Bringing a cat home for the first time is exciting — and a little overwhelming. Pet shops and marketplaces are full of products, and it’s hard to know what you actually need on day one and what can wait.
This guide walks you through the essentials, grouped by what your cat does every day: eating, using the litter box, resting, playing and staying clean. Use it as a checklist before your new family member arrives.
1. Feeding essentials
Your cat will eat and drink every day, so this is the first area to sort out.
- Food and water bowls or a feeding station. Choose bowls that are easy to wash. Many owners prefer stainless steel or ceramic, and shallow, wide bowls are comfortable for most cats.
- Fresh water, always. Place water somewhere quiet and easy to reach. Some cats drink more when water is kept a little away from their food.
- The same food your cat already eats. Ask the shelter, breeder or previous owner what your cat has been eating, and keep to it for the first few days. If you plan to change food, do it gradually and ask your vet for advice.
2. Litter box set-up
A good litter set-up makes life easier for both you and your cat.
- A litter tray. It should be big enough for your cat to turn around in comfortably. A common guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
- Cat litter. There are many types — clay, tofu, paper and more. If you know what your cat is used to, start with the same kind.
- A litter scoop. Scoop daily. A sturdy metal scoop lasts well.
- Pee pads or a litter mat. Handy under or around the tray to catch scattered litter and keep floors clean.
Put the tray in a quiet spot, away from food and water, where your cat won’t be disturbed.
3. Scratching and play
Scratching is natural behaviour for cats. Giving them the right place to do it helps protect your sofa and keeps their claws in good condition.
- A scratcher. Cardboard scratchers are affordable and popular. Many cats also like a vertical scratching post.
- A few simple toys. Balls, rope toys and feather teasers are great for short play sessions. Rotate toys every few days to keep them interesting.
Short, regular play sessions are a lovely way to bond with a new cat and help it settle into your home. Always supervise play with string and feather toys, and put them away afterwards.
4. Grooming basics
- A grooming brush. Regular brushing helps with loose fur — especially for long-haired cats.
- Nail clippers. Trim only the very tip of the nail. If you’re unsure how, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the first time.
Start grooming gently and keep sessions short. A treat afterwards helps your cat link grooming with something good.
5. Comfort, safety and identification
- A cosy resting spot. A cat bed, a soft blanket or a box in a quiet corner gives your cat somewhere safe to retreat.
- A carrier. You’ll need one for the trip home and for vet visits. Leave it open at home so your cat gets used to it.
- A breakaway collar. A collar with a safety buckle can hold a name tag with your phone number.
Before your cat arrives, walk through your home and tidy away small items it could swallow, secure window screens, and check that your houseplants are safe for cats — some common plants, such as lilies, are toxic to cats.
6. Your first vet visit
Book a check-up with a vet soon after your cat comes home. Your vet can advise on vaccinations, parasite control, diet and neutering, based on your cat’s age and health.
Quick checklist: bowls or feeding station · water · familiar food · litter tray · litter · scoop · pee pads · scratcher · toys · brush · nail clippers · bed · carrier · collar · vet appointment.
Want everything in one box?
Our New Cat Owner Set brings many of these essentials together — litter tray, scoop, pee pads, scratcher, a toy, a food and water station, a grooming brush and nail clippers. Planning trips out? Take a look at the Cat Travel Set, or browse all our bundles.
Have a question about setting up for your new cat? Get in touch — we’re happy to help.