The New Cat Owner’s Checklist

Gibson. A well loved, flame point Siamese who was adopted from a Siamese Cat Rescue.

The New Cat Owner’s Checklist

Adopting your very first cat, or bringing home a new addition to your kitty tribe always means a fun shopping trip to your local pet supply store, or your favorite online pet supply source. Here’s our list of all the essential things, and people you’ll need to give your new cat their best life.

The book: Total Cat Mojo

Total Cat Mojo by Jackson Galaxy.  Hands down, the best cat guide. Jackson Galaxy tells you everything you need to know about your cat’s behavior, their essential needs, and everything your cat needs to live their best life, with you.

Cat health savings account.

Cats have regular health needs throughout their life.  Annual vet visits, dental cleanings and more extensive care as they age.  Starting a savings account for your cat when you adopt, and setting a little aside each month makes it easier on you when you get an unexpected Vet bill, or when they reach the age when they may require more intensive care.

Cat Carrier

Keep your cat safe. Carriers are the easiest, safest way to transport your cat anywhere.

Microchip your cat

Microchips are shown to be the most effective method for identifying and returning lost cats to their owners. Keeping your contact info up to date annually is very easy. Cats adopted from reputable Rescue organizations will usually come microchipped. Your veterinarian can also do this for a small fee.

Breakaway collar with ID

If your cat ventures outside they need a ID.  A Breakaway collar is the safest bet, in case they’re ever caught on something.  Microchip is still recommended even if your cat wears a collar.

Cat appropriate Leash and Harness

If your cat might be a walking or adventure cat.  Not all cats like the leash and harness or like being outdoors.  Get to know your cat a little bit before buying this accessory.

Food

What to feed your cat.  Cats are healthiest on a commercial raw food, or wet food diet.  Cats who eat kibbles are more prone to obesity, diabetes and other sugar related health issues. 

Food dishes

Stainless steel dishes are the recommended.  Easy to clean, especially if you’re feeding wet food. If you have dogs in the house, a microchip activated cat feeder may be a appropriate.

Water fountain

Cats love clean, fresh water.  Clean the water fountain weekly and replace filter regularly.  If a water fountain isn’t your jam, your cat will drink more water from a shallow bowl that is placed at least 6 feet away from their feeding station. Give them a clean bowl and fresh, clean water every day.

Nail clippers and brush

Nail trims and brushing help to keep your cat healthy, and keep your home clean.

Litter Box

In my opinion, Modkat makes the best litter boxes in the world. Don’t waste your money with automatic litters.  The old fashioned box and scooper are still the most efficient and clean method for dealing with the litter box.

Perfume free, dust free natural cat litter. 

Toys

Teaser toys, critter toys, mousie toys, cat nip

Scratcher post and Scratcher pads. 

Cats need to scratch, and if you like your furniture scratching posts, pads and guards are essential.  You can find traditional scratch posts at places like Chewy.com or Petco.com. If you looking for cat scratchers and trees with a more modern aesthetic try the selection from Hauspanther.

Cat Beds and blankets

Cats love cozy places and soft textures. Some cats prefer fleece or shearling, some prefer terry cloth towels, others prefer your laundry basket of dirty clothes. Some cats might like a plain old cardboard box, or sleeping in the cat tree.  The trick is to offer them several spots around the house, and take notice of their favorite snoozing and nap spots and place beds in those areas.

Veterinarian

If you have a cats-only veterinarian in your area, that’s great!   Otherwise, look for a veterinarian that might make special accommodations for cat-friendly space and cat-friendly handing within their practice.

Emergency Veterinarian

Know where your local emergency veterinarian is located and note their business hours.  Cats sometimes have crisis in the middle of the night.

Cat Groomer

Some cats require regular or seasonal grooming.  It’s best to go with a cat’s – only groomer, but if one is not available find a groomer who will make special accommodate for cats, and does not use crates, globes or dryer cages for cat grooming.  Another good alternative is a mobile cat groomer.

A tip – training your cat for bath time from an early age, and making it a pleasant experience for them will save you a lot of money.  Regular brushing and nail trims for long hair cats can also help with reducing the frequency of groomer visits.

A Cat Sitter

Cats are social animals, and they miss you when you’re away. Sometimes friends and family can help with cat care, but if you want someone who really gets your cats and can be counted on to show up and care for your cats, hire a professional pet sitter. Now more than ever before there are Cats-Only pet sitters like Meow Cat Sitting, LLC in most towns, who specialize in cat care. Knowing your cats can stay at home, in their own familiar environment and enjoy visits from a friendly, experienced cat care professional is well worth it.

In closing…

Cats are wonderful companions who can bring you joy, fun and friendship for 20 years or more. They deserve all the love, care and cool toys you can give them.