Are you getting ready to welcome a new cat into your home? Whether you’re adopting a kitten, rescuing an elderly cat, or adding another member to your pride, you’ll want to make sure that your cat has everything they need to be happy. We’ve provided a complete shopping checklist for you to follow, but if you have any questions about what you need to buy for your cat, please don’t hesitate to ask a vet for advice.
New Cat Shopping Checklist
- Food
- Dishes
- Litter
- Litterbox
- Brush
- Toys
- Scratching Post
- Perch
- Bed
- Carrier
- Collar
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Nail Trimmers
- Treats
Everything You Need to Buy When You Adopt a Cat
1: Food
The first thing you’ll need to buy is cat food. Start with some kibble that’s appropriate for your cat’s age—kittens and elderly cats have different nutritional requirements. Then, make sure you’re feeding them the right amount every day for their weight and age group. You can choose to free-feed or feed on a schedule, and you can also supplement kibble with wet food. Most cats don’t need a special diet, but try to avoid overfeeding in order to maintain a healthy weight.
2: Dishes
Start out with a couple of bowls or a basic set of food and water dishes for your cat. As you learn their habits, you can make adjustments. For example, a small platform or dish holder can be helpful for elderly cats. You might also want a mat if you have a messy eater, or a water fountain if your cat isn’t drinking enough. For cats that tend to overeat, there are timed-release feeders. And if your cat isn’t the only pet in the home, they might want to be fed on a countertop or table where their food is out of the reach of the household dogs.
3: Litter
There are a lot of different options for cat litter, but you don’t need to get anything fancy. Brands like Pretty Litter can help if you have a cat with a high risk of urinary tract infections, but to start out it’s best to choose a litter that’s appropriate for your cat’s age. Kittens have more sensitive paws, so they might need a finer grade of litter. The rest is up to you—if you want odor control or prefer an eco-friendly option, go for it. As long as you scoop every day and change out the litter at least once a month, your cat will stay healthy.
4: Litterbox
Accessibility is the main thing to consider when choosing a litterbox. Kittens will need a simple plastic bin with low sides and no top. Elderly cats will also need a litterbox that’s easy to step into. Aside from that, it’s up to you whether you want a basic plastic bin or a self-scooping litter robot. Just remember that when it comes to litterboxes, most cats don’t like to share. If you have more than one cat, make sure that there’s at least one litterbox for each of them.
5: Brush
Grooming is a very important part of cat care. Daily or weekly brushing (depending on your cat’s breed) will help prevent dangerous complications from hairballs. Grooming also helps you form a closer bond with your cat, so it’s a good idea to make it part of your daily routine. When it comes to choosing the right brush, you’ll need to consider your cat’s age as well as the length of their 1fur.
6: Toys
This is a fun one! All cats need to play—it’s part of their prey drive, and it helps to satisfy their natural curiosity. It’s also a great way for cats to get some exercise. Choose a few interactive toys as well as a few they can play with on their own. Just remember to avoid any toys with strings or small parts that could get chewed off or swallowed.
7: Scratching Post
All cats need to scratch! It’s one of the ways they show excitement, and it also helps keep their claws at a manageable length. Make sure to provide at least one scratching post that’s tall enough for your cat to get a full-body stretch. If you care about your furniture, the more scratching places you can provide, the better.
8: Perch
Cats feel safer when they’re up high, which is why they’re always attempting crazy jumps onto the top of the refrigerator, or knocking your nick-nacks off the top of your bookshelves. They want to stay out of the reach of dogs and kids, and be able to leap down upon any unsuspecting mice or bugs that dare traverse their territory. Ideally, most cats prefer a cozy place to perch on a windowsill, where they can keep a close eye on the birds and squirrels outside.
9: Bed
Yes, cats will sleep anywhere…whether it’s a pile of laundry fresh out of the dryer or the back of the couch or under your bed. But they still want their own beds, too. Elderly cats especially need a soft, warm place where they can rest safely, without having to jump up. And if you have more than one pet, make sure your cat has a bed in a safe space where they can hide and be alone for a while.
10: Carrier
You’ll need a cat carrier for trips to the vet as well as car rides. If you plan to fly with your cat, you’ll need a soft carrier that you can bring on board with you—just be sure to check the airline’s size requirements. Hard carriers are best for car travel, because they will protect your pet from injuries if you make a sudden stop or get in a crash.
11: Collar
Next you’ll need a collar, plus a leash and harness if you want to try taking your cat out for a walk. Cats that live exclusively indoors don’t necessarily need a collar. However, it’s still a good idea to give them a microchip just in case they ever dash out the door and get lost. Collars also help identify lost cats. You can attach an ID tag to your cat’s collar so that if they ever wander, it will be easy for the person who finds them to contact you.
12: Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Cats often suffer from painful dental problems like tooth resorption, so it’s important to make a habit of brushing your cat’s teeth. Daily brushing will remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. Pick out a cat-specific toothbrush and a toothpaste in their favorite flavor—chicken, salmon, or beef.
13: Nail Trimmers
If you don’t trim your cat’s nails, they can become ingrown or get caught on something and tear right off. Long nails can also make jumping—and even walking—painful for your cat. Get a pair of nail trimmers at your pet store and check your cat’s claws once or twice a month for length. Just make sure to clip above the quick, the pink part that you can see inside the nail. Trimming too deep can cause pain as well as infections.
14: Treats
When it comes to treats, we recommend getting your cat a snack that’s good for their teeth. But in general, treats are a great way to show your cat some love, or to reward them for good behavior—like holding still while you brush their teeth!
Comprehensive Cat Care in Gilbert, Arizona
There’s a lot to learn if you’re a first-time cat owner! But don’t worry—the vets at Anasazi Animal Clinic will be happy to answer all of your questions. We reserve time at each appointment to address any concerns you have about your cat, whether it’s choosing the right food or the right scratching post. If you’re planning to adopt a cat, or you just brought a new pet home, schedule a wellness exam today—contact us at 480-497-0505 or request an appointment online.
Photo by Monica Yu on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 10/6/24.