Items Every New Cat Owner Needs
Welcoming a new feline into the family is so exciting! However if you are a first time cat owner, it can be kind of daunting figuring out all the items you need to buy for your new fluff. So we’ve compiled a list of essential items that we personally bought and used when we got our first cat!
Disclaimer
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase through a link. All of the items listed are products I personally use and highly recommend.
Cat Food
Cat food can come in a variety of formats such as dry, wet, freeze dried, or raw. While dry food is convenient, it tends to be the least nutritious with lots of carbs and grains. Most cats do not get get enough hydration from their meals so we recommend feeding wet or raw food which retains the most moisture. Maple, Lily, and Dahlia eat Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Morsels or Purrfect Pate, which is a biologically appropriate and grain-free meal meant to mimic what wild cats eat.
It’s always a good idea ask the shelter or breeder what type of food your cat is already eating. Cats can be sensitive to any immediate changes in food, which may result in vomiting or other sickness. You can gradually introduce new food to your cat’s diet in the future.
Food & Water Bowls
Having good quality food and water bowls can make an every day item last longer. Some cats are prone to feline acne which are blackheads caused by using plastic. Lily had a bad case of acne so switching to a ceramic bowl cleared her symptoms up. Don’t worry though- feline acne doesn’t hurt and it’s purely cometic. We highly recommended to use lead-free ceramic, stainless steel, or glass bowls that are dish washer safe. Separate dishes prevent food and water getting mixed together. Our personal favorites are these ceramic Vivipet Q-bowls with tilted elevation that we use every day. They’re great for cats with flatter faces and lessen whisker fatigue.
Litter Box
A litter box is essential for any cat household. It’s important to choose one that fits your home, your cleaning preference, and your cat’s litter box habits. Cats are very sensitive to smell, so regular cleaning and maintenance is necessary to prevent any accidents outside the box. Here are a few litter boxes we have personally used for our cats!
For the Naughty Litter Kicker
Some cats love to fling litter everywhere or aim their wee a bit high in the box. For those kiddos, we recommend getting a top entry litter box or high sides. Pair it with a litter mat and you’ll be golden. We like the Modkat because not only does it prevent litter from flying out, but it also is a thoughtful design with reusable liners. These are especially great for apartment dwellers for their compact sizes and clean look.
For the High Tech Pawrent
Never scooping ever is such. a. game. changer! We’ve had a Litter Robot for almost two years now and still love it. It automatically sifts your cat’s waste from the litter and deposits the clumps into its drawer below. The Connect version comes with an app that helps you monitor your cat’s potty usage. Once the drawer is full, you simply toss out the bag and put in a new liner. We recommend also pairing it with the stairs or a litter mat to catch any litter when your cat exits. The only thing is that it’s quite large and bulky, but the convenience is so worth the investment!
For the Dust & Smell Free Household
Getting the ScoopFree really helped us eliminate litter box smells in the house. It is an automatic litter box system that uses crystal litter and disposable trays. Liquids get absorbed into the crystals and waste gets raked into the storage. Crystal litter is made out of non-toxic silica gel and absorbs 5 times more than clay litter, so it really locks down on smell. It also helps those with respiratory sensitivities because it does not create any dust. Clean up is easy. Simply remove the tray, dispose of it, and put in a new one. The only thing is that sometimes it’s hard for a cat to adjust to crystal litter, so I would recommend trying just the litter first!
Litter
There’s a variety of litter types out there on the market and it’s important to identify which one your cat prefers. It’s always good to ask the breeder or shelter what type of litter your cat is already used to for an easier transition at home. You can slowly transition to another brand if you want to later.
Clay litter is the most commonly used type because of its sand-like granules and clumping properties. In our experience, all of our cats took to clay litter the easiest because it’s the most similar to what wild cats use in nature. We’re loyal to Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter because it’s perfume and dust-free, which works well with the Litter Robot.
Crystal litter is non-clumping and absorbs liquids better than clay so it controls odor much more effectively. A single bag of PetSafe ScoopFree’s Crystal Litter can last up to about a month before needing to be changed. This litter can work with the ScoopFree Automatic Litter box or in a traditional tray.
Biodegradable litter can be made from many products like wood pellets, corn, grass, newspaper, tofu, and more. Biodegradable litter can be great for the environment, but some cats may have a harder time adjusting to a different texture. It’s important to know your city’s sewage regulation before you flush your kitty’s waste down the loo. We recommend starting out with World's Best Cat Litter, a clumping litter made out of whole kernel corn.
