Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Essentials for New Cat Parents
74
items It can be daunting to adopt your first cat! As a long-time cat mom to Zozo and Phanny, I can help you find everything you need to help your cat transition successfully into your home.
Sections
9
The Basics
Beyond the Basics: Eating & Drinking
Beyond the Basics: Litter Boxes
Beyond the Basics: Cat Travel
Beyond the Basics: Cat Toys
Beyond the Basics: Cat Furniture
The Basics
It's hard to know what products are necessary, standard, or over-the-top for your new kitty! These are specific recs of absolute must-have items — that are still high quality.
This is the food I give my cats, and they love it! If you have a kitten, you should get kitten-specific food. If the cat is currently eating a different food, you should transition slowly to this one.
DRY FOOD: Taste of the Wild Canyon River Cat Food
Kittens need special food, so start with this if you're adopting a young one!
DRY FOOD FOR KITTENS: Acana Highest Protein Kitten Dry Cat Food
Wet food is an important part of a cat's diet. To be honest, my cats really don't like wet food :/ but every other cat I've ever met loves it!
WET FOOD: Chewy Made Pate Variety Pack Wet Food
Likewise, kittens need special wet food, too!
WET FOOD FOR KITTENS: Sheba Perfect Portions Kitten Variety Pack
Sturdy, sanitary, and cute bowls for your cat's food and water!
FOOD & WATER BOWLS: Coastal Fish Non-Skid Ceramic Cat Bowl
Probably the #1 thing you will need for your new kitty is a litter box! This is a good, basic litter box that allows you to use the hood or take it off, if you find your cat isn't into it. If you want to upgrade later or start with the fancier stuff,...
LITTER BOX: Nature’s Miracle Silver Oval Hooded Litter Box
This is the cat litter I used and loved for years! You should transition slowly from their current cat litter to this one. (Also see below for an alt. that my cat with allergies uses.)
LITTER: Ever Clean Extra Strength Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
This metal scooper is hefty enough for the big clumps in the litter box.
SCOOPER: Metal Litter Scoop
You can use any ol' bag to dispose of the cat litter, but having odor sealing bags is a game-changer if you don't take it out every time you scoop. (Trust me, you probably won't.)
BAGS: Bos Best Odor-Sealing Cat Litter Bags
This basic cat tree provides scratching spots, lounge spots, and a hiding area. It's a perfect 3-in-1 basic for your cat! If you don't get this, definitely get both a hiding/cave cat bed and a scratching post.
SCRATCHING TREE: Feandrea Cat Tree & Condo
Your kitty will want somewhere to lounge and to scratch, and the Original Scratch Lounge Classic is perfect for both! Plus, it's a fun name to say. It's really much better than the “off-brand” competitors in terms of design and durability. My cats ar...
SCRATCH LOUNGER: The Original Scratch Lounge Classic
My parents' cats can't get enough of these treats…
TREATS: Nulo Grain-Free Lickable Cat Treats
…and my cats can't get enough of these! Plus, good for the teeth :)
TREATS: Greenies Feline Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor Adult Dental Cat Treats
It's a simple toy, but this wand is my cats' absolute favorite! A must-have.
TOY: Fabric Teaser Wand Cat Toy
These unassuming crinkle toys have been the favorites of many cats I've had over the years. If you're going to start with one toy, try this one!
TOY: Kitty Crinkle Balls Toy
A personalizable tag is necessary for a collar! This one is nice and small. My cats don't like having collars, but for long road trips, I use them. It's also important to microchip your cat!
TAG: Circle Stainless Steel Cat Tag
A breakaway collar is the best option to keep your cat safe! I just remove the bell.
COLLAR: Safe Cat Breakaway Cat Collar
A carrier is necessary for taking home your kitty, for plane visits, for emergencies, etc. This cat carrier is the gold standard, and the one I have. Though personally, my cats and I LOVE the cat bag (see the travel section, below!).
CARRIER: Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Carrier
You'll probably need to experiment a bit to find the perfect brush for your cat, but this is a great one to start with that should work for most kitties!
BRUSH: Frisco Slicker Cat Brush
Kitty nail clippers are made for their shape of nails.
CLIPPERS: Cat Nail Clipper
You will definitely need some lint rollers! This is the brand I use.
LINT ROLLER: Extreme Stick Ergo Grip Pet Lint Roller
I use these wipes any time I need to clean up a little something from the cats. Plus, you can use them for general cleaning!
CLEANING WIPES: Clorox Lemon & Fresh Scent Disinfecting Wipes - 150ct/2pk
Beyond the Basics: Eating & Drinking
If you want to upgrade some of the “Basics” items above, check out the following sections with extras and alternatives. I use and love these products, too!
This is the automatic cat feeder that I use. I love it! Easy to program, pretty exact, big basin, and battery powered so I don't have to be worried about power outages! If you want to split the food for two cats, you can 3D print an insert for that!
