How to prepare for a new cat? What to clean...throw away?

Question

My wife and I are preparing for the worst, putting our current cat to sleep. She's facing chronic renal failure, arthritis, and some other issues - after meeting with the Vet they confirmed they can make her somewhat comfortable...but never "whole."

She's our baby and we love her, but nothing lasts forever and we don't want her last few months to be in pain.

...so lets skip forward. We're going to get another cat (probably adopt) around Christmas time - this will give us our time to grieve, and clean up for a new critter. Before our cat got this bad, she would miss the littler box every so often - I've already decided we need to replace the pad/carpet and clean the concrete below. Living in an apartment that could be tricky, but I'll figure that part out.

Aside from that all I can think of is throwing away old toys, the old litter box and steam cleaning the rest of the carpet.

Anything else I can do to make our home prepared for a new Cat? I know cat's can be sensitive about territory that is new - so am I forgetting anything else I should do?

Answer 1

you are taking the correct steps.  just make sure you get all of the cat smell out where your cat missed the box.  Sorry about your kitty, but you are doing the right thing.  I had to do the same thing before myself.  It has been almost 2 years & i still miss her.  I recently rescued a kitty, it is so weird how much she reminds me of my kitty.  Your next kitty will be lucky to have such good parents.  

Answer 2

Well you don't have to throw away your old cat toys and litter box. Just be sure to clean the box very well and buy fresh litter. I would wash the cat's water and food dishes and wipe down the old toys. Be sure to buy some new toys so that your new cat will have something that is all theirs. You have to remember that shelter cats are used to sharing. All they really want is to be LOVED.

Answer 3

unless your cat has something infectious then there's no need to throw things away and clean everywhere(obviously the bits where she missed the tray you will want to clean!) the only thing that happened when we got our new kitten home was that she looked everywhere for the 'other' cat she could smell.  

Answer 4

If there is anything you can remember that your old cat has laid on spray it down with oust. I say that because your new cat will be able to smell where your old cat has been and will get offended.

Also if you need a cat please call me my grandma can't feed them anymore. want more info look at my question and call me at 656-0560 after 5:00

Answer 5

I am so sorry about your cat.  I lost my 16 years old cat a few month ago from cancer. I still miss her a lot.  Recently I took one kitten to foster (I am in the process of adapting) because I have 10 years old cat and I assumed she needed a friend. As I introduced toys I have bought over years to the kitten I was in tears.  I still cry over the death of my cat.  It has been hard for me.  However, the kitten loves any toys I played with. She does not mind at all. She is so happy to be able to run around the house instead of a small cage in a shelter. So my answer is what you are doing is right for you but not for a cat unless your old cat had some contagious disease.  Oh, one more, try to vacuum behind furniture where you usually do not.  Because a kitten can go to small areas to hide. Dust and pollens can cause allergic reaction and coughing. Good luck.

Answer 6

Hi, and I am so sorry to hear about your cat, I have been through this 3 times in the last four years and I know its hard as hard can be. I never threw the toys away unless they were ratty,( keep your cats favorite as a keep sake} when we got a new cat he never seemed to mind the toys of another cat, I did however always get a new litter box, just because cats are funny like that.. I wish you and your family the best of luck getting a new one, and you have my deepest sympathies on  getting prepared to lose the current one.. I am so sorry