quiltmau

my fur babies-4 cats and 2 dogs are spoiled. They sleep on the bed and get 'treats'. I just lost my oldest one-he was a street cat from Hong Kong. My other have traveled from HK to Australia to the US in their lives. So far not real problems other than to tell me all about how horrible I am for not flying in the hold with them! LOL-Their tickets were more expensive than mine!!
Sisal post are best because they don't encourage carpet ruin.
All mine are indoor cats. They only go out to the deck or lawn when accompanied by the dogs or me.
All have claws-clip with either a finger nail clipper or one made for cats. I use the finger nail clipper for the cats. the dogs get the animals clipper. Both dogs are large and their nails don't fit.
Have water down in at least 2 places-I have mine in the kitchen and the upper bathroom.
Only one litter box-but that is how mine were trained. Cleaned daily. Clean bowls for feed everyday.
Even short haired cats occasionally need brushing-usually in the spring when the weather warms up.
Hairballs are a reality-usually right in the middle of something important!
Don't expect to be able to read a book or paper without help.
Cats are smart and a sharp clap with let them know you are not a happy camper. All mine come when I clap just to see who is getting into trouble.
Cat off or cat scat sprayed on the couch corners will keep them off-with a sharp clap when yo catch them.
Vet check every year- and as horrible as it my seem-put them in your will so they will be taken care off. Mine are.

merridancer

Having the dogs in a will is a good thing for all us doggers.

dflynn

I second this advice. My cat from the shelter use a scatch post that I had from my other cat.

COYOTEMAGIC

You are ready!! Kudos on adopting! Especially for considering adopting an older cats! The kittens are the ones that always go first. The older ones and Special Needs ones(like mine) are the last ones people consider. I've got 8 and only 1 is not "Special".

Keeping up their shots, flea and tick protection, good food and a safe, clean home and someone who loves them is all they need.

COYOTEMAGIC

My one that scratches or trys to beat up on the others (a bratty 9month old boy!) gets his nails clipped every other month.

Thank you for not declawing

MegsAnn

Great planning so far!

There are some things that cats do, and others that will be specific to YOUR cat. We have four and they all have their quirks. Velcro never learned claw control and still gets stuck on the carpet when running (it's hilarious and cute). He likes to steal straws and hide them, put hairbands into the dry food dish, and eat corn on the cob that's been unattended 'till he pukes. Milo scoffs at fresh meat and will try to bury it but will lick your chicken soup bowl dry. (Oh, and he picked us a the shelter. Started purring really loudly in his sleep when my hubby walked by talking.) Loki will get up on two paws to reach your hand for pets and loves to shred paper towels and toilet paper. She doesn't like alarm clocks and if you've taken too long to turn it off she'll walk up and butt your face. Wormy likes to be pet on the bathroom counter, and will run to it from wherever in the house she is when she hears somebody enter the house. She goes nuts for beef jerky.

One safety thing for all kitties: if they stop eating, get to the vet ASAP. A tiny problem can escelate quickly and lack of appetite could indicate that something major is going on.

Oh and some cats are social, and others are not. It'd be mean to split my cats up since they're like family now and look after eachother. However, we had one cat who was very territorial and we had to give her away 'cause when the others were getting attention she'd get mad and pee in our bed. Every day. For months. Not cool.

Good luck!

JulieR

HAHA! I had to reply; we had a cat named Bean who always, ALWAYS ran with all of her claws out. She made the best noises when she ran, but look out if she had reason to run OVER you. LOL

SUZAG

I adopted a "senior" kitty a few years ago and you would never know he was a senior! He doesn't like to be picked up but will come to you for love whenever you are free. He was such a deal, only $5 at the Humane Society! They estimated his age as 8years old but my vet only feels that he is 5 years old.

Jo Belmont

Well, I'm getting excited now. Hope they process my application right away so I can go take a look at my future luvs. I know that it's not all lovely, but I'm so looking forward to having another personality in the house, and it sounds like cats have personality aplenty. I'm ready!

Stay tuned.

COYOTEMAGIC

I've got 2 Seniors. Butterscotch is 18 and FatBoy is 14. Butter has just started showing her age in the last 6 months. I had her sister for 17 years until she developed cancer. FatBoy just kicked the new kids butt a little while ago. Bratty little boy (9month old) 8lbs got booted across the kitchen floor by the 20lb old man!! Senior is in the eye of the beholder!! Good food, good vet care is the key. Learn you baby's personality, you will know when they aren't feeling well.