New Cat Owner Supplies Checklist
A practical first-week checklist focused on litter, feeding, water, travel, scratching, grooming, and cleanup.
Quick Take
- Start with one reliable litter setup.
- Buy a carrier before the first vet trip.
- Add scratching surfaces before furniture becomes the target.
The First Setup
Start with the supplies that make the first week easier to manage: a litter box, litter, scoop, food and water bowls, a carrier, scratching surfaces, cleanup supplies, and a safe resting area.
Do not overbuy before you understand the cat’s habits. Many cats have strong preferences around litter texture, box entry style, water movement, and scratching angle.
What to Buy First
Buy one practical version of each core item before upgrading to expensive automated gear. For example, start with a simple open litter box and a low-dust litter before deciding whether an automatic litter box is worth testing.
What to Track
Track litter use, water intake behavior, scratching preference, and carrier stress during the first few weeks. These notes make later product upgrades more accurate.
Last updated: 2026-06-06