There are a number of things to collect or buy before you bring your new cat or kitten home, so your cat will feel like a member of the family rather than a visitor. Do it a few days in advance to avoid the stress of the “big day”. In the excitement of bringing your cat home, you don't want to suddenly find out at 8 p.m. that you forgot to buy cat food. Here are the essentials your cat will need:
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Feed
Our pick: Purina Fancy Feast Classic Collection Adult Wet Cat Food.
If you can talk to the cat's caretaker at his last home, it's probably best to give your new pet the food he's used to. If you buy a cat from a breeder, most often their contract will suggest or require you to give them a certain type of food. For cats and kittens of unknown origin, here are some tips for determining what to give your pet:
Kittens: These babies need more fat and protein than adult cats. So look for foods that say “Complete and Balanced Diets” on the label as well as “for all life stages” tested by the AAFCO. There are also foods specially formulated for kittens. These can be identified by the words "highly digestible, nutrient dense and designed uniquely to meet the nutritional needs of kittens". Kittens from eight weeks old can handle dry food fairly well, although canned food is definitely better for them.
Adult cats: Canned food is better for cats, but your cat may only be accustomed to dry food. Adult cats eat dry food, and all premium brands are acceptable. You should also supplement your diet with canned foods, as eventually you should try switching your cat to canned foods only.
Water and food bowls
Our pick: Water and Food Bowl Set for Cats
Although your new cat can be fed in any ceramic (not lead-glazed) or stainless steel bowl you have in your kitchen, you may feel better about providing it with its own dishes. It is not recommended to use plastic bowls for cats, as some cats develop a chin rash from the plastic; additionally, plastic scratches are softer, allowing bacteria to harbor (this may be a case of cause and effect.) There are a number of stainless steel pet bowls without mouthpieces of company. If you prefer to decorated ceramic dishes, be sure the glaze's lead-free. To be on the safe side, only buy products made in the USA.
Food and water vending machines are especially popular if humans are away for long periods of the day, such as to go to work or study. Most cats love the clean, fresh taste of running water, and automatic water dispensers ensure a constant supply of clean water.
Toys
Our pick: Interactive Cat Toy Butterfly Funny Exercise.
All cats love to play, and your bonding time will begin by playing with Kitty and her toys. Toys of the "fishing rod, suspended lure" type are very popular for interactive games. Make sure it's sturdy enough so little kittens won't tear off feathers etc. of the hanging part. Catnip mice are very popular pets. Kitten houses and climbing posts can range from simple cardboard creations to bespoke "cat furniture" combinations worth several hundred dollars.
grooming tools
Our pick: Cat Grooming Brush for Shedding.
The grooming period is a good time to bond with your cat or new kitten. Look for a fine-toothed comb and a rubber-backed pin brush. A nail clipper designed for cats is a plus. If you start trimming your kitten's nails at a young age, it will make it easier for her when she grows up.
Related: Things that threaten your cat's life
cat carrier
Our pick: Amazon Basics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided.
It's a necessity. Never try to transport a cat without having one. A simple cardboard crate (available from your veterinarian) is sufficient to bring home a new cat or kitten, but eventually you will need to replace it with a solid-bottomed fiberglass or heavy-duty plastic crate with a lock secure and a screened opening for the cat to look through. An airline-approved heavy-duty fabric crate is a good alternative if you need to travel in the future.
scratching post
Our pick: Scratching Post Tower with 3 Scratcher Posts.
Your cat will scratch whether you approve of it or not. Start your relationship by investing in a scraper. It can be as simple or fancy as you want; you can even assemble one yourself if you're handy with tools. Some commercially made scratchers are infused with the scent of catnip to entice your kitten. If your budget is limited, start with a cardboard scraper, such as the Cosmic Alpine Scratcher.
Litter box
Our pick: Self-Cleaning Cat Litterbox.
Choosing the best litter box for your pet is an absolute necessity for both indoor and outdoor cats. Look for a tall box with high sides for adult cats, as they tend to throw litter all over the place. they can also be as simple or as extravagant as your wallet will allow, but start with a basic plastic litter for now.
Kittens will need a box low enough for them to enter easily. There are different kinds of litter, and the plant-based one seems to be the safest. Clay-based clumping litter contains an ingredient that can harm cats if ingested, and all clay-based litters tend to stir up dust, which is not healthy for you to breathe in. nor for your cat.
Consider a mat under the box to catch stray litter. You can buy mats for this purpose at a pet store, or buy a few inexpensive sample mats or linoleum that you can throw away and replace when they get too dirty.
A bed (optional, but recommended)
Our pick: Round Donut Cats Cushion Bed.
Since this is your first cat, it's likely to sleep on your own bed, but it's always a good idea to provide it with a special, comfortable place to nap. The bed should be comfortable, easily washable, and roomy enough for an adult cat to snuggle up in comfortably, but not so large that it feels exposed and vulnerable.
Related: The most dangerous foods for cats
Appointment of a veterinarian
It's not exactly a shopping list item, but unless your cat comes with paperwork showing a recent vet visit, proof of vaccinations, and negative test results for various illnesses and medical conditions, your first stop before you even bring him home, should be at your neighborhood veterinary clinic. So make an appointment now, while you think about it.