New Cat Checklist: Essential Cat Supplies for the First Week

Bringing home a new cat, whether a kitten or an adult, goes more smoothly when the essentials are waiting before they arrive. This new cat checklist covers the supplies most households need for the first week, from a proper litter setup to a quiet space where your cat can settle in at their own pace. Adjust the details based on your cat's age, history and personality.

Set Up a Quiet Room First

Cats generally settle in better when they start in one small, quiet room rather than exploring the whole house right away. Fill the room with food, water, a litter box, a bed and a hiding spot such as a covered bed or a box, then let your cat come out and explore on their own schedule. Expanding their territory gradually, room by room, tends to build confidence faster than open access from day one. Keep the household calm during this period, and let other pets and family members meet your new cat gradually rather than all at once.

Litter Box Basics

A common guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one extra, placed in quiet, accessible spots around the home. Scoop daily and keep the box away from food and water so your cat associates the area with a clean, private routine. Browse litter boxes and accessories to find a size and style that suits your space, and consider a litter deodorizer between full changes.

Identification and Microchipping

Even indoor cats benefit from an ID tag on a breakaway collar, since a startled cat can slip outside unexpectedly. Ask your vet about microchipping at an early visit for a permanent form of identification that stays with your cat regardless of a collar.

Feeding and Water Supplies

A steady routine helps a new cat feel secure, so aim for consistent feeding times and fresh water available throughout the day.

Bowls and Fresh Water

Wide, shallow bowls are often more comfortable than deep ones, since some cats dislike their whiskers brushing against the sides. Many cats also drink more when their water is fresh and easy to reach throughout the day. Look through bowls, feeders and food storage to set up a feeding station that is easy to keep clean.

Choosing a Food

Ask your vet, shelter or breeder what your cat has been eating, and keep them on that food for the first several days while they adjust. If you plan to switch foods, transition gradually over a week or two by mixing in more of the new food each day, and check with your vet if you notice ongoing digestive upset.

Scratching, Climbing and Enrichment

Scratching is a natural behavior, so giving your cat an appealing outlet from day one helps protect your furniture. A sturdy scratching post or cat tree near a favorite resting spot gives them a place to stretch, scratch and climb. Explore cat trees and scratchers to find an option that fits your space and your cat's energy level.

Toys and Playtime

Short, regular play sessions help a new cat burn energy and build trust with you. Rotate a few toys rather than leaving everything out at once, and always supervise play with anything small or string-like so nothing gets swallowed. Browse cat toys for a mix of wand toys, balls and puzzle-style options to keep your cat engaged.

A Comfortable Place to Rest

Cats spend much of the day resting, so a soft bed placed somewhere warm and quiet is worth setting up early, even if your cat also claims your favorite chair. Look through cat beds for options that suit your cat's favorite sleeping style, whether they prefer to curl up or stretch out.

Grooming and Coat Care

Regular, gentle brushing helps reduce shedding and loose hair around the house, and it gives you a chance to check for mats, lumps or skin changes worth mentioning to your vet. Start with short sessions and a brush suited to your cat's coat length, using treats and a calm voice to keep the experience positive. Longer-haired cats generally need more frequent brushing than short-haired cats to prevent tangles from forming near the legs, tail and belly. Browse brushes and grooming tools to find one that matches your cat's coat.

Carriers and Travel

A secure carrier makes vet visits and any future travel far less stressful for both of you. Leave the carrier out with a soft blanket inside during the first week so your cat can explore it on their own terms, rather than only seeing it right before a car ride. See carriers and car travel options sized for your cat.

Scheduling a First Vet Visit

Plan a vet visit soon after your cat arrives, even if they seem perfectly healthy. Your vet can check on general health, talk through a vaccination schedule, and answer questions about feeding amounts or litter habits as your cat settles in. It's also a good time to ask about microchipping if you haven't already, and to mention any early concerns about eating, litter box use or energy levels.

Quick checklist

• A quiet room set up with food, water, litter and a hiding spot
• Litter boxes following the one-per-cat-plus-one guideline
• ID tag on a breakaway collar, plus a microchipping conversation with your vet
• Food and water bowls, and the same food your cat is already eating
• A scratching post or cat tree and a few rotating toys
• A soft bed in a warm, quiet spot
• A brush suited to your cat's coat, introduced gradually
• A secure carrier left out for your cat to explore early on