Welcoming a new cat into your home is a special adventure full of purrs, awkward zoomies, and a surprising amount of cardboard boxes. Whether you’re adding your first feline or expanding an already neurodivergent family of quirky pets, prepping with the right supplies makes a big difference for both you and your new friend. I’ll walk you through the core items every new cat caregiver should have, why these supplies matter, and a few pro-tips from my own lived experience. Neurodivergent pet parents—hello, sensory overwhelm exists!—I’ve added some things you’ll want to consider extra carefully.
Core Supplies Every New Cat Needs
Cats can be both low maintenance and surprisingly particular, kind of like living with a roommate who’s obsessed with their own space and has drama with socks. The basics go beyond food and water. Cats, especially those landing in a new environment, thrive when their physical and emotional needs are met with the right gear, establishing a sense of control in their new home.
The number of pet adoptions has jumped over the last few years, partly thanks to the mental health benefits pets can offer to neurodivergent folks. A well-prepared supply list can help you keep day-to-day routines less chaotic, and if you’re anything like me, sidestep sensory stress and last-minute store dashes. Getting ahead of the game makes everything more manageable from the start.
Modern cat care has grown with options for hypoallergenic foods, puzzle toys for mental stimulation, and odor control litter that doesn’t leave you hyper-aware of every scent in your apartment. Even if you’re brand new to this—or coming back after a long catless stretch—there’s less trial and error these days. The market keeps expanding, letting you set up your home exactly the way you need to.
Setting Up Your Cat’s Home Base
Before bringing your cat home, creating a cozy, predictable area for them really calms first-day jitters. This goes for both your cat and for those of us who need our environments predictable. I prefer building a cat corner: a set spot for all supplies, which helps with executive functioning and keeps things more chill for your cat, too.
- Bedding: Get a washable cat bed with soft, nonirritating materials. Cats love a designated sleep or “hidey” spot, and so do autistic folks who need routine. If your cat has a favorite blanket, toss it in for extra comfort.
- Scratching Posts: Protect your stuff and give your cat something safe to claw. Tall posts made of sisal work best and let sensory-seeking cats stretch fully. You can also try cardboard scratchers, which are popular and affordable.
- Litter Box: Some cats like privacy, others feel trapped in covered boxes. Try an open version first, and look for unscented, clumping litter if you’re sensitive to smells. Both you and many cats will appreciate an odorless zone that’s easy to clean.
- Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic are easier to clean, safe for cats, and don’t absorb odors like plastic. Flat dishes (not deep bowls) prevent whisker fatigue, which is way more real than most folks think. Make sure they are easy to wash and not too heavy for you to handle.
Quick Start Guide For Cat Care
Once you’ve gathered the core items, bringing your cat home feels a lot less chaotic. Sticking with routines is super important, especially for neurodivergent households or anxious cats. Here’s what I suggest to get things flowing smoothly from the start:
- Prepare Their Room: Before they arrive, set up their safe room with litter, bed, food, water, and a scratching post. This gives both of you a controlled, low-stimulation space to decompress. Adding a familiar object, like a soft toy or blanket, can help too.
- Don’t Overwhelm: Keep new toys and new foods limited for the first few days. Gradually introduce more as they settle in. Too many changes can stress cats, and humans alike—so take it slow and steady.
- Create Daily Routines: Feed at consistent times, scoop litter daily, and set aside a few minutes for play. These little bits of structure can help with anxiety and make things predictable. Even just a ten-minute session of play with a wand toy can work wonders.
- Safe Exploration: Let your cat explore new rooms bit by bit. Neurodivergent pet parents may find slow transitions and baby gates handy for maintaining order. Remember, slow introductions benefit both you and your cat—so there’s no rush.
- Monitor for Reactions: Keep an eye out for sensitivities to smells, unusual hiding, or over-grooming. Adjust litter, toys, or routines if needed; adjustments are totally normal and part of the process.
Choosing Sensory-Friendly Cat Gear
The wrong supplies can set off sensory overload or make it tough for kids and adults who process things differently. I always do a quick check for textures, sounds, and smells before buying. Here are my neurodivergent-friendly picks:
- Low Odor Litter: Unscented or plantbased options keep the air clear. Strong fragrances from litter or deodorizers can be distracting for everyone in the house.
- Silent Toys: Battery powered cat toys or super crinkly objects might get overwhelming fast. Stick with plush mice, kicker toys, or textured balls if you need a quieter space.
- Soft Blankets: Texture sensitive cats (and people) will usually pick a favorite blanket. Fleece or tightly woven fabrics are popular at my house and easy to clean. Better yet, they can double as cozy bedding anywhere your cat naps.
- Low Maintenance Bowls: Go for dishwasher safe bowls. Good hygiene, less fuss, and less cross contamination of sensory triggers. They save you effort and keep things neat.
If possible, check reviews or ask feline loving friends for advice before committing to pricier items. Cats (and humans!) can have unpredictable preferences, so ask around to learn what works for others living with sensory needs.
