Essential Cat Supplies: A Complete Checklist

Bringing home a cat — or making sure your current cat has everything it needs — is simpler when you work from a checklist. These are the core supplies every cat owner should have, grouped by purpose.

A cat wearing a collar with a bell and looking up

Feeding

Food and water bowls — wide, shallow bowls are more comfortable for a

cat's whiskers; stainless steel or ceramic are easy to clean.

Age-appropriate food — kitten, adult, or senior formula.
Treats — for training and bonding, in moderation.

A tabby cat eating from an orange paw-print food bowl on the grass

Litter and waste

Litter box — one per cat, plus one extra.
Cat litter — clumping, non-clumping, or natural; match to your cat's

preference.

Litter scoop and a mat to catch stray granules.

Comfort and safety

Bed or blanket — a quiet place to sleep.
Scratching post — essential to protect furniture and satisfy a natural

urge.

Carrier — a hard-sided carrier for safe vet trips.
Collar and ID tag — even for indoor cats, in case of escape.

Grooming and health

Brush or comb — reduces shedding and hairballs.
Nail clippers — keep claws trimmed.
Cat-safe shampoo — for occasional baths.

Entertainment

A rotating selection of toys (wand, puzzle feeder, balls).
A cat tree or window perch for climbing and watching.

Start with the essentials and add as you learn your cat's preferences. The goal is a comfortable, safe, and stimulating environment — not the most expensive setup.