There are many factors to consider when deciding to adopt a cat. One of those factors is what to get for the cat before adopting it. You may wonder, what food, toys, or litterbox should I get for my new friend? You need to buy a few supplies prior to bringing your new cat home. He should, ideally, start exploring and acclimating as soon as he gets home.

Before bringing your new cat home, try to play with him where he is currently residing. This enables him to get accustomed to your scent in a comfortable setting.

In this article, we will discuss 7 essential supplies to get before adopting a cat. So, let’s dig in.

Cat Carrier or Crate

Cat carrier or crate is required when bringing your new friend home. Carriers should be safe and strong with enough ventilation. Carriers are designed in a way so you can pick up your cat and drop them inside by opening the carrier’s roof. There are cardboard crates available too but those are not recommended because of lack of air access and if your cat is scared it can claw her way through it.

There is a simple solution if your carrier already has a conventional door that swings out. Place the carrier on its end with the door facing up when you’re ready to load your cat.

Food & Water Bowls

It is advised to keep food and water far enough apart from one another for cats who don’t like having them close by. The type of bowl is up to the owner’s and cat’s preference, but if the owner is willing to spend a little more and put in a little extra work, get a cat water fountain.

Cats are usually attracted by running water in the wild and cat water fountains mimic a river or stream very well. It will also keep your cat hydrated and healthy.

Cat Trees

Cats usually enjoy relaxing in a high, secure place and viewing the world below. So, cat trees would be a great option for them. Also make sure to get a tall and sturdy cat tree otherwise the cat will sit somewhere else, like on top of your kitchen cabinets.

Toys & Scratchers

Cats enjoy playing, so make sure you give them a range of safe cat toys. Cats love to pounce, so balls and mice with catnip inside are wonderful possibilities. Don’t give your cat toys containing little, easily-torn-off bits, such bells, feathers, or pom-poms, to prevent the risk of choking. Before providing a toy to your cat, be sure it is safe for cats.

As for additional toys, experiment with a variety of balls, teasers, catnip toys, and other household products (string, ribbons, a box). However, playing with your cat is what matters most. Take a seat for playtime once maybe twice a day. Your cats will become more socialized and bonded to you as a result.

Scratching is another instinctive behavior of cats. So, to prevent it from scratching you or your belongings, get a scratcher for cats to help with that urge. The scratcher should be as tall as the cat and has sturdy feet to prevent it from tipping over so that while scratching, she can stand on her rear paws and enjoy a good stretch.

Cat Beds

Many cats will gladly snooze wherever they want, however, a cat bed will be a preferred resting place. Cats might have some quirks when it comes to their bedding and might prefer a comfortable cardboard box to a soft, fluffy bed. Observe your cat’s behavior patterns to determine which bed he might prefer. A round bed, for instance, might work if your cat prefers to curl up while sleeping. If your cat enjoys stretching out, a mat might be the best option.

Find your cat’s favorite napping spot when it comes to location. Although it might be the ideal location for the new bed, there is no assurance he will use it.

Collar & ID Tag

Your cat should always be wearing a collar with an ID tag on it. Your name, address, and phone number ought to be printed on the tag. If your cat becomes impaled on something, such as a tree branch, the collar ought to have an automatic release that will disengage.

Check that the collar fits snugly and won’t irritate your cat’s neck or interfere with her ability to breathe and swallow. As a general rule, the distance between the collar and the neck should be large enough to accommodate two fingers. And it also makes cats look cuter so why not?

Litter Box

There are various types of litter boxes available in the market. One of them is a self-cleaning litter box, that rakes the dirtied litter after your cat uses it. Such boxes are quite expensive, and although some owners value the cleaning assistance they provide, cats can occasionally become afraid of the mechanism. A hooded litter box has a tall cover that is intended to provide some privacy for the cat while concealing the mess that is frequently present in litter boxes.

In addition, it can prevent litter from being thrown over the container’s side and onto the ground. Some cats, though, are scared of the hood and won’t use a confined litter box. Kitty litter is contained inside a simple plastic box, which is the third option.

Final Thoughts

Asking the shelter about the cat’s diet is advised for new cat owners. While feeding the cat with canned food allows the cat to drink more water, feeding the cat with dried food can be more straightforward. Over the week, or even just one day, you could perhaps provide it both canned and dry food.

Take note of your cat’s preferences, most importantly. Offer him only canned food if that’s what he likes, no need to argue.