What would you say are the necessary items for having a cat?

Imagine a person entirely new to caring for cats who is planning to adopt a cat or a kitten for the very first time. What items do they absolutely need to prepare before bringing the cat home? I'm working on a list where we'll have "absolutely must" and "optional" as categories.

So the basics would be - 

Must Have:

Cat carrier (have to bring the cat in one!)

Litterbox & scoop

Litter

Cat food (the same kind the cat is used to having)

Scratching posts

Toys: a bunch of small fake mice or similar + fishing-rod (Da Bird style toy)

Food dishes

Recommended (optional):

Cat bed

Cat tree/condo

Treats

More toys

More scratching posts

Grooming tools: nail clipper + brush/comb

Collar + ID tag

Harness

Water fountain

First Aid kit

Dental care items

Medical treatments as may be needed such as: flea treatment/Hairball treatments

So... what would you add to the list? Anything you would move from optional to "must have"? I'd love to get some quotes too, so please elaborate on any additions as to why you think they are necessary.

Thank you!

p.s. don't forget to Review products and raise money for cats in need!

Catnip !!!![emoji]128568[/emoji][emoji]128568[/emoji][emoji]128568[/emoji]

I think a nail clipper and brush are necessities. :nod:

I'd add a window seat to the necessities, whether it's a perch, the back of a chair or sofa, a table or a cat tree placed in front of a window. The view provides needed entertainment, and most cats love to sunbathe.

Another necessity, IMO, is sturdy (cat-proof) screening in at least one window per room so that you can safely air rooms and provide your cat(s) with some outdoor sounds and smells without having to fear they'll fall or get loose.

Under optional, but highly recommended, I would add a heated pet mat. Every cat I have owned would give a 'paws up' on that one!

Maybe mention food dishes shouldn't be made of plastic?  As we all know, it isn't the most hygienic.  

Docs Mom said:

Catnip !!!![emoji]128568[/emoji][emoji]128568[/emoji][emoji]128568[/emoji]

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 I meant to have that on the optional list! Thanks for the reminder!

AbbysMom said:

I think a nail clipper and brush are necessities.

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What I had in mind was a list of all the things you absolutely cannot bring a cat to your home unless you already have them. I guess it is a gray line there, as technically you CAN bring in a cat with zero preparation as anyone who's rescued a cat knows only too well. I'll have to give more thought to the definition of "must" vs. "optional".

jcat said:

I'd add a window seat to the necessities, whether it's a perch, the back of a chair or sofa, a table or a cat tree placed in front of a window. The view provides needed entertainment, and most cats love to sunbathe.

Another necessity, IMO, is sturdy (cat-proof) screening in at least one window per room so that you can safely air rooms and provide your cat(s) with some outdoor sounds and smells without having to fear they'll fall or get loose.

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Interesting. I think I'll mention a window seat under furniture and maybe talk about cat-proofing a house, including screened windows.

Di and Bob said:

 
Under optional, but highly recommended, I would add a heated pet mat. Every cat I have owned would give a 'paws up' on that one!

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sivyaleah said:

 
Maybe mention food dishes shouldn't be made of plastic?  As we all know, it isn't the most hygienic.  

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Yeah, good point. Thanks!

Anne said:

 
Imagine a person entirely new to caring for cats who is planning to adopt a cat or a kitten for the very first time. What items do they absolutely need to prepare before bringing the cat home? I'm working on a list where we'll have "absolutely must" and "optional" as categories.

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These arent items but all first time pet owners should be aware of these

Must pet-proof the house as much as possible. Put household cleaners behind closed doors, cover electrical cords where possible with a cover of some sort (office supply stores have these), put plants out of reach, put all medicines (prescription and OTC) behind closed doors, consider covering electrical outlets with those baby proof covers (the ones that just stick right in) in case a pet decides to stick a claw in, etc.

Know where the nearest vet ER is and post the address on your fridge or on your phone. The last thing you want to do in an emergency is to waste time finding a vet ER.

I'd say catnip is essential too.

Also some kind of enzyme cleaner in case there are any little accidents while the cat is adjusting to his/her new home.

Keopeptate (sp?), Pepcid, mineral oil, betadine, incontinence pads, bot fly knife, flea comb, mewsprint, syringes, q-tips, Gold Medal mite and tick, newspaper. I get all the fun cats, this is part of my survival kit.

LTS3 said:

 
These arent items but all first time pet owners should be aware of these

Must pet-proof the house as much as possible. Put household cleaners behind closed doors, cover electrical cords where possible with a cover of some sort (office supply stores have these), put plants out of reach, put all medicines (prescription and OTC) behind closed doors, consider covering electrical outlets with those baby proof covers (the ones that just stick right in) in case a pet decides to stick a claw in, etc.

Know where the nearest vet ER is and post the address on your fridge or on your phone. The last thing you want to do in an emergency is to waste time finding a vet ER.

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Yes on the pet proofing.  Cellophane, bags, bread ties, sewing supplies, cords to blinds, and anything a cat can chew on or swallow. I never realized what things cats will get in to.

I think the essentials list is great.

Fresh Water?? you did mention food so....

I agree on the window screen prep ! Doesn't take much for a cat to get thru...

We use the portable sliding
screens secured against the original screen with gorilla tape. Then only open window as tall as the sliding screen.

hexiesfriend said:

Fresh Water?? you did mention food so....

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I would hope there's fresh water for the humans which can be used for the cat 

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Will be putting it all into a nifty new article real soon!   

I would maybe add Feliway or something similar as optional - may help settle them (depending on how timid they are)

Having been involved with cat rescue, had 18 cats (not all at once!) plus several passing through, I do not like scratching posts, and consider them a waste of money.  Cats need to be able to stretch up and out.  A cat tree is a necessity, to replace the scratching post, IMO.

For someone who never had a cat, covering all the electrical cords can be overwhelming; and they may not do it.  Having a jar of Vaseline on hand is also good for this; just coat the cords.  The cat doesn't like the feel or taste and leaves the cords alone.  Problem is, the Vaseline will attract ALL dust bunnies from miles around.  You can also use the white plastic pipe from a DIY store (Home Depot, Lowe's) and run the cords through that, rather than buying the cord covers at an office supply.

Looking at this from a different perspective, I would say undying love, a strong spirit, and money. Just what came in my mind. :nod:

Personally I have a cat that  tries to eat anything put on him so I would recommend a microchip as an option even if you have a collar.  Microchips are great way to ensure if anything happens your kitty can be returned to his home. 

Another thing people need is patience! Kittens can and will get into anything.

Liquid catnip in the spray bottle

I bought a bottle at Pet smart

I spray once a day on the cat scratcher

to try to keep the cats from scratching my furniture

it has worked really well..

Sheri T and Peebo , Bro and Leo

Anne said:

 
Imagine a person entirely new to caring for cats who is planning to adopt a cat or a kitten for the very first time. What items do they absolutely need to prepare before bringing the cat home? I'm working on a list where we'll have "absolutely must" and "optional" as categories.

First Aid kit

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What would the first aid kit be made of? Thank God I have never had to use one in the two years Ive had my cats