New Cat or Kitten Shopping Checklist: 26 Essential Supplies (2024 Update)

Whether you are adopting a cat from a shelter or getting a brand new kitten, having the right supplies on hand is essential! Remembering all the items to check off your box can be hard. Hopefully, we will make the process a little easier for you.

Here are all of the products you will need when you bring home a new pet. Remember that brands are suggestions, and you should always speak with your veterinarian about the best options for your feline friend.

Dining Supplies

A cat has to eat, and they will remind you if you forget to feed them. It is one of the feline’s most treasured times of day, so having the proper dining supplies is an absolute must. They will want:

1. Fresh Food

If you don’t want to feed your cat dry kibble, one option that many cat owners are turning to today is human-grade cat food. Human-grade cat food is a fresh food option that is made with human-grade ingredients and cooked in human-grade facilities. They usually require a subscription and can be more expensive than dry kibble, but if you have the budget for it, they’re one of the best options for cats.

Our favorite fresh, human-grade cat food option is Smalls. Smalls is a high protein fresh cat food that contains no fillers, so all the ingredients are stuff your cat can actually benefit from. It’s a vet-formulated cat food that comes in five flavors: beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and cod & salmon.

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2. Water Bowl

Most cats don’t drink enough water as it is. Having a water bowl that is completely efficient and always fresh is the key to encouraging your cat to drink more often. Cats usually also tend to prefer sources of moving water to drink from, so what better way to provide them this than with a water fountain?

A water fountain works very well to encourage drinking and keep the water fresh. The Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Fountain is an excellent product that is made from stainless steel for durability. It has a 2-liter capacity and three flow modes, and it is also dishwasher safe. Thanks to the quiet flow, you won’t even know it’s there.

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3. Food Bowl

Your kitty can’t enjoy a daily feast without a fancy food bowl! You’ll want to get a durable bowl that’s easy to clean, but that’s not all. Here’s a list of different feeders you could select for your four-legged friend.

Standard Bowls 

While you should steer clear of plastic, as it can leach chemicals into your cat’s food, there are plenty of other options. Many materials like ceramic and stainless steel are the best options since they are easy to clean and durable.

Some bowls are raised, others are floor level, and many are dual feeders for multiple cats or food/water.

The Hepper NomNom Bowl has a whisker-friendly design and comes in three colors. And since cats can be messy, the bowls have a tray surrounding them to catch spills and help keep your floors clean.

Automatic Feeders

Automatic feeders work quite well, permitting you to purchase the right kind—and it is compatible with your cat’s food selection. For example, some are only suitable for dry food varieties.

So, if your cat eats wet canned food or fresh food, you need to search for a specific product that works for the meal. To make it easy, we found an automatic feeder that works for all types of cat food.

The AmazonBasics Automatic Electronic Timed Pet Feeder is ideal for any food type. Plus, you can personalize the timer for scheduled feeds. This particular feeder has six slots to match all your kitty’s mealtimes.

Gravity Feeders

Gravity feeders work very well and take a lot of the hard work out of feeding time. You can fill these feeders with kibble and let your cat eat at leisure. Most are incredibly easy to load and cheaper than more technical choices.

Check out this Petmate Pearl Pet Café Feeder. You just load up the back, fasten it on, and let gravity do all the hard work. This might not be the best feeder for voracious eaters, as it can lead to weight gain.

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4. Treats

Cats are certainly food-motivated. It’s always best to have treats on hand. Your cat might have a favorite, so you can repurchase the same kinds. However, you can also do a Little Mix tape to provide a little flavor variety.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Treats are an excellent option, as it contains 12 ounces of yummy snacks. These treats are both delicious and full of protein, adding only valuable nutrients to your kitty’s menu.

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5. Cat Grass

Do you have house plants? If so, your plants, your cat, and you might benefit from cat grass! Many cats love munching on or chewing up plants, which can be equally dangerous to the plant and the cat, especially if the plant is toxic.

Cat grass provides a series of safe grasses like oat, barley, and wheatgrass so your cat can safely gnaw on the foliage, creating roughage in the diet.

The Cat Ladies Organic Pet Grass Seed contains 100% organic, non-GMO pet grass seed blend that is simple to grow—and it starts quickly!

Napping & Lounging Supplies

Your cat needs a little sanctuary in the home! There are several places where your cat will choose to nap, some of which will be extremely unexpected and odd, like a laundry pile or on top of the fridge. But here are some essentials you might need to give your cat a cozy place to rest.

6. Cat Bed

Cats are creatures of comfort. They need a suitable, cozy cat bed to enjoy. You can buy them in just about any fabric or design you can think of—and your cat might certainly develop a preference.

The Hepper Nest Bed is ideal for kitties of most sizes. It’s lined with sherpa fleece that can be removed when it needs to be washed. The rounded bowl shape and a wide lip make curling up and resting super comfy for your cats. It can fit cats up to 17 pounds perfectly.

