What Should You Buy Before Getting a Cat?
I recently brought home a domestic shorthair kitten named Gray, so a first-cat checklist is on my mind. Set things up before the cat arrives. A calm, prepared first week makes it much easier for a cat to settle in.
Last updated October 2026. Ask your shelter or breeder what your cat already uses, and keep those things the same at first.
The essentials
- Litter box and litter. Choose a box big enough for your cat to turn around in, and place it somewhere quiet. A common guideline is one box per cat plus one extra. Start with the litter your cat already knows.
- Food and water bowls. Use the same food at first, then switch gradually if you want to change. Check that it is complete and balanced for your cat’s age.
- Carrier. You need a secure carrier for the trip home and for every vet visit.
- Scratching post. Cats scratch to stretch and mark. A tall, stable post gives them a place that is not your furniture.
- Bed and hiding spot. A box or covered bed helps a new cat feel safe.
- Toys, brush and nail clippers. Play and basic grooming support a good routine.
Make the home safe
Secure loose cords and window screens, and keep medications, small objects and toxic plants out of reach. Prepare one quiet room first so your cat can adjust before exploring the whole home.
Book the first vet visit
Schedule a checkup soon after adoption and ask about vaccines, parasite prevention and spay or neuter timing. Rover’s 2026 cat report lists a routine annual exam at about $80 to $200.
What setup costs
Rover’s 2026 report puts upfront cat supplies anywhere from $100 to $3,220, which shows how much choices matter. Basic, durable items sit at the low end. See the full picture in how much it costs to own a cat, then use the cat ownership cost calculator.
What the basics cost
These are Rover’s item-level cat prices from its 2023 report, so expect them to be a bit higher now.
| Item | Typical range (2023) |
|---|---|
| Carrier | $20 to $145 |
| Scratching post | $20 to $135 |
| Bed | $10 to $50 |
| Food and water bowls | $5 to $145 |
| Litter box | $10 to $750 |
| Toys, per year | $5 to $75 |
The top of each range is fancy gear. A plain box, a sturdy carrier and a decent post will do the job.
Your first week
Start your cat in one quiet room with the litter box, food, water, a bed and a hiding spot. Let your cat come out and explore at its own pace instead of pulling it out of the carrier. Keep the first few days calm and the routine steady, and add rooms gradually. Book that first vet visit early.
Litter box tips
Many cats prefer unscented, fine-grained litter, and most like a clean box, so scoop every day. Keep the box away from food and water, and not next to loud appliances. If your cat starts missing the box, call your vet, since it can be a health problem and not bad behavior.
Mistakes to skip
- Buying a pile of toys and gear before you know what your cat likes.
- Leaving windows or screens loose.
- Giving human medicine, which can be dangerous for cats.
- Letting a kitten chew cords.
- Changing food or litter suddenly.
Common questions
How many litter boxes do I need? A common guideline is one per cat plus one extra.
Kitten or adult? Kittens need more vet visits and supervision, while an adult cat’s personality is already known. Older cats are often overlooked at shelters.
Indoor or outdoor? Many vets recommend keeping cats indoors for safety, with plenty of play and climbing space.