New cat parent? Welcome to the purr-fect adventure! The excitement of bringing home a new kitty is matched only by the overwhelming task of preparing for their arrival. Don’t stress! Investing in the right essentials from the start can save you money and hassle in the long run. Let’s dive into the must-have items to create a happy and healthy home for your cute companion.
While every cat has individual preferences, the products featured here have been favorites among my own cats and have been easy for me to use and maintain.
Carriers
- Amazon: PETSFIT Pet Carrier, Airline Approved, Collapsible Soft Sided TSA Approved
- 💡: Pay attention to the sizing before purchase! I have petite 8lb cats, so this is my favorite carrier. Its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to carry, and it’s even airline-approved for stress-free travel. Plus, the enclosed space provides my cats with their preferred privacy, turning it into their favorite hideaway both at home and on the go. When choosing a carrier, consider how your cat will feel when removed from their familiar surroundings.
Food & water dishes
- Chewy: Necoichi Extra Wide Ceramic Elevated Cat Food Bowl, Large, 2 cup
- 💡: Elevated food bowls offer several advantages for cats. The raised position often makes mealtime more comfortable, aiding digestion. The wider design helps prevent whisker irritation. Interestingly, using this “food bowl” as a water bowl may be more efficient than the deeper Necoichi water bowls. Since cats are typically light drinkers, you can avoid wasting fresh water by refilling a shallower bowl daily. The cats also prefer drinking from a wider dish. Other considerations include product safety, ensuring they are lead and cadmium-free, as well as ease of cleaning and drying. The product shouldn’t have those small two holes at the base because the trapped water can cause mold growth. Then, if elevated bowls aren’t for your kitty, a nice and affordable, non-elevated option is the Cottagecore 5-in Ceramic Cat Bowl Set.
Litter & litterboxes
- Amazon: Cat Litter Scoop, Quick Kitty Litter Sifter, Comfortable Beech Wood Grip, Easy Clean Stand, Heavy Duty Cat Litter Box Scooper (with Small Scoop)
- Amazon: pidan Tofu Cat Litter Clumping,Flushable, Ultra Absorbent and Fast Drying, 100% Natural Ingredients Litter, Solubility in Water, Really Dust-Free, Less Scattering
- 💡: I wish I discovered tofu litter sooner. After countless attempts with traditional clay, wood, and newspaper litters, I finally found a solution. The dust from clay and the harsh chemicals in scented options were a constant concern for both my cats and me. Not to mention the endless battle with litter tracking! 😭 While tofu litter might have a higher price tag, its health benefits for my cats and the ease of cleanup make it worthwhile.
- Chewy: Necoichi Portable Cat Litter Box
- 💡: Perfect for smaller cats, this foldable litter box is a space-saving solution. Ideal as a starter box to monitor your new feline friend, it’s also incredibly convenient for travel or temporary setups. Its compact design makes it easy to store or transport, ensuring you’re always prepared for any situation.
Toys
- Amazon: Leather Bouncer Toy for All Breed Sizes
- 💡: I’ve seen firsthand the irresistible appeal of this toy for many cats. Crafted with durable leather, it perfectly mimics the look and feel of prey, which the cats go into a frenzy for. You can even make a weaving motion in the carpet with the stick part of the toy, like a snake slithering through grass, to pique their interest. This is a truly high quality and versatile toy. It’s perfect for those early bonding interactions.
- Chewy: Hartz Just for Cats Mini Mice Cat Toy with Catnip, 5 count
- Target: Tunnel Cat Scratcher – Boots & Barkley™
Read more cat product link posts like this one and Spoil Your Cat: Products for Feline Comfort 🐈 via the category and tag links below.