Adopting a New Cat Checklist for 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter

By Kaitlyn Wells

You’ve scoured pet listings, researched local adoption groups, and even debated the benefits of adopting an adult cat versus a kitten (or two, or three, or four). And now you’re ready to welcome a pet into your life. You probably know that you’ll need a litter box and pet food. But there are a few additional items every first-time cat owner should have before bringing their new pet home.

At the very least, you’ll need a way to carry your cat home, some cat-friendly food bowls, a litter box and litter, and a long-lasting scratcher. Once your new cat is home, you can see where they like to perch and sleep, and then consider adding some nice-to-haves, like a cat tree or a bed. After everyone has settled into the new routine, don’t forget to follow up with your veterinarian for the medical necessities, such as immunizations and a microchip. We also recommend investing in a whole lot of TLC, which is always free.

This carrier stands out for its almost fully machine-washable design, as well as its good ventilation, security, and privacy features.

Many rescue groups, breeders, and animal shelters don’t provide new pet owners with a durable pet carrier. Some offer a cardboard carrier for smaller pets, such as kittens or rabbits. But those aren’t particularly secure or tough, and they aren’t suited to repeatedly toting your pet to and from the vet. We love the SturdiBag Pro 2.0 because it’s well ventilated and features a unique, flexible rod frame that makes it excellent for car trips. This carrier can also likely be squeezed under many airplane seats (depending on the airline and aircraft). And it’s the only carrier we tested whose outer shell can be safely machine-washed, along with the cushioned bedding insert.

For more information, read our full guide to travel carriers for pets.

The high sides keep litter scatter contained, and the low entry makes the box easy to get into. And it’s big enough for most cats to turn around in.

One of the benefits of adopting cats is that they can use a litter box, rather than having to go outside. But that doesn’t mean any plastic box will do. Some are too small, and some are too tall. We like the Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box, Extra Large because it’s big enough for a cat to turn around in, it has high sides to contain spray, and it has a low entry lip (so it’s easy even for less-mobile cats to enter). If aesthetics are a higher priority, or your cat just prefers an enclosed space to do their business, consider the ModKat Flip, our upgrade pick.

For more information, read our full guide to litter boxes.

This cat litter forms sturdy clumps, has decent odor control, and is one of the least expensive options available.

A cat will go through a lot of litter in their lifetime. Since you’ll both be around so much litter, we recommend Dr. Elsey’s Ultra. It forms sturdy clumps, has good odor control, and tracks less than other litters. In our tests, the litter clumps didn’t stick to the pan or crumble into dozens of pieces, as some of the other litters’ clumps did. The litter is scent-free, so it won’t release any perfume-y smells when you add litter to the box or scoop up waste; this is something that cats, with their sensitive noses, may appreciate. If you find that litter tracking is still a problem, the Gorilla Grip Cat Litter Trapping Mat is a simple and affordable way to help keep the mess contained (you can learn more about it in our review of the best cat litter mats).

For more information, read our full guide to cat litter.

The stainless steel design inhibits bacteria buildup, which can cause chin acne in cats.

Your cat’s water dish should be big enough to hold a full day’s supply of water, so they don’t run out.

We like the PetFusion Premium Brushed Stainless Steel Bowl for cat food because it’s made of stainless steel, which won’t collect as much chin-acne-causing bacteria as a plastic bowl. It’s also wide and shallow, with plenty of room to accommodate your cat’s sensitive whiskers, so it should reduce “whisker fatigue.”

For water dishes, Wirecutter staffers like the AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Bowl for its size, non-skid bottom, and dishwasher-safe design. (It’s called a dog bowl on the listing, but it also works great for cats.) You can also use a water fountain, which may help encourage your pet to drink more.

This fountain is nearly silent, easy to clean, and has thoughtful design features, but you’ll need to provide your own adapter to power it.

With only five main parts to keep track of, the PETKIT EverSweet Solo 2 was the easiest fountain to take apart and clean in our testing. Its wireless pump is nearly silent, and it has a convenient auto-shut-off feature, so it doesn’t burn out when the water level gets too low. And the app can set up cleaning and refill reminders. But the device doesn’t include the type of 5v 1A adapter you’d need to charge it in a standard outlet, so you’ll have to provide your own.

