10 Essential Supplies Every New Cat Owner Should Consider

Bringing a new cat home is exciting, but a little preparation can make those first few days considerably easier for both of you. Your cat will need appropriate places to eat, drink, sleep, scratch, play, hide, and use the litter box while becoming familiar with a completely new environment.

You don’t need to buy every cat product available before your new companion arrives. Start with practical essentials, then learn your cat’s individual preferences before expanding your setup.

Here are 10 supplies worth considering as you prepare your home.

1. Food and Water Bowls

Food and water bowls are among the first items you’ll need. Choose options that are appropriately sized, stable, easy to clean, and made from materials intended for food use.

What to Look For

Consider:

• Appropriate bowl capacity
• Stable construction
• Easy-to-clean surfaces
• Comfortable depth and shape
• Food-safe materials
• A practical location in your home

Fresh water should be readily available. Some cats enjoy drinking from pet fountains, but you don’t necessarily need one when you’re first getting started.

2. Appropriate Cat Food

Your cat’s nutritional needs can vary depending on age, life stage, and individual circumstances. Kittens, adults, and senior cats may require different formulations, so check product information carefully.

If you’re adopting a cat, ask what food they’re currently eating. Maintaining something familiar initially may make the transition easier.

Choosing Food

Review factors such as:

• Life-stage suitability
• Feeding guidelines
• Wet or dry format
• Ingredient and nutrition information
• Storage instructions
• Your cat’s individual dietary needs

If you plan to change foods, consider discussing an appropriate transition with your veterinarian rather than switching abruptly.

3. A Suitable Litter Box

The litter box is one of the most important parts of your setup.

Choose a box large enough for your cat to comfortably enter, turn around, dig, and position themselves. Accessibility deserves particular attention if you’re bringing home a kitten, senior cat, or cat with mobility limitations.

Common Litter Box Styles

Options include open, covered, high-sided, low-entry, and automatic litter boxes.

Whichever design you select, place it somewhere accessible and reasonably quiet so your cat can use it without unnecessary disturbances.

4. Cat Litter and Cleaning Supplies

The box is only half of your litter setup. You’ll also need litter and a practical way to keep the area clean.

Cats can be surprisingly particular about litter texture and scent. If your new cat already uses a certain type, starting with something familiar may help.

Your Basic Litter Kit

Consider having:

• Cat litter
• Litter scoop
• Litter mat
• Waste bags or another disposal solution
• Appropriate cleaning supplies

Regular scooping helps keep the area inviting and hygienic. Follow the litter manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing litter and cleaning the box.

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, don’t automatically treat it as misbehavior. Persistent changes can have environmental, behavioral, or medical causes and may warrant veterinary attention.

5. A Scratching Surface

Scratching is a normal part of feline behavior, so giving your cat an appropriate place to do it is important.

Providing dedicated scratching surfaces allows your cat to scratch and stretch while potentially making your sofa considerably less interesting.

Find Your Cat’s Preference

You can try:

• Vertical scratching posts
• Horizontal scratchers
• Angled scratching boards
• Cardboard scratchers
• Cat furniture with integrated scratching areas

Cats have different preferences for both orientation and material. Whatever you choose should remain stable during use rather than wobbling or tipping.

6. A Comfortable Bed or Resting Area

Cats spend plenty of time resting, but don’t be surprised if your carefully selected bed initially loses to an ordinary cardboard box.

A dedicated bed still provides a comfortable option. Look for an appropriate size, soft materials, and washable surfaces.

Your cat may also appreciate several safe resting choices around the home, including quiet corners, elevated spaces, enclosed areas, or sunny spots. Giving your cat options allows them to choose where they feel most secure.

7. A Secure Cat Carrier

A carrier isn’t something you’ll use every day, but you’ll appreciate having a dependable one ready when it’s time for a veterinary visit, move, or emergency.

Choose a carrier that’s appropriately sized, secure, ventilated, and easy to clean.

Depending on the design, multiple openings or removable sections can make getting your cat in and out easier.

Introduce It Before You Need It

Don’t make the carrier something that mysteriously appears only before a stressful trip.

