Cat Supplies Checklist: Essentials for Every Owner

Walking into a pet store can feel overwhelming. Aisles of cat supplies, cat items, and cat necessities, from dozens of food types to mysterious-looking new products, all seem urgent, and the pressure to get it right can turn excitement into stress. This guide highlights the best cat supplies to start with, so you can skip confusion and focus on smart choices.

But the secret new owners learn too late is that you don’t need everything at once. Even cute cat supplies can wait until you understand your pet’s preferences. Veterinarians and shelter staff agree: starting simply is better for both you and your cat. Successful pet parenting begins with a smart plan, not a cart full of impulse buys.

We’ve organized everything into a “three-kit” approach: Day One Essentials, Week One Comforts, and Future Upgrades. This framework clarifies what to buy for a cat now—the cat things you need—and what can wait—so you feel confident and prepared from the start.

The ‘Welcome Home’ Kit: 5 Absolute Essentials for Day One

Before bringing your new cat home, having a few key items ready will make the transition smooth and stress-free. Focus on this “welcome home” kit to cover the absolute necessities for health and safety—these feline supplies are the true starting point.

Day One Checklist:

• Food & Water Bowls

• A Travel Carrier

• Litter Box & Unscented Litter

• Cat Food (age-appropriate)

When it comes to food and water bowls, skip the plastic. While often cheap, plastic can get tiny scratches that trap bacteria, sometimes leading to a condition called feline acne (think of it as little pimples on your cat’s chin). Instead, choose ceramic vs. stainless steel cat bowls, which are more hygienic and easier to keep clean. As pet products for cats go, bowls and carriers are foundational cat products. For the carrier, a sturdy, hard-sided model offers the best protection for car rides and vet visits. A top-loading door is a fantastic bonus, as it makes getting a nervous cat in and out much easier.

For the litter box, the most important choice you’ll make at first is the litter itself. Cats have incredibly sensitive noses, and the strong floral or chemical perfumes in many scented litters can be a major turn-off. To avoid bathroom accidents, start with a basic, unscented clumping litter. This gives you the best chance of your new companion using their box without hesitation.

With these core items ready, your cat will have everything they need to eat, drink, and use the bathroom safely in their new environment. If local stores are limited, you can order these cat supplies online through a cat shop online or trusted cat products online retailers. Once they’ve settled in, you can start thinking about the next step: making your house feel like a home.

Why Your Cat Needs to Scratch: Setting Up a Comfortable & Engaging Space

With the basics for health and safety covered, it’s time to make your cat feel truly at home—and protect your furniture in the process. You may worry about your sofa, but scratching isn’t bad behavior; it’s a deep-seated instinct for cats to stretch their muscles, shed their outer nail layer, and mark their territory. To satisfy this need, get a sturdy, tall scratching post. Look for one covered in a rough material like sisal rope, as cats love the texture. Placing it in a main room, like your living room, encourages them to mark their territory on the post instead of your armchair. These practical cat accessories for cats help redirect natural behavior.

Beyond scratching, your cat has the mind of a tiny hunter that needs a job to do. This is where you can provide enrichment, which is simply a way to prevent boredom and let your cat act on their instincts. A simple wand toy with feathers is one of the best interactive cat toys you can buy. Waving it around lets your cat stalk, chase, and pounce, mimicking a real hunt. Just a few minutes of this interactive play each day helps burn off excess energy, reduces anxiety, and is a powerful way to build a bond with your new friend.

After all that activity, every cat needs a safe space to retreat and recharge. Providing a comfy, calming cat bed gives them a personal spot that is entirely theirs. The key is placement: try putting it in a warm, sunny patch by a window or in a quiet corner of the living room where they can nap but still keep an eye on you. If your home runs cool, look for soft cat products like plush, self-warming beds. Having their own secure spot helps them feel confident and relaxed in their new territory.

