What supplies do I need for my new kitty?
- Litter box
- Cat Litter (unscented)
- Litter scoop
- Food - wet and dry - if you have a kitten it needs to be on kitten food until it is 1 year old
- Bowls - 3 (water, dry food and wet food), use metal or ceramic - plastic holds bacteria
- Scratcher
- Toys
- Bed
- Cat carrier
See our separate pages for tips on toys, scratching and cat carriers.
There are many types of litter boxes. It's nice to have a covered one or one with a raised edge to keep litter in the box. However, some long haired cats do not like the covered boxes as they may get static shocks from the plastic and may not want to use them. You should have one litter box per cat and one extra. Some cats are very fussy on their boxes. They want a private area and you should place them throughout your house if possible. Make sure you clean them every day. Cats are very clean animals and don't want a dirty toilet any more than you would!
Cat litter comes in so many different types.....clumping, non-clumping, clay, newspaper, wheat, corn, silica and more. It's hard to know what to buy! It is recommended that you purchase unscented litter whatever type you choose. Cats have a very keen sense of smell and though you may like the perfume to cover odour smells, it may overpower the cat and he may choose to do his business elsewhere.
Scratchers come in a variety of styles but are basically horizontal or vertical. Different cats prefer different types. If you see your cat scratching the carpet, get them a horizontal type. If they like to stretch and scratch the couch, get them a vertical one.
Cat beds come in so many cute styles but do I need one? Your kitty will tell you where he likes to sleep. Maybe he likes a bed. Maybe a cardboard box. Maybe he likes the couch or even your bed. He will decide. If you do purchase one, make sure it is washable or keep a blanket in it so you can wash it frequently.
