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Whether you’re adopting a senior cat in their twilight years or a bouncing new kitten, you’ll need to set up their new home before they arrive. The arrival of a new pet can be stressful; the last thing you need is confusion or uncertainty about what gear your cat needs to be comfortable and feel at home.

That’s where this article comes in. We created a list of all the essential supplies your new cat needs. Even better, you’ll also find specific product recommendations to make getting your new cat what they need as simple as possible. Check out our thoughts, and allow us to congratulate you on your new furry family member!

The 23 Essential Supplies for a New Cat

Food and Feeding Supplies

1. Food

No matter what age your new cat is, a Purina Pro-Plan Kitten Chicken and Rice Dry Food is available to help fuel them as they explore their surroundings. These formulas are high in protein and made with real chicken. They contain antioxidants to support immune health and fatty acids to help kitten brains develop and promote skin and coat health in adults.

The probiotics help keep everything running smoothly through the digestive tract. Purina is an experienced pet food company that prioritizes nutrition, and Pro Plan formulas provide just that for your new cat.

2. Food Bowls

Hepper’s Nom Nom Bowls provide stylish value in a dishwasher-safe package. Since they’re shallow and wide, the Hepper Nom Nom bowls are easy on your cat’s whiskers. The stainless-steel construction is sturdy and easy to clean. Best of all, the bowls come with a tray to keep your floors clean.

At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

3. Water Fountain

If you’re new to cat ownership, you might not know that keeping your kitty hydrated can be a challenge. Fortunately, this drinking fountain tempts your cat with a free-flowing stream of water. The filter helps improve the taste and remove impurities, too. The PetSafe fountain can be quickly taken apart and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Treats and Toy Supplies

4. Treats

These treats are the best of both worlds, offering your cat a tasty morsel and keeping their teeth and gums healthy. They are also nutritionally balanced and only 2 calories per treat. If you want to feed treats to help you bond with your new cat, Greenies Feline SmartBites are a great choice.

5. Teaser Toy

Cats of all ages need exercise, and playing with your new kitty is a great way to build a bond. The Kong Active Feather Teaser is designed to encourage hunting and stalking behaviors. Entice your new cat to pounce on the brightly colored prey, and they’ll be rewarded by an exciting crinkle sound. For interactive play, this teaser wand fits the bill.

6. Chew Toy

Teething kittens need a safe way to soothe their raw gums, and older cats benefit from the plaque-scrubbing power of this toy. Catstages’ Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy is surprisingly durable and just as much fun to bat around and chase as it is to gnaw on. Filled with dried mint, this chew toy helps keep your new cat’s breath smelling sweet.

7. Catnip Toy

Not every cat responds to catnip, but that doesn’t make this quirky toy any less fun to play with. Since it’s durable and full of organic catnip, the Yeowww! Yellow Banana gives your new cat the chance to chew, kick, bite, or bat to their heart’s content. It’s made in the USA, contains only natural colors, and is hand-sewn and stuffed.

8. Scratching Toy

 Scratching is a natural instinct for cats, but it can wreak havoc on your carpets or furniture. The Hepper Hi-Lo helps solve that problem by giving your new cat a safe place to scratch. The scratcher can be adjusted in five positions to accommodate a range of preferred scratching styles. The removable legs feature an anti-slip grip for sturdiness as well.

At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

9. Interactive Toy

As much as you might want to spend all day with your new cat, life and work have other ideas. To keep your cat busy while you’re away, consider an interactive toy like the Frisco Butterfly Cat Tracks Toy. They can bat the butterfly and balls around on their own or play with a housemate. Either way, your new cat will be entertained in your absence.

Exercise Supplies

10. Harness and Leash

These days, dogs aren’t the only ones who get to explore the great outdoors. If your new cat is destined to be an “adventure kitty,” you’ll need a sturdy harness and leash to keep them safe.

The Red Dingo Classic Harness is comfortable and easy to adjust with a matching leash. Get your kitten used to the harness early, or offer some of the Greenies treats we already talked about to help your older cat learn to love it.

11. ID Tag

If you adopted your new cat from a shelter, chances are they were microchipped. It’s still a good idea to attach a physical ID tag to your cat’s harness. Microchips require a special scanner to read, which usually means whoever finds your cat must pack up and take them to a vet or animal shelter before they can contact you. With one of these sturdy GoTags Personalized tags, however, your contact information is plainly visible.

