Bringing home a cat for the first time is exciting, chaotic, and a little confusing. One minute, you’re cuddling a purring fluffball, and the next, you’re Googling “Why does my cat bite me and then stare into my soul?” First-time cat parenthood is a wild ride.
From creating a cat-friendly space to figuring out what’s actually worth buying, there’s a learning curve, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few smart choices up front can make things easier (like a self-cleaning litter box, which might just save your sanity).
So, if you’re staring at your cart wondering what’s a must-have and what’s just a cute extra, here’s your go-to list for all the stuff new cat owners actually need.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to litter boxes, but here’s the truth: the basic plastic rectangle isn’t always going to cut it, especially if you’re tight on space, hate scooping, or have a picky cat. You’ll want something that fits your lifestyle and your cat’s vibe. Covered boxes can help contain mess and odor (just make sure there's airflow), while the automated kind takes cleanup off your daily to-do list — perfect if the idea of scooping before work makes your soul wilt.
Where you put it matters, too. Find a quiet, low-traffic spot — not right by the food bowls, and definitely not somewhere they’ll get startled mid-poop. Bonus points for adding a litter mat to catch those pesky stray bits.
Scratching isn’t just a “bad habit” — it’s how cats stretch, mark their territory, and file their claws. The trick is giving them approved places to do it, or your couch becomes the default.
Look for something sturdy and at least 30 inches tall, so your cat can get a full-body stretch. Sisal fabric is the gold standard (skip carpeted posts, which fray fast and can confuse them about what’s okay to scratch). If your cat’s more of a horizontal scratcher, grab a low cardboard pad.
Pro tip: Don’t hide it. Set it up in the room where you hang out most or near whatever furniture they’ve already decided is fair game for claw practice.
Every cat has a favorite toy — and it’s probably not the $18 plush mouse you bought with high hopes. It might be a feather wand, a crinkle tunnel, or a rogue bottle cap. That’s why variety helps.
Start with a small mix: something interactive (like a wand toy), something they can chase on their own (a spring or ball), and something with catnip to get the zoomies going. Rotating toys in and out every few days keeps things interesting without having to buy new ones constantly.
And yes, empty boxes and paper bags count as enrichment. No judgment if that’s their favorite thing.
Feeding a new cat isn’t as simple as grabbing whatever has the cutest packaging. You’ll want something formulated for their life stage (kitten, adult, or senior) and ideally with real meat as the first ingredient — cats are obligate carnivores, so protein is the main event.
If they’re coming from a shelter or foster home, try sticking with the same food for a week or so before switching. Sudden changes can mess with their digestion. After that, you can slowly transition to something new if needed.
Wet food is best for hydration, especially if your cat isn’t big on drinking water. And if they really ignore their water bowl, try a fountain — the movement can spark their interest.
Cats love comfort — they just don’t always love the thing you bought them for comfort. Still, it’s worth having a soft, warm place that’s theirs, especially when they’re adjusting to a new space.
Look for a bed with raised sides they can curl into or a hooded one if they like to hide. Machine-washable is a must. And don’t be surprised if they ignore it for a week and then suddenly act like it’s their throne. That’s just how it goes.
Pro tip: Place it near a sunny window or wherever they naturally gravitate during the day. Cats love to nap where the action is, even if that action is you working on your laptop.
And there you have it — five must-haves to make life easier (and way less chaotic) for first-time cat owners. Still need help? Ask your cat-loving bestie, chat with your vet, or spiral into YouTube cat-care videos. The internet is full of cat people, and trust us — they love to share what works.