Pet Carrier
You’ll most likely need a cat carrier on the day you pick up your cat or for regular transport to places such as the vet. Most cats tend to be quite stressed in unfamiliar environments, so having a carrier where they feel safe can mitigate unwanted stress and increase safety for everyone involved. The last thing you want is a cat running loose in a moving vehicle! We have a soft carrier for each of our cats that are also airline approved.
Tips: (enter dimensions for airline approved)
Scratching Surfaces
Scratching surfaces are one of the most important investments you can make to protect your furniture. Scratching is a natural behavior for wild and domestic cats. In nature, cats typically use trees or logs to maintain their claws. It is better to have multiple scratching surfaces through out the house and train your cat to use them. Some cats are horizontal scratchers while others are vertical scratchers. Having a variety of scratchers such as posts, cardboard beds, and cat trees can help prevent that nice sofa getting clawed up.
Tip: Invest in a heavy and sturdy scratching post with a wide base (ours is 15”x15” base). Cheaper ones are often flimsy and can fall over on your cat.
Toys
Toys are a great way to keep a cat mentally and physically stimulated. Play time mimics their natural instincts of hunting and catching prey. Regular play is a great way to exercise and get all their energy out, which can prevent unwanted behaviors such as scratching from boredom. It is also an excellent way for bonding and interaction with your cat. While some of my cats prefer a simple bottle cap or a cardboard box, here are some toys that my cats absolutely love.
Tip: Make sure your cat toys are safe for your cat and monitor them when they play. Toys that include items such as bells, feather, and string should be securely stored away after play time. Ingestion of such items can be fatal.
Grooming Products
Cats tend to groom themselves just fine with their brush-like tongues, but sometimes they need our help to prevent hairballs or matting. Regular brushing can also help with shedding. The amount of grooming and type of brush will depend on your cats coat type and length. In addition to having scratching surfaces, cats sometimes may need their nails trimmed. These are some products we regularly use for our cats.
Tip: Grooming can be a good way to socialize and bond with your cat, so having some treats handy can make the experience even more pleasant.
Metal combs help remove dirt and debris, untangle matts, removes dander, and helps natural oils reach the rest of the coat. These are particularly effective for cats with shorthair coats.
Slicker Brushes also helps with detangling and removing debris. It is particularly effective at removing loose fur. These bristles are well-suited to cats with medium to long coats for regular use. We only use slicker brushes for shorthair during the summer when it’s molting season. This particular slicker brush has a retractable bristle function for easy cleaning.
Another grooming tool we like are these grooming gloves- while not every cat enjoys the experience, it’s great for the ones that do. We use these gloves especially during molting season (May to September) because it can effectively remove copious amounts of loose fur.
We swear by these Necoichi Purrcision nail clippers! These are made from high quality stainless steel from Japan which allow for incredibly smooth trimming. This nail clipper cuts like a knife through butter, which prevents nails from splintering from dull blades.
Some cats are more genetically prone to tears due to their snout or facial features, such as the British shorthair breed. To prevent staining, we recommend Eye Envy’s Tear Stain Remover Kit which is all-natural and formulated to prevent tear stains. Tear gunk and staining can accumulate and harden, so clean as needed.
Yes, cats also need dental care! It’s important to use specially formulated cat toothpaste (not human toothpaste!) and cat toothbrush to reduce plaque and tartar, minimizing gum disease. Professional dental cleaning is incredibly expensive for cats, so regular cleaning is essential! We prefer OxyFresh because no brushing is needed.
Cats are usually self-cleaning but occasionally they might get really dirty. Baths are not very practical unless a cat is truly sullied (let’s say from dirt or urine), so cat wipes are a great alternative. Look for pH balanced and alcohol-free wipes. We use these wipes every time Maple comes home after a walk outside.
Treats
And lastly, treats! While you might not think these are a necessity, your cat will tell you otherwise! Treats are a great way for your cat to bond with you. I swear, puree chicken tubes are world peace. They’re also an excellent way to reward your cat and reinforce good behavior. With a little bit of clicker training, I helped encouraged Maple to exclusively use the scratching post and to feel safe inside his carrier. These are Maple’s top favorite treats:
Are you ready for your cat?
Well thanks for making it this far! That’s all the essential items I recommend for a new cat owner. Eventually as you and your cat get closer, you’ll find it nice to have a couple more items to have around the house such as a ceramic fountain, a soft blanket, and perhaps even a toast shaped bed haha. Best of luck and on behalf of the Plumpy Cats, I wish you have a wonderful and happy relationship with your new feline friend. :)