A water fountain might entice your finicky cat to drink more water. The PETKIT EverSweet Solo 2 is a great option because it’s very quiet, and your cat won’t be spooked by the sound of trickling water or a loud motor. Its smooth surfaces and minimal number of parts make it easy to clean and maintain. Its wireless pump has a convenient auto-shut-off feature so it doesn’t burn out if the water level gets too low. And it comes with a mobile app that you can program to set up cleaning and refill reminders. But, weirdly, the device doesn’t include the 5v 1A adapter needed to charge it in a standard outlet, so you’ll have to supply your own.

If you prefer a stainless steel option, or you also have a dog, consider the Pioneer Pet Big MaxStainless Steel Drinking Fountain. It holds 128 ounces of water, and its wide, open drinking reservoir makes it easier for multiple pets to use.

For more information, read our full guide to pet water fountains.

This scratching post’s durable woven sisal lasts longer than carpet and is better for your pet than rope. This scratcher is also one of the tallest we tested, so your cat can stretch out.

If you have a cat, and you value your furniture, you need a cat scratcher or two. Pioneer Pet’s SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post is the most durable one we’ve tested. At 32 inches tall, it’s big enough for an adult-size cat to fully stretch out in a vertical position. And its solid-wood base is sturdy, so this model won’t tip over during energetic scratching sessions. This scratcher is covered in woven sisal fiber, which lasts years longer than carpet or sisal rope (which can easily pill, fray, or come unraveled). As we share in our cat scratcher guide, several Wirecutter staffers have owned this model for years. And Elizabeth Llewellyn, a feline welfare and behavior specialist, says she’s had hers for over five years. (But do keep in mind that not all cats love sisal rope or vertical scratchers, so read our advice on how to pick a cat scratcher before buying one.)

For more information, read our full guide to cat scratchers.

Some cats will nap in cardboard boxes, on piles of laundry (dirty or clean), or in a dark nook under the bed. However, if you’re buying your cat a bed, it should be comfortable, secure, and great for kneading. Since cats can be picky, you may not find the right cat bed overnight. In our cat bed guide, we rounded up seven outstanding selections, with prices ranging from $10 to $80. They include a cave bed for cats who like to hide (The Cat Ball); a plush bolster bed for snuggle time (Best Friends by Sheri’s OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler); a thick mat that’s ideal for travel or crate use (MidWest’s QuietTime Deluxe Ombré Swirl); and even a cardboard-style bed (Omega Paw Scratch’n Massage Bed) and multicat lounger (PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge).

For more information, read our full guide to cat beds.

This three-level carpeted cat tree is stable, built from high-quality materials, and designed with sisal-rope scratching posts built in.

Cats enjoy surveying their surroundings from high perches. The New Cat Condos Premier Triple Cat Perch gives your pal the freedom to examine their new home from the security of a spot high above the ground. This cat condo is 32 inches tall, and it has a base and three platforms. At 20 by 14 inches, 16 by 14 inches, and 10 by 19 inches (from bottom to top), the platforms are large enough for most cats to rest on comfortably or to enjoy a horizontal scratching session. The condo is stable, thanks to its large base and sturdy construction—it’s more durable than any other cat furniture we’ve tested. And the condo is covered in carpet with sisal-rope accents, a design that’s better for cats who don’t like scratching sisal-only scratchers.

For more information, read our full guide to cat trees.

Playtime is a great opportunity to bond with your new cat. It offers them an outlet for their energy, and it gives them physical and mental stimulation. Although a crumpled-up ball of paper can entertain in a pinch, the VCA Animal Hospitals says that cats respond better to play sessions involving a variety of toys. A few of our favorites (which our own cats swear by) include a small stuffed bird that chirps like the real thing (Petlinks Parrot Tweet Electronic Sound Cat Toy); a feather-wand toy that mimics a bird’s zany flight movements (Pet Fit For Life 2 Feather Wand Cat Toy); a 10-pack of colorful plastic springs that bounce about (SPOT Ethical Products Wide Colorful Springs Cat Toy); and a crinkle tunnel perfect for zoomies (SmartyKat Crackle Chute).

The slicker brush gently removes loose dirt and detangles fur without hurting your pet. And the retractable bristles make pulling hairballs from the brush a breeze.

