Going from a barn cat who fended for herself to a bougie, spoiled, suburban kitty, this list of essentials are things that help my cat live her best life! Are they all “necessary”? Absolutely not haha! BUT it's our job as cat parents to spoil our fur...
Sections
5
Feeding/water
Toys/enrichment
Furniture/hideaways
Health/wellness
Litter/odor solutions
Feeding/water
With so many canned food options out there, it is easy to get overwhelmed. This is what works best for us! It goes a long way, since I only give her half of one in the morning + dry food in the evening!
PURINA PRO PLAN Chicken & Turkey Favorites Variety Pack
Fun fact: cat's don't prefer stagnant water! Not only does this make my cat actually stay hydrated, but she plays with it and it is so funny to watch!
CASFUY PWS-154 Quiet Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Water Fountain
My cat does better when she gets little meals throughout the day - this is great for sticking to a routine because cats THRIVE on routines!
ONEISALL PF05 Automatic Cat Feeder, Black, 12-cup
I keep this in my cat's automatic feeder and it goes off throughout the day - I have NEVER seen her so eager for dry food after trying this!
PURINA PRO PLAN Adult Indoor Hairball Management Turkey
If you decide to get a waterfountain, you definitely want to have replacement filters to change out so that way the water stays clean and fresh!
CASFUY PWS-154 & 133 Cat Water Fountain Replacement Filters
I keep her wet food bowl and automatic feeder on this so it doesn't accidentally get on my floor - this is SO easy to keep clean!
HAPPY & POLLY Cloud Shaped Cat & Dog Food Mat, Blue
Toys/enrichment
For the longest time, my cat would easily get bored of toys… until I found this one! I have repurchased it (no joke) 4 different times because she loves it that much and I wanted to have multiple. Who knew all it took was a $4 toy!
15.6" Feather Wand Cat Toy - Boots & Barkley™
I keep this on the window where the cat tower is and it provides all day entertainment for my kitty - get ready to hear all the squeaks and cat chirps lol!!!
Nature's Way Bird Products 2 Cup Clear View Plastic Window Bird Feeder 6.75": Suction Cup Mount, Shatterproof
Once I found out that my cat prefers shinier toys, I purchased the bulk pack of these crinkle toys. She chases them for HOURS - or at least until they get kicked under the couch haha!
This is another one of my cat's favorites - She is a major jumper and this makes it more challenging and engaging for her!
POTAROMA Dual Wand Cat Toy with Suction Cup Base
CATTV on youtube is my cat's favorite for when I leave the house! If I'm only gone for a little while, I'll leave this on for her and she watches in a trance lol!
CAT TV
Believe it or not, this was supposed to be for me LOL! However, my cat LOVES to make biscuits and roll around in it because it is seriously that soft! It is a dupe for the viral Lola Blanket
U by Bedsure GentleSoft Fluffy Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Furniture/hideaways
I have this by the window and it is my cat's favorite spot in the house! I actually keep her litter box hidden inside the bottom compartment
YAHEETECH Cat Litter Box Enclosure Cat Tree & Condo
My cat likes her alone time lol - she love to hide inside this or lounge on the top of it like a bed!
Vibrant Life Multi-Function Cat Tunnel, 32", Gray
This is my kitty's FAVORITE thing to mess with! + it's collapsible (but lets be honest, it always sits right in my living room lol!)
SmartyKat Crackle Chute Collapsible Tunnel Cat Toy with Crinkle Sound & Peek-A-Boo Window
Like many, my kitty loves to try and scratch the sides of my couch - I have 2 of these, one on each side, which has really helped
NECOICHI Premium Comfort Cat Scratcher Wall
It's important for cats to have multiple places to rest and hide - this is just another one of those that she loves!
Catstages Meow Hut, Covered Cat Bed Cave for Indoor Cats, Cozy Enclosed with Removable Cushion, 16” x 15” x 15”, For Small Pets Up to 15 lbs, Tan, Small
Health/wellness
This is so funny looking but TRUST ME it gets the job done! My cat does better on trips when she can see, so this is way better versus most cat carriers that are mesh or even solid
PECUTE Bubble with Shaded Breathable Mesh Backpack
When my girl got spayed last year, this was my ultimate lifesaver. She would NOT keep the cone on and I was so worried about her opening her incision - though she hated this, it gave me so much more peace of mind while she recovered
Suitical Recovery Suit for Cats, Black Camo, Small
Though cats are known for grooming themselves, sometimes certain areas (if you are a cat parent you know what I mean…) can use some help - these are hypoallergenic and work great!
EARTHBATH Hypo-Allergenic Fragrance Free Cat & Dog Grooming
My cat REFUSES to tolerate a bath - I rarely use this, but on the days where she's a little stinkier than normal, it is a great alternative!
WAHL Waterless No-Rinse Cat Shampoo, 7.10-fl oz bottle
Litter/odor solutions
Switching to stainless steel is a gamechanger for keeping the cat smells at bay. It's a lot more sanitary/easier to clean in general!
TOPYANGS Open Top Sifting Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box, X-Large
Again, stainless steel is the way to go! Even if you switch to a sifting litter box, you'll still need to scoop out the solids
SUNGROW Durable Metal Cat Litter Scoop for Litter Box Cleaning
Even though the pellet litter is non-tracking, I still like to put this in front of the cat tower in the even that pellets escape or she tracks dust from the dissolved pellets
DRYMATE Protective & Decorative Cat Litter Mat
If you've never tried pellet litter, let me put you on this!!! It is non-tracking, lasts forever, and DOES NOT SMELL
TIDY CATS Breeze Unscented Cat Litter Pellets, 7-lb bag
These are the key to your cats litter box not having a smell! Line the bottom of the box with a trash bag, put these at the bottom of it, and change them weekly to make sure it stays clean and smell-free!
CHEWY MADE Cat Litter Pads Unscented
When it comes to cleaning the litterbox, I am all for a “get-in-get-out” approach. These clean so quick and easily and help neutralize any lingering odors!
While this says it's for dogs, it works all the same! Natures Miracle is my favorite for pet related messes - I use this to refresh our carpets and couch and it works like a breeze!
NATURE'S MIRACLE Enzymatic Formula Advanced Stain
I keep this on the inside of the cat tower where her litter box sits to help deodorize - such a cheap option that works!