Consider leaving it accessible at home with comfortable bedding inside. Giving your cat opportunities to investigate it on their own may help make the carrier a more familiar part of their environment.

8. Toys for Play and Enrichment

Play provides exercise, stimulation, interaction, and opportunities for cats to express natural behaviors.

You don’t need an enormous toy collection immediately. Start with several different types and see what your cat actually enjoys.

Starter Toy Ideas

Consider:

• Wand-style toys
• Lightweight balls
• Toy mice
• Chase toys
• Interactive toys
• Puzzle feeders

Rotate toys periodically to keep playtime interesting.

Inspect them regularly as well. Loose pieces, damaged strings, exposed stuffing, and other deterioration can create potential hazards. Some toys are best reserved for supervised play.

9. Grooming and Basic Care Supplies

Your cat’s grooming needs depend partly on coat type, age, and individual circumstances.

A simple starter kit might include an appropriate brush or comb, nail-care equipment, cat-safe cleaning products when necessary, and suitable dental-care supplies.

Long-haired cats typically require more frequent coat maintenance than many short-haired cats, although every animal is different.

If you’re unsure about trimming claws or another grooming task, ask your veterinarian or a qualified grooming professional to demonstrate an appropriate technique.

10. Identification Supplies

Even an indoor cat can unexpectedly get outside, making identification an important consideration.

A properly fitted collar with identification information may be useful. Choose a collar specifically designed for cats and carefully follow its fitting and safety instructions.

You can also speak with your veterinarian about permanent identification options. Whichever methods you choose, make sure your contact information stays current.

Consider Adding Vertical Space

Once the basic necessities are covered, you might consider giving your cat more opportunities to climb and observe their surroundings.

Depending on your home, that could include a cat tree, window perch, cat-safe shelving, or another stable elevated surface.

Vertical territory can provide additional places for climbing, resting, observing, and retreating. Choose structures appropriate for your cat’s size and physical abilities, and make sure everything is securely assembled and positioned.

Prepare a Quiet Space for the First Few Days

Your cat doesn’t necessarily need access to the entire home immediately.

A quiet introductory area can provide a manageable environment while your cat becomes familiar with new sounds, smells, people, and routines.

Consider placing several essentials there, including a bed or hiding place, scratching surface, toys, litter box, food, and water. Keep food and water appropriately separated from the litter area.

Most importantly, give your cat time to explore and interact at their own pace.

Cat-Proof Your Home Before Arrival

Curious cats—especially kittens—can investigate places you never expected them to reach.

Before bringing your cat home, look around for potential hazards such as:

• Loose cords
• Medications
• Household chemicals
• Small objects that could be swallowed
• Unstable furniture or decorations
• Unsecured windows or screens
• Plants that may be unsafe for cats

If you’re uncertain whether a plant, food, household substance, or other item is safe, check with your veterinarian or another reputable animal-safety resource.

Don’t Buy Everything at Once

Cats have opinions, and they aren’t always subtle about them.

You might buy an elaborate enclosed bed only to discover that your cat prefers sleeping beside it. One cat may enthusiastically use a tall scratching post while another wants nothing except a horizontal cardboard scratcher.

Start with the essentials and observe what your cat actually enjoys. Once you’ve learned their preferences, you can add beds, toys, scratchers, and other accessories more intentionally.

Check Your Cat’s Supplies Regularly

Your job isn’t finished once everything is set up.

Regularly inspect toys, scratching posts, beds, collars, carriers, bowls, and cat furniture for wear or damage. Loose components, frayed material, broken hardware, exposed stuffing, and unstable structures may signal that something needs repair or replacement.

Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and maintenance to help keep your cat’s everyday environment comfortable and hygienic.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a new cat doesn’t require an enormous shopping haul. Food and water supplies, an appropriate litter setup, a scratching surface, comfortable resting options, a secure carrier, toys, basic grooming supplies, and identification give you a practical foundation.

From there, pay attention to the cat in front of you. Their age, size, personality, activity level, health, and preferences will tell you far more about what they need than any universal shopping list.

Starting with the essentials gives you time to learn those preferences while creating a safe, comfortable environment where your new cat can gradually feel at home.