I plan on adopting an adult cat in the next coming weeks and want to prepare for her beforehand. She will be coming from a shelter and will be the only pet in the home. She is spayed and up to date on all of her shots.
I would like some advice on what I will need for this cat before she arrives home. Off the top of my head I came up with:
Food/water bowls
Food
Litter box
Litter
Toys
Bed
Grooming tools
Carrier
I just want to know if there is anything I am forgetting. Plus, it would help to hear of helpful things to have from people who have cats of their own. I am not new to cats as I had one 5 years ago, but just feel a little out of practice.
Also, any tips for when she first arrives would be great too.
Thank you in advance.
Wow! There are so many great answers!
Thank you to everyone who mentioned scratch posts as I cannont believe I forgot that! DUH! I did forget to mention that I had alread purchased a collar for her. We plan to purchase an ID tag for her when we finally agree on a name.
This was very helpful as there were some things I forgot to put on my list that people here mentioned, like flea & tick, scratch post, and of course catnip.
She is going to be a very spoiled kitty but after being dumped by some pathetic person and having to sit in that shelter I think she deserves it!
Thank you all! I will have to re-read the answers and decide on the best one. There were so many great answers though!
First off, GOOD FOR YOU for adopting an older cat! I want to hug you!! 
I volunteer with a local cats only shelter and the kittens get the most attention while SO many sweet adult cats wait for homes. I've adopted two adult cats in the last year and a half - both Persians. One was 2 1/2 when I got him and the more recent one 5. Both are ABSOLUTE loves and so much fun. I think with a lot of these adult cats they just haven't had someone love them. So when they get into a home where someone wants to shower them with affection and spend with time with them they really, really thrive. So again, GOOD FOR YOU!! You won't be disappointed!!
You've got a great list and most things covered. Here's a few things I recommend:
- Scratching post: kitties love to stretch out and scratch their claws. Showing the kitty the post right away - and sprinkling it with a little catnip to attract her - will ensure she does her scratching here and not on your furniture.
- Da Bird toy: it's a bunch of feathers that looks like a fishing lure on a string attached to a pole - cats LOVE this toy and since you'll be the one making it move it's a fun way for you interact with your kitty.
- Marinated Mice: it's a container of compressed catnip pellets with a four furry mice packed inside. My cats LOOOOVE these mice because the catnip scent gets "recharged" everytime you stick the mouse back in the container.
- Steel comb: get a comb - not a brush. Combs are great for removing the dead undercoat in both longhair AND shorthair cats. I have one for my Persians and tried it on my third cat, a shorthair, and was shocked how great it worked on her coat.
- Advantage or Frontline flea control: the shelter probably already treated her with one of these. Find out which one and use this monthly. Trust me - MUCH easier to prevent an infestation than to fight one. If you have friends with pets you can carry in a flea on a pantleg. Wild animals can also bring fleas into your yard that with "hitchhike" in on you. 800petmeds.com is a good place to buy this - they even price match if you find a cheaper price elsewhere.
As for bringing her home - limit her to one room at first - like your bedroom. This way she won't feel completely overwhelmed. Pat her and let her explore. If she doesn't seem afraid, then let her explore the rest of your home. A cardbox would be another good thing to add to your list - cats LOVE them and if she's a bit afraid at first it gives her a secure place to go to
Good luck with the kitty and feel free to email me if you have any specific questions!
