Adopting an adult cat: My tips-n-tricks
R.I.P. Maya (2016-2020)
My adorable little 4-year old brown-white tabby DSH (Domestic Short Haired) Maya passed away peacefully in my arms on October 30th, 2020. She had developed IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), which turned into lymphoma. She was the sweetest, kindest and purest soul I've ever met. My goodest girl now rests in peace.
Passing on the love that Maya gave us, recently, we adopted Misha from the SPCA. While learning about your cat's personality and likes/dislikes is a constant learning experience, here are some tips-n-tricks that we've picked up along the way.
The six stages of a cat's life
- Kitten (0 - 6 months)
- Junior Cat (6 months - 2 years)
- Prime Cat (3 - 6 years)
- Mature Cat (7 - 10 years)
- Senior Cat (11 - 14 years)
- Geriatric Cat (15+ years)
The first night: introducing your cat to your home
The ride from the shelter to your home will be a very stressful experience. Make sure you cat-ify your home BEFORE you bring your cat home! We set up the litter box, food dishes, scratch posts, and bed in the living room. We also closed off all other doors initially. Depending on your cat's personality, it might start exploring right away, or it might run to the nearest hideout.Important: DO NOT chase after your cat! DO NOT try to pull your cat out of the hideout! Let it come to you. Stay in the vicinity but give it the freedom to explore and adapt.
Things you will need to cat-ify your home
The following table is a breakdown of accessories with descriptions and costs in CAD. Most of these prices are for an overall idea. Prices will change based on your region and availability. For most items, you can probably get discounts via Amazon Prime.
The cat
The adoption fee would typically be the only high upfront cost apart from the setup costs. Adopting from SPCA also helps you save on spay/neuter costs (about $600) and identity chip cost.
This cost is more of an administrator/management fee and is not based on breed type.
The adoption fee would typically be the only high upfront cost apart from the setup costs. Adopting from SPCA also helps you save on spay/neuter costs (about $600) and identity chip cost.
This cost is more of an administrator/management fee and is not based on breed type.
$185
Feliway Classic cat calmer diffuser
Having personally seen the effective results, I highly recommend this diffuser for helping your cat feel calm and comfortable at home. It is also available in a 'companion' mode if you are going to be having 2 cats.
Having personally seen the effective results, I highly recommend this diffuser for helping your cat feel calm and comfortable at home. It is also available in a 'companion' mode if you are going to be having 2 cats.
$39.44
Van Ness Large High Sides CAT Litter Pan
A litter pan with high sides will help keep your surroundings clean when the cat 'digs' and 'scratches' to cover her poop. The litter box should typically be 1.5 times the size of your cat. The general recommendation is to have 2 litter pans for one cat, and three pans for two cats.
A litter pan with high sides will help keep your surroundings clean when the cat 'digs' and 'scratches' to cover her poop. The litter box should typically be 1.5 times the size of your cat. The general recommendation is to have 2 litter pans for one cat, and three pans for two cats.
$8.97
The litter
The litter will ultimately come down to personal preference. I've tried several variations but my personal favorite is Fresh4Life's unscented clumping litter. Even though there are several light-weight options, both Maya and Misha prefer the 'traditional' litter.
The litter will ultimately come down to personal preference. I've tried several variations but my personal favorite is Fresh4Life's unscented clumping litter. Even though there are several light-weight options, both Maya and Misha prefer the 'traditional' litter.
$7.99
Litter bags
I found a pack of 900 bags on Amazon, measuring approx 13x9 inches (per bag). It has 15 bags per roll (60 rolls/box), and the rolls fit standard-size leash dispensers. You could potentially use any plastic bag to dispose of the scooped out litter, but these bags are a perfect size.
I found a pack of 900 bags on Amazon, measuring approx 13x9 inches (per bag). It has 15 bags per roll (60 rolls/box), and the rolls fit standard-size leash dispensers. You could potentially use any plastic bag to dispose of the scooped out litter, but these bags are a perfect size.
$31.48
Toys
I love the 25-piece set from Amazon! This kit will give you a chance to try a plethora of different types, including a cat tunnel, cat teaser wand, one catnip pineapple, various interactive feather toys, a cute mouse, and crinkle balls bells.
I love the 25-piece set from Amazon! This kit will give you a chance to try a plethora of different types, including a cat tunnel, cat teaser wand, one catnip pineapple, various interactive feather toys, a cute mouse, and crinkle balls bells.
$26.99
Water fountain
Flowing water prevents kidney infections in cats and is a lot healthier than still water in a bowl. The fountain has a capacity of 2.4L. The circulating filtration system uses a replaceable charcoal filter to purify the water, remove hair, dirt, and food particles.
