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the cat listnew cat & kitten checklist

Everything for bringing home a cat or kitten: litter setup, scratching, water, toys and a carrier for vet trips.

12 picks4 categoriesevery pick researched ✓

Updated October 2026 · save to pinterest

top picks at a glance

Litter

4 picks
Cat litter 9.6score
budget
essential #1 cat litter 2 expert picks

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Litter

best for: Most cats and most homes

Fast-clumping, low-dust, unscented clay litter. The most-recommended litter across review sites.

Type
Clumping clay
Scent
Unscented
the good & the not-so-good
  • Fast, firm clumps
  • Low dust
  • Unscented — cats often prefer it
  • Clumps can stick to plastic boxes
  • Heavy to carry
~$20typical One size
Cat litter 8.8score
budget
nice to have

Frisco Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Litter

best for: Multi-cat homes on a budget

Chewy's house brand, and the best-value clumping litter in Catster's roundup.

Type
Clumping clay
the good & the not-so-good
  • Cheaper per pound
  • Good clumping
  • Dustier than premium litters
~$15typical One size
Cat litter 7.2score
splurge
nice to have

World's Best Clumping Corn Litter

best for: People who want a lighter, natural litter

A lighter, plant-based clumping litter made from corn.

Type
Clumping corn
the good & the not-so-good
  • Much lighter than clay
  • Plant-based
  • Pricier
  • Some cats need time to switch
~$30typical One size
Litter box 6.8score
budget
essential

Nature's Miracle High-Sided Litter Box

best for: Cats who kick litter everywhere

Tall sides keep litter in when cats dig. The rule of thumb: one box per cat, plus one.

Sides
High
Coating
Non-stick
the good & the not-so-good
  • High sides reduce scatter
  • Easy to scoop
  • Big footprint
~$25typical Large
Gray only

Scratch & play

3 picks
Scratching post 6.8score
mid
essential

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

best for: Protecting your furniture

Tall and heavy enough that cats can fully stretch without it wobbling — the key to saving your couch.

Height
About 32"
Cover
Sisal
the good & the not-so-good
  • Tall enough for a full stretch
  • Sturdy base doesn't tip
  • Pricier than short posts
~$60typical Large
Beige only
Wand toy 6.8score
budget
essential

GoCat Da Bird Feather Wand

best for: Daily play to burn energy

A springy wand with a feather that flutters like a real bird. Most cats lose their minds for it.

Length
About 36"
Lure
Replaceable feathers
the good & the not-so-good
  • 4.6★ from 2,200+ Amazon reviews
  • Mimics real bird flight
  • Feathers wear out — refills sold separately
~$10typical One size
Cat tree 6.8score
mid
nice to have

Frisco 72" Cat Tree

best for: Indoor cats who love to climb

Climbing, perching and napping in one tower. Cats love high spots to watch the room.

Height
72"
Features
Perches, condo, sisal posts
the good & the not-so-good
  • Lots of levels for climbing
  • Doubles as a scratcher
  • Takes up floor space
  • Assembly required
~$90typical Large
2 colors

Food & water

2 picks
Water fountain 6.8score
budget
nice to have

Veken 108 oz Stainless Steel Pet Fountain

best for: Cats who don't drink enough

Moving water encourages many cats to drink more. Stainless steel is easier to keep clean than plastic.

Capacity
108 oz
Material
304 stainless steel
Care
Dishwasher-safe parts
the good & the not-so-good
  • Stainless steel stays cleaner
  • Large capacity
  • Filters need regular replacing
~$35typical Standard
Gray only
Automatic feeder 6.8score
mid
nice to have

PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder

best for: Busy schedules and early-morning food yowlers

Scheduled meals, even when you're running late or away overnight.

Schedule
Programmable meals
the good & the not-so-good
  • Keeps feeding times consistent
  • Stops 5am wake-up calls
  • Dry food only
~$60typical Standard
White only

Care & cleanup

3 picks
Cat carrier 6.8score
mid
essential

Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier

best for: Vet trips and travel

A soft carrier with mesh ventilation for vet visits. Leave it out at home so your cat gets used to it.

Type
Soft-sided
Access
Top and side
the good & the not-so-good
  • Airline-friendly design
  • Comfortable for cats
  • Not ideal for cats who scratch through mesh
~$50typical Pick by size
2 colors
Cat brush 6.8score
budget
nice to have

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

best for: Shedding season

Pulls loose fur before it ends up on your couch, and the bristles retract for easy cleaning.

Type
Slicker brush
Feature
Retractable bristles
the good & the not-so-good
  • Easy to clean
  • Cuts down on shedding
  • Too firm for some sensitive cats
~$15typical One size
Gray only
Enzyme cleaner 6.8score
budget
essential

Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator

best for: Litter box accidents

Enzymes break down urine odor completely, so your cat isn't drawn back to the same spot.

Type
Enzyme spray
the good & the not-so-good
  • Amazon's best-selling pet stain cleaner
  • Removes odor instead of masking it
  • Needs time to work
~$20typical One size

side by side

questions people ask

What do I need before bringing a cat home?

A litter box and litter, food and water bowls, cat food, a scratching post, a few toys, a carrier for the vet, and an enzyme cleaner for accidents. A cozy hiding spot helps a new cat settle in.

How many litter boxes do I need?

The common rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one extra, placed in quiet spots. Scoop daily; cats often avoid dirty boxes.

How do I stop my cat from scratching furniture?

Give them a better option: a tall, sturdy scratching post they can fully stretch on, placed near the furniture they target. Reward them when they use it.

Do cats need a water fountain?

Not strictly, but many cats drink more from moving water, and staying hydrated matters for their health. A bowl changed daily works too.

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