Top 10 Essential Supplies Every New Cat Owner Needs

Here are the top 10 essential supplies for new cat owners: litter box, litter mat, cat food, food bowls, water fountain, cat bed, cat carrier, scratching post, cat toys, and grooming tools. Essential supplies for new cat owners, like those offered by Petcantalk, help your cat stay healthy and happy. Starter kits make shopping easier and save you time. Research shows that good nutrition and care can help cats live longer.

Key Takeaways

• A litter box is crucial for your cat's hygiene. Choose one that fits your cat's size and keep it clean to maintain a fresh home.

• Feeding your cat high-quality food with meat as the first ingredient supports their health. Consult your vet for the best options based on your cat's needs.

• Starter kits simplify shopping for new cat owners. They include essential items and save time and money, making it easier to care for your new pet.

Essential Supplies for New Cat Owners

Choosing the right supplies makes life easier for you and your cat. You want your new friend to feel safe, comfortable, and happy from day one. Let’s break down the essential supplies for new cat owners and see how each item helps your cat thrive.

Litter Box

A litter box is one of the most important things you need. Cats like privacy and cleanliness. You should pick a box that fits your cat’s size and your space. Many veterinarians say a litter box is essential for hygiene. If you use high-quality litter and keep the box clean, your home will smell fresh.

Studies show that using odor-control sprays and the right litter can reduce unwanted behaviors and keep your cat happy. Stainless steel litter boxes with pine pellets can cut down on odors by over 95%, which is much better than plastic boxes.

Litter Mat

Litter mats help keep your floors clean. When your cat steps out of the box, the mat catches loose litter. This means less sweeping for you and a tidier home.

Cat Food

Feeding your cat the right food is key to good health. Cats need animal protein, healthy fats, and important vitamins and minerals. You should look for food that lists meat as the first ingredient. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they need high levels of animal protein and moderate fat. Taurine is a must for heart and tissue health.

You might feel unsure about which food to buy. Many new cat owners face this challenge. You can ask your vet for advice based on your cat’s age and health.

Food Bowls

Food bowls come in many shapes and materials. Stainless steel bowls are a top choice because they are easy to clean and don’t hold germs. Ceramic bowls look nice but can chip or break. Plastic bowls are cheap but can cause chin acne and hold bacteria.

Water Fountain

Cats love running water. A water fountain keeps water fresh and moving, which makes your cat want to drink more. This helps prevent dehydration and keeps your cat healthy. Fountains have filters that remove dirt and keep water clean. The moving water also stops bad smells and tastes from building up.

Cats often drink more from fountains than from regular bowls. The design encourages them to stay hydrated, which is important for kidney health.

Tip: If you want to make sure your cat always has fresh water, a fountain is a smart choice.

Starter Kits and Smart Feeders

You might feel overwhelmed by all the choices. Petcantalk’s Cat Starter Kit makes things simple. The kit includes 12 essential items for new cat owners, like a litter box, scoop, food and water bowls, combs, nail clippers, pet wipes, and more. You save money and time because you get everything in one box. The kit comes in different sizes for cats under 10lbs or 20lbs.

If you want to make feeding wet food easier, check out the Polar Smart Wet Food Feeder by Petcantalk. This feeder keeps meals fresh for up to three days and lets you schedule up to three meals or feed on demand. You can control it with an app and set a feeding window. The feeder has safety features like an anti-pinch lid sensor and power outage protection. It’s perfect for busy pet owners who want peace of mind.

• Keeps food fresh and safe for days.

• Lets you set meal times and feeding windows.

• Reduces spoilage and odors.

• Makes feeding easy when you travel or work late.

Don’t forget to use a food storage container. Airtight containers keep food fresh and block out moisture and oxygen. This helps preserve nutrients and flavor. You can even keep the original packaging inside the container to protect vitamins and minerals.

Essential supplies for new cat owners help you create a safe and happy home. With the right products, you can focus on bonding with your new cat and enjoy every moment together.

Comfort and Safety

Cat Bed

Your cat needs a cozy spot to relax and feel safe. Cats love soft, enclosed spaces. These spots help them unwind and lower their stress. You might notice your cat searching for warm places around your home. This behavior comes from their wild ancestors. A soft bed gives your cat a sense of security and helps them adjust to new surroundings.

• Cats look for cozy and enclosed spaces for comfort and security.

• Warm spots help cats relax and reduce stress.

• Confined spaces, like boxes or beds, can lower stress, especially in new or busy environments.

A comfy bed, like the one included in Petcantalk’s Cat Starter Kit, can make your cat feel right at home. It gives your cat a special place to rest and recharge.

Cat Carrier

You need a sturdy carrier for trips to the vet or travel. A good carrier keeps your cat safe and calm. Look for carriers that meet safety standards and offer comfort.