Flowing water prevents kidney infections in cats and is a lot healthier than still water in a bowl. The fountain has a capacity of 2.4L. The circulating filtration system uses a replaceable charcoal filter to purify the water, remove hair, dirt, and food particles.
$41.99
Cat Hammock with scratch posts
Completely optional but personally recommended. Maya loved to curl up in this hammock by the window where she could see the world passing by. It also has two scratch posts on either side, along with a soft base to sit on. The design is sturdy enough and doesn't wobble even when she jumped in or out of it.
Completely optional but personally recommended. Maya loved to curl up in this hammock by the window where she could see the world passing by. It also has two scratch posts on either side, along with a soft base to sit on. The design is sturdy enough and doesn't wobble even when she jumped in or out of it.
$37.72
Scratch post - full length
Cats need a scratching post that will allow them to get a full stretch. The 32" post height (16" by 16" base) enables the cat to stretch vertically while using the post (important for territorial marking purposes and toning muscles).
I've placed a scratch post in each room for Misha's use whenever she's in the mood to scratch.
Cats need a scratching post that will allow them to get a full stretch. The 32" post height (16" by 16" base) enables the cat to stretch vertically while using the post (important for territorial marking purposes and toning muscles).
I've placed a scratch post in each room for Misha's use whenever she's in the mood to scratch.
$89.99
Scratch post
If space/price is a concern, you can also get a smaller version for other rooms. You can rub some catnip on the fibers to increase attraction.
I've placed a scratch post in each room for Misha's use whenever she's in the mood to scratch.
If space/price is a concern, you can also get a smaller version for other rooms. You can rub some catnip on the fibers to increase attraction.
I've placed a scratch post in each room for Misha's use whenever she's in the mood to scratch.
$9.99
Cat tree
We recently added a cat tree in the mix, and Maya loved it! She had more than her fair share of high-rise spots to perch and relax, but the tree's multiple scratch posts and platforms have a different appeal altogether. She loved to climb (or even jump!) to the top and unwind.
I'm using the 'Jump Bailey Tree' model, and for my 12-pounder, it is sturdy and big enough.
We recently added a cat tree in the mix, and Maya loved it! She had more than her fair share of high-rise spots to perch and relax, but the tree's multiple scratch posts and platforms have a different appeal altogether. She loved to climb (or even jump!) to the top and unwind.
I'm using the 'Jump Bailey Tree' model, and for my 12-pounder, it is sturdy and big enough.
$180.00
Food
I've got my cats on Acana Wild Prairie kibble. It is locally produced in Edmonton, Alberta so if you're located in Canada, supplies won't be an issue. For wet food, I give them Weruva Chicken-Lamb or Chicken-Salmon pate or Tiki Cat pate.
Try alternating brands and see what your cat loves.
I've got my cats on Acana Wild Prairie kibble. It is locally produced in Edmonton, Alberta so if you're located in Canada, supplies won't be an issue. For wet food, I give them Weruva Chicken-Lamb or Chicken-Salmon pate or Tiki Cat pate.
Try alternating brands and see what your cat loves.
$26.99
Be ready for unexpected medical costs!
Nearly two months after adoption, we had to evacuate due to flooding in Fort McMurray. The entire ordeal lasted over a month, during which Maya moved to four different locations. The stress of this episode made her sick, and she ended up slight swelling in the abdomen, causing her all sorts of troubles from diarrhea to vomit.
Over almost two months, her initial check-up, medication, and a GI panel test has cost around $800. In October 2020, her health started deteriorating again and the ultrasound results revealed IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) that had further turned into lymphoma. Maya passed away peacefully in my arms on Oct 30.
It's essential to budget for such unexpected bills! In Maya's case, due to the severity of the lymphoma, even with chemotherapy, she would only have upto 6 months to live. Since there would be no quality of life, putting my fur-baby to sleep was the only loving option. Chemo in itself is about CAD $10,000 annually. Ultrasound is typically $2000, followed by a biopsy around $3000. Hospitalization per night was about CAD $1000.
Advertisement
Key takeaways
- Of course, there is no "best" setup, and everything depends on how much you're willing to spend, but I hope this information has helped you better understand the costs and requirements for keeping your cat happy and healthy. Your local shelter's caregivers will give you further insights on preferences and habits based on their observations.
- You'll find most of the items mentioned above in a variety of leading stores. If you're not in a hurry, search around to find deals or discounts that would further bring the costs down. You could also look into online listings where people give-away a lot of stuff.
- Make sure you take your fur-baby to the vet for their routine inspection and medical follow-ups as and when required. Usually, you must take them within the first week of adopting to ensure everything's well.
