave it unattended. And don't ever pull string-like things out of their mouth. It's better to cut it off and let them swallow it because they could have already swallowed a whole bunch.

And I second the dental care. They have these dental puffs that have enzymes that are good for the teeth. Ask the vet for the good kind.

Definately some kind of dental care. I've messed around with treats, and gels and rinses, but I've found that nothing works better than brushing. You can get some nice fish or poultry flavoured tooth paste and a toothbrush at the vet's.

Definately some kind of dental care. I've messed around with treats, and gels and rinses, but I've found that nothing works better than brushing. You can get some nice fish or poultry flavoured tooth paste and a toothbrush at the vet's.

I'm amazed that anyone can actually get their cat to hold still long enough to brush their teeth. If I tried, I'd get my fingers chewed off.

I'm amazed that anyone can actually get their cat to hold still long enough to brush their teeth. If I tried, I'd get my fingers chewed off.

I've never tried that. My cats are WAY too squirmy to be held for anything except brushing. They don't mind that, and even then they have limited tolerance. After a few minutess, they say "OK, time's up! I'm leaving!"

Depends on the cat. I can do one of mine by myself, but with the other two, it's a two person job. One to hold, one to brush.