Equipment for Kitty

1: Litterbox and litter : Litterboxes may be hooded or open, a simple box or a high-tech automatic style. There are many different kinds of litter available, ranging from soft clay clumping, to flushable. Cats develop preferences so choose the type she is already using, at least initially. The rule of thumb is to have one litterbox per cat, plus one extra. Place the litterbox in a quiet, low-traffic area, and show Kitty where it is when you bring her home. See our article on Litterboxes for more information on selection of litterboxes and litter.

2: Collar and identification tag : Make sure to purchase a safety collar. These are also called “breakaway”; if your cat gets the collar caught it will break open rather than inflict harm. The tag should have your phone number on it. Many people also have their cat microchipped for identification. See our article on microchipping to learn more about this. The microchip is implanted at the veterinary hospital or shelter under the skin over the shoulder area, If kitty becomes lost, the humane societies and veterinary hospitals have special readers that can get an ID number from the chip so that you can be phoned. Some people train their cats to walk on the leash. In this case, buy a well-fitted harness so that she cannot slip the collar while walking and to prevent pressure on her sensitive neck! See our article about Walking the Cat to learn more about this.

3: Carrier : Cardboard carriers are the spare tire of the carrier world; they’ll last the short trip home, but then you need something better. Hard-sided, soft-sided—there are many options available. If you plan on flying with kitty, however, make sure to purchase a carrier that is labeled “airline approved” so it will fit beneath your seat. If kitty does not appreciate carriers, purchase one with breakaway walls so you can take it apart around the cat rather than reach in to remove her! See our article Cat Carriers.

4: Food and water dishes : You want something that is easy to clean, and difficult to tip over. Ceramic, earthenware, glass, and metal are the sturdiest.

An example of good ceramic dishes--shallow, hard to tip.

Good shallow no-tip metal bowls.

Plastic dishes may be the source of contact allergy in some cats—it might be the dyes or the plastic itself that is the problem. A waterproof mat to place the dishes on will help to protect your floor from spills. Many pet stores sell these with pretty cat-art designs on them, and they are made of easy-to-wipe-up plastic.

5: Scratching post : Very important! Most cats prefer to wrap their claws around rough textures such as sisal carpet or corrugated cardboard. Scratching posts are available in vertical, horizontal, and angled styles and it is worthwhile having several styles to choose from, so you can see which kitty prefers. In addition, a sprinkling of catnip will help stir up interest. Visit www.purrfectpost.com for more about scratching prevention and posts.

6: Grooming supplies : Brushes, combs (the style depends on your cat’s coat), nail clippers (your veterinarian can teach you how to clip Kitty’s claws), and toothbrush and cat-safe toothpaste are all important. A flea comb is also great to have around. Even if there are no fleas, it is a good grooming tool to remove dead hairs!  See our articles on Bathing and Grooming and Nail Care for more information.

Chamois and soft brush for cats with fine or very short hair.

Nail trimmers a nail file, and a set of pediatric human toenail clippers well suited for young kittens.

7: Toys : While a balled-up piece of paper may work for some cats, others enjoy chasing laser beams or feathers dangling off fishing poles. Catnip-filled “mice” and balls with bells are also fun. Just be sure to store all strings out of Kitty’s reach when you are not actively playing with them, as they may present a serious choking hazard.

8: Bed : From personal experience, I can tell you Kitty will make her bed wherever she wants, usually on yours. However, it is important to have a snuggly space designated just for her. Ideally, select one that has a removable washable cover. This will allow you to clear out the hairs she leaves behind. There are versions that will sit on beds, couches or the floor, and some that you can hook onto window frames so she can survey her territory and watch the birds.

Foam bed with washable removable cover.

9. Climbers: Condos and climbers give Kitty a private place to go, and provide exercise--even claw sharpening opportunities.

See our article Cat Scratching Posts and Climbers for more details.

Your choice of equipment should be made in consultation with a knowledgeable pet store representative, the breeder, or your veterinary staff (technicians are a wonderful source of information about general cat care). There are so many items to choose from! It can seem a little overwhelming. You need not spend a lot on these items. Simple functional items are all that is needed.

Happy shopping!

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at Cathealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.

See these links for related topics:

Litter Boxes Cat Carriers Grooming and Bathing Nail Trimming