Welcoming a cat into your life is an adventure filled with tenderness, play, and complicity. But to ensure this new relationship gets off to a successful start, it's essential to be well prepared. Like any new member of the family, your four-legged friend has specific needs when it comes to comfort, safety, hygiene, and health.
In this ultimate guide, we've rounded up all the essentials for your cat : from carriers and water fountains to litter boxes, toys, and wellness accessories. You'll find practical advice, validated by veterinarians and animal lovers, to provide your cat with a healthy, stimulating, and reassuring environment.
👉 Whether you're about to adopt a kitten or welcome an adult cat, this guide will help you anticipate its needs and create a home where it can thrive.
✨ Practical bonus Download the free printable French version of the Essential Checklist for Welcoming a Cat (PDF).
🚗 The carrier: safety first
A carrier is often the first accessory you'll need. Whether you're bringing your cat home, taking them to the vet, or traveling, it ensures their safety and reduces stress.
🎯 How to choose your carrier:
- Strength and security : choose a rigid model with a reliable closure.
- Proper size : Your cat should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Ventilation : Make sure air circulates well to avoid overheating.
- Easy maintenance : a removable or washable bottom is a real plus.
💡 Tip: Leave the carrier open at home with a soft blanket or toy inside. Your cat will associate it with a familiar and reassuring place, making it easier to move around.
🚽 Litter and its tray: hygiene and comfort
A happy cat is one that has a clean and suitable space to relieve itself. Choosing the right litter box and type of litter is therefore essential.
🎯 Choosing the right litter box
- Suitable size : It should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat.
- Number of litter boxes : plan for 1 litter box per cat + 1 additional one (e.g. 2 cats = 3 litter boxes).
- Open or closed : Closed boxes limit odors, but some cats prefer open boxes to feel secure.
🪶 Choosing the right litter
- Agglomerating : easy to clean on a daily basis.
- Unscented : Artificial scents can be off-putting to cats.
- Absorbent : to limit odors and maintain a healthy environment.
⚠️ Beware of kittens! Clumping litters are convenient for adult cats, but they are dangerous for kittens under 3–4 months old . Their curiosity can lead them to swallow it, which poses a serious health risk. Choose a non-clumping litter during this period.
💡 Practical tips
- Clean the bin daily to avoid unpleasant odors.
- Change the litter completely at least once a week .
- Place the bin in a quiet area, away from food and water.
🍽️ Bowls and hydration: eat well, hydrate well
Diet and hydration are central to your cat's health. A well-fed and properly hydrated cat is more active, happier, and less prone to urinary or kidney problems.
🎯 The ideal bowls
- Material : choose stainless steel or ceramic, which are more hygienic than plastic.
- Shape : Wide, shallow bowls prevent whisker fatigue.
- Stability : A non-slip bottom prevents tipping.
💧 The importance of hydration
Cats naturally drink little, especially if they eat dry food. However, a lack of water can lead to frequent urinary problems.
🌟 The solution: the water fountain
A fountain encourages your cat to drink more thanks to:
- Always fresh and filtered water.
- A continuous movement that naturally attracts felines.
- Better hygiene than a bowl of stagnant water.
💡 The ZyFeeder stainless steel fountain combines elegant design, silence, and practicality. Recommended by many veterinarians, it is ideal for stimulating daily hydration and maintaining the health of your pet.
🛏️ Bedding and personal space: providing a reassuring refuge
Cats sleep an average of 12 to 16 hours a day , so providing them with a suitable resting space is essential to their well-being.
🎯 Essentials for rest
- A comfortable bed or basket : choose a soft, washable model adapted to the size of your cat.
- A quiet place : place the bed in a quiet corner, away from frequent traffic.
- A high space : Cats love to observe their surroundings from a high point, it reassures them.
🌿 Cat tree and scratching post
- The cat tree combines rest, play and observation .
- The scratching post is essential for maintaining claws and preventing your furniture from becoming a target.
💡 Tip: Provide multiple sleeping areas throughout the house. Cats like to vary their sleeping areas depending on the temperature, light, and their mood.
🎲 Play and stimulation: an active cat is a happy cat
Cats are natural hunters. Even when living indoors, they need physical and mental stimulation to stay balanced and avoid boredom.
🎯 Why play is essential
- It prevents boredom and unwanted behaviors (scratching furniture, excessive meowing).
- It strengthens the bond between you and your companion.
- It helps maintain a healthy weight and good physical condition.
🧸 The must-have toys
- Fishing rods and feather dusters : ideal for stimulating the hunting instinct.
- Balls and mice : perfect for solo play.
- Catnip Toys : Provide relaxation and excitement.
- Food puzzles : stimulate intelligence and slow down food intake.
💡 Tip
Vary your toys and offer them in rotation. A “new” toy always attracts more attention than one that is left out all the time.
⏱️ How long should you play with your cat?
Play is not a luxury, but an essential need for your companion's physical and mental health. Veterinarians recommend an average of 30 to 40 minutes of play per day , divided into 2 to 3 short sessions.
- Kittens are full of energy and may play for longer periods, sometimes up to an hour a day.
- Adult cats enjoy shorter (10-15 minutes), but regular sessions.
- Senior cats need gentle encouragement, tailored to their mobility.
💡 The important thing is to respect your cat's rhythm: several short, dynamic sessions are better than one long session where he gets bored.
