New Kitty? (Sorry, long post)

Hello all you cat lovers out there
I'm more of a dog person, and I'm actively involved in my local Humane Society with the care of their dogs. I'm a university student living away from my parents (though they are a close drive).

I need some cat advice. Any help is greatly appreaciated.
The Situation:
In a recent phone conversation with my mother, she mentioned that she was interesting in seeing what animals were at the shelter where I volunteer. She also asked if Petland is still where it used to be.
Now this is a MAJOR thing for my mom who has never liked animals in the house. The reason I moved out is because I rescued a puppy and she didn't want it inside anymore. (My dad, however, loves animals).
My little sister (16 years old) has always loved cats, and has been asking for one for the past 5 years or so. I think my parents are considering getting her one for Christmas. I know getting a pet for Christmas is usually frowned upon, however my parents are very clean and careful people and will not get a cat without careful consideration.

I've always been the huge animal lover in my family, and since I've had my dog for 3 years as of Dec 23, I have a pretty good idea what animal ownership is all about. I'm taking my mom to the shelter tomorrow to look at the 40+ available felines. I am going to make sure she does NOT get it from a pet shop.

Now for the real question:
What sorts of things should I bring up before they decide to get her one for sure?

Issues already addressed are:
-cat will be indoors only
-Initial expenses are looked after, ongoing expenses are expected
-My parents live near both a college and university, one of which my sister is expected to attend. She can live at home while she studies, so leaving home is not a problem.

Sorry for the long post, any replies are greatly appreciated.

Who will be responsible for the vet bills?? food bills?? litter costs..

Is she willing to get up in the middle of the night as cat are noctunal and often think 2-4 am is a great time for play.. does she have a few hours a day to devote to kitty??
She does relize that she may have this animal for the next 20 years??

Under the circumstances I would look in the shelter at any older declawed cats. They are in there. If your mother isn't into pets the first time this kitten goes to scratch her couch, or run up her leg to sit on her shoulder, the kitten might be booted outside. Declawed cats abound in shelters- don't buy a kitten and then declaw

Thanks to both of you.
My sister will be responsible for all costs incurred after the cat is given to her. I am sure, however, that my parents will give her the essentials along with the cat.
I am already thinking that an adult cat is probably the best idea. I will find out if there are any that are declawed.

She does have time to devote to kitty, and there are others that will as well - come January there will be 5 people in the household, including my parents.

Also - kitty on the counters/table is a HUGE no-no. Do all cats automatically want to be up there? And what's the easiest way to make sure it's not?

My dad raised the idea a few months ago that if she did get a cat, it might be an idea to get a dog kennel (big one) and keep it in there while she's at school, with litter box on one side, bed/toy on the other. What do you think of this idea?

Thanks again

Originally Posted by Sierra

Also - kitty on the counters/table is a HUGE no-no. Do all cats automatically want to be up there? And what's the easiest way to make sure it's not?

My dad raised the idea a few months ago that if she did get a cat, it might be an idea to get a dog kennel (big one) and keep it in there while she's at school, with litter box on one side, bed/toy on the other. What do you think of this idea?

Thanks again

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Some cats are naturally "perfect" I've had cats that were never naughty and others that were 90% of the day "just because". My current kitty is v. naughty when she is trying to get my attn. She waits to make sure I'm watching, then jumps on the table.

It is fairly easy to establish no-no's around the house if you get a jumper. Lotsa threads in the Behavior section. Mostly it is about consistency and teaching. For instance, with the counters you mentioned, sticky tape or cookie sheets full of water give kitty an unpleasant surprise when she jumps up and will give up that habit pretty quick. Consistency for this means simply, it can never be OK - with somedays OK, some days it's bad. Consistency. Cats are quick and most catch on.

I dont like the contained kennel thing, but I'm a cat slave . Perhaps the compromise is the cat can be contained in the basement or your sister's room, as long as the litter box and food and water are handy. Not good to change locations with these items FYI once established. My elderly cat was a clawer so we kept her separate from the "good furniture rooms" unless we were with her. She was shut in the kitchen/breakfast room area, with access to the basement also. She was fine with that.

Good to look for an older cat as HIssy mentioned. Can check out mellow personalities too. Since you volunteer, I hope you get to see their personalities a bit for a length of time and can make a wise choice.

Remember though: what is cute and endearing when meeting your new beloved doesnt always mean kitty is a good match for one's lifestyle. (ex: I adore kittens overall, but I do not have patience or temperment to bring one home and endure 1-2 years before they start to slow down, so I would never adopt a kitten).