Bringing home a new cat or kitten is an exciting time, and having the right gear ready helps your new companion settle in smoothly. This checklist covers the essential supplies, safety steps, and veterinary care you need to prepare for a happy and healthy start. From a reliable carrier to cat-proofing your home, each item plays a practical role in your cat’s comfort and well-being.
Before You Start
A little planning goes a long way. Before your new cat arrives, set aside a quiet, safe space where they can adjust without feeling overwhelmed. This is especially important for kittens, who need a confined area to prevent accidents and reduce stress. Also take time to cat-proof your home by removing hazards that could cause injury or poisoning.
Prepare a Safe Room
Choose a small, quiet room such as a spare bedroom or bathroom. Place the essentials—carrier, litter box, food and water bowls, a bed, scratching post, and a few toys—inside. Keep doors and windows closed, and block any gaps where a tiny kitten could squeeze through. Spend time with your cat in this room for the first few days, gradually letting them explore the rest of the house once they seem comfortable.
Cat-Proof Your Home
Cats are curious and can get into trouble with common household items. Focus on these four areas:
- Electrical cords: Tuck cords out of sight or use cord protectors. Kittens may chew on them, risking electric shock.
- Toxic plants: Many common houseplants are poisonous to cats, including lilies, philodendrons, and sago palms. Check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control list for a complete guide and remove any dangerous plants.
- Small objects: Pick up rubber bands, hair ties, buttons, coins, and small toys that could be swallowed and cause an intestinal blockage.
- Open windows and balconies: Cats can fall from high windows or slip through screens. Install sturdy screens and never leave windows open wide enough for a cat to escape.
The Essential Supplies Checklist
Group these items into categories so you can shop efficiently. Each one serves a specific purpose in your cat’s daily life.
Carrier
A sturdy, well-ventilated carrier is non-negotiable for vet visits, travel, and emergencies. Choose a crate with a secure door and a removable bottom for easy cleaning. Hard-sided carriers offer good protection; soft-sided ones are lighter but less durable. Make sure it’s large enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down. Keep the carrier accessible and line it with a soft towel or blanket.
For more guidance on selecting a carrier, see the new cat essentials guide.
Food and Water Bowls
Stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls are best because they are easy to clean and resist bacteria. Avoid plastic bowls, which can cause chin acne in some cats. Use shallow, wide bowls to keep whiskers from rubbing the sides. Provide separate bowls for food and water, and place them away from the litter box. For kittens, consider a low-sided bowl that’s easy to reach.
Food Recommended by Your Veterinarian
Kittens need a complete and balanced kitten food, while adult cats do well on an age-appropriate diet. Consult your veterinarian for a specific recommendation based on your cat’s breed, activity level, and any health concerns. Transition to a new food gradually over several days by mixing it with the current food to avoid digestive upset. Always provide fresh water.
Litter Box, Litter, and Scoop
You will need at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Open pans are the most straightforward and preferred by many cats. Covered boxes can trap odors and may feel confining for larger cats. Choose a clumping, unscented litter that is low-dust—most cats prefer fine-grained textures. A sturdy litter scoop with a slotted head makes cleaning easy. Place the box in a quiet, low-traffic area away from food and water bowls.
Scratching Post
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats to mark territory and maintain claw health. Provide at least one sturdy scratching post covered in sisal rope, carpet, or cardboard. Tall posts (enough for your cat to fully stretch) are more appealing. Place the post near where your cat sleeps or by a favorite window. If you have multiple cats, add more posts to reduce competition.
Bed
A cozy bed gives your cat a dedicated spot to rest. Choose a washable bed with soft, supportive padding. Some cats prefer covered beds that resemble a cave, while others like open mats or heated pads (follow manufacturer instructions for heating elements). You can also place a soft blanket in a quiet corner—cats often choose their own sleeping spots.
Toys
Cats need mental and physical stimulation. Offer a variety of toys: wand toys for interactive play, small balls with bells, crinkle toys, and puzzle feeders that dispense treats. Rotate toys regularly to keep your cat interested. Avoid toys with small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed. Supervise play with string or ribbon to prevent accidental ingestion.
