- A litter box made from an old ((HUGE)) sterilite or similar container https://www.amazon.com/IRIS-USA-CB-130-Buckle-Storage/dp/B000M39HPE/ref=pd_sbs_201_23?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000M39HPE&pd_rd_r=428e579a-54f5-4222-8844-72d90f0265b8&pd_rd_w=5ImhG&pd_rd_wg=PEZjk&pf_rd_p=bc074051-81d1-4874-a3fd-fd0c867ce3b4&pf_rd_r=BJN4K7VD2HPZWA1CQS49&psc=1&refRID=BJN4K7VD2HPZWA1CQS49 with a "u" shape cut into one side of it -- as a sort of entrance... works as a perfect litter box. Any litter box marketed specifically as a litter box is useless. Kitty wants something MUCH larger with high sides. They say that it should be 1.5 times the length of kitty's size. Kitty will prefer it not to be covered, as an enclosed space will trap odors that kitty does not like (think the feline equivalent of how much we prefer outhouses)... Also kitty wants the litter that most closely resembles sand. Odorless is preferred, but not by the human nose by any means. Baking soda and litter deodorizer are key here. Automatic litter boxes are dangerous and kitty will likely find the contraption frightening. They are furthermore expensive and break easily. Clay clumping litter is a classic favorite. There are multiple natural and otherwise seemingly better alternatives. But, if you get what kitty truly prefers, you will chose the clumping clay. Also, if the sight of litterboxes disgusts you, it is a good idea to remove the door(s) of a cabinet and slide the litterbox into the shelf. Kinda like the picture here https://www.petsbest.com/blog/design-tips-to-hide-cats-litter-box/. Depending upon the location, you can either leave the cabinet door removed as an entrance for your cat. Or, you can create some sort of cloth curtain, as an entryway that protects the floor and room from scattered litter. If you have a kitten or the cat is sick/recovering from surgery, then silicone or walnut shell litter is mandatory as litter dust is not good in those situations. Also, google alternatives for an e-collar if you get the awesome opportunity to experience feline surgery recovery.
- Get a fountain. Actually, get three. No questions asked. Clean it weekly. Just do it.
- You can take kitty for walks. Make sure you use a harness. I would recommend that you MAKE/sew this harness in vest/jacket style yourself as previously created harnesses will not fit your kitty properly. You can follow this general idea https://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=216089.0 using buckles instead of velcro as fasteners. I would stray far far away from anything like this https://wagswagpetsupplies.wordpress.com/2015/06/20/diy-step-in-dog-harness-tutorial/ that is at all thinner than the other one i showed you. So, you want to be sure that you are making something that resembles a jacket or a vest. Otherwise, your kitty will slip away far too easily.
- Get the most expensive food you can afford. The health of your cat is most solely going to revolve around this.
- I prefer shorthaired cats to longhaired cats. They say long haired cats are better hunters, though. All depends upon how much hair you can handle.
- When you arrive at whatever location you venture to purchase your animal at.... pay attention to what kitties seem to gravitate toward you. If you are able to pick one out amongst others, choose the kitty that stays closest to you. Better yet, if any felines so much as approach you, pick the one that goes toward you the most. Cats are instinctive and this initial meeting is very indicative of the relationship the two of you will have for the rest of its life.
- If you are able to find a very very small remote controlled car toy that is easily maneuvered, this is a GREAT toy! My felines love this one https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Racers-Micro-TV-Phantom/dp/B06W5J91PT/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=as+seen+on+tv+rc+pocket+racer&qid=1595622714&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-5
-kitty can learn to fetch, play hide and go seek, play tag, etc. Pace yourself, though, cause kitty will outlast you every.single.time.
well, I hope I covered it all, although I am sure I will remember more later. good luck and remember to be patient at first. Even though kitty might not be as affectionate as you want her to be intially, all kitties are skittish at first. With time and patience, every single cat alive increases the amount of affection and love they show their human. Every cat has room to improve --and has the possibility of improving-- how love-able they are