Must‑Have Essentials Before Bringing a Cat Home
Bringing a cat home soon? 🐱 This complete cat starter kit covers everything first-time cat owners need, from the best litter box and cozy beds to safe toys, smart feeders, and must-have grooming tools. Learn how to choose the right essentials whether you want something simple or stylish and make your new cat feel instantly comfortable.
October 30, 2025
Table of Contents
Feeding & Hydration Essentials
Cats eat and drink many times a day; comfortable, clean and appropriate feeding gear helps their health and your home.
How to choose the best:
- Prefer materials like ceramic or stainless steel over basic plastic (less odor, easier to clean).
- Look for wide, shallow bowls so the cat’s whiskers don’t touch the edges (avoiding whisker‑stress).
- For water: either a good bowl or a flowing water fountain – flowing water can encourage more drinking and better hydration.
- Bonus tip: If you’re away often, travel a lot, or have an unpredictable schedule, consider an automatic feeder. These dispensers allow you to schedule meals or control portions even when you’re not home, helping maintain a consistent feeding routine for your cat.
Top Picks:
- Ceramic Minimalistic Water Fountain – Elegant, quiet ceramic fountain that keeps water fresh and encourages your cat to drink more.
- Automatic Feeder – Smart, timed feeder that ensures your cat never misses a meal — perfect for busy owners.
- Elevated Cat Bowls – Raised, tilted design that reduces neck strain and whisker fatigue while looking sleek in any home.
Litter Box & Maintenance
Every cat owner quickly learns: a good litter box setup is everything. It’s about comfort for your cat and easy cleanup for you. Choose wisely, and your home will smell fresh and stay stress-free.
Why Not an Automatic Litter Box?
While self-cleaning litter boxes look convenient, they can be risky. Their mechanical parts can malfunction or frighten cats, and some models even pose safety concerns if a cat re-enters during cleaning. They’re also more complicated to maintain and restrict what litter you can use.
If you’re new to cat ownership, stick with a manual box , it’s safer, quieter, and gives your cat more confidence when using it.
How to Choose the Right Box
- Size matters: Pick a box big enough for your cat to turn around comfortably.
- Covered vs open: Covered boxes contain odor and litter scatter; open ones can feel safer for timid cats.
- Placement: Keep it in a quiet, low-traffic area, but easily accessible ,especially if your cat is young or senior.
- Maintenance: A smooth, easy-to-clean design will save you time and frustration.
- Style tip: If you like a tidy look, consider a furniture-style enclosure that blends into your décor these can double as side tables or benches.
Top picks – check the links 😉
- A reliable, easy-to-clean box with odor control and plenty of space
- Litter Box Enclosure: For a cleaner aesthetic that hides the litter box completely inside elegant furniture.
- See more options: Browse stylish & practical litter boxes on Amazon
Cozy Resting Spot
Your cat will spend a huge chunk of time resting, sleeping or just observing their new home. A comfortable, safe bed helps them settle in quickly.
How to choose the best:
- Size matters: they should be able to stretch out, curl up, or hide as they like.
- Material & washability: Removable covers or machine‑washable fabrics help keep it clean.
- Location & style: Pick something that fits your décor so it can live in the family space instead of hidden away.
Top picks:
- Garnpet Covered Cat Bed & Scratch Furniture – A stylish hideaway cave that doubles as a cozy nap spot and scratching station that is perfect for blending comfort with décor.
- Bedsure Orthopedic Pet Sofa Bed – Soft, supportive, and designed for both cats and small dogs; its plush edges make the perfect headrest for lazy afternoons.
Toys & Enrichment
Even the calmest cat needs playtime. Regular activity helps maintain a healthy weight, prevents boredom, and reduces destructive behavior. Think of toys as both exercise and mental stimulation.
How to Choose the Right Toys
- Go for interactive toys like feather wands or laser pointers to mimic natural hunting behavior.
- Solo toys (rolling balls, treat puzzles) keep them busy when you’re not home.
- Cat trees or wall shelves give vertical space — perfect for climbing and observing.
- Avoid toys with small detachable parts that could be swallowed.
- Scratching surfaces: Opt for tall posts or wide boards made of durable sisal or cardboard. The surface should allow full body stretch so your cat can scratch naturally.
Top picks:
- Cat Scratching Post – Sleek and versatile design, ideal for modern homes that want pet-friendly style without the extra clutter.
- Cat Feather Toys – Fun, interactive feather toys that keep cats active, playful, and happy.
- PAWZ Road Cat Tree – Cozy cat tree with scratching posts and hanging toys that is perfect for play and relaxation.
- Laser toy with 5 playful patterns– Boosts your cat’s activity and satisfies its hunting instincts.
A suprising favorite
You might think you’ve bought your cat everything it needs, but here’s a secret: cats really love boxes. Cardboard, paper bags, even shipping cartons, don’t throw them away! Sometimes the simplest things become their favorite hideout.
Grooming Essentials
Grooming isn’t just about looks — it keeps your cat’s coat clean, reduces shedding, and strengthens your bond. Even short-haired cats benefit from regular brushing.
How to Choose the Best Grooming Tools
- Brush type:
- Slicker brush for long-haired cats (detangles and removes loose fur).
- Rubber or bristle brush for short-haired cats (gentle massage effect).
- Nail clippers: Choose cat-specific, stainless steel ones for clean cuts.
- Wipes or waterless shampoo: Useful for spot cleaning between baths.
- Deshedding tools help during seasonal shedding periods.
Top best picks:
- Self Cleaning Shedding Brush – Effortless grooming with one-click hair removal that keeps your cat’s coat smooth and shiny.
- Cat Shampoo with Shea Butter and Honey – Gentle, natural formula for sensitive cats — cleans without irritation.
- Nail Clippers and Trimmer with Safety Guard – Safe, easy trimming with a built-in safety stop for stress-free grooming.
Ready, Set, Purr!
Bringing a cat home is an exciting adventure, and with the right starter kit, you’ll set both yourself and your new furry friend up for a smooth, happy transition. .
A few extra tips for new cat parents:
- Rotate toys regularly to keep your cat curious and active.
- Place food and water in quiet areas away from litter boxes to make mealtimes stress-free.
- Introduce grooming slowly with treats and patience, so your cat enjoys the routine.
- Provide vertical space like shelves or a cat tree- cats love to observe from above.
- Keep an eye on preferences: every cat is unique; notice what they love and adjust their environment accordingly.
As you journey with your furry companion, you’ll naturally discover more favorites to add to their collection. Keep an eye on this blog, because soon we’ll be sharing more exciting finds and must-have products for cats (and other pets) to make life even more enjoyable.
Enjoy the journey, pamper your new companion, and get ready for countless purrs, snuggles, and playful moments. With a little preparation, you’re not just welcoming a cat into your home, you’re creating a happy, safe, and stimulating world for them.
