Everything You Need Before Adopting a Cat

Bringing a new cat into your life is an exciting decision. You’ve spent time browsing adoption listings, weighing the pros and cons of adopting a kitten versus an adult cat, and researching the best local shelters. Now, the day has finally come to welcome your new feline friend home. While you probably already know you’ll need basics like a litter box and cat food, there are a few other essentials every first-time cat owner should prepare ahead of time.

At minimum, you’ll need a secure carrier to bring your cat home, cat-safe food and water bowls, a sturdy litter box with litter, and a durable scratcher to protect your furniture. Once your new companion settles in, you can see where they prefer to nap or perch and consider adding extras like a cozy cat bed or a cat tree for climbing. And after the initial excitement, be sure to schedule a vet visit for necessary immunizations and a microchip. Of course, the most important thing you can give your cat is plenty of love and attention, something that never costs a thing.

Many rescue groups and shelters only provide a basic cardboard carrier when you adopt a cat, but these are not designed for long-term use or regular trips to the vet. The SturdiBag Pro 2.0 Cat Carrier offers a far more secure and durable alternative. Its unique flexible rod frame keeps it sturdy while allowing enough flexibility to fit comfortably in a car seat or under many airplane seats, depending on the airline and aircraft. The carrier is also well ventilated, ensuring that your cat stays comfortable and calm during travel.

One standout feature of the SturdiBag Pro 2.0 is its easy-to-clean design. It’s the only carrier of its kind with an outer shell that can be safely machine-washed, along with its cushioned bedding insert. This makes it a practical choice for keeping your cat’s travel space hygienic, especially after vet visits or longer trips. Overall, it’s a reliable carrier that combines comfort, convenience, and durability—an essential investment for any new cat owner.

The Modkat Flip Litter Box is a stylish and practical choice for cat owners looking to keep their space clean and tidy. Made from thick, durable plastic, it is sturdier than most standard litter boxes and designed to withstand enthusiastic digging. Its high sides effectively contain litter scatter and help prevent messes from cats who aim high when urinating. Available in white, black, or gray, its clean, minimalist design blends seamlessly into any room, making it ideal for homes where the litter box will be visible.

This litter box also features a versatile flip lid that attaches with magnets and hinges, allowing it to fold out of the way for easy scooping without needing to remove the entire cover. The Modkat Flip comes with replaceable tarp liners that simplify cleaning and a practical scoop that hangs neatly from the rim. Overall, its thoughtful design combines functionality and aesthetics, providing a hygienic, comfortable litter space for your cat while maintaining a modern look in your home.

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented is a well-regarded clumping clay litter known for its effective odor control and firm clumping at an affordable price. This litter forms tight, solid clumps that hold together better during scooping than many other brands, making daily cleaning easier and reducing waste. Its average-size granules are gentle on cats’ sensitive paws, which helps encourage consistent litter box use and reduces the chance of litter box avoidance issues.

One of the biggest advantages of Dr. Elsey’s Ultra is its odor control. With regular scooping, it keeps unpleasant smells at bay for up to two weeks, despite being unscented and containing no added perfumes or deodorants. However, the exact deodorizing ingredients are not disclosed by the manufacturer. Even so, many cat owners appreciate that it keeps the litter box fresh without the strong artificial fragrances found in other litters.

In terms of dust, Dr. Elsey’s performs about average. When poured, it produces a noticeable dust cloud, though it settles quickly, and dust levels are minimal during scooping. While it is marketed as “99% dust-free,” users may still notice some dust in the air or on nearby surfaces, particularly if poured too quickly. Pouring slowly and close to the box base can help reduce airborne particles.

Tracking is another area where this litter performs well. Because it uses large- and medium-size granules, fewer particles stick to your cat’s paws and get tracked throughout the house compared to finer-grained litters. This makes cleanup around the litter box area simpler, especially for homes with multiple cats or small living spaces.

One downside is the packaging. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra is often sold in heavy plastic bags that are not resealable and can be awkward to lift, pour, and store. For cat caretakers with back pain or limited upper body strength, transferring the litter into a smaller container or using a large scoop may make handling easier. Despite these flaws, its combination of strong clumping, good odor control, and reasonable price makes it a reliable choice for most cat owners.

The PetFusion Premium Brushed Stainless Steel Bowl is an excellent choice for feeding cats because its stainless steel construction resists bacteria buildup that can cause chin acne, unlike plastic bowls. Its wide and shallow design provides ample space for your cat to eat comfortably without their sensitive whiskers brushing against the sides, helping to reduce whisker fatigue during mealtime.

The AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Water Bowl is a practical choice for providing fresh water to your cat. Despite being marketed as a dog bowl, its size works well for cats too, and it features a non-skid bottom that keeps it in place while your cat drinks. Made from durable stainless steel, it is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, ensuring a hygienic water source. Alternatively, a water fountain can be used to help encourage your cat to drink more throughout the day.

The PetKit EverSweet Solo 2 is a smart, quiet water fountain designed to encourage cats to drink more throughout the day. With only five main parts, it is simple to disassemble, clean, and reassemble, making maintenance easy for busy pet owners. Its wireless pump operates nearly silently, so it won’t scare cats who are sensitive to noise, and it features an auto-shut-off function to prevent the pump from burning out if the water level runs too low.

