New Cat Essentials: The Starter Kit
Cats are low-maintenance compared to dogs, but a few things make a big difference between a happy cat and litter-box problems or a shredded couch. Here's the honest starter kit for a new cat or kitten.
| Pick | Type | Best for | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large litter box | Litter box | Fewer box problems | $ | View → |
| Cat water fountain | Hydration | Cats who won't drink enough | $$ | View → |
| Scratching post | Scratching | Saving your furniture | $$ | View → |
| Cat carrier | Travel | Vet trips without drama | $$ | View → |
Price tiers are our rough guide ($ = budget, $$$ = premium); check Amazon for the current price.
Some links below are affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we'd be glad to own ourselves.
The litter setup
Most 'my cat won't use the box' problems come down to the box itself. Get this right first.
Extra-large litter box
bigger than you think you need — cramped boxes are a top reason cats stop using them. Go large.
Best for: avoiding litter-box problems
Check price on Amazon →Litter mat
catches the litter that rides out on paws so it's not tracked across the whole house.
Check price on Amazon →Food and water
Cats are famously bad at drinking enough water, which is hard on their kidneys. Moving water helps a lot.
Cat water fountain
cats instinctively prefer running water — a fountain genuinely gets many cats to drink more, which protects their kidneys.
Best for: cats who don't drink enough
Check price on Amazon →Stainless steel cat bowls
shallow and stainless to avoid 'whisker fatigue' and the chin acne plastic bowls can cause.
Check price on Amazon →Scratching and travel
Give them somewhere to scratch (or they'll choose your couch), and a stress-free way to get to the vet.
Tall sisal scratching post
must be tall and sturdy enough for a full stretch — a wobbly short post gets ignored for your sofa.
Best for: saving your furniture
Check price on Amazon →Interactive wand toy set
ten minutes of wand play a day burns energy and builds your bond — the cheapest behavior fix there is.
Check price on Amazon →Hard-sided cat carrier
a top-loading carrier makes getting a reluctant cat in far easier — your vet visits will thank you.
Best for: vet trips without the drama
Check price on Amazon →Frequently asked questions
How many litter boxes does one cat need?
The rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one extra — so two boxes for a single cat. And bigger is better; many litter-box problems come from boxes that are too small or too few. Keep them clean and in quiet, accessible spots.
Do cat water fountains really help?
For many cats, yes. Cats evolved to get moisture from prey and are poor voluntary drinkers, which stresses their kidneys over time. The motion of a fountain appeals to their instincts and often measurably increases how much they drink.
How do I stop my cat scratching the furniture?
Give them a better option: a tall, sturdy, sisal-wrapped post placed near where they already scratch. The post must be tall enough for a full stretch and stable enough not to wobble, or they'll go back to the couch.