New Cat Owner Checklist — What You Actually Need
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Bringing a cat home — especially for the first time — is brilliant. But it's easy to overbuy before you know what your cat actually likes. This is the honest checklist.
Get these before they arrive
Litter tray and litter — One tray per cat, plus one extra, is the standard advice. Unscented, clumping litter suits most cats. Avoid strongly scented litters — cats have sensitive noses and may avoid the tray if it smells artificial.
Litter mat — A mat outside the tray catches the litter your cat inevitably carries out. Our Non Slip Cat Litter Mat is easy to shake out and wipe clean.
Food and water bowls — Ceramic or stainless steel is easiest to keep clean. Many cats prefer wide, shallow bowls. See our Feed and Hydrate collection.
Fresh water — Some cats drink more when water is moving, so a water fountain can be worth trying if your cat is a fussy drinker. Whatever you choose, keep water fresh and away from the food bowl.
A scratching post — Cats need to scratch. This is not optional. Give them somewhere appropriate to do it before they find your sofa. A tall, stable sisal post is the most universally liked option.
A bed or hideaway — Cats like enclosed spaces, especially when settling into a new home. Our Cosy House Style Cat Bed gives them somewhere private to retreat to.
A carrier — You'll need this for vet visits at minimum. Get your cat used to it before you need it urgently — leave it open at home so they can explore it. See our carrier guide for help choosing the right one.
Useful but not urgent
- Interactive toys — see what your cat responds to before buying lots
- A cat tree — great for enrichment, but not essential in the first week
- A brush — start grooming early so your cat gets used to it
- A cat collar with ID — recommended for cats who go outside
Things that can wait
- Elaborate cat trees (see where your cat naturally likes to sit first)
- Large quantities of food (try a small amount of a few varieties and see what they prefer)
- Cat grass or catnip (introduce once settled — some cats don't react to catnip at all)
One honest note on settling in
A new cat — especially a rehomed adult — may hide for days or even a week. This is completely normal. Set up a quiet room with everything they need and let them come out on their own terms. Rushing the process usually makes it take longer.