This fountain also comes with a mobile app that allows you to set reminders for cleaning and refilling, helping you keep your cat’s water supply fresh at all times. Its sleek, compact design fits well in any home without taking up much space. However, it does not include the 5v 1A adapter required to charge it in a standard outlet, so you will need to provide your own to operate the fountain.

For cats who prefer running water or need encouragement to stay hydrated, a fountain like the PetKit EverSweet Solo 2 can be a valuable addition to your home. Its combination of quiet operation, ease of cleaning, and smart reminders makes it a practical choice for maintaining your cat’s daily water intake.

Once you have a cat, protecting your furniture starts with providing a reliable scratching post. The Pioneer Pet SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post stands out for its sturdy design and lasting durability. At 32 inches tall, it allows adult cats to fully stretch out while scratching, which helps keep their muscles healthy and their claws in good condition. Its solid wood base ensures stability, preventing the post from tipping over even during enthusiastic scratching sessions.

This scratching post is covered in tightly woven sisal fiber, which is more durable than carpet or sisal rope that can easily fray or unravel. The woven sisal surface withstands years of regular scratching, making it a long-lasting addition to your home. While most cats enjoy vertical scratchers like this one, some may prefer horizontal or angled options, so it’s important to observe your cat’s scratching preferences to ensure they use it consistently.

The 4Claws Furry Pet Bed/Mat is a versatile and cozy option that doubles as both a mat and a bed, making it a great addition to any new cat owner’s setup. Its top side is covered in soft, white furry plush material that is perfect for kneading, an instinctual behavior that helps cats feel relaxed and content. The underside is made from a durable denim-like fabric, adding to its longevity. This bed’s flexible design allows it to lay flat as a mat or convert into a bed by folding up the sides and securing them with button-and-loop closures. Measuring 24 by 20 inches when laid flat and with a 15-inch diameter when folded into a bed, it easily fits into various spaces around the home.

While this bed is soft and easy to clean, it is more delicate than some other options due to its longer fabric strands, which can be damaged during washing if not cared for properly. The manufacturer recommends washing it in a garment bag and air-drying, though it can be dried on low heat if monitored closely. Because the mat is less than half an inch thick, it does not offer substantial support for older cats or those needing extra cushioning, but placing it on a favorite chair or couch cushion can provide additional comfort while keeping the plush surface accessible for your cat’s daily naps and kneading sessions.

The New Cat Condos Premier Triple Cat Perch is an awesome cat tree designed with durability, stability, and practical use in mind. Its high-quality construction features solid wood platforms supported by sturdy two-by-four posts, unlike many flat-packed models that use thinner columns. Each platform is reinforced by at least two posts for added stability, and the broad base keeps the entire unit steady, even when a cat jumps onto the top platform. This superior build quality makes it a worthwhile investment that is likely to last throughout your cat’s life.

Standing at 32 inches tall, this tree is taller than many similar models and offers three generously sized full platforms, giving cats multiple levels to climb, perch, and lounge comfortably. Its thoughtful design maximizes usable space, with platforms that match the unit’s base in width rather than being significantly smaller. This ensures that every part of the perch is functional for cats, providing ample room for resting or observing their surroundings.

The cat tree arrives professionally assembled, saving setup time, and is carpeted fully, including the undersides of the platforms, which prevents cats from pulling at loose edges. While some small pieces of carpet pile may come loose over time, the carpet itself is durable and resistant to damage. The rope-covered scratching posts are securely attached and positioned at a height of 27 inches, making them ideal for cats to stretch and scratch comfortably. Overall, the New Cat Condos Premier Triple Cat Perch combines thoughtful design with sturdy materials to provide a long-lasting, enjoyable climbing space for any cat.

Yeowww Catnip is a great choice for helping your cat feel comfortable in their new home. Sprinkling it on bedding, scratchers, or cat trees can encourage playful or calming behavior, depending on your cat’s reaction. This brand is made almost entirely of catnip leaf, which contains the essential oils that trigger a response, and it has a fresh, strong scent that closely resembles freshly harvested catnip. While not all cats respond to catnip, especially young kittens, Yeowww Catnip offers the best chance of eliciting a positive reaction, from playful energy to peaceful relaxation.

The Litter Genie Plus is a practical solution for managing dirty litter without the hassle of daily trips to the trash. This compact pail is designed to sequester odors effectively, making it a cleaner and more convenient option than a regular trash can next to the litter box. Its design allows you to scoop dirty litter into a bag-lined bin, then pull a handle to drop the waste into a sealed compartment that locks away smells, keeping your home fresh and hygienic.

This system can hold up to two weeks of waste before needing to be emptied, making it ideal for busy cat owners. The thick plastic liners help trap odors between trips to the outdoor garbage, and each liner cartridge typically lasts around two months for a single-cat household. While the specialty liners are the most effective for odor control, the Litter Genie Plus can also be used with standard kitchen trash bags in a pinch. Its secure design helps prevent curious pets or children from accessing the contents, making it a safe and efficient litter disposal solution.

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Welcoming a new cat into your home is a rewarding experience that brings companionship, comfort, and joy to everyday life. By preparing your space with the essentials outlined here, you can ensure your new feline friend feels safe, comfortable, and loved from day one. While products and supplies make life easier, what truly matters is the care, patience, and attention you provide as your cat settles in.

Take the time to observe your cat’s needs and preferences as they explore their new environment, and remember that building trust and routine will set the foundation for a happy life together. With these preparations complete, you’re ready to begin this exciting chapter, giving your new companion the best start in their forever home.