Petcantalk’s Cat Starter Kit includes comfort items that help your cat settle in. These essentials give your cat a safe space and make the transition to a new home easier. Essential supplies for new cat owners, like a cozy bed and secure carrier, help your cat feel relaxed and protected.

Enrichment and Exercise

Scratching Post

Scratching is a natural part of being a cat. You might notice your cat stretching up and digging their claws into furniture or carpet. A scratching post gives your cat a safe place to scratch and helps protect your home. Scratching posts also let cats stretch their muscles and mark their territory.

Here’s what research shows about scratching posts:

When you provide a scratching post, you help your cat stay happy and healthy. Scratching posts also lower stress and keep your cat’s claws in good shape.

Cat Toys

Toys are more than just fun. They help your cat stay active and sharp. Indoor cats need toys to replace the hunting and exploring they would do outside. Interactive toys, like feather wands or puzzle feeders, get your cat moving and thinking.

• Toys keep your cat’s mind and body busy.

• Playtime with toys can stop boredom and lower stress.

• Toys let your cat practice hunting in a safe way.

• Regular play can prevent unwanted behavior and help your cat feel calm.

You can keep playtime exciting by rotating your cat’s toys. Try putting some toys away and bringing them back later. This keeps things fresh and encourages your cat to explore and play more. Different toys can also spark your cat’s hunting instincts.

Essential supplies for new cat owners should always include a scratching post and a variety of toys. These items help your cat stay healthy, happy, and well-behaved.

Grooming Essentials

Brush

Grooming your cat isn’t just about keeping them looking good. You help your cat stay healthy and comfortable when you brush them often. You’ll find that different cats need different brushes. Long-haired cats do best with wide-toothed combs, detangling brushes, and pin brushes. These tools help prevent mats and keep their coats smooth. Short-haired cats like rubber grooming gloves and soft bristle brushes. These options manage shedding and give a gentle massage.

You’ll find combs for both long and short hair in Petcantalk’s Cat Starter Kit. Brushing your cat lets you spot skin problems early and keeps their fur clean. When you groom your cat, you also build trust. Physical touch during grooming releases oxytocin, which helps you and your cat feel calm and connected.

Nail Clippers

Nail care is just as important as brushing. You should trim your cat’s nails every 10 days to two weeks. Some indoor cats may need trims every three to six weeks. Regular nail clipping prevents painful snags and infections. You’ll find nail clippers in Petcantalk’s Cat Starter Kit, making the job easier.

• Nail trimming keeps your cat comfortable.

• It helps prevent infections and injuries.

• Grooming routines reduce stress in anxious cats.

Tip: Make grooming a regular habit. You’ll notice your cat feels happier and healthier, and you’ll enjoy more bonding time together. Pet wipes and lint rollers from the starter kit help you finish the job and keep your home tidy.

Health and Identification

ID Tag

You want your cat to stay safe, especially if they ever slip outside. Microchips and ID tags help you get your cat back if they get lost. Microchips give your cat a permanent ID that shelters and vets can scan. Each chip links to your contact info, so you have a much better chance of being reunited. ID tags work as a quick way for neighbors or passersby to contact you if they find your cat.

Microchipped cats are over 20 times more likely to come home than those without chips. The return rate for microchipped cats is 38.5%, while it’s only 1.8% for cats without chips.

You should check your microchip info every year. If you move or change your phone number, update the chip data. ID tags can fall off, but microchips stay with your cat for life.

Vet Visit

Your first vet visit sets your cat up for a healthy life. You want to bring a few things to make the appointment go smoothly:

• Any paperwork from the shelter or breeder

• Notes about your cat’s health or behavior

• A stool sample

• A sturdy cat carrier

• Cat treats for comfort

When you meet the vet, ask questions to learn more about your cat’s needs:

• Is my cat a healthy weight?

• Are they eating the right food?

• Are there common pests in the area?

• What vaccines does my cat need?

• How do I read a cat food label?

• What do you recommend for flea and tick prevention?

• How is my cat’s dental health?

• Where are emergency services nearby?

You help your cat stay safe and healthy when you prepare for vet visits and keep their ID up to date. These steps make a big difference in your cat’s life.

You want your cat to feel safe and happy. Starter kits from trusted brands like Petcantalk make life easier. Check out this quick comparison:

Enjoy every moment with your new cat! Thoughtful prep brings joy to both of you.

FAQ

What should I do if my cat won’t use the litter box?

Try moving the box to a quiet spot. Clean it daily. If your cat still avoids it, ask your vet for advice.

How often should I replace my cat’s toys?

Check toys every week. Throw away broken ones. Swap out old toys for new ones to keep your cat interested and happy. 🧶

Can I use human shampoo on my cat?

No, you should not use human shampoo. Cat skin is sensitive. Use a gentle pet shampoo made just for cats.