Maybe it’s their playful behaviour, quiet companionship, or independent personality, but cats have a special way of adding warmth and happiness to our lives. This explains why people are drawn to adopting cats.
Although it’s a rewarding experience, becoming a pet parent is no joke. It’s s a responsibility that involves caring for another life and ensuring their happiness and well-being. To create a comfortable, fulfilling environment for your new feline friend, there are certain cats supplies you’ll need to have on hand. From the basics to a few luxuries, the items below will help you meet your pet’s needs and allow them to thrive in their new home with ease and contentment.
Carrier
One of the essential cats supplies to get is a carrier. Bringing your cat home safely requires a sturdy container that provides ample ventilation and easy access for getting them in and out. While a cardboard box might seem like a convenient option, it isn’t ideal; a frightened cat could easily claw their way through it, and it lacks adequate airflow.
Ideally, you’ll want a plastic carrier with a locking door on the front that is both robust and easily accessible. A carrier with a sturdy exterior and a removable mesh door is a wonderful alternative for both carrying your cat and allowing it to sleep inside.
If your cat shows reluctance to get into the carrier, you can use a calming spray to help soothe and calm your cat for their ride home.
Food and Water Bowls
Before your new pet gets home, it’s best to have food and water bowls ready. Moving into a new environment can be stressful for a cat, and offering food and water immediately helps create a sense of safety and security.
Look for bowls that are simple to clean (ideally dishwasher-safe) and have weighted bottoms to prevent tipping. While plastic bowls may appear to be a solid option, they can scratch easily, creating spots where bacteria can accumulate. Stainless steel is generally the safest choice, being durable, easy to clean, and hygienic.
Keep in mind that bowls should be cleaned daily. Cats don’t like to eat and relieve themselves in the same location, so place the bowls far from the litter box.
Food
With numerous cat food options on the market, choosing the right one requires a little consideration. Start by selecting a “complete” cat food, which provides all the essential nutrients in a single meal source, ensuring your cat’s dietary needs are fully met.
Choose a brand that is a member of UK Pet Food (previously the Pet Food Manufacturing Association, or PFMA). This way you’ll be ensuring that the food is both safe for your pet and of good quality.
The food you choose should also be appropriate for your cat’s age. Kittens need a different balance of nutrients than older cats, so make sure you buy the food that is suited for your cat’s life stage.
The decision between dry and wet food will be heavily influenced by your cat’s tastes. Cats are specific about what they like and dislike. Wet and dry cat food have quite different textures and smells, so if you’re not sure which one your cat prefers, try both and watch which one it eats and which it leaves.
A Litter Box
A litter box is, of course, a must-have item. Some cat parents truly appreciate the cleaning help that self-cleaning litter boxes offer. This sort of box includes a mechanism that rakes the dirty litter after your cat uses it, making it convenient to keep the litter clean. However, these models can be pricier and may frighten some cats with their movement and noise.
Another alternative is a hooded litterbox. It has a tall cover that provides privacy for the cat and also prevents litter from spilling all over the box However, some cats get scared of the hood and refuse to use an enclosed litter box.
Lastly, the basic plastic litter box is a simple, budget-friendly option that does require regular cleaning but is generally well-accepted by most cats.
Bed
While your cat may sleep almost anywhere, providing them with their own bed gives them a designated place to rest and can help keep your furniture free of fur and scratches. Look for a bed that is warm and soft, imade from a fabric that traps cat dander and with a cover that is washable.
Regardless of the bed you choose, make sure it’s the right size for your cat. The bed should be spacious enough for your cat to lie down and stretch, yet small enough to make it feel secure. Place the bed in an area where your feline will feel safe and comfortable.
Scratching Post
Scratching is an instinctive behaviour for cats, and a scratching post will allow them to satisfy this urge safely. Make sure the post has a solid foundation to prevent it from toppling over. It should be at least as tall as the cat, allowing it to stand on their hind legs and stretch while scratching. If you have more than one cat, each should have its own scratching post.
Toys
Play is essential for a cat’s physical and mental well-being, so it’s important to provide a selection of safe, engaging toys. Cats love to pounce, making balls and catnip-stuffed toys excellent choices. To avoid choking hazards, select toys without small detachable parts like bells or feathers. Always check new toys for safety before giving them to your cat.
Collar and ID Tag
Your cat should always wear a collar with an ID tag. The tag should include your name, address, and phone number. The collar should also include an automatic release that will detach if your cat becomes stuck on something, such as a tree limb. Make sure the collar fits right and does not interfere with your cat’s breathing and eating. As a rule of thumb, two fingers should be able to fit between the collar and the neck.
English (US) · 