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Tue. Jul 1st, 2025

Ultimate Cat Supplies Checklist for New Cat Owners

Everything you need to welcome your new feline friend home

Thinking about adopting a cat but not sure what to buy? This comprehensive checklist is designed to help new cat parents prepare everything their kitty needs for a happy, healthy start. Whether you’re adopting a kitten or an adult cat, this guide answers key questions like:

  • What cat supplies are absolutely essential?
  • Which items are optional but useful?
  • What are the best brands and budget options?
  • How can I make my home cat-friendly from day one?

Let’s get started with the must-haves.

✅ Essential Cat Supplies (Must-Have Basics)

These are the core items every cat owner should prepare before bringing a cat home. Think of them as your cat’s starter kit.

1. Litter Box + Cat Litter

Purpose: Your cat’s personal bathroom.
Recommended: Open or semi-enclosed box + clumping litter.

What to Look For:

  • Litter box should be at least 1.5x the length of your cat.
  • Clumping litter (bentonite or tofu litter) makes cleaning easier and helps control odor.
  • Add a litter mat or deodorizer to reduce tracking and smell.

Top Brands:

  • Pidan
  • Fresh Step
  • Dr. Elsey’s
  • ökocat

💡 Tip: Scoop daily to keep the box clean and appealing to your cat.

2. Cat Food (Dry or Wet)

Purpose: Daily nutrition.
Recommended: Choose life-stage appropriate, AAFCO-compliant food.

What to Look For:

  • Kittens need “Kitten” formulas with high protein.
  • Look for 30%+ protein, low carbs, grain-free or limited grains.
  • Avoid artificial additives or fillers.

Top Brands:

  • Orijen
  • Ziwi Peak
  • Acana
  • Wellness CORE

💡 Tip: Start with small packs to test your cat’s preferences before committing to bulk buys.

3. Food Bowl + Water Bowl / Pet Water Fountain

Purpose: Eating and drinking essentials.
Recommended: Shallow stainless steel bowls or an automatic water fountain.

What to Look For:

  • Anti-slip bottom bowls prevent spills.
  • Flowing water encourages hydration and helps prevent urinary issues.
  • Choose BPA-free and easy-to-clean fountains with filter replacements.

Top Brands:

  • Petkit
  • Catit
  • Pura
  • PETLIBRO

💡 Tip: Replace water daily and clean fountains weekly.

4. Cat Bed / Sleeping Mat

Purpose: A cozy, safe spot to rest.
Recommended: Soft, washable beds placed in quiet corners.

What to Look For:

  • Enclosed beds for shy or cold-prone cats.
  • Open mats for cats who like to observe.
  • Materials like fleece or breathable mesh based on the season.

Popular Options:

  • Frisco donut beds
  • Bedsure pet mats
  • Meowfia felted wool caves

5. Scratching Post / Scratcher Board

Purpose: Natural nail care and furniture protection.
Recommended: A combo of vertical posts and horizontal boards.

What to Look For:

  • Cardboard, sisal rope, or wood surfaces.
  • Tall enough for full body stretch (at least 28 inches).
  • Sprinkle catnip to encourage use.

Top Brands:

  • SmartCat
  • VETRESKA
  • PetFusion

💡 Tip: Place scratchers near favorite nap spots or furniture.

6. Cat Carrier (Travel Bag or Hard Shell)

Purpose: Vet visits, travel, and emergencies.
Recommended: Soft carrier for short trips, hard carrier for long distances.

What to Look For:

  • Roomy enough for the cat to turn around.
  • Good ventilation and secure zippers.
  • Lightweight for easy transport.

Top Brands:

  • Sherpa
  • Sleepypod
  • Petisfam

🛁 Grooming & Hygiene Supplies (Highly Recommended)

These help with daily care and cleanliness.

7. Litter Scoop + Trash Bags

  • Metal scoop with fine mesh is durable and easy to clean.
  • Deodorizing, sealable waste bags keep smells contained.

8. Grooming Brush / Comb

  • Short-haired cats: bristle or slicker brush.
  • Long-haired cats: detangling combs or de-shedding tools like FURminator.

9. Nail Clippers

  • Helps prevent scratches and damage to furniture.
  • Look for clippers with safety guards.

10. Ear Cleaner / Eye Wipes

  • Clean up tear stains or ear wax buildup.
  • Especially important for breeds like Persians or Scottish Folds.

🎮 Cat Toys (Enrichment & Playtime)

Cats need mental stimulation and physical activity.

Toy TypeExampleBenefits
Interactive wandFeather teaserBonding, hunting instincts
Solo toyMotion ballSolo play, boredom relief
Puzzle feederTreat maze or ballMental stimulation, slow feed
Chew toy / pillowCatnip kickerComfort, stress relief

Top Brands:

  • SmartyKat
  • Petstages
  • Yeowww! (catnip toys)

💡 Tip: Rotate toys weekly to keep them exciting.

💊 Health & Medical Essentials

11. Flea & Deworming Treatment

  • Use both internal and external treatments monthly, especially for kittens or outdoor cats.
  • Brands: Revolution, Advantage, Bravecto (check with your vet).

12. Digital Pet Thermometer & First Aid Kit

  • For checking fever or treating minor injuries.

13. Vaccination & Microchip Plan

  • Coordinate with your vet for core vaccines (e.g., FVRCP, rabies).
  • Microchip your cat for safety in case they get lost.

💵 Estimated Budget for New Cat Owners (Starter Kit)

ItemPrice Range ($)Must-Have?
Litter box + litter$30 – $60✅
Cat food (monthly)$30 – $80✅
Food + water bowls$10 – $40✅
Cat bed$15 – $50✅
Scratching post$20 – $60✅
Carrier$25 – $70✅
Toys$10 – $40Optional
Grooming tools$10 – $40Recommended
Flea treatment / dewormer$15 – $50Recommended

Total Estimated Cost:
💰 Around $150 – $350 for first-time setup. Monthly food and litter cost: $40 – $100.

🧭 Pro Tips for First-Time Cat Owners

  • Start with the essentials, then buy more based on your cat’s personality.
  • Avoid dog products—they’re not size- or behavior-appropriate for cats.
  • Don’t bathe your cat often—most cats clean themselves unless medically necessary.
  • Place litter box in a quiet spot, away from food bowls and high-traffic areas.

✅ Final Thoughts: Your Cat-Ready Home

By preparing the right supplies ahead of time, you’re setting your cat up for a comfortable, healthy, and happy life. Focus on:

  • The “Big Six” must-haves
  • Comfort + enrichment
  • Hygiene + health
  • Flexibility based on your cat’s behavior

A well-prepared home makes your transition into pet parenthood much smoother—and your cat will thank you with purrs and cuddles.

    • meowmeow

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