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The Ultimate Checklist for First-Time Cat Owners
Introduction: Bringing a New Cat Home? Start With the Right Prep!
Thinking about getting your first cat? Congratulations! You’re about to welcome a charming, independent, and surprisingly affectionate companion into your life. But before your new feline friend sets paw into your home, being well-prepared with the right cat supplies is absolutely essential.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to prepare for your cat, categorized into eating, litter, sleeping, playing, grooming, and safety. Whether you’re adopting from a shelter or buying from a breeder, this comprehensive checklist will help you start your cat parenting journey the right way.
1. Food: What Your Cat Eats and How to Serve It
🥣 Cat Food (Dry + Wet)
Recommended:
- High-quality dry kibble (choose a kitten formula for young cats)
- Wet food (canned or pouch-style) to boost hydration
- Small amount of treats or freeze-dried meat for training or bonding
Tips:
- Stick with the same food used at the shelter/breeder for the first week to avoid digestive issues.
- Avoid feeding cats human leftovers—this may cause nutritional imbalance.
🍽 Food Bowls
Best choice: Shallow, wide ceramic or stainless steel bowls
Why?
- Plastic can cause chin acne in cats and harbor bacteria.
- Shallow bowls prevent whisker fatigue (when their sensitive whiskers touch the bowl edges).
💧 Water Dispenser or Bowl
Options: Basic bowl or automatic water fountain
Pro tip: Flowing water fountains encourage cats to drink more, reducing the risk of urinary issues.
2. Litter: Bathroom Essentials
🚽 Litter Box
Choose based on your cat’s size and habits:
- Open litter box (easier for beginners to monitor)
- Covered litter box (for more privacy and odor control)
Important: The litter box should be at least 1.5x the length of your cat.
🪨 Cat Litter
Common types:
- Clumping clay litter: Great odor control and easy to scoop
- Tofu litter: Eco-friendly, flushable, and low tracking
- Crystal litter: High absorption, less mess, but non-clumping
Tip: Try a few types to see which your cat prefers.
🧹 Litter Scoop & Waste Bin
- Choose a sturdy scoop that fits your litter type
- Get a sealed litter waste bin (like a Diaper Genie for cats) to trap odors
3. Sleep: Comfort & Resting Spots
🛏 Cat Bed
Recommended:
- Soft, washable enclosed beds or cave-style beds
- Even a folded blanket or cardboard box can work if your cat prefers it
Reality check: Some cats will ignore expensive beds and sleep in the weirdest places (like your laundry pile!)
🧺 Safe Hideaway Area
Set up a cozy, quiet corner with:
- A soft blanket or box
- Minimal noise or foot traffic
- A space your cat can call their own while adjusting
4. Play: Toys and Enrichment
🪵 Scratching Posts or Pads
Why cats need it:
- To sharpen claws, relieve stress, and mark territory
- To save your furniture!
Options:
- Vertical post + horizontal pad combo
- Choose materials like cardboard, sisal rope, or carpet
🧸 Toys (Interactive + Solo)
Must-haves:
- Wand toys: Great for bonding and exercise
- Small mice or balls: Perfect for solo play
- Automated toys: Useful if you’re out during the day
🧗♂️ Cat Tree or Climbing Shelves
- Offers a place to jump, climb, and perch
- Helps indoor cats stay physically active and mentally stimulated
5. Grooming & Hygiene: Keep Your Cat Clean and Healthy
✂️ Nail Clippers
- Trim every 2–3 weeks to prevent scratching damage and ingrown nails
- Use a cat-safe clipper with a guard if you’re a beginner
Tip: Never cut into the “quick”—the pink area inside the claw
🪮 Brush or Comb
- Short-haired cats: Use rubber brushes or bristle combs
- Long-haired cats: Use slicker brushes or dematting combs
Why? Brushing reduces shedding, prevents matting, and is a great bonding activity.
🧴 Cleaning Products
- Dry shampoo or foam: Great alternative to bathing
- Pet wipes: For paws, eyes, and behind
- Ear cleaner and cotton pads: Especially for breeds prone to earwax
6. Safety: Cat-Proofing Your Home
🪟 Window Protection
Cats love heights, but open windows are a major danger.
- Install screens or protective netting for high floors
☠️ Hide Dangerous Items
- Lock away cleaners, detergents, medicine, and sharp tools
- Keep string, rubber bands, small toys, and plastic bags out of reach
- Remove toxic houseplants (like lilies, pothos, and aloe)
🚗 Carrier or Travel Bag
Essential for vet visits and emergencies.
- Hard carriers = safest option
- Backpack or soft carrier = okay for short trips
Pro tip: Leave the carrier open at home so your cat can explore and get used to it.
🧾 Complete First-Time Cat Supplies Checklist
| Category | Must-Haves |
|---|---|
| Food & Water | Dry food, wet food, food bowl, water fountain |
| Litter | Litter box, litter, scoop, waste bin |
| Sleep | Cat bed, quiet corner |
| Play | Scratching post, wand toys, solo toys, cat tree |
| Grooming | Nail clippers, brushes, pet wipes |
| Safety | Window screens, hidden hazards, cat carrier |
Final Thoughts: The More Prepared You Are, the Happier Your Cat Will Be
Bringing a cat home for the first time is exciting—but also a big responsibility. A well-prepared environment can reduce stress for both you and your cat, and set the foundation for a loving and peaceful life together.
Don’t worry about getting everything perfect on day one. Cats are adaptable and patient—as long as they know you care.
FAQs
What should I prepare before bringing home a cat?
Essential supplies include food, water bowl, litter box, scratching post, cat carrier, toys, and a safe resting space.
Do cats need both wet and dry food?
Yes. Wet food provides hydration, and dry food helps dental health. A mix of both is ideal.
How many litter boxes do I need for one cat?
The rule of thumb is one per cat plus one extra. So for one cat, two litter boxes are ideal.
Can I use human shampoo on cats?
No. Use only cat-safe shampoos or dry cleaning products formulated for pets.
What kind of toys are best for kittens?
Wand toys, small soft balls, and crinkle mice are perfect for kittens and safe for play.