Beyond the Basics: Smart Upgrades for a Happier, Healthier Cat

While a cozy bed offers ground-level comfort, cats instinctively feel safest when they can survey their kingdom from above. This is why a cat tree is a fantastic investment. It provides that essential vertical space, giving them a secure perch to watch the world go by. Whether you need a slim model for an apartment or the best cat tree for large cats, this single item builds confidence and reduces stress.

Another smart upgrade targets a crucial part of your cat’s health: hydration. Many cats don’t drink enough from a still water bowl, which can contribute to kidney problems later on. A water fountain solves this. The moving water is far more enticing to their natural instincts, encouraging them to drink more and helping to protect their long-term health.

Just as a fountain can enrich drinking, a puzzle feeder can enrich mealtime. Instead of a simple bowl, this turns eating into a challenge that engages their mind. Making your cat “hunt” for their food provides powerful feline environmental enrichment, fighting boredom and the behavior issues that can come with it. It’s a simple mental workout for your new companion.

If you’re unsure where to get cat supplies, ask your veterinarian or shelter staff for local recommendations and reputable online sources. These items are more than extras; they are tools that fulfill deep feline needs. Thinking about your cat’s world this way—from puzzle feeders to even choosing a self-cleaning litter box—is the secret to a happy home for both of you. Watch for a seasonal cat supplies sale to try new cat products or cheap cat accessories without overspending. Bargain hunters can find cheap cat supplies and other cat things for sale, but always prioritize safety and quality over cheap cat stuff.

Your Cat Is Ready for You: A Final Checklist and Your First Big Task

From feeling lost in the pet aisle to holding a clear plan, you now know exactly what your cat needs to thrive. You’ve transformed confusion into confidence, ready to choose the right cat care products without the guesswork and build a welcoming home for your new friend. As you continue, you’ll discover small cat things that make daily life easier.

Your complete cat supplies list is broken down into three simple stages. With these cat essentials ready, your most important next step is clear. Keep a personal cat accessories list so you can add useful upgrades over time.

• The ‘Welcome Home’ Kit(The Absolute Must-Haves)

• The ‘Settle In’ Supplies (For Comfort & Behavior)

• The ‘Happy Cat’ Upgrades (For Long-Term Wellbeing)

Now that you have the supplies, schedule a “new pet” wellness exam with a local veterinarian. This first appointment is the bridge from preparation to proactive care and the single best thing you can do to ensure a long, healthy life for your cat. You are no longer just planning—you are ready.

Q&A

Question: What are the absolute essentials I need on day one? Short answer: Start with four must-haves: food and water bowls (choose ceramic or stainless steel to avoid bacteria buildup and feline acne), a sturdy hard-sided travel carrier (ideally with a top-loading door), a litter box with basic unscented clumping litter, and age-appropriate cat food. These cover safe eating, drinking, transport, and bathroom needs from the moment your cat arrives.

Question: How can I protect my furniture while meeting my cat’s scratching needs? Short answer: Provide a sturdy, tall scratching post covered in a rough material like sisal rope. Scratching is instinctive—cats stretch, shed outer nail layers, and mark territory—so placing the post in a main room encourages them to use it instead of your sofa.

Question: What’s the best way to keep my new cat mentally and physically engaged? Short answer: Use simple enrichment. A wand toy with feathers lets your cat stalk, chase, and pounce, mimicking a real hunt; just a few minutes of interactive play daily burns energy, reduces anxiety, and strengthens your bond. Adding a puzzle feeder turns meals into a brain game that fights boredom and behavior issues.

Question: Are cat trees and water fountains really necessary? Short answer: They’re smart “Happy Cat” upgrades once the basics are set. A cat tree provides vertical space that builds confidence and reduces stress. A water fountain entices drinking more than a still bowl, supporting long-term kidney health. Puzzle feeders and even a self-cleaning litter box are other thoughtful add-ons to enrich daily life.

Question: When should I schedule my cat’s first vet visit? Short answer: After you’ve gathered the essentials and your cat is home, book a “new pet” wellness exam right away. It’s the bridge from preparation to proactive care and the single best step to support a long, healthy life. If you’re still deciding where to get cat supplies, ask the clinic for vetted local stores or reliable cat supplies online options.