FEEDER: Automatic Pet Feeder
Some kitties can eat too quickly and throw up. If you're seeing that issue, try this bowl!
BOWL ALT: Non-Skid Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
A lot of cats like their water moving. This is a quiet, filtering system that mimics a regular faucet!
BOWL ALT SYSTEM: Large Stainless Steel Water Fountain
Beyond the Basics: Litter Boxes
If you want to go beyond the basic litter box, there are many great options!
This is the litter box I use. I have two of them, and my cats (and I) love them! One cat uses top-entry, the other, side entry. They're big, they look nice, and they do a good pretty good job of preventing litter tracking (esp. with top-entry).
LITTER BOX ALT 1: Modkat Cat Litter Box X-Large
One of my cats, Phanny, has allergies, so I switched her from more standard litter to this one. It's been great! You will likely need to clean the litter box a bit more frequently than with clay litter, but if you're not into clay litter (valid), thi...
LITTER ALT: Dofu Cat Unscented Clumping Tofu Cat Litter
These make life so much easier! Rather than having to go to the trash every time I scoop the litter boxes, I use this and only have to take out the litter every couple of weeks! Game changer. This only works if it keeps the smell down, of course — and, it does!
BAG ALT SYSTEM: Litter Genie Plus Cat Litter Disposal System
Having a mat outside your litter box can really reduce the mess and save litter. I have this mat and love that it catches the litter.
LITTER MAT: MeowLitter Cat Litter Mat
I use this spray for the litter box, since I keep one in the living room. It seems to help keep down the smell!
LITTER BOX SPRAY: Zero Odor Litter Spray
My friend uses this system for their cat, and it's a breeze (oops, I guess that's a pun!)
LITTER BOX ALT 2: Breeze Cat Litter Box System
There's no doubt that this is an expensive litter box, but if you want one, this is the clear winner. I don't use this, but I have a friend who does and loves it.
LITTER BOX ALT 3: Auto Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Beyond the Basics: Cat Travel
Taking your cat on the go isn't always the easiest thing. These items have helped make the process so much easier for me — and my cats!
I know it looks silly, but I swear by the cat bag! My cats hate being confined to a carrier where they can't see, and these bags calm them down so much during travel! Driving with them is barely an issue at all now!
CAT BAG: Cat in a Bag E-Z Zip Cat Carrier Bag
This is the portable litter box I have. It's been great in airports and on long drives. It also comes with a collapsable bowl! Just bring a bag of your regular litter with you to use this.
PORTABLE LITTER BOX: Collapsible Portable Litter Box
Just in case your cat isn't so into travel, having pee pads is very useful. If you're using the carrier, put one in the bottom to catch any mess!
PEE PADS: Wee-Wee Cat Pee Pads
A collapsable bowl for food or water is great for travel, especially long trips.
TRAVEL BOWL: Collapsible Silicone Travel Cat Bowl
Cat not a great traveler? Try some calming treat “meds” to help!
CALMING TREATS: Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Cats
Beyond the Basics: Cat Toys
It's a good idea to try many types of cat toys and see what your cat responds to most. Here are some of my faves!
Most cats seem to love a fishing rod-style string toy, and this is a lovely high quality one!
STRING TOY: Cat Wands Toy
Simply adorable! Note that these little veggies are infused with catnip.
CATNIP TOY: Wool Vegetable Cat Toys - Choose Your Veggie
Made from recycled bottles and oh so cute!
CATNIP TOY: Grrreen Arctic Hare Catnip Plush Cat Toy
This catnip toy is beloved by cats! It's big enough for them to hold with both their front and back legs, and it's cute!
BIG CATNIP TOY: Crinkle Fish Cat Toy with Catnip
Adorable little sushis for your cat that are safe for them, too!
TOY: Felted Wool Sushi Cat Toy Set
This cute basic laser pointer is a classic kitty toy. See the “Preparatory Reading” section for more on laser pointers!
LASER POINTER: SmartyKat Feline Flash Laser Pointer Cat Toy
My parents' cats love this toy! I find this sort of thing can be hit or miss, but if you cats love it, it's a great toy for them to use on their own.
INTERACTIVE TOY: Tower of Tracks Interactive Cat Toy
My cat Zozo loves her crinkly tunnel where she can hide and play!
TUNNEL: Foldable Play Tunnel with Mesh
Beyond the Basics: Cat Furniture
There are some pretty cool cat furniture/post/tree options, and these are some of my faves!
This is a cute and classy cat tree that's again 3-in-1: scratcher, hiding place, and lounge area!
SCRATCHING TREE ALT 1: Nono Pets Multi-Level Space-Saving Modern Cat Tree Tower
If you want a big ol' cat tree, this is a great one!
SCRATCHING TREE ALT 2: Multi-Level Cat Tree
This is basically a piece of furniture it's so nice! Perfect for small cats.