12. Outdoor Play Pen

If you aren’t keen on the idea of walking your cat but still want them to enjoy the great outdoors, grab this Elitefield Soft-Sided Playpen. It’s suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and the playpen assembles or folds up quickly with no tools. It is fully enclosed to keep your kitty safe as they watch the birds or enjoy the sun. With stakes and a carrying bag, it’s also a great accessory if you’re planning to camp or hike with your cat.

13. Cat Tree

If you have the space at home, your new cat will appreciate having this Go Pet Club Cat Tree and Condo to explore. Cat trees offer your cat the chance to explore vertical space and stretch their climbing muscles. With multiple perches, a hammock, and scratching posts, this cat tree is a one-stop shop for all your cat’s indoor exercise needs.

Comfort Supplies

14. Bed

This comfortable bed gives cats of all sizes and ages a snuggly spot to call their own. The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler allows cats to stretch out, curl up, and burrow in for comfort. You can toss the entire bed in the washer and dryer if it gets dirty.

15. Litter Box

A litter box might not be the most exciting item on our list, but it’s probably the one you can’t live without. The Van Ness High Sides Cat Litter Pan is roomy, stain and odor-resistant, and easy to wipe clean. The high sides help keep stray litter contained and block the spray if you find out after the fact that your new cat likes to stand up to pee.

16. Litter Mat

Even with a high-side litter box, you’ll still want a litter mat to prevent tracking and reduce cleaning. The two-layer design of the iPrimio Cat Litter Trapper EZ Clean Mat helps trap litter as your cat exits the litter box and is easily cleaned. Since it’s water-repellent and odor-resistant, this litter mat will make life with your new cat a lot less messy.

Cleaning Supplies

17. Litter

Again, it’s not a glamorous purchase, but picking the right litter is an essential part of cat ownership. Scoop Away Complete Performance features fantastic clumping power and strong odor control. Not every cat likes scented litter, which is something to keep in mind, but for easy scooping, this product is the one.

18. Litter Box Scoop

Scoop those tight clumps with ease thanks to the Sungrow Non-Stick Metal Litter Scooper. The non-stick finish keeps it clean, and the handle is comfortable for gripping. It’s corrosion-resistant and durable, and it can be used with clay or corn litter.

19. Stain and Odor Remover

Accidents happen, no matter how old your new cat is. To clean up stains and battle odors, try the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain and Odor Remover. The product breaks down and removes stains and odors rather than just covering them up. It doesn’t leave any harsh chemical scents behind, either. Hepper’s spray can be used on most surfaces and works on vomit, urine, and poop.

At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

Grooming Supplies

20. Brush

Whether your new cat has long hair or short, the Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush works on all coat types. The angled bristle pins are gentle on your kitty’s skin, and the handle is comfortable to grip. When it’s time to clean, a single press of a button releases all the collected hair, and you’re ready to brush some more. Because this brush is waterproof, it can also be used during bath time.

At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

21. Nail Trimmers

Teach your new cat to accept pedicures early with these small but comfortable JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Nail Trimmers. Designed especially for cat nails, they feature a non-slip grip for easy control as you trim. These nail trimmers fit nicely in your hand, making nail trims as simple as possible.

22. Waterless Shampoo

Keep your cat clean without the hassle of a full bath with this waterless shampoo. Vet’s Best Waterless Cat Bath includes aloe vera and other ingredients to moisturize and soothe dry skin as it cleans. Work the fragrant foam into your kitty’s fur and leave it in; no rinsing is required.

23. Grooming Wipes

For spot-cleaning dirty paws or rear ends, keep these Burt’s Bees Dander Reducing Wipes on hand. The cruelty-free, pH-balanced wipes can also be used on your cat’s whole body to clean, soothe, and remove dander. They can also moisturize dry skin and reduce flaking, keeping your new cat smelling fresh and looking fine.

Conclusion

These 23 essential cat supplies will help your new pet feel at home and provide everything you need to keep them fed, clean, entertained, and well-groomed. Now that your new cat is home don’t forget to make an appointment with your veterinarian for a checkup. Preventative healthcare is just as essential for your new cat, even if it isn’t anywhere on our list!

Featured Image Credit: absolutimages, Shutterstock