What litter box setup do I actually need before the cat arrives?

The single most important purchase is the litter box itself, and the general rule from the American Association of Feline Practitioners is one box per cat plus one extra, so a single new cat should have two boxes placed in separate, low-traffic areas (AAFP, 2021). Box size matters more than most new owners expect; the box should be at least one and a half times the cat's body length so the animal can turn and dig without touching the sides, which is why many adult cats need a container closer to an underbed storage bin than a standard commercial litter pan.

Litter choice also affects whether a cat uses the box at all. Cornell Feline Health Center notes that most cats prefer unscented, fine-grained clumping litter over scented or pelleted varieties, and sudden litter changes are a common trigger for house-soiling complaints (Cornell Feline Health Center, n.d.). Buying a small bag of the same litter used at the shelter or breeder for the first two weeks, then transitioning gradually, avoids an unnecessary early setback.

A litter scoop, a supply of unscented baking soda or an enzymatic odor neutralizer, and a washable litter mat round out the basics. Uncovered boxes are generally recommended over hooded ones, since covered boxes trap odor and can make some cats feel trapped by other pets in multi-cat homes (AAFP, 2021).

Which food and feeding supplies should be on the list?

Kittens under one year need a diet formulated for growth, and the American Animal Hospital Association recommends feeding an AAFCO-approved kitten formula, whether wet or dry, until skeletal and organ development is complete around 10 to 12 months of age (AAHA, 2021). For adult cats, matching whatever food the shelter or previous home used for the first week avoids gastrointestinal upset, then transitioning over 7 to 10 days if a diet change is planned.

Bowls matter more than owners assume: the ASPCA and feline behavior specialists point out that whisker fatigue, where a cat's sensitive whiskers repeatedly brush against tall or narrow bowl walls, can discourage eating, so wide, shallow ceramic or stainless-steel dishes are preferable to deep plastic bowls (ASPCA, n.d.). A separate water source, ideally a pet fountain, is worth adding to the list, since cats evolved from desert ancestors with a low thirst drive and often drink more from moving water, which supports urinary tract health (Cornell Feline Health Center, n.d.).

What kind of carrier and travel gear does a new cat need?

A hard-sided carrier with a top-opening door and a removable top half is the format most veterinary behaviorists recommend, because it lets a fearful or injured cat be lifted out rather than dragged through a small front door (AAFP, 2021). The carrier should be purchased before the cat arrives home, not just before the first vet visit, so it can sit out in a living space with a soft blanket and treats inside, becoming a familiar resting spot rather than something only associated with car rides.

A seatbelt-anchored carrier strap or a non-slip mat for the back seat keeps the carrier from sliding during transport, and a pheromone spray formulated for cats can be applied inside the carrier about 15 minutes before travel to reduce stress signals such as panting or excessive vocalization (Cornell Feline Health Center, n.d.).

Do I need a scratching post, and what type actually gets used?

Scratching is a normal marking and claw-maintenance behavior, not a training failure, so providing appropriate outlets from day one is essential for protecting furniture. The AAFP's environmental needs guidelines recommend offering both a vertical post at least 32 inches tall, so a full-grown cat can stretch completely, and a horizontal cardboard scratcher, since individual cats show strong preferences for one orientation or texture over another (AAFP, 2021).

Sisal rope or unfinished wood posts tend to outperform carpet-wrapped posts because carpet can feel similar underfoot to household carpet, sending a confusing signal about where scratching is allowed. Placing at least one post near the cat's favorite sleeping area and one near the main household entry point, where cats often scratch to mark territory after time away, increases the odds it gets used consistently rather than ignored in a back closet.

What grooming and health-care items belong on a first-week list?

A slicker brush or grooming glove suited to the cat's coat length helps reduce hairballs and shedding, and the Cornell Feline Health Center notes that even short-haired cats benefit from weekly brushing to catch mats and monitor for skin lumps or parasites early (Cornell Feline Health Center, n.d.). Nail clippers designed for cats, rather than human clippers, reduce the risk of splitting the nail, and most healthy adult cats tolerate a trim every two to three weeks once introduced gradually with treats.

A first-aid kit with gauze, a pet-safe antiseptic, and the number for the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is worth assembling before any incident happens. Owners should also budget for a carrier-friendly first veterinary visit within the initial week, since the AVMA recommends a baseline exam, fecal parasite screening, and confirmation of vaccine status for any newly adopted cat regardless of age (AVMA, n.d.).

What toys and enrichment items are worth buying versus skipping?

Wand toys with feathers or fabric strips that mimic prey movement tend to get more engagement than battery-powered toys, because they let the owner control pace and let the cat complete a full hunt-stalk-pounce-catch sequence, which the Cornell Feline Health Center identifies as important for satisfying natural predatory behavior indoors (Cornell Feline Health Center, n.d.). A rotating supply of two or three toy types, kept partially out of sight and swapped weekly, keeps novelty high without a giant toy bin.

Vertical space, in the form of a cat tree or window perch, is arguably more valuable than most toy purchases, since climbing and surveying territory from height is a core stress-reduction behavior for indoor cats (AAFP, 2021). Puzzle feeders that dispense a portion of the day's kibble also give indoor cats a foraging outlet and can slow down cats that eat too quickly.

What items do new cat owners commonly forget to buy?

A separate, quiet 'safe room' setup, meaning a spare bathroom or bedroom with its own litter box, food, water, and bedding, is frequently skipped but strongly recommended for the first several days to a week, since the AAFP notes that immediate full-house access can overwhelm a newly relocated cat and delay adjustment (AAFP, 2021). A microchip, if the cat does not already have one, and a collar with an ID tag are also easy to overlook until after an escape has already happened.

Cat-proofing supplies belong on the list too: outlet covers, secured window screens, and a cordless option or tied-up cords for blinds, since the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists lilies, certain essential oil diffusers, and unsecured medications among the most common household hazards reported for cats (ASPCA, n.d.). A pet-specific stain and odor enzyme cleaner rounds out the list for the inevitable early accident.