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The list of things you could buy for a cat is endless. The list of things a cat actually needs on the first day is short. This guide separates the two so you can spend your money and your energy where they matter.
What you need before day one
- A litter box, litter and a scoop — one box per cat, plus one spare
- Food and water bowls placed away from the litter box
- Whichever food your cat is already eating, so nothing changes at once
- A carrier that opens from the top as well as the front
- A quiet room with a closable door for the settling-in period
- One sturdy scratching surface, ideally tall enough for a full stretch
Set up the quiet room first
Most cats settle faster in one small, predictable space than in an entire house. Put the litter box, food, water, a bed and a hiding spot in a single room and let your cat expand outwards at their own pace.
What can wait a week or two
Cat trees, fountains, window perches and toy collections are all worth owning eventually. Buying them after you have met your cat means you buy the version they will actually use rather than the version that looked nice online.
| Item | When to buy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Litter box and litter | Before arrival | Non-negotiable on day one |
| Current food | Before arrival | Avoids a diet change during stress |
| Carrier | Before arrival | Needed for transport and vet visits |
| Scratching post | Before arrival | Protects furniture from the start |
| Cat tree | After a week | Buy for your cat’s climbing habits |
| Water fountain | After a week | Some cats prefer a still bowl |
Book a veterinary check early
Arrange a general health check with your own veterinarian soon after adoption, and contact them promptly about any symptom that worries you. This article is general information and does not diagnose or treat any condition.
The first 48 hours
Expect hiding. Expect a cat who eats overnight rather than while you watch. Keep visitors to a minimum, keep routines boringly consistent and let curiosity do the work.
Give a new cat less space and more time. Both of you will get further, faster.
Litter box setup — best for First-time cat parents: See our comparison of litter boxes for multi-cat homes for sizing and placement advice.
Sources and references
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Contented Kitty may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Contented Kitty provides general educational information only. It does not diagnose conditions and is not a substitute for care from a licensed veterinarian. Always speak to your own vet about your cat.