Essential Accessories Every Cat Owner Needs

Bringing a cat home? Congratulations! Cats are curious, inquisitive, and affectionate companions that are sure to brighten any setting they’re in. Due to their nature and specific needs, there are a few important and necessary items that every cat owner should ensure they have before bringing their new friend home. To make the transition phase easier for you, we’ve listed a few important accessories every new cat owner should have. 

Here are a Few Basic Accessories Every Cat Owner Should Have: 

Pet Carrier/Crate 

A crate is one of the most basic accessories a pet parent with a cat requires. Used primarily for transporting your cat safely from one place to another, these crates also help provide a sense of familiarity and ease the acclimation process when you bring your cat home. For an all-purpose container, opt for an IATA-accredited fibre pet crate; these crates are made of fibreglass and can be used for air travel if need be. On their own, they are still strong and sturdy containers that are guaranteed to keep your pet safe. 

Bowls

Your cat will likely be interested in food and water when you bring it home, so it is a good idea to get food and water bowls and set them up in a designated area. If you’ve brought home a kitten, make sure the bowls are shallow and easy to drink out of. Try to opt for stainless steel bowls instead of plastic ones, and make sure you have a bowl with lead-free glaze if you’re using ceramic bowls. Make sure to keep both bowls clean and free of impurities and remember to place the bowls well away from the litter box. 

Food

Food is a necessity for any living organism. Cats have a range of cat food available for various age groups. While you will have choices between wet food & dry food, you should consult your vet before choosing a pet food or diet, especially as a first-time pet parent. Kittens and adult cats have different nutritional requirements and diets, so consult your vet and get a diet plan that best suits your cat for their stage of growth. 

Litter box

Cats need a litter box so they can relieve themselves. Some litter boxes are simple trays, while others have elaborate electronics that can clean themselves. The choice here is yours; you can opt for the tech-savvy option or the classic litter box, and both will serve their purpose well if your cat is comfortable using them. When choosing the kitty litter for your litter box, make sure to choose unscented, naturally-clumping litter that is dust and clay-free. A cat-friendly litter goes a long way towards helping your cat be familiar and comfortable with their litter box. 

Bedding

Let's face it, cats have a bit of a reputation for falling asleep in weird postures & weird places. However, you should try to provide them with a bed which can become their preferred napping spot over time. The bed itself should be soft, warm, and welcoming, with the inclusion of a small pillow for support. The bed should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your cat but not overwhelmingly large to the point where they cannot get that cosy feeling. 

Scratching Pads/Posts

As they grow, cats begin to develop their instincts, one of which is the urge to scratch. Scratching is a natural behaviour demonstrated by cats, but they often choose cushions, curtains, or pillows to scratch their urges, which can lead to some destruction around the house. The solution is to get a scratching post or a scratching pad that can be attached to a vertical surface. The pad should be placed at a height where your cat is on its hind legs to reach it, which will stimulate them properly and prevent their urges from ruining your furniture and upholstery. 

Collar and Dog Tags 

First things first: a pet microchip is the only permanent proof of ID a pet can have. However, it is not the most practical method of identification, as you need a microchip scanner to read a pet’s chip. The solution is a set of collars and dog tags. It is always helpful to have your details on a dog tag which can be attached to your cat's collar, which can also be supplemented by a pet microchip for complete protection. 

Toys

Pets love to play, frolic and have fun, and cats are no different. Toys like a rattle ball, fishing pole, or stuffed toy animals can help stimulate your cat and provide hours of fun. For any toy you buy, make sure that they don’t contain small plastics or rubbers, as these can be choking hazards. You can also consider a cat tree; cats love jumping up and down and love elevated surfaces, and a cat tree can provide that experience for them and keep your countertops and tables cat-free. 

Absorbent Mats

A few accidents will likely happen during your cat’s first few days at home, which is why you should consider purchasing an absorbing mat or two. These mats can be placed in and around your home and help minimize the mess that inevitably is made during a cat’s acclimation period in a new setting.  

To conclude, bringing a cat home is a wonderful event and one that you will surely cherish for many years to come. Provided you make the necessary preparations and keep these essentials handy, you should have no trouble with your cat settling in and enjoying your new life together.