Recommendation for equipment please

FluffPiece

Hey guys,

So the wife is looking to get a cat or kitten in the next while but before she does, she wants to ensure she has everything in place.

She's been checking Amazon for ideas of prices for the likes of a decent litterbox, bed and toys etc.

I was hoping someone could have a recommendation for websites that might have more options or cheaper prices for decent products that they wouldn't mind sharing.

tk123

Zooplus! Apologies in advance lol

FluffPiece

Thanks, I'll pass it along to her.

mymo

Yep zooplus.
We just got a kitten 3 weeks ago, you'll need a few bowls, water and food, they don't like water beside food so don't bother with the cute double bowls unless using for wet and dry foods.
2 litter trays, covered ones are great, just take flap off to start.
Couple of beds, once kitten is bigger it'll choose where it sleeps so don't buy anything fancy, washable is essential.
A few toys, ball with bells, waggle sticks, toy mice, toys on string etc.
Cat tree of some sort, they love to climb and scratch.
I highly recommend the Royal can in kitten food to start, their adult food isn't the best but its OK, but the kitten stuff is fab, nuts and wet pouches, restrict the nuts to start as they'll often just eat too many. Our kitten is 11 weeks and I plan on switching him to bozita kitten in another 2 or 3 weeks.
My best tip is to restrict space he can use until he learns to use the tray, ours have always been in a small bathroom overnight until well trained, it only takes a few days usually, then we gradually let them have more freedom, always have a tray in the room you're in, and one in the place he sleeps with access all the time.
Also 2 kittens are twice the fun, and keep each other company.

A cat tower is a must imo. My cats just adore them. They can be crazy expensive though. I was looking at one the other day for 250! Lidl have some today and I think they're 35 or something. I'm hoping to get one later. So might be worth a look.

I agree with the above about 2 kittens. We had just the one kitten and he was so crazy and wild and fun like kittens are but fortunately my dog played relentlessly with him or we would never have gotten a break.

We decided to get him a companion when he was 2. Usually bringing home another animal adds to the work but honestly having two cats made no discernible difference with regards to work/effort but made stuff like going away for a few hours or even a few days way less stressful. These cats adore each other, amuse each other, cuddle each other and they're happy out left alone together, with just some family popping in to feed them. They play non stop and tire each other out and my dog who's getting on now is left in peace, except for some mutual grooming.

Make sure to show us pictures when you get your kitten(s).

FluffPiece

Thanks guys for the helpful advice, I'll pass it all along to the wife now. Never thought of the idea of two kittens but from how you phrased it it makes sense.

She had the cat trees on her list alright but the prices went from good to decent to holy moly no

Much appreciated all, thank you

Alun

On the two kitten thing, we had a different experience. We had two sisters from the same litter, and it was all sweetness and light for the first two years, playing and cuddling up to each other, grooming each other etc. Then when they were about 2 or 3 it all went downhill. One of them started being very aggressive against the other which eventually caused her to wee all over the house.

Alun

Alun wrote: »

On the two kitten thing, we had a different experience. We had two sisters from the same litter, and it was all sweetness and light for the first two years, playing and cuddling up to each other, grooming each other etc. Then when they were about 2 or 3 it all went downhill. One of them started being very aggressive against the other which eventually caused her to wee all over the house.

Ah no, that's a shame Alun. It is said that two males or a male-female pairing do better than two females. I don't know how much truth there is in that. Mine are two males. They've been buds now 3 years and they're adorable together. Long may it last. I'd really hate to see them fall out.

FluffPiece

Thanks for the advice folks.

She didn't realize Lidl had some stuff in this week so she has now gotten an activity tree, a scratch post and a hide from there.

From Zooplus, a litterbox and transport carrier bag in which she can transport future kitty to the vet etc. She's also picked a few small toys and a small collar from a local shop. Only thing left is litter, food and of course the cat itself. Not sure if she's looking to adopt from a local shelter or if she know's someone nearby with a litter, she wasn't too clear but I'm sure whichever kitty she picks, I'll be lucky to be an after thought for the first few days anyway at a minimum

Not sure if she's going to go down the route of two kittys, I haven't mentioned that part to her yet!

Cheers once again, saved a few quid by not getting anything on Amazon anyway.