Potential adoption questions

Hi everyone!

I am new to this site and am looking for some advice. I am very interested in adopting a cat and found a potential match on craigslist. I know that craigslist isn't the best place for pet adoption, but I know I would have issues adopting a cat from a shelter or rescue so this seems like my best bet. Anyways, I have been emailing back and forth with his owner for a few days now. She has been really helpful with answering all of my questions & I am going to meet her & her cat on Monday evening.  However, I have never had a cat before so I am not sure what I should be paying attention cat-wise and if there are any other questions I should be asking.

According to his owner, he is 2 years old, medium-sized (around 10lbs),  he was an indoor-outdoor cat (but apparently will adjust well to being a solely indoor cat), he's had his kitten immunizations but apparently needs to get his shots updated, eats mostly holistic grain-free food but also sometimes wet food, and occasionally will pee on rubber backed bath mats since he doesn't like them(that's apparently the extent of his behavior problems).

His owner asked to see a link or two from my social media sites so that she could get a feel for me & decided that she felt comfortable letting me adopt him. 

There's a part of me that is worried that since she went to craigslist that there might be underlying issues, but I feel like she has also been pretty honest with me so I am hoping this is legit.

Sorry this is such a rambling post, but I am really excited about adopting a cat and I want to make sure that I am doing all of the right things.

Thank you!!

I'd say she is being thorough.  It's actually common for kitties to urinate inappropriately on rubber backed mats.  Since you know this, don't have them in your home and be sure you have a minimum of 2 litter boxes that are scooped at least daily, twice daily would be better. 

Sounds like you've already got a good handle on what to ask.  What kind of food is he eating?  What kind of litter do you use?  Does he have any favorite toys?  What kind of bedding does he prefer?  Ask to see his health records, too. 

Go with your gut when you meet the cat. She may not want the cat to go to the shelter so is trying to find it a home. There is a risk of health problems any time you get a pet so be ready for vet bills no matter what. If her house smells of urine, an ammonia like accent there is probably litter box or health issues. Good luck to you.

Thank you so much for your response! I live in a one bedroom apartment that's about 540 sq ft and was thinking that I would put the litter box in the bathroom. I didn't realize that I would need a second one. Should the second be in the same room as the other or should I put it in a different room?

Also when you transition a cat from outdoor to indoor only watch for door darting. They are quick and will try to sneak out when entering or exiting the apt

I lived in a 640 sq ft apt and the box was in the little hallway by the bathroom.  You can put it wherever you like as long as it's in a spot where you and the cat can handle it.

rollthedicexo said:

 
According to his owner, he is 2 years old, medium-sized (around 10lbs),  he was an indoor-outdoor cat (but apparently will adjust well to being a solely indoor cat),

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He was an indoor-outdoor cat, meaning that she's already made him an indoor cat? If not, she can't tell if he will adjust I don't think, only time will tell. Some cats (mine) behaved really really badly as an indoor cat, very stressed and unhappy. You may have some behavioural probs if the kitty doesn't adjust well. If you do keep him in, I recommend cat trees or at least a nice tall scratching post. He may be used to scratching his claws outside and may turn it on the furniture of nothing to scratch on!

Apart from that, I think you've got it covered! Enjoy meeting kitty and I hope you two have fun!

She said that as soon as it starts getting cold she doesn't let him out and he doesn't seem to care. However, those are some really great suggestions you've made and I will definitely do that. Not to sound super snobby or anything, but I would like to find a cat tree/scratching post that will go with the decor in my apartment. Do any of you know of places where I could find cat trees/scratching posts that could fit in with my decor?

Ah, that's good, good luck! Hope kitty doesn't want to go out when the sun is shining!! Anyway, where are you? I am in the UK and I buy all my cat furniture from Zooplus as it's cheap, but if you're in the USA (which am guessing with graigslist) then can't help much am afraid. I did have a quick peek here, got a couple of smart things, but very pricey.. http://www.therefinedfeline.com/  Guess it's just a case of shopping around for something you like!