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7. Cat Tree

Cat trees are good for both entertainment and relaxation. The Newest Cat Tree with a Cat Condo is a good starter if you still need to get one. It only takes up a little space, and it offers a variety of sleeping space and entertainment.

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8. Cat Condo

Cat condos are excellent in homes with multiple cats, even though you can spoil just one feline with one of these mansions. You can get cat condos in numerous sizes, but they’re typically several tiers and have quite a few cubbies, platforms, scratching posts, and hideouts.

The Yaheetech 2-Level Plush Cat Tree & Condo is a nice-sized addition to your home. It doesn’t take up a lot of space, and it provides a cozy spot for your cat to sleep—both on top and inside.

Exercise Supplies

Cats certainly need their fair share of exercise and activities. Here are a few suggestions on in-home forms of entertainment.

9. Cat Scratching Post

Cat scratching posts are a must when you have cats. If you want to protect your furniture and other fabrics, you need to give them plenty of surfaces to do their business. After all, scratching is an essential part of exercise and instincts.

If you’re looking for something sturdy and durable, try out the Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher. It is excellent quality—and can be set up into three different positions. You can even buy extra cardboard when your cat finally does scratch the original out.

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10. Toys

Cats have different activity levels, but they all need toys to play with! Some of them will prefer self-play options, while others require interactive games. Why not see if you can find a toy that can promote different types of play?

The Hepper Plush Mouse Kicker is a great place to start. It contains catnip to entice your cat to play, a bell for cats that love bell toys, and its design is great for your cat to wrestle with and bat around. Most cats are sure to love this toy.

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11. Catnip

Although only 80% of cats are affected by catnip, it’s such a fun thing to try out. It attracts your cat to many toys and gives them something to look forward to.

You can get something like the SmartyKat Catnip to sprinkle it on beds or floors—or restuff toys!

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12. Exercise Wheels

Exercise wheels are becoming more popular in the feline product world. Hamsters aren’t the only thing that enjoy these fun wheels. House cats can love them just as much. So, if you have an extra active cat on your hands, it’s a solid option.

The ZYDDNH Cat Wheel is a product you might want to check out. This wheel can hold up to 200 pounds, and it gives your kitty something to keep them busy and stay out of mischief!

Keep in mind, there’s plenty of DIY options, too! You can check out sites like YouTube and Pinterest for some tutorials.

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13. Wall Shelves/Bridges

Cats love to climb! Why not provide them with a few spaces that they are actually allowed to climb on? After all, no need to shoo them away from the countertops or shelves when they have their own space to explore.

Frisco Wall Mounted Wall Shelf with Bridge is a size-friendly, durable wall hanging for cats. Its unique shape allows your cat to cozy up inside or play hide-and-seek with his other feline friends. Plus, it has a bridge for additional activities.

Travel Supplies

If you’re planning to travel or take walks with your kitties, you might want some of these supplies.

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14. Leash/Harness

Leashes aren’t just for dogs! They are extremely beneficial for cats, too. If you have a strictly indoor cat, they would love to go out and explore like any other lucky canine. Teaching them to walk on a lead is easier than you might think.

Sure—they might go into a dramatic hysteria and flop all over the floor at first, but soon, they will love it when you get the leash ready.

The PetSafe Come With Me Kitty Nylon Cat Harness and Bungee Leash is a great option that comes in five colors and three sizes, so it’s suitable for any kitty!

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15. Travel Bag

If you need to go on vacations in the car or on flights with your cat, a travel bag can come in handy. You need one that is totally safe for your cat, and made out of durable materials.

The Vceoa Soft-Sided Pet Carrier is a very simple, affordable option that does the job. It’s accepted by most major airlines. Plus, it has proper ventilation and locking zippers for comfort and safety.

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16. Backpack

Backpacks can work for a variety of outings, including activities like hiking and going in crowded public places. The PetAmi Deluxe Backpack Cat Carrier comes in many colors, and it is incredibly solid and well-stitched.

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17. Collapsible Food and Water Bowls

If you’ll be out for extended periods, it’s a good idea to bring along some collapsible food and water bowls.

The SLSON Store Collapsible Pet Bowls are a simple, efficient choice for the road. Plus, they come with attachment pieces to link them to backpacks and other travel luggage.

Bathroom Supplies

Of course, last but certainly not least, you have bathroom essentials. Your kitty will need to do their business—probably more times a day than you’d like. So, in order to make the most of litter box maintenance, here are your necessary supplies.

18. Litter Box

There are all sorts of litter boxes on the market. Some will work better than others, and you will have your preferences, too. Here are two different types of litter boxes, along with their perks and downfalls.

Automatic Litter Box

Automatic litter boxes have tons of convenient features. They clean themselves, many are customizable, and they save you a lot of time.

The Cleanpethome Store Cleanpethome Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box is a litter box that connects right to your smartphone. It’s excellent for odor control, cleaning management, and proper use of litter.

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Standard Litter Box 

Standard litter boxes are simple to use and available in most places. They can come in several materials, but the most common option is plastic.

