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Congrats on your new cat! Whether it is your first cat or you are a veteran you are going to have so much fun. Here is our list of the basics, plus a few fun things, you will need for your new friend.
Food and Treats
The best place to start in deciding what cat food to feed your new cat is what they are currently eating. Ask the current owner, the shelter or the foster where the cat lives what they eat and buy a medium amount of that. Often shelters are sponsored by a cat food company and will have free samples or coupons for the food too.
That said, my go to new cat food is science diet adult kibble. It is tasty, has high nutrition and is pretty easy on cat tummys. Once you have started a food you may need to adjust if your new cat isn’t tolerating the food you give her. This is also a great topic for your vet! Make sure to ask about the best food for your cat (or cats if you already have one or are adopting multiple) because they can guide you in this as well.
You will also want to grab a pack of cat treats. They are great for rewarding good behavior or just giving your friend an extra treats. My cats like the catnip flavored temptations treats but will pretty much eat any type.
Litter and a Box
As a general rule you want one litter box per cat. Some cats like covered litter boxes but honestly have never had a cat who liked one. Your best bet is to go for a very basic litter box. Another option that people like are disposable litter boxes. These can be used alone or in conjunction with a standard litter box and this can be a way to make cleaning easier.
I always choose the same litter, tidy cats instant action, no matter whether we have one cat in the cat or several. It is relatively low dust and clumps well. It is also often on sale! So that you do not make my mistake please avoid store brand litter. My husband likes a good deal and has tried both the Jewel and Marianos/ Kroger brand and both were really dusty and my cats actually hated them (and I really didn’t know cats could hate litter). Don’t forget to grab yourself a scooper and you are all set.
Cat Carrier
If you are adopting your cat from a shelter they will probably give you a “cat box” so you will not immediately need a separate carrier. You will eventually want a better, easier to handle and comfier for your cat carrier. We have always had a soft sided carrier and our cats have always been happy. I also recommend getting a Feliway cat pheromone spray. Spraying it can help calm your cat down while they are in transit.
Places to Hide
Cats love to hide away and when they get to their new house they will definitely want to find a few places they can run away and hide. My first bonded pair used to love to hide in the the shelves in my closet. My current kittens love their cat condo. Covered cat beds are also a great option for your cats to hang out in and feel secure. They come in all shapes and colors to match your furniture or there are fun unicorn and shark beds too. Also, be sure to keep the “Cat box” because that may become one of their favorite places to hide out.
Places to Climb
You probably have curtains or a big piece of furniture but that is probably not your first choice for your new cat to climb! Cat condos are a great option and can also double as a scratcher and place to hide. Cat climbers are also a great option to give your cat a safe place to climb.
Things to Play With
Cats are naturally very playful but having a few toys around will give them some ideas of what to play. Balls and catnip toys are great options or you can grab a cat toy sampler pack and see what your new cat chooses.
What Next?
Have fun with your new cat. Be sure to tell us your favorite cat products in the comments or just tell us all about your cat!
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