Essential Supplies for Adopting a Cat

To make it easier to gather everything your cat needs, I’ve organized the tips into bullet points. This way, you can quickly check the shopping list and make sure your furry friend has everything for a happy and calm life. Enjoy the read… and plenty of happy meows!

Litter Boxes

• Number: One litter box per cat + one extra
• Size: At least 1.5× the length of the cat (nose to base of tail)
• Type:
  • Open (not covered)
  • Unscented litter only
  • Stainless steel is more hygienic and easier to clean, but plastic is also acceptable.
• Placement:
  • Never inside cabinets or enclosed furniture
  • The cat must feel safe, have full visibility, and be able to exit freely
  • Boxes with only one exit may be avoided, especially in multi-cat households, if another cat can block the way

These recommendations are based on MEMO (Multimodal Environmental Modification) – environmental modification guidelines for feline behavior, aimed at preventing stress, conflict, and behavioral issues such as urinating outside the litter box.

MEMO is a science-based approach to improve the environment of domestic cats to reduce stress, prevent behavioral problems, and promote welfare. It combines multiple environmental strategies to address physical, social, and psychological needs simultaneously.

Cat Trees & Vertical Space

• One sturdy cat tree per cat
• Must be placed in front of a window or a glass balcony door
  • Cats need to observe the outside environment; otherwise, they often won’t use the tree
• The structure must be very stable
  • Cheap, unstable trees wobble, tilt, or have crooked poles
  • This can cause cats to avoid them completely and leads to wasted money, as they need to be replaced quickly

Food & Water Bowls

• No narrow bowls (to prevent whisker stress)
  • Cats may take food out of the bowl and eat it from the floor if whiskers touch the sides
• Wide, shallow food plates
• Water bowl:
  • Wide and heavy
  • Cats explore with their paws, and light bowls tip over easily
  • Large salad bowls are highly recommended: heavy, stable, and whisker-friendly

Sleeping Areas

• Cats must be able to choose between multiple sleeping options
• Beds should be available at different heights
• Choice and vertical variety reduce stress and help prevent conflicts in multi-cat homes

Carrier (Transport Box)

• Rigid carrier with a metal door
• The door must have metal pins that slide into the carrier frame
• Plastic clip-on doors are unsafe and can open during transport, especially with clever or stressed cats
• This is critical for safe vet visits and travel

Toys

• Cat-safe toys only
• No strings, threads, or items that can cause strangulation if left unattended
• Toys must be rotated regularly, otherwise cats lose interest

Food & Treats

• High-quality wet and dry food
• A variety is recommended to understand preferences and avoid food fixation
• Treats should be used only to facilitate initial bonding, not as a dietary staple

These tips come straight from experts and scientists to help your furry friends live happy, calm lives, free from stress, squabbles with housemates, or everyday kitty troubles. Meow it!