Ready to Be a Cat Parent? Here's What You'll Need...
Whether you're a first-time cat parent or you've already got experience under your belt from cat-sitting your friends' fluffy bunch, there are essential items you probably know you'll need to grab for your new family member. But not so fast—food, a litter box, and a scratching post are just the start. Are you ready to make the best home for your little whiskers? Grab a pen and a piece of paper—here's what you'll need.
1. Litter Box
If you're bringing home a fluffy kitten or two, you're going to need a litter box! Depending on what fits your home's aesthetic and what's most comfortable for your kitty, you can either pick a simple design or one that's more innovative. Make sure you stock up on quality litter as well!
2. Scratching Post
Cats love to scratch, and forgetting to grab a scratching post for your cat will probably... not be the best decision; your furniture, clothes, and pretty much everything will be clawed apart. Invest in a good scratching post for your kitty's paw health.
3. Drinking Fountain
Instead of having your cat drink out of a regular metal bowl, get a drinking fountain. Cats love things that move (and things that are fresh and clean), so a fountain that dispenses running water will attract them more than a still water bowl.
4. Quality Cat Food
Make sure you also invest in quality cat food! A good cat owner knows all the ins and outs of their kitty's health, so keep these details in mind when you go shopping. You might also want to have a good mix between wet and dry varieties.
5. Cozy Bed
While cats typically like sleeping anywhere but an actual bed, you should still grab a cozy sleeping pad (ideally with a cover) for them in case they do want to use it. Place this in an area your cat likes frequenting or in a quiet, dark space. It'll also help to leave some blankets they can curl up in.
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6. Collar with ID Tag
Even if you never take your kitty outside, it's best to give them a collar with an ID tag in case they ever accidentally wander off. Having this information on them will allow for easy identification so that they can be safely returned home to you if they're ever lost.
7. Nail Clippers
Kitty claws can get sharp! Without regular grooming, their nails can hurt themselves, you, and unsuspecting furniture. Make sure to invest in a good pair of clippers and set up a routine to trim your cat's nails every two to three weeks so that they don't overgrow.
8. Carrier
Taking your kitty to the vet or out for a drive? Get a carrier for them! Pick one that's well-ventilated, comfortable, and ensures safe transportation. You can also add more cushions and blankets to ensure your cat stays cozy and warm.
9. Brush
Another thing cats love to do? Groom themselves. You'll definitely want to buy a good brush to do this for them, or to attach some self-grooming brushes around the house so that your kitty can do this themselves. Trust us, they'll love these things.
10. A Few Favorite Toys
Cats don't need a ton of toys, but just enough to keep them entertained. Again, since they love things that move (and ones they can scratch), pick flashing balls, whack-a-mole, feathered wands, fishing poles, or anything they can hunt and chase.
11. Cord Protectors
Not only will your kitty scratch up your furniture if you don't install a scratching post (or two), they'll also chew your cords if you don't watch them. This can be extremely dangerous as the wires could potentially electrocute them, so it's important to grab cord protectors to prevent this from happening.
12. Toy Laptop
This might sound like a funny suggestion, but getting your cat a toy laptop is kind of a must. With a scratch pad built in, they'll gravitate to this dummy one over your real laptop, meaning you won't have to stress over them interrupting your important calls or work meetings.
13. Window Perch Bed
If your cat isn't curling up in odd spaces around your home, they're probably batting at things from their spot on the window sill. Being such curious little creatures, why not make these front-row seats to the outside world comfier? Buy them a bed you can mount to the windows so they can stay cozy while they observe the outdoors!
14. Interactive Treat Dispenser
Instead of just giving your cat treats, get them an interactive dispenser that automatically rewards your kitty when they correctly solve a puzzle. Not only do they get a treat, they'll also be able to exercise their brains—a win-win!
15. Hammock
Because cats sometimes like to sleep underneath chairs or on cat trees, buying a hammock is a must. You can attach this anywhere your kitty likes to relax and cozy up for naps, giving them versatile options around the house.
16. Pet Hair Remover
Without a pet hair remover, you'll probably have cat hair stuck to your clothes, furniture, and see furballs everywhere. To save yourself the trouble when your kitty sheds, have a lint remover or a dedicated motorized one at the ready.
17. Litter Trapping Mat
Don't want to feel like you're stepping on sand at the beach? Layer a mat under your kitty's litter box that can trap the particles as soon as they step out. This makes it easier for you to clean around the house and the mat itself is easy to dump out.
18. Airtight Food Container
An airtight food container is also a must to keep things fresh for your kitty! While you can still opt to keep dry kibble in the bag it came with, a BPA-free plastic container might make things easier when mealtime comes.
19. Cat Tower
Cat trees and towers are an absolute must for your kitty. They'll love hanging around and keeping themselves entertained by climbing, pawing, and jumping on these mini condos. Make sure to also attach a hammock or have little spaces built in for your kitty to curl up and nap.
20. Laser Pointer
Cats love to chase things, and the quick, unpredictable movements of a laser pointer will keep them entertained for hours. If you can only decide on one toy to get for your kitty, get a laser pointer first.
