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ANIMALSO
Breeding

What Supplies Do You Need Before Bringing Home a Cat?

Prepare food and water dishes, litter, a sturdy carrier, scratching material, toys, and a quiet, pet-proofed room before your cat arrives.

By Animalso Team 4 min read

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Before your cat arrives, have food and water dishes, suitable food, a litter box and litter, a secure carrier, scratching material, toys, and a quiet place to rest ready. Set them up in a safe starter room, then ask a veterinarian about diet and preventive care for your cat’s age and health.

What to buy before your cat comes home

Start with the essentials below. A shelter, rescue, or previous caregiver can tell you what the cat is already eating and whether it has known preferences or needs.

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  • Food and a food dish: Choose food appropriate to the cat’s age and health. The right diet and amount can vary with age, activity, and health, so ask a veterinarian for advice. ASPCA includes food and a food bowl in its cat-care checklist.
  • Water bowl: Set out fresh water in a separate dish. ASPCA also lists a water bowl among basic supplies.
  • Litter box and litter: Have both ready before arrival. Choose a box the cat can access comfortably, and be prepared to adjust if the cat shows a preference for a different box or litter texture. ASPCA recommends placing the box in a quiet, accessible spot away from food and scooping waste at least daily; in a multilevel home, it recommends a box on each floor. See its guidance on litter box problems.
  • Secure carrier: You will need one for the journey home and future trips. International Cat Care recommends a safe, comfortable carrier for every journey and describes sturdy plastic carriers as robust and escape-resistant in its kitten-care booklet. A determined cat may get out of some zippered fabric carriers; cardboard or temporary plastic carriers may not hold up to escape attempts or wet conditions.
  • Scratching post or pad: Provide an appropriate place to scratch. ASPCA recommends a stable post at least three feet high with a rough surface such as sisal, burlap, or tree bark, and notes that many cats also like scratching pads. A particular style may not suit every cat; see its general cat-care guidance.
  • Toys: ASPCA includes interactive toys on its checklist. A few are enough to start.
  • A bed, blanket, or towel: Prepare a comfortable resting place. A box with a warm blanket or towel can serve, too, according to ASPCA’s checklist.
  • Brush and comb: ASPCA lists both as supplies. The best grooming tools depend on the cat and its coat.
  • Safety collar and ID tag: ASPCA includes a safety cat collar with an ID tag on its list. A collar is not a substitute for safe containment or other identification arrangements.

How to prepare a safe starter space

Choose a quiet room that can be closed off while your cat gets used to the home. Put food, water, litter, and a resting place there, with the litter area away from the food. You can leave the carrier open as a familiar hiding or resting option and add a few toys. The AVMA’s Select a Cat brochure puts the basics simply: “Before bringing your new cat home, prepare places for it to eat, sleep, and eliminate.”

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Before the cat explores, secure cords, windows, and doors; remove poisonous plants and keep toxic chemicals out of reach. Open windows should have secure screens. These precautions are included in ASPCA’s adoption tips and AVMA guidance. Let the cat adjust gradually: ASPCA’s advice for moving with a pet describes starting with one room as a home base before opening up more of the home, a useful approach for a new arrival as well. See Moving With Your Pet.

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Choose essentials for the individual cat

Food and health care

Ask the shelter, former caregiver, or veterinarian what the cat has been eating and whether it has health or dietary needs. Arrange a veterinary visit to discuss an appropriate diet, vaccinations, and preventive care. ASPCA advises veterinary visits at least once a year and notes that vaccination recommendations depend on a cat’s age and health; a veterinarian can advise on the right plan for your cat.

Litter and scratching options

There is no single litter texture or box style established as right for every cat. Start with an accessible box in a suitable location, keep it clean, and observe what the cat uses comfortably. For scratching, prioritize a stable post with a rough surface or provide a pad; the ASPCA height recommendation is at least three feet for a post.

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Carrier safety

Prioritize secure closure, sturdiness, and a comfortable space for the cat. No brand or carrier design is established as best for every cat, so choose a carrier you can use safely and reliably.

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A practical first-day checklist

  1. Set up a quiet room with food and water dishes, litter box and litter, and a bed or blanket.
  2. Bring the cat home in a secure carrier; leave it open in the starter room if the cat wants to use it as a retreat.
  3. Offer scratching material and a few toys, and allow the cat time to settle before expanding access to the home.
  4. Book a veterinary visit to discuss food and preventive care based on the cat’s age and health.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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