The Iris USA Open Top Cat Litter Box is an efficient choice with a guard to ensure no messes get all over your floor.

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19. Scooper

Many scoopers generally come with the litter box in question, but not all. So, if you need to purchase separately, here is a really terrific product.

We recommend the Duranimals Durascoop because it is made of heavy-duty metal that won’t bend and is really easy to sanitize!

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20. Litter

Litter is a crucial element of cat care. Even though it might seem like a no-brainer, not all litters are created equal. You can purchase either clumping or non-clumping varieties.

Clay Litter 

Clay litter is one of the most classic choices. It’s available virtually everywhere and you can buy it in lightweight, scented, or non-clumping selections.

Tidy Cats Glade Clumping Cat Litter is terrific for reducing litter and adhering to waste. Plus, it comes in a large tub for convenience—you can choose between 14, 20, and 35 pounds.

Paper Litter

Paper litter is often made out of recycled paper materials. Brands like Fresh News offer ammonia-locking, unscented, non-clumping pellets that are low-tracking and biodegradable.

Crystal Litter 

Crystal cat litter uses tiny silica pebbles designed to remove odors. These litters are usually low-tracking and non-clumping.

Petsafe Scoop-Free Premium Crystal Cat Litter is 99% dust-free and compatible with various litter boxes, including automatic varieties. It’s especially compatible with the PetSafe Deluxe Crystal Litter Box.

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21. Litter Additive

While we love our cats, we don’t love the smells that their litter boxes produce, especially if you live in a small space like an apartment. Luckily, there are litter additives that you can add to the litter that help deodorize and reduce the smells.

Our pick for a litter additive is the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder. It is formulated with bio-enzymes to help reduce smells so you don’t have to change the litter as frequently. It’s made with eco-friendly components and can also be used to help reduce odors on carpets and other surfaces as well!

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22. Enzyme Cleaner

When it comes to using the litter box, even the most well-trained cat may have accidents, or go outside the litter box if you’re behind on cleaning. When accidents happen, you need an enzymatic cleaner to clean up the mess and help remove stains and odors from your floors, fabrics, and other surfaces.

We like the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator Spray for this purpose. It has a neutral scent for sensitive cat and human noses, but can effectively remove stains and odors from cat urine, poop, vomit, and more. It works on any surface and comes in a 32-ounce bottle to ensure you don’t run out for a while!

Grooming Supplies

23. No-Rinse Shampoo

Have you ever tried to bathe a cat? It’s not easy. But unfortunately, our cats get dirty sometimes, so much so that even their regular grooming isn’t enough to get them clean.

That’s where a product such as a no-rinse shampoo comes in handy, and the Hepper Waterless No-Rinse Shampoo is a great option to consider. This shampoo foams with only one pump, and it has a cucumber and aloe scent to leave your cat smelling fresh. It’s also free from parabens, synthetic dyes, and sulfates, and as the name suggests, you don’t have to worry about trying to rinse it off.

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24. Pet Wipes

If your cat is only a little bit dirty or you don’t have time for the no-rinse shampoo treatment, or you have a hairless cat that needs more skin maintenance, you can also use pet wipes to wipe your pet down.

The Hepper Pet Wash Wipes are a great choice, and they have the same cucumber and aloe scent as the dry shampoo above. They’re also hypoallergenic and 100% alcohol-free, so they won’t irritate your cat’s skin.

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25. Brush

Most cats can get hair everywhere, even if their hair is short, especially during shedding season. Brushing your cat with a deshedding brush can help remove some of this hair so it doesn’t get all over your furniture. It’s also great for removing tangles and mats from long-haired cats.

Our favorite deshedding brush for cats is the Hepper Deshedding Brush. It works for cats with hair of any length, and it comes in three colors so you can pick your favorite. And with the push of a button, the hair is released from the brush for easy cleaning.

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26. Nail Clippers

Sharpening their claws are part of a cat’s natural instincts, but they can also quickly destroy anything they get ahold of, including your furniture, rugs, and even your walls. Declawing has shown to cause more harm than good in cats, so instead of going that route, you can keep your cat’s nails clipped down with some cat nail clippers.

The Hepper Cat Nail Clipper Kit comes with small and large cat nail clippers, a nail file, and a storage pouch. The clippers have a safety guard and lock to prevent cutting too deep, and they are made of durable stainless steel.

Conclusion

So, this should provide you with a very good start on taking care of your kitten or cat. These are just a few basic ideas to get you started, but you can get the right supplies for your setup. Some things on this list are optional, but they’re certainly good products to have on hand.

Owning a cat is a big expense, and it’s best to be prepared with items before you even bring them home. Make sure to cross all your needed items off the list first.

Also see:

• Benefits of Neutering or Spaying a Cat: Vet-Reviewed Facts
• Spending Money on My Cat: How to Make Miki Appreciate My Efforts

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Featured Image Credit: Top Photo Engineer, Shutterstock