The rake-style comb gently removes loose dirt and detangles fur without hurting your pet.

The stainless steel teeth make quick work of brushing out a cat’s undercoat, and the skin guard ensures the teeth won’t dig into a pet’s skin.

Let’s face it: Cats sometimes throw up hairballs after an intense session of self-grooming. You can prevent this by regularly grooming your cat to ward off tangles. Brushing is also a good bonding opportunity, and it gives you a chance to check your cat for any bumps, fleas and ticks, or problem areas. Cats with short, smooth coats can be brushed weekly with a curry brush or slicker brush, like the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush. Cats who have longer coats that easily mat (like Ragdolls) need to be brushed multiple times a week. A rake-style dematting comb for long-haired cats, like this Oster option, can do wonders, as can a deshedding tool by FURminator. Finally, never cut out a matted clump of hair, because it’s easy to slice your pet’s thin skin. Instead, hold the fur below the mat, separate it into sections, and brush it out as you normally would.

For more information, read our full blog post on how to groom your pet.

Consisting of virtually all leaves and packed in a tightly sealed container, this catnip help your cat relax.

To help your cat settle into their new home, consider sprinkling their bedding, scratcher, or condo with catnip. Although not all cats react to catnip with zeal, we recommend introducing yours to Yeowww Catnip for the best chance of getting a positive response, which can range from killer calm to loony tunes (though you might not see any reaction at all in young kittens). Yeowww is almost all leaf, which is important because the leaf contains the essential oils that cause cats to react. It also smells and looks the closest to fresh catnip of any brand we tested. (If your cat is having trouble settling into their new home, Feliway, a hormone-based calming aid, can also help.)

The Litter Genie Plus gives you a more convenient place to dump dirty litter, so you don’t have to run it out to the trash daily.

If you hate hauling dirty litter to the trash each day, the Litter Genie Plus is a convenient item—it’s a small, odor-sequestering pail that you can dump dirty litter in and then empty out about every two weeks. We prefer the Litter Genie Plus over a small trash can next to the litter box because the Litter Genie holds more waste than a traditional bin, traps odors well, and prevents nosy pets and small children from making a mess. You scoop the dirty litter into a bag-lined bin, pull a handle to drop the mess into a smell-proof section, and walk away. Litter Genie’s thick plastic liners trap odors between trips to the trash can, and a cartridge of liners should last about two months in a single-cat household. (If you can’t swing the specialty liners, a kitchen trash bag will also do the trick.)

When cleaning up cat messes, avoid citrus scents, which cats find irritating. This scent-free spray will be easier on feline noses.

To deal with everyday cat messes like hairballs and litter-box gunk, you need an effective surface cleaner. We like Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner for tasks like removing cat vomit from hardwood floors. This scent-free spray cleans great, doesn’t leave streaks, and has a third-party health and environmental certification.

For more information, read our full guide to surface cleaners.

These strong and absorbent paper towels don’t leave lint behind, and they have more tear-off points, for less mess.

Pair your preferred surface cleaner with a strong paper towel, to wipe away cat dander, hairballs, and litter messes. Bounty Select-A-Size paper towels are a staff favorite and former pick, and they’re strong enough to stay in one piece when you’re scrubbing away gunky messes. They don’t leave behind any lint, so they’re great to use on glass surfaces and stainless steel pet bowls. The sheets have more tear-off points, so you don’t waste a big paper-towel square on a small pet mess.

This handheld vacuum’s motorized brush makes cleaning up pet fur a breeze, especially on upholstery. Its extendable crevice tool allows you to reach into nooks and crannies.

A cordless handheld vacuum, such as the Black+Decker 20V Max Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Pet Hand Vacuum HHVK515JP07, is an ideal tool for picking up stray litter messes that inevitably make their way out of the box. A litter mat can also help reduce overall litter scatter, and a robot vacuum can help reduce overall hair levels. But for touch-up duty, you’ll still be glad you have a handheld vacuum.

For more information, read our full guide to pet hair vacuums.

Finally, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of with your vet or shelter soon after you bring your cat home: vaccines, microchips and tags, and sterilization, among others. See this blog post for more information.

Print a copy of this checklist (PDF) to keep on hand, so you will be sure to have everything you need before heading out to pick up your new cat.

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love, follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

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