SMALL SCRATCHING TREE: Modern Cat Condo Nightstand
There are so many options with this wall furniture for cats! Cats love being up high, so these are PERFECT!
WALL SET: Cat Wall Furniture Set
Cats love feeling safe in a little cave, and this bed is cute and safe! Loooove!
CAT BED: Rawry Wooden Pet Cabin for Cats
Adorable! Some cats like this style, others like them less. One of my parents' cat loves his!
CAT BED: Felt Cat Cave Mushroom
My cats love this scratching post, and I think it looks pretty sleek, too!
SCRATCHING POST: The Ultimate 32-in Sisal Cat Scratching Post
Your cats will love to look out the window, and this perch makes it super easy! There are many options for this sort of thing, but this one is very highly rated.
WINDOW BED: K&H Window Lounger Cat Perch
My kitties love this little scratcher, and it has lasted a long time!
SCRATCHER: Catify Sloped Sisal Cat Scratcher, Cream
This is a highly rated window catio that will allow your cats to get some time outside — safely!
CATIO: 68-in Outdoor Wooden Cat Window Box Catio
Beyond the Basics: A Clean House
Keeping your house clean with cats can be quite a task. These products are essential for keeping on top of it!
I have a slightly older version of this dust buster and I love it! I keep one by the litter box and one by the food bowl.
DUST BUSTER: Black+Decker Cordless Handheld VacuumCKER
I have an older version of this air filter and I love it! Actually, I have one for each room. As someone with some cat allergies, they're lifesavers — literally!
AIR FILTER: Blue Pure 211i Max + AllergenBlock Filter Bundle
My whole fam is a huge fan of the ChomChom! I highly recommend for getting fur off furniture.
PET HAIR ROLLER: ChomChom Pet Hair Remover
The go-to product for getting odor — especially urine — out of furniture or floors. Sometimes our little kitties make mistakes, and this helps make it not a big deal!
ODOR SPRAY: Nature's Miracle Odor Control Formula Cat Stain Remover
And this is great for your house, which will soon be covered in dander! I use this, too.
DANDER SPRAY: PACAGEN Allergen Neutralizing Natural Scent Cat Air Purifier Spray ...
Do kitties make you sneeze a bit? Use these wipes on your cats to help. I do!
DANDER WIPES: Burt's Bees Dander Reducing Wipes
Beyond the Basics: Cat Hygiene
Your kitties need to stay healthy, too! Use these products to help, in addition to the “basics” above.
Take it from someone who didn't do this: you want to keep your cat's teeth in good health so they don't teeth pulled or get infections later!!!
TOOTHBRUSH: Jasper Microbrush Cat Toothbrush
The Furminator looks intense, but it's a great brush that we've so much success with, especially on my family's long haired cats.
BRUSH ALT: Furminator Deshedding Tool
If your cat is traveling, being exposed to other pets, or going outside, good flea & tick medicine is critical!
FLEA/TICK MEDS: Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Preventative Meds
I've tested A LOT of pill pockets and pill pastes for my cat who has to take a daily pill, and this has come up the winner! Necessary and super helpful if/when your kitty needs a pill.
PILL POCKETS: Feline Greenies Pill Pockets Feline Natural Salmon Flavor
Preparatory Reading
Before you take home your cat, it's helpful to know what to do and expect. And there's more to learn, too! Everything you need to know is in these short articles.
Bringing home a new cat isn't as easy as sticking your kitty in the house. This article covers the basics and includes tips for introducing your cat to its new life successfully!
New Cat Checklist: Welcome Your New Feline Friend Home
Read up on the importance of spaying/neutering your cat! It's for the good of your cat and the world!
The Importance of Spaying and Neutering
It can feel like a hard decision whether to let your cats outdoors. It is generally healthier and safer for your cat to stay indoors. Outdoor cats also play an ENORMOUS role in the death of birds and small animals, so it is much better for the sake o... and maybe even a kitty friend or catio! Keep these things in mind and read up about the decision here!
Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats - American Humane Society
Declawing might sound like an easy solution for a kitty who scratches the furniture, but it's really not a great option for anyone. If you've been thinking about it, read up on it here.
Declawing: Bad for Cats and the Humans Who Love Them
Microchipping your cat is essential in case s/he gets lost! Even indoor kitties can find their ways outside — for this, I think it's better safe than sorry. :)
mChip™ Microchip Registry
A lot of common house plants can be dangerous to cats. Check this list to make sure yours aren't!
20 Popular Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats
Catnip isn't bad for cats, but it's worth knowing something about it. I don't give my cats catnip, but there shouldn't be an issue giving it to yours!
Everything You Need to Know About Catnip
Laser pointers should be used responsibly for your cat — mainly, they should be able to catch it (or a real toy) sometimes to keep them happy!
Are Laser Pointers Bad for Cats?
Some toys are safer than others for kitties, especially when your cat is left unattended. This article outlines the basics so you can feel good about your cat's safety.
Dangerous Toys for Cats