Becoming a new cat mom is exciting—and a little overwhelming. Suddenly, your cart fills up with toys, carriers, bowls, and grooming tools. But what truly matters—and what’s just fluff?
Here’s our fun yet practical breakdown of the cat mom essentials you need—and which ones you can skip.
🐾 1. Sturdy Carrier
A reliable carrier is non-negotiable. For safe trips to the vet or travel, consider the Catit Cabrio Carrier — it opens from all sides for easy access and secures with a seatbelt. Many users love its 360° accessibility (WIRED, Catit).
🛋️ 2. Stylish Litter Box + Enclosure
Hiding the litter box doesn’t mean hiding your style. These beauties blend discreetly into your space:
- Frisco Mid‑Century Side‑Table Litter Box Cover: doubles as a chic side table (The Refined Feline, Chewy).
- Refined Feline Self‑Cleaning Cabinet: hides a self-cleaning box in a wood veneer piece (The Refined Feline).
💧 3. Elevated Food & Water Bowls
Skip plastic—your cat deserves better. The Tuft + Paw Dock Bowl & Stand is ceramic, dishwasher-safe, and ergonomically designed to aid digestion and prevent whisker fatigue (tuft + paw).
🛏️ 4. Cozy Bed
Butter your cat with comfort! Invest in a sculptural cushion or nesting bed—something that complements your decor and gives them the rest they deserve.
🧼 5. Grooming Essentials
Long-haired or short, every cat needs grooming tools. A slicker brush, deshedding mitt, and nail clippers keep them clean, reduce shedding, and prevent hairballs.
🎲 6. Enrichment Toys
Aim for variety: wands, puzzle feeders, balls. Rotate them weekly so your cat stays curious and engaged—better than cluttering your home with unused items.
📚 7. The ONE Book to Actually Use
Skip fluff—you’ll actually read Feed the Cat Better. It’s a practical guide on nutrition, daily care, and real-life feeding routines. Trust us—every new cat mom needs this on her shelf.
🚰 8. Optional, but Nice Extras
- Cat water fountain for encouraging drinking
- Calming pheromone spray for vet trips
- Subscription box like CatLadyBox for rotating toys
🚫 What You Don’t Need Right Now
- Mass loads of novelty toys
- Overengineered automatic feeders
- Decorative items your cat won’t touch
At-a-Glance Starter Kit Checklist
| Item | Essential? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier | ✅ | Safety & travel |
| Hidden litter setup | ✅ | Odor control & aesthetics |
| Elevated bowls | ✅ | Health & comfort |
| Cozy bed | ✅ | Quality sleep |
| Grooming kit | ✅ | Hygiene & bond |
| Enrichment toys | ✅ | Mental well-being |
| Collar + microchip | ✅ | Safety |
| Feed the Cat Better | ✅ | Real-life guidance |
| Water fountain, box extras | ⚪️ | Bonuses, not basics |
💡 Final Take
Cat mom life is a beautiful adventure. Focus on safety, comfort, enrichment, and Feed the Cat Better for proven care guidance. Everything else? Optional, and often, better left out.