🌳 What about outdoor walks?
If you want to offer your cat a different experience, leash walks can be a great option.
- Use a harness specially designed for cats , never a collar.
- Start in a quiet, safe environment and gradually increase the duration.
- Not all cats enjoy the outdoors: observe their reactions and never force them.
👉 Walks are especially beneficial for curious indoor cats, but they should always be done with respect for the animal's comfort and safety.
🧴 Maintenance and health: taking care of your companion on a daily basis
A healthy cat is one that receives regular care, even outside of veterinary visits.
🎯 Basic care at home
- Brushing : essential for limiting hairballs, stimulating blood circulation and strengthening the bond with your cat.
- Nail trimming : every 2 to 4 weeks depending on the cat's activity. Use a suitable nail clipper to avoid injuries.
- Oral hygiene : Dental problems are common in cats. Dental treats or regular brushing can prevent tartar.
🩺 Veterinary monitoring
- Vaccinations and deworming : essential to prevent diseases.
- Sterilization : recommended for health and to avoid unwanted litters.
- Check-ups : at least once a year, even if the cat seems healthy.
💡 Tip
Observe your cat's behavior carefully: a change in appetite, cleanliness, or energy can be an early sign of a health problem.
🛁 When a bath may be necessary
- Sick kitten or cat : sometimes unable to groom itself properly.
- Long-haired cats : if the coat becomes matted or too greasy.
- Exceptional situations : if the cat has rolled in a sticky, toxic or smelly substance.
- Veterinary advice : certain skin conditions require a medicated shampoo.
⚠️ To avoid
- Bathing too frequently: this removes the skin's natural protective barrier and can irritate the animal.
- Cold water or unsuitable products: always use a special cat shampoo , never human or dog shampoo.
💡 Gentle alternatives
- Special cat wipes or a damp cloth for occasional cleaning.
- Regular brushing : often sufficient to keep the coat clean and limit hairballs.
✨ In summary: bathing is not a routine for a cat , but a one-off solution when it cannot clean itself or is really very dirty.
🏡 Home security: protecting your cat every day
A home may seem safe, but it's full of little dangers for a curious cat. Anticipating these risks means providing an environment where they can explore and relax with confidence.
🚪 Windows and balconies
- Cats love to peer out the window, but a simple jump can be fatal.
- Install strong mosquito nets or protective netting to secure openings.
- Never leave a cat alone on an unsecured balcony.
🌿 Toxic plants and products
- Some indoor plants are dangerous : lilies, philodendrons, poinsettias, aloe vera, dieffenbachia, etc.
- Also store household products, essential oils and medications out of reach.
🔌 Electrical objects and wires
- Kittens, especially, love to chew. Protect cables with sleeves or covers.
- Avoid leaving small objects lying around (elastic bands, strings, jewelry) that could be swallowed.
🍳 Cooking and household hazards
- Be careful with hotplates.
- Do not leave toxic foods within reach: chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, coffee, etc.
💡 Helpful tip : Put yourself in your cat's shoes. Imagine what they might climb, chew, or knock over, and secure those areas just as you would for a toddler.
Welcoming a cat is more than just ticking off a list of accessories: it's opening your home and your heart to a companion who will share your daily life for many years to come. By equipping yourself with the essentials presented in this guide, you're not only providing your cat with comfort and security, but also laying the foundation for a relationship of trust and complicity.
Every cat is unique: observe them, listen to them, and adapt their environment to their needs. This is how you will build a home where they can fully thrive.
💡 To go further and discover carefully selected accessories - combining quality, safety and tenderness - explore our [Entre Chat et Chien] store. You will find products designed for the well-being of your companions, tested and approved by animal lovers.
✨ Practical bonus Download the free printable French version of the Essential Checklist for Welcoming a Cat (PDF).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should you wash your cat?
Generally, no. Cats are very clean and groom themselves. Bathing may only be necessary if the cat is very dirty, has a skin condition (on veterinary recommendation), or can no longer clean itself properly. Always use a special cat shampoo and prioritize regular brushing for daily care.
2. Which litter should I choose for a kitten?
Avoid clumping litter until about 3-4 months old , as kittens may swallow it while playing, which can be dangerous. Instead, choose a soft, non-clumping litter (recycled paper, plant-based, wood). Once they are older, you can move on to a clumping litter that is easier to clean.
3. How much time should I play with my cat each day?
Veterinarians recommend about 30 to 40 minutes of daily playtime , spread out over several short sessions. Kittens need more stimulation, while adult cats prefer shorter but regular sessions. Play is essential for their physical and mental balance.
4. Should my cat go outside?
Not necessarily. Many cats live happily and safely indoors, provided they have enough stimulation (toys, scratching posts, perches). If you want to take them out, opt for a suitable harness and walks on a leash in a calm environment. Never force a cat that doesn't enjoy the outdoors.
5. How can I encourage my cat to drink more?
Cats naturally drink little, especially if they eat kibble. To boost their hydration:
- Provide several water points in the house.
- Use a water fountain (like the stainless steel ZyFeeder) that keeps the water fresh and moving.
- Avoid plastic bowls, which can alter the taste of the water.
Welcoming a cat is an adventure full of tenderness and discovery. And you, what were your essentials for preparing for the arrival of your companion?