If you’re soon to introduce a cat into your family or have very recently done so, we’re sure you’ll be excited to make them feel welcome and at home. While they don’t need an overwhelming amount of items, there are some essentials that your new furry companion will need to ensure they’re happy and healthy.
For first-time cat owners, we’ve put together this convenient guide to help you with what you need for a cat. Below, we cover all of the essential products to keep your cat properly cared for and what to bear in mind when you’re choosing them.
What do I need to buy for a new cat?
When choosing cat products for your new furry family member, you only need a handful of them, though ensuring they are the right choice is essential. So, we’ve given a complete rundown of what cat products you will need and their qualities to bear in mind. Our list of new cat essentials is as follows:
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Food
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A cat food dispenser or bowl
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A cat water fountain or bowl
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Cat flaps
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A litter tray
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A bed
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A scratching post
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Toys
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A cat carrier
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A cat brush
Food
As a first priority, stocking up on cat food when first welcoming a cat into your home is, of course, essential. Whether you opt for dry food or wet food will depend on your cat’s preference, as each comes with different benefits. For example, dry food can be cheaper and longer-lasting, while wet food contains more water for hydration and offers variety in flavours and textures.
Cat food dispenser or bowl
You’re going to have to put their food somewhere! The material and size of the bowl you choose are all important, with a shallow stainless steel or ceramic bowl being most preferable. Our useful guide to the best cat bowls explains the qualities of different bowls.
Though a bowl is fine, an automatic cat feeder provides many more benefits, making your feline friend’s mealtimes much easier. Automatically dispensing food at times of your choosing, they help to feed your cat even when you’re not at home, and make portion control really simple. Many of our options also have airtight designs to help preserve the freshness of your cat’s food.
Cat fountain or bowl
As well as your cat’s food bowl, a bowl for water is another essential for a first-time cat owner. Bearing in mind the material and shape choices mentioned above, a quality bowl is a good investment. However, a cat water fountain makes for a much better experience for your cat.
Cats are naturally drawn to flowing water as a result of their wild instincts, where water from running rivers or streams would be the safest to drink for their ancestors. Similarly, a cat fountain will offer a much more preferable option for your cat, offering naturally oxygenated water that keeps out contaminants through its filters. Therefore, a fountain is an excellent option for clean, fresh water.
Cat flaps
A cat flap gives your cat the freedom to explore your outdoor space whenever they please. There are many varieties of cat flaps, and they have different features for security and convenience. In our Closer Pets range of cat flaps, you can find microchip cat flaps, magnetic cat flaps, manual cat flaps, and many more with innovative designs to suit your purr-references.
For more information on the different types and which might be best for your furry friend, take a look at our guide to cat flaps and dog doors.
Litter tray
Some cats may prefer to toilet outdoors, though those without the right outdoor space will need a litter tray for them to do their business.
A smart cat toilet is the ideal option to make things simple. Saving you from repeated cleaning, smart toilets remove waste automatically, thanks to their rotational design to keep the toilet fresh and clean after every use. Disposing of the litter is then a simple process, falling into an odour-free depository below that is easy to clean.
Bed
Cats are well known for loving a good snooze. In fact, a cat will sleep for an average of 15 hours per day! So, getting a good-quality bed for them will give them somewhere comfortable to sleep that they can feel safe in. When choosing a bed, ensure that it’s the right size for your cat, made from soft, comfy materials, and in a quiet spot where they’ll feel secure.
Scratching post
Your cat will want to keep their claws nice and sharp by scratching a surface. They’re fans of practising this behaviour on furniture and carpets, so getting a scratching post can give them somewhere to do this while avoiding any ruined furnishing cat-astrophes!
These come in various designs, with some being upright poles, wall-mounted surfaces, or even all-in-one houses that function as interactive dens!
Toys
To pass the time and have some fun, your feline friend will be looking for something to do while in your home. Therefore, getting some toys for your cat is important to keep them happily entertained. In addition, cats benefit from playtime, as it is a form of exercise for them, stimulates their senses, and prevents behavioural problems.
Cat toys come in a range of forms, including balls, dangling teasers, soft toys, and many varieties for them to play with. All of these are great for enjoying some quality bonding time with them!
Cat carrier
A cat carrier is a container that allows you to transport your cat from place to place easily when necessary. These may be needed if you’re visiting the vet or transferring your cat to a temporary home. When choosing a carrier, make sure it is large enough to provide enough room for your cat, durable, and comfortable.
Cat brush
Cats will spend a great deal of time washing themselves, though they do need a little help from humans from time to time to keep their fur in top condition and tangle-free, prevent hairballs, and reduce shedding. This is especially important for varieties with longer fur that will need a little more management.
Cat brushes come in many varieties, with softer or firmer bristles and ergonomic designs that change from type to type. When making your choice, consider the length of your cat's fur, the brush’s ease of use, and how simple it is to clean.
Cutting-edge cat supplies at Closer Pets
Now that you know what you need to buy for a new cat as a first-time cat owner, you can start on making your home the paw-fect place for them by getting them all of the essentials. While you do so, you can easily find a selection of high-quality cat products at Closer Pets!
We offer many useful, innovative cat products that help to simplify caring for your cat with a range of handy features. With cleverly locking cat flaps, convenient automatic cat feeders, and refreshing cat water fountains, you can provide the ideal space for your cats with our advanced supplies.
If you’d like to know more about our cat products or would like assistance with choosing the right model for your feline friend, get in touch with us today, and we’ll be happy to help you out!