First-week supplies for a new cat
A new cat supplies checklist for week one is short: a carrier, litter box and litter, food and water bowls (or a fountain later), a hiding-safe bed or box, a scratching post, and a few toys. Buy extras only after the cat eats, uses the box, and sleeps. Skip scented litter, a tall cat tree, and a closet of costumes until the animal has settled.
Who this is for
US households bringing home an adopted adult cat or a kitten, shopping online before pickup day.
It is not for treating illness, forcing introductions to a resident dog, or replacing the shelter’s or vet’s intake instructions.
Sources and limits
This is a buying and setup guide for MH Picked readers. It does not replace a veterinary exam. For general cat-care education see the ASPCA cat care pages and AVMA pet owner resources. Follow the feeding plan from the shelter or breeder for the first days.
What to buy before the cat arrives
Must-haves
- Carrier — hard-sided or a well-zipped soft carrier the cat cannot shred in the car.
- Litter box — one box, low entry for kittens, placed in a quiet room. Add a second box later if you have more than one cat.
- Litter — unscented clumping or whatever the shelter already used, so the cat recognizes it.
- Food — the same diet as the previous home for at least several days, plus the bowl type they already accept.
- Water — a heavy bowl that does not tip. A fountain can wait.
- Scratching surface — cardboard or sisal, not the sofa.
- Hiding place — a covered bed or an open cardboard box with a towel.
Buy later
- Full cat trees, automatic litter boxes, and large toy bundles. Watch what the cat actually uses in week one.
If / then:
- If the shelter used a specific litter, match it.
- If the cat is a kitten, add a lower box lip and smaller kibble only if that was already the diet.
- If you already have a dog, keep the first-week room behind a closed door.
How to set up the first room
- Pick one quiet room with a door (bedroom or office).
- Put the box as far from food and water as the room allows.
- Leave the carrier open with a towel after you arrive—do not drag the cat out.
- Offer food and water; do not hover.
- Add one toy and one scratcher. Stop there for day one.
- Litter scoop daily. Cats avoid a dirty box.
- Book or confirm a vet visit using the shelter’s timeline, not a store checklist.
Common mistakes
- Changing food and litter on the same day as the move.
- Giving the whole house on night one.
- Strong-scented litter “to hide odor.”
- Skipping a scratcher and then blaming the couch.
- Buying a fountain, camera, and tree before the cat has eaten.
Shopping this on MH Picked
Cat gear lives under Cats and the parent Pets collection, with extras in Pet accessories. Listings change; read the live product page. For skin-and-bath topics on the dog side, see how to choose dog shampoo for sensitive skin. Unused items can usually be returned within 30 days per the refund policy. Questions: support@mhpicked.com.
FAQ
What should be on a new cat supplies checklist?
Carrier, litter box, unscented litter, current food, water bowl, a hiding-safe bed or box, a scratcher, and two or three toys. That is enough for the first week with a cat.
Do kittens need different indoor cat essentials?
They need a lower box, supervision around cords, and food the vet or shelter specified. The rest of the first-week list is the same idea: one room, one box, no scent war.
Can I skip the carrier if I live nearby?
No. A carrier is for the ride, the vet, and a safe cave at home. A loose cat in a car is a safety problem.
When should I add a water fountain?
After the cat is drinking from a bowl. A fountain is optional enrichment, not a week-one requirement.
How long should the cat stay in one room?
Until it eats, uses the box, and approaches you. That may be two days or more than a week. Do not rush a house tour.
Key takeaways
- A new cat supplies checklist is a short list, not a full catalog.
- Match the shelter’s food and litter for the first days.
- One quiet room beats a free-roam house on night one.
- A scratcher is cheaper than a ruined sofa.
- Delay gadgets until you see what the cat uses.