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!
First-Time Cat Owner Essentials: Everything You Actually Need for a New Cat
18
items I grew up more of a dog person, so getting Whenny was a whole new experience for me. I quickly realized that cats have their own preferences, routines, and very strong opinions about what they will and won't tolerate. 😂 If you're getting your first ...
Sections
5
Food & Water (Non-Negotiables) 🥣
Litter Box Setup 🐈
Scratching & Comfort 🛋️
Toys & Play 🧶
Grooming & Health ✂️
Food & Water (Non-Negotiables) 🥣
New cats thrive on consistency + hydration. Tip: wet food = hydration, dry food = convenience. Use both.
I like having wet food as part of my cat’s meals because it adds moisture to their diet. It’s also a good option for cats who aren’t big water drinkers.
Start Them Off On The Right Paw With Weruva Kitten Foods
If you’re getting a cat for the first time, I’d buy one smaller bag first instead of stocking up. Cats can be surprisingly picky, and you don’t want to end up with a giant bag of food your cat refuses to eat. 😅
Dry Cat Food 3 lb - Chicken, Liver, Turkey
I’d go for a bowl that’s wide and shallow rather than a deep one. Cats can be picky about their whiskers touching the sides, and ceramic is also easy to clean. This one comes with a stand, so it keeps the bowls raised and stable.
🍽️ Shallow Elevated Ceramic Cat Bowls
I’d recommend a fountain instead of relying on one little water bowl. Some cats prefer moving water, and I like that this one is stainless steel and easy to keep clean. Just remember that a fountain still needs regular cleaning and fresh water.
💧 Stainless-Steel Cat Water Fountain
Litter Box Setup 🐈
The litter box was one of the first things I realized I couldn't cheap out on. Cats can be surprisingly picky about texture, smell and cleanliness.
Cat Litter Boxes, Pans & Trays (Free Shipping)
I prefer metal over plastic because it’s sturdier, easy to wash, and doesn’t hold onto odors as easily. A good scoop can last for years instead of becoming another thing you need to replace.
Metal Cat Litter Scoop
One of those things you don't realize you need until litter is everywhere. This catches loose litter from your cat's paws and makes cleanup much easier.
🐾 Silicone Litter Mat
If the litter box starts getting smelly between cleanings, this is a good add-on. I prefer an unscented deodorizer so you're controlling the odor without adding a strong fragrance.
🌿 Unscented Cat Litter Deodorizer
I prefer litter with larger particles because some very fine litters get everywhere. This is one I'd consider if dust is a concern.
Cassava Cat Litter
🌱 Another low-dust option
Tofu Cat Litter
♻️ Paper-based option
Cat Litter Recycled Paper
Scratching & Comfort 🛋️
I’d get a scratching post from day one. Kittens love to scratch, and giving them their own spot can help keep them from turning your sofa into their personal scratching pad. This one is 22 inches tall, so it’s a good size for kittens and smaller cats...
🐾 Kitten Scratching Post
I’d get a small, washable bed rather than spending a lot on one. Cats will sometimes ignore the fancy bed and sleep somewhere completely random 😂, but having a soft, dedicated spot gives them somewhere cozy to settle. I also like that this one is ma...
🛏️ Cozy Cat Bed
If you have the space, I’d get a cat tree early. It gives your kitten a place to climb, scratch, play, hide, and nap instead of trying to make your furniture do all of that. I like this one because it has a little bit of everything without being ridi...
Modern Cat Trees, Condos & Scratchers for Stylish Homes
Toys & Play 🧶
You really don't need to buy a lot of toys at first. Cats can be surprisingly picky, so I'd start with just a couple of different types and see what your cat actually enjoys. Once you know their favorites, you can add more instead of ending up with a...
I’d start with one wand toy like this instead of buying a bunch of different toys. This one gives you a few different attachments, so you can figure out what your cat actually likes. Cats can be picky with toys too, so there’s no need to fill the hou...
Interactive Wand Toy
Grooming & Health ✂️
I’d get a brush early, but start slowly with a kitten. Getting them used to being brushed while they’re young can make grooming much easier later. I like this one because it removes loose fur and the little button makes cleaning the brush much less a...
🧼 Self-Cleaning Cat Brush
I’d get a pair of cat nail clippers early, but don’t rush the first trim. Get your kitten used to having their paws handled first, then start with just the tips. It’s much easier when they learn that nail trimming isn't a big scary event.
✂️ Cat Nail Clippers
I’d get a carrier before bringing your cat home. You’ll need it for the trip home and eventually for vet visits, so it’s one of those things that's better to have ready before you need it. I like a soft-sided, collapsible one because it’s easy to sto...
🐱 Cat Carrier