Nina Cole 
What are the cat care essentials?
Cat care essentials are the everyday supplies every cat needs to feel safe, healthy and happy at home. If you’re bringing home a new cat or kitten, the shopping list can feel endless. However, after 28 years in the pet industry, I know which supplies really matter and which end up gathering dust in a cupboard.
So I’ve put everything into one simple checklist. Whether you’re a first-time owner, adopting a rescue cat or upgrading your setup, you’ll find it all here. Save this guide to your Pinterest board, so it’s ready when you need it.
Disclosure: this post includes links to my own book on Amazon.
Your cat care essentials checklist
Short on time? Here’s the at-a-glance list. Pin it now and tick things off as you go.
- Litter tray, cat litter and a scoop
- Food and water bowls (or a water fountain)
- Good-quality complete cat food
- A sturdy cat carrier
- Scratching post or scratching pad
- A cosy cat bed and safe hiding spots
- Toys for play and enrichment
- Grooming brush and nail clippers
- Microchip, plus a quick-release collar if you choose one
- Registration with a local vet and pet insurance
The 10 cat care essentials explained
1. A litter tray, litter and scoop
First, a good litter tray is the essential you’ll use every single day. Choose one big enough for your cat to turn around in comfortably. Larger cats often prefer an extra-large or covered litter box, which also helps to contain litter scatter. As a general rule, have one tray per cat, plus one extra. Then place them somewhere quiet, away from food and water.
2. Food and water bowls
Cats can be fussy about where they eat and drink. For example, many prefer wide, shallow bowls. Most cats also drink more when their water sits a little away from their food. A cat water fountain is another great way to encourage drinking, especially for cats on dry food.
3. Good-quality complete cat food
Look for food labelled “complete”, because it contains all the nutrients your cat needs. Kittens need kitten food until they’re fully grown. If you’re adopting, ask what your cat has been eating. Then change food gradually over a week or so to avoid an upset tummy.
4. A sturdy cat carrier
You’ll need a carrier from day one, both to bring your cat home and for every vet visit after that. A top-opening carrier makes it much easier to lift a nervous cat in and out. Also, leave it out at home with a blanket inside. That way, it becomes a cosy den rather than a scary box.
5. A scratching post
Scratching is natural behaviour. In fact, it keeps claws healthy, stretches muscles and marks territory. So give your cat a sturdy scratching post that’s tall enough to stretch out fully. Your sofa will thank you! For best results, place it near where your cat sleeps or by the front door.
6. A cosy bed and safe hiding spots
Cats sleep for much of the day, so they love a warm, safe place to curl up. Many cats feel most secure up high or tucked away. As a result, a cat tree, a covered bed or even a cardboard box all count. Hiding spots are especially important for rescue cats settling into a new home.
7. Toys and enrichment
Indoor cats in particular need daily play to stay fit and avoid boredom. Wand toys let you play together, while puzzle feeders keep your cat busy when you’re out. Even short play sessions a couple of times a day make a real difference to behaviour.
8. A grooming brush and nail clippers
Regular brushing reduces hairballs and shedding. Plus, it’s a lovely bonding moment. Long-haired cats need brushing most days, whereas short-haired cats usually need it weekly. Cat-specific nail clippers are also handy for indoor cats, because their claws don’t wear down naturally.
9. A microchip and ID
A microchip is the best way to get your cat back if they ever go missing. In England, it’s now the law. Since 10 June 2024, owners must microchip their cats by 20 weeks old and keep their details up to date on a microchip database. If you choose a collar, always pick a quick-release safety collar.
10. A vet and pet insurance
Finally, register with a local vet as soon as your cat comes home. Your vet will advise on vaccinations, neutering, flea and worm treatment, and regular health checks. Pet insurance then gives you peace of mind if the unexpected happens.
Beyond the cat care essentials: a cat-safe home
The right supplies are only half the job. Before your cat arrives, check your home for these common hazards:
- Lilies: every part of the plant, including the pollen, is highly toxic to cats. Keep them out of the house altogether.
- Dog flea treatments: some contain permethrin, which is extremely dangerous to cats. If you have a dog too, only ever use cat-specific products on your cat.
- Human foods: chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins are all harmful. Despite the old image, cow’s milk often upsets cats’ tummies too.
- Essential oils and diffusers: many are toxic to cats, so check before using them at home.
- Small swallowable items: hair ties, string, ribbon and tinsel can cause serious internal blockages.
- Open windows and blind cords: fit window restrictors and tie cords up out of reach.
If you think your cat has eaten something harmful, contact your vet straight away.
Cat care essentials FAQs
What do I need before bringing a new cat home? At a minimum, you’ll need a litter tray and litter, food and water bowls, cat food, a carrier, a scratching post and somewhere cosy to sleep. You can then add everything else on the checklist over the first few weeks.
What do I need for a new kitten? Kittens need the same cat care essentials, plus kitten food and extra kitten-proofing. Because kittens are curious climbers, tidy away cables, cords and small objects.
How many litter trays does a cat need? The usual guide is one per cat, plus one extra. For example, two cats would ideally have three trays.
Do indoor cats need different supplies? Yes, indoor cats need more enrichment. That means extra toys, climbing space, scratching posts and a window to watch the world from. Daily play also helps keep them fit and content.
Do cats need to be microchipped? In England, yes. Owners must microchip pet cats by 20 weeks old and keep their contact details up to date. Elsewhere, vets still strongly recommend it, because it’s the best way to get a lost cat home.
Get your cat care essentials right from day one
Getting the cat care essentials right from the start helps your new cat settle in faster and feel safe at home. So start with the basics, add enrichment as you learn your cat’s personality, and don’t forget that vet registration.
Bringing home a new kitten? Those first months fly by, so capture them while you can. My keepsake journal, Our Kitten’s First Year: A Keepsake Journal for Photos, Paw Prints and Milestones, gives you a special place to record every first, from homecoming day to their first birthday. It also makes a lovely gift for a new cat owner.
Find Our Kitten’s First Year on Amazon UK | Amazon US
Found this helpful? Save this cat care essentials checklist to your Pinterest board and share it with a friend who’s bringing home a new kitten. For more honest reviews and practical pet tips, follow When Nina Met Ellie on Pinterest.
