A new cat needs seven things on day one: a litter box with litter, food, separate food and water bowls, a carrier, something to scratch, somewhere safe to sleep, and a few toys. Everything else (a cat tree, a water fountain, grooming kit, a microchip-activated feeder) can wait until you know how your cat lives.
This checklist is ordered by urgency. Buy the first table before the cat comes home; work through the second over the first month.
What do you need before bringing a cat home?
| Supply | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Litter box | The single biggest cause of house-soiling is a box the cat dislikes | At least 1.5 times the cat's length; uncovered to start; one per cat plus one |
| Litter | Cats are particular about texture | Unscented clumping litter is the safest first choice |
| Food | Sudden diet changes upset stomachs | Ask the shelter or breeder what the cat eats now and start with that |
| Food and water bowls | Whisker-sensitive cats avoid deep, narrow bowls | Wide, shallow ceramic or stainless steel; water placed away from food |
| Carrier | Needed for the trip home and every vet visit | Hard-sided, opens from the top and front, top half removable |
| Scratching post | Scratching is a need, not a habit you can train away | Tall enough for a full stretch, heavy enough not to wobble, sisal rope or fabric |
| Bed or hiding place | New cats hide; a hiding place shortens the adjustment | A covered bed or simply a cardboard box with a blanket |
| Toys | Play is how indoor cats hunt | One interactive toy (wand) and one solo toy (kicker or ball) |
What can wait until the first month?
| Supply | When it is worth it |
|---|---|
| Cat tree or wall shelves | Once you see whether your cat prefers height (most do) |
| Water fountain | If your cat drinks little; moving water encourages some cats |
| Puzzle feeder | For cats home alone or fast eaters |
| Grooming brush and nail clippers | Long-haired cats need brushing from week one; short-haired cats can wait |
| Window perch | Indoor cats spend hours watching outside |
| Collar with breakaway clasp and ID tag | Useful even for indoor cats, alongside a microchip |
| Pet insurance or a vet savings plan | Before the first unexpected bill, not after |
Which cat supplies are not worth buying?
- Scented litter and litter deodorisers. Cats have a far stronger sense of smell than we do, and strong scents can put them off the box.
- Plastic food bowls. They scratch and hold bacteria; some cats develop chin acne from them.
- A large pile of cheap toys. Cats habituate to toys that are always out. Four good toys on rotation beat twenty left on the floor.
- Toys with glued-on eyes, bells or loose feathers. These are the parts that come off and get swallowed. See our guide to safe cat toys.
How many toys does a cat need?
Fewer than most people buy. Aim for one or two interactive toys you use together (a wand, a teaser), two or three solo toys (a kicker, a ball, a puzzle feeder), and rotate them every few days so they stay new. If you are choosing between brands, our comparison of cat toy brands sets out the materials, herb fill and price of each brand side by side: Best Cat Toys: Brands Compared.
A kitten checklist is slightly different
Kittens need the same supplies, scaled down: a box with a low entry, kitten food, and small toys they can carry. They do not need catnip yet, because most kittens do not respond to it until somewhere around three to six months old.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the essential supplies for a new cat?
- A litter box and unscented clumping litter, the food the cat already eats, wide shallow food and water bowls, a hard-sided carrier, a tall stable scratching post, a bed or hiding place, and a couple of toys.
- How many litter boxes does a cat need?
- The usual rule is one per cat plus one, placed in quiet spots away from food and water.
- What should I buy first for a kitten?
- The same essentials as an adult cat, with a low-entry litter box, kitten food and small toys. Catnip can wait: most kittens do not respond to it until three to six months old.