Grooming Tools
The right grooming supplies depend on your cat’s coat length. For short-haired cats, a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt removes loose fur. Long-haired cats need a wide-toothed comb or slicker brush to prevent mats. Nail clippers designed for cats (guillotine or scissor style) let you trim nails safely. A toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste help maintain dental health—introduce gradually.
ID and Microchip
All cats should have identification in case they get lost. A breakaway collar with an ID tag (engraved with your phone number) is a good start. Microchipping provides permanent identification that cannot fall off. Your veterinarian can implant a microchip during a routine exam. Make sure you register the chip with your current contact information in a national pet recovery database.
Learn more about proper identification through AVMA resources for pet owners.
Vet Appointment
Schedule a wellness exam within a few days of bringing your new cat home. The veterinarian will perform a physical check, test for parasites, and discuss vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. Bring a stool sample for a fecal exam. If you have other pets, ask about quarantine recommendations to prevent disease transmission.
Introducing Other Pets Slowly
If you already have a cat or dog, careful introductions help prevent fights and reduce stress. Keep the new cat in their safe room for several days, allowing the resident pets to smell each other under the door. Swap bedding so they get used to one another’s scent. After a few days, allow short, supervised face-to-face meetings. Use treat rewards and praise to create positive associations. Increase the time together gradually. If you see signs of aggression, separate them and consult a professional behaviorist. This process can take weeks, so be patient.
What You Can Skip
Not every product marketed for cats is essential. You can often skip expensive automatic feeders and water fountains unless your cat has specific needs. Heated beds are nice in cold climates but not necessary if you keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Fancy cat trees with multiple perches are nice but a simple scratching post and a window perch may be enough. Avoid any products that use aversive methods, such as shock mats or spray deterrents. Stick to the basics and add items based on your cat’s personality.
Quick-Reference Table
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier | Safe transport to vet, travel, emergencies | Hard-sided or soft-sided; large enough to stand and turn |
| Food & water bowls | Holding food and fresh water | Stainless steel, ceramic, or glass; shallow, wide shape |
| Vet-recommended food | Complete nutrition | Consult vet for appropriate life stage and brand |
| Litter box, litter, scoop | Toileting area and waste removal | One box per cat plus one extra; unscented clumping litter |
| Scratching post | Claw maintenance and territory marking | Sturdy, tall, sisal or cardboard; place in high-traffic area |
| Bed | Rest and security | Washable; open or covered style |
| Toys | Mental and physical enrichment | Wand, balls, puzzle toys; rotate weekly |
| Grooming tools | Coat care, nail trimming, dental health | Brush, nail clippers, toothbrush; choose for coat type |
| ID collar & microchip | Identification if lost | Breakaway collar with tag; microchip registered |
| Vet appointment | Health check, vaccines, microchip | Schedule within days of adoption; bring stool sample |
| Safe room setup | Quiet transition space | Small room with all essentials; door and windows secure |
| Cat-proofing | Prevent accidents and poisoning | Secure cords, remove toxic plants, small objects, window screens |
FAQ
When should I schedule the first vet appointment?
Schedule the first visit within a few days of bringing your cat home. The sooner the better so any health issues can be caught early. Bring along any adoption paperwork and a fresh stool sample.
How many litter boxes do I need?
A general rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. For a single cat, that means two boxes. Place them in different quiet areas of the home.
What should I do if my cat won’t use the scratching post?
Try different textures such as sisal, carpet, or cardboard. Rub a little catnip on the post or use a wand toy to guide your cat’s paws. Place the post near where they already scratch. Never force your cat—positive reinforcement works best.
How do I introduce a new cat to my resident cat?
Keep the new cat in a separate room for several days. Swap bedding and allow scent exchange under the door. Then have short, supervised meetings, rewarding calm behavior with treats. Gradually increase the time together. If aggression occurs, separate and consult a behaviorist.
Preparing for a new cat or kitten is straightforward when you focus on the essentials. A carrier, litter box, proper food, scratching post, and safety measures give your cat a confident start. Use this checklist to gather the basics, then customize based on your cat’s unique needs. For more detailed advice, explore our pet buying guides for additional product recommendations and tips.
