Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Ellen Christian
Wondering about what you need for your first cat? Check out these tips for first time cat owners and learn what basic cat supplies you should have.
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What You Need For Your First Cat
Thirty years later, we’ve been blessed to have a number of different kitties join us as part of our family. I’ve gained years of personal experience and had many discussions with our vet about what basic cat supplies you should have on hand.
Food
Check with the place you’re adopting your pet from to find out what food they’re used to. Be certain to choose a food that is appropriate for their age and weight. If you need to change their food, you’ll need to do it gradually.
Food and water bowl
While you can use bowls from your cupboard, you’ll see less messes from spills if you get bowls that are intended to hold cat food and water. I have always found it easiest to get two separate bowls rather than one double bowl.
Cat carrier
It will be easiest and the least traumatic for your cat if you transport them in a cat carrier rather than putting them in a cardboard box or trying to hold them during the ride home.
Scratching post
Cats love to scratch and to encourage them NOT to scratch on your walls or furniture, you should provide them with a sturdy cat scratching post.
Places to play and hide
Kitties are adventurous by nature and love to play and hide. You can purchase a few cat trees or simply use empty cardboard boxes and empty paper bags. They’ll have a great time jumping on and playing in them.
Cat toys
Experiment a bit and see what type your pet enjoys the best. At the least, pick up a few toy mice with catnip in them.
Litter box and cat litter
I choose a kitty litter that is 100% dust free. It’s better for you and better for your cat because no one will be breathing in dust when the box is used or changed.
ARM & HAMMER™ Clump & Seal™ is a lightweight litter that doesn’t act lightweight. It uses a unique technology that forms a tight seal around odor and destroys it with
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In addition to the supplies I listed above, you’ll also need resources to turn to when you have questions. The petMD Cat Care Center is a great source of information on everything to do with your new pet including bringing a new cat into your home. I recommend Introducing a New Kitten to Your Home for some really valuable tips for the first time you bring your new pet home.
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
I would add a cat tree, or at least identify (and clear off) a few places up off the floor where kitty is shown (maybe with treats) that it’s her place to jump up. This is especially true if you have other cats, dogs or little kids. Kitty wants to escape ‘up’ usually.
That’s a great point, Margot. We have one tree but I’d like to get another.
Good tips! I had cats all my life. I have two right now.
Thanks, Elena!
This is good information to know. I have never had a cat as an adult but have thought about getting one.
They’re so much fun and great pets!
This is a great list of must have items for first time cat owners. You should also be ready to play, because cats love to play.
Definitely, true. It’s a great stress reliever!
This new kitty litter is awesome!! I love not smelling the nasty kitty box!!
Me too, Alison!
We have a kitty that we rescued a while ago, she has plenty of toys and even a cat climber house. We want one that connects out onto the patio though. They are pricey but our cat loves lounging by the windows.
I’d love to have one of those huge houses!
I think cats are such great pets because they are easy to take care of. I have a lot of these items for my cat, and my cat behaves very well and is getting old. He likes to sleep with me on my bed!!
He sounds like a cutie!
Great post! A friend of mine is getting a cat for the first time and asked me about it. It’s been so long since we got one ourselves, I found it hard to give her the right info. Sending this to her, so thank you – and for the coupon!!
Thank you for sharing, Tammi!
I have two cats, but they are outside cats. I couldn’t stand all the scratching and tearing stuff up.
That can be a challenge, Jacqui!
We have been talking about getting a cat so I am glad I found this post as I have not even realized we would need half of these items! Thanks for the heads up!
Glad to help, Miranda!
What a cutie pie! I don’t have any cats but my friends who do always say odor control is probably the hardest thing they battle with their cat litter.
It really can be a challenge, Maria!
These is a great list for what you need for a cat. We love the arm & hammer litter – keeps our house odor free.
Odor control is so important!