8 Must-Haves for First-Time Cat Owners
So, you finally caved and decided to become a cat parent? Congrats! Your life is about to be filled with equal parts of joy, confusion, and fur. Lots of fur.
But before you bring your little feline overlord home, let’s talk essentials.
Because trust me, you don’t want to be that person frantically Googling “do cats need beds?” at 2 AM 😉
1. Litter Box (and an Understanding That You’ll Be Its Servant)
- HIGH-SIDES DESIGN: Keep your floors clean with the high sided cat litter box that contains litter effectively
- CONVENIENT ACCESS: The open style and lowered front on these litter boxes make it easy for cats to enter and exit, cater…
- DURABLE MATERIAL: Crafted from BPA-free and recyclable plastic, this kitty litter box provides long-lasting durability
Let’s get real—your cat’s bathroom habits are now your business. You need a good litter box, and no, one size does not fit all. Some cats like covered boxes, some prefer open ones, and some… well, they just want to dig to the center of the earth.
Pro Tip: Get a box that’s at least 1.5 times the length of your cat. Oh, and don’t forget the scoop. You’ll be using it. A lot. Daily, in fact. (Yes, you signed up for this.)
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2. High-Quality Cat Food (Because Junk Food Ain’t Just Bad for Humans)
- USDA Organic Certified chicken 3lb bag
- #1 ingredient is cage free organic chicken
- Grain-free Recipe
Not all cat food is created equal, and your cat deserves the best—unless you want a grumpy, unhealthy furball judging your life choices. Look for protein-rich food with real meat as the first ingredient. Avoid anything loaded with fillers like corn and wheat.
Dry vs. Wet? Ideally, a mix of both. Hydration is key, and most cats treat water like it’s lava. Speaking of…
3. A Water Fountain (Because Apparently, Bowls Are Boring)
- Award-winning product: Veken is proud to be a 2023 Category Winner of the Pet Innovation Awards, an honor given to only …
- High-quality: Made of food grade materials, this drinking fountain is BPA free, durable, and easy to operate and clean. …
- Two flow designs: The Veken Pet Fountain has 2 modes: flower waterfall (faucet drinking) and the gentle fountain. The wa…
Some cats are weirdly picky about drinking water. If you don’t want your cat trying to drink from the sink at every opportunity, get a water fountain. The running water encourages hydration, and it looks fancy, so win-win.
Bonus: You won’t have to refill it as often. Because, let’s be honest, remembering to top off a tiny water bowl three times a day is a struggle.
4. Scratching Posts (Unless You Like Shredded Furniture)
- DURABLE SISAL: A durable sisal fiber design ensures the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post will stand up to your cat’s cl…
- TALL AND STRONG: The sturdy design of the scratching tower allows kittens and cats of all sizes to fully stretch when th…
- GOODBYE CLAW MARKS: Satisfy your indoor cat’s natural urge to scratch and protect your furniture while your cat gets in …
Your cat will scratch. The question is: your furniture or a scratching post? Get a sturdy one—flimsy posts will be ignored, and your couch will suffer for it. Bonus points if you get multiple posts or a cat tree with built-in scratching areas.
Material Matters: Some cats love sisal rope, some prefer cardboard, and some will just scratch whatever they feel like. Trial and error, my friend.
5. Toys (Because Bored Cats Become Chaos Machines)
- 【Can Play On Any Floor】The powerful motor enables the interactive cat ball toy to move quickly on thick carpets, thin ca…
- 【Skin-friendly Material】The surface of the ball is made of flocking and silica gel. The fluffy touch makes cats willing …
- 【Two Interaction Modes】Press and hold the button for 1 second to activate the slow mode (the red light flashes and then …
You might think your cat will entertain itself. That’s adorable. A bored cat will find its own “fun,” which usually involves knocking things off shelves or attacking your ankles.
Must-Have Toys:
- Wand toys (because you’ll need to bond)
- Catnip-filled plushies (because catnip is magic)
- Interactive puzzle toys (because mental stimulation prevents destruction)
- A good ol’ cardboard box (because, inexplicably, they love them more than expensive toys)
6. A Cozy Bed (That Will Probably Be Ignored)
- Orthopedic Support: Our orthopedic cat sofa is designed to give your pet unparalleled support for a deep, dreamy sleep. …
- Enhanced Comfort: The 4-sided bolster design promotes ultimate comfort and security, offering your pet a variety of cozy…
- Waterproof & Easy Care: The durable foam mattress is encased in a waterproof liner to fully protect the foam from spills…
Yes, cats sleep anywhere. But a designated cat bed at least gives them a soft, warm option—even if they choose the laundry basket instead. Get one that’s plush, warm, and machine-washable (because hair happens).
Reality Check: There’s a 90% chance your cat will sleep in the box it came in. Just accept it.
7. A Carrier (Because Vet Trips Are Inevitable, Sorry)
- Pet Carrier: 17.5” L x 11” W x 11” H, Recommended max load of 16 lbs cats small dogs. Please do not choose your carrier …
- Fits for under-seat dimensions of most airlines. Every airline has a specific set of rules and regulations, please conta…
- Mesh windows for ventilation, top and side entry with locking zippers for safety. Carrying handles, adjustable shoulder …
You’ll need a safe, sturdy cat carrier for vet visits and emergencies. Get one that’s well-ventilated and easy to clean because accidents happen (looking at you, nervous car rides).
Pro Tip: Leave the carrier out at home so your cat doesn’t see it as a “vet prison.” Toss a comfy blanket inside, and maybe—just maybe—they won’t fight you like a tiny tiger when it’s time to travel.
8. Patience (Lots of It)
This might not be something you can buy, but it’s essential. Your cat will take time to adjust, might ignore you at first, and will 100% do things that make no sense. Love them anyway.
Remember: Every cat has its own personality. Some are affectionate, some are aloof, and some are absolute chaos goblins. Let them be themselves, and you’ll earn their trust (eventually).
Final Thoughts
Bringing a cat home is exciting, confusing, and sometimes frustrating. But trust me—it’s all worth it when they curl up on your lap (on their terms, of course). Stock up on these must-haves, prepare for some fur-covered chaos, and enjoy your new feline overlord. 😸
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
