Bringing Home My First Cat Today Advice Welcome

[SkittyBean]

Hello everyone! I will be adopting my first cat today! She has been at the local shelter for a few years! Shelter says she is 8-9 years old. She was previously all 4 declawed by a past owner, so she does not get to be out in the cat room, she is in a cage. They said she doesn’t groom her back end fur too well anymore. I feel that may be from being in a cage for so long too and am hopeful she may become healthier in my home. We are very excited and have spent the last 2 days preparing. I have a x large litter box, dry and wet food, a scoop, some toys, beds, and I have made her a room in my house that is for her acclimation period with her own recliner and big windows facing the woods. I chose arm and hammer unscented lightweight dust free super clump litter, hoping she likes it. I am not sure how much she will want to climb with her age, but if she shows agility we plan to get her a cat tree as well. I do have a small dog, so I hope that goes well. He is a sweet gentle boy, and I am planning to wait about a week before introducing them. I plan to have her groomed in early June. Does anymore think this is a bad idea? I would like to just get all the shelter germs off of her and possibly have her in a lion cut since she does get matted on her hindquarters. I am hopeful she does ok with it. The groomer is very good. Opinions please. Also, any other advice or suggestion is greatly welcomed! I cannot wait to share a photo. She looks so depressed and grumpy at the shelter. She also has an old lady cat meow. We cannot wait to add her to our family.
I have attached the shelters photo of her. She looks so sad/grumpy. I am hopeful there will be a much happier/healthier after picture soon!

 

[rubysmama]

Hello and welcome to TCS. Congrats on the adoption of your first cat.

She does look a sad in that picture. I'm sure she'll be much happier in her new home.

I'm not sure about the groomers. Probably wait and see how quickly she adjusts to being at your home. A vet checkup is probably a good idea though, as it is usually recommended after you adopt a new cat.

Here's some TCS articles that may be helpful. You can also start new threads in any of our forums, if you have specific questions.

First-time Cat Owner's Guide
Bringing Home A New Cat - The Complete Guide
How To Help A New Cat Adjust To Your Home

How To Safely Introduce A Cat And A Dog
Introducing Cats To Dogs
Caring For Cats And Dogs

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Welcome to BOTH of you! Does she have a name yet?

rubysmama already gave you ALL of the links I was thinking about. I will add that since she has been declawed, her paws may be sensitive (even after YEARS), so you may have to experiement with litter to find one that is comfortable to her. Just be patient, she'll get used to her new home, and any little bugs will get ironed out!

THANK YOU for rescuing a cat who might otherwise have lived out her life in a cage!

OH...my Hekitty is 10 years old, and can climb anywhere she sees a reason to go! That cat tree will probably be good, but be sure to get one that has shelves fairly close together as she doesn't have a way to grip and climb.

 

[ArchyCat]

Just have her groomed for mats and such. Don't do any trimming until you see how well she adapts to being cage free. That may take a few weeks, but she may resume normal grooming behavior. You might ask the groomer to show you how to brush her fur properly. You might want to add a grooming brush to your. supplies. Chewy has a wide choice. Good luck with your adoption! Keep us posted on her and your progress.

 

[tabbytom]

SkittyBean and lovely kitty, on behalf of The Catsite community, a warm

to both of you.

So glad that you’ve joined this site and you are in the right place for all things cat and this site is loaded with tons of rich resources and you’ll find friendly and helpful cats around and many of our cats are very knowledgeable in cat related stuffs.

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Thank you for adopting this kitty from the shelter. Bless your heart.
Great tips from the above posters.

Feel free to ask questions if you have any and start a new thread of your own and post them under the appropriate forum headings and do check out the many informative articles we have here in Articles | The Cat Site

Enjoy your stay and see ya around

 

[dahlia]

How is your new cat doing?

 

[betsygee]

How is your new cat doing?

I was going to ask the same thing. I hope she's adjusting well!

 

[di and bob]

she will be really anxious in a big home, she is used to the small cage. I suggest keeping her for a while in a small room. I wouldn't get her groomed so soon, it would be a lot of changes for her too soon. Get some wet wipes for cats and wipe her down. Trim any long back hair yourself. She looks older than 8 or nine, but you are an angel for making her last years happy ones, you will be blessed for your kindness and she will be so grateful......

 

[ArchyCat]

SkittyBean, updates please!