Things To Consider Before Shopping For Cat Supplies
Cat gear shopping has its own hiccups. I learned a lot through my own mixed bag of impulse purchases, texture fails, and getting totally overwhelmed by cat treat varieties. When you’re making your list or planning that shopping trip, keep these factors in mind:
- Durability: Not all cat supplies survive a determined claw or a curious brain. Spending a bit more up front usually means things last longer, especially scratching posts and beds. Nobody wants to buy a new scratching post every couple of months.
- Size of Your Living Space: For small apartments, look into vertical cat trees or wallmounted shelves. These let your cat exercise in tight quarters and give everyone their own space. Using vertical space can be a big help if floor space is limited.
- Budget: Fancy cat furniture can cost a ton, but you can usually DIY a cardboard scratcher or upcycle blankets and baskets from around the house for your cat bed. Thrift stores can also be gold mines for affordable, catfriendly finds.
- Local Allergens: Some litters and foods contain triggers for sensitive cats or owners. Read ingredients, look for hypoallergenic options, and be ready to experiment a little if symptoms arise. Flexibility here helps prevent big headaches down the road.
Litter Box Location and Upkeep
Cats have strong preferences. Putting the litter box in a calm, low traffic area away from food and water reassures anxious cats and helps keep odors from getting extreme. Neurodivergent cat owners may also find it’s less overwhelming if litter zones are out of the main living areas. Cleaning the box daily (or as close as you can manage) makes a huge difference for everyone.
Scratching Posts and Cat Trees
Some cats just ignore basic sisal posts in favor of the couch. I swap in cardboard floor scratchers wherever my cat prefers to scratch, keeping our house as damage free as possible. Try a few styles before investing in big pieces of cat furniture—you may hit the jackpot faster than you think.
Food Choices and Feeding Accessories
Mix wet and dry food for balanced nutrition, but pay attention to ingredient lists. Lowgrains, singleprotein options are less likely to cause problems. Vary the brand or flavor over time to prevent pickiness, especially with cats who show strong patterns or fixations. If your cat refuses everything new, introduce changes very gradually.
Water Fountains vs. Bowls
Some cats love moving water. Cat fountains can support hydration but may be too noisy if you’re sound sensitive. I stick with ceramic or glass bowls and change water daily. Each cat is different, so don’t be surprised if it takes some trial runs. If you do try a fountain, pick one with adjustable flow and test its sound before settling in.
Sometimes the most surprising challenges aren’t deal breakers. Careful research and observation help buyers and their cats adjust without much drama. It’s all about creating an environment where you and your new cat can relax and thrive, even in sensory packed households. Taking time up front pays off in the long run—less stress for everyone under your roof.
Extra Tips From Cat Owners Who Know the Drill
Getting in sync with your cat’s natural routines and quirks should be fun for both of you. Here are some little hacks that help a lot, especially if you (or your new pal) need accommodations:
Use Visual Schedules: For those who like structure—whether human or feline—visual reminder charts for feeding, play, or cleaning routines can reduce forgetting and help with executive function. These visuals can be as simple as a magnetic calendar or sticky notes on the fridge.
Introduce Calming Sprays: Feliway or other pheromone sprays and diffusers can help soothe anxious cats and take the edge off transitions. It’s a nice addition for neurodivergent brains who thrive with calm spaces, too. Start with a small amount to test reactions.
Rotate Toys Regularly: Instead of a huge pile of toys (easy to trip on!), stash half away and swap them out every week or two to keep things fresh. This prevents clutter and keeps your cat curious about playtime.
Provide Safe Retreat Zones: Cardboard boxes, open carriers, or popup cubes give cats chillout spots. Your home feels a lot more predictable to them with these options. You can move these around to match your cat’s preferences for sunlight or quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few things I wish I’d known before bringing my first cat home. Often, small changes make a world of difference for your new companion and for you.
Question: How many litter boxes do I need?
Answer: The rule of thumb is one for each cat plus one extra. For tight spaces, spot cleaning daily helps manage with fewer boxes, especially if you use good odor control litter. And it’s better for your own peace of mind, too.
Question: How do I stop my cat from scratching the furniture?
Answer: Offer multiple scratching types (vertical, horizontal, cardboard) and put them near their favorite trouble spots. Praise and treats reinforce the switch. A quick redirect works better than scolding.
Question: What’s the best routine for a new cat?
Answer: Consistent meals, lots of sleep opportunities, daily play sessions, and gentle introductions to new people or rooms. Stick to predictable patterns; it reassures both cats and sensoryseeking humans. If you slip up on the routine now and then, don’t stress—just get back to it as soon as you can.
Key Takeaways for Happy, Healthy Cats
Having the right supplies truly does set everyone up for success, from cats with big personalities to owners with neurodivergent needs. From comfy beds and lowodor litter to routines and calm zones, organized prep goes a long way to smooth out the bumps. Keep things flexible, observe what works, and remember: a bit of patience, especially in a busy or sensoryfilled household, matters more than having all the fanciest gear. The real goal is to create a home where you and your new cat can feel safe, happy, and able to grow together. With the right foundation, both of you can enjoy a smooth and rewarding adventure ahead.