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Bringing home a new cat is exciting, but it is easy to overspend on things you do not need yet. A good cat starter kit should cover the essentials first: transport, food, water, litter, scratching, sleeping and a few safe toys.
You do not need to buy every premium cat product on day one. Start with practical basics, then upgrade once you know your cat’s habits.
Cat starter kit checklist UK
| Item | Essential? | Compare options |
|---|---|---|
| Cat carrier | Yes | Cat carriers |
| Litter tray | Yes | Litter trays |
| Cat litter | Yes | Cat litter |
| Food and water bowls | Yes | Cat bowls |
| Scratching post | Yes | Scratching posts |
| Cat bed or blanket | Useful | Cat beds |
| Toys | Useful | Cat toys |
| Grooming brush | Useful | Cat brushes |
1. Cat carrier
A cat carrier is essential before your cat comes home. You need it for collection, vet trips and emergencies. For most owners, a rigid or top-opening carrier is more practical than a soft fashion-style bag.
2. Litter tray and litter
Set up the litter area before your cat arrives. If you are adopting, ask what litter your cat already uses and start with something similar where possible. A sudden change can make settling in harder.
For indoor cats, consider a spare tray, scoop and litter mat. These small extras can make day-to-day cleaning easier.
3. Food and water bowls
Choose simple bowls that are easy to wash. Wide, shallow bowls can be more comfortable for some cats than deep narrow bowls. You can always upgrade to a fountain or automatic feeder later.
4. Scratching post
A scratching post is not optional if you want to protect furniture. Scratching is normal cat behaviour, so give your cat somewhere appropriate to scratch from day one.
5. Toys and comfort items
Buy a small selection of toys rather than a huge bundle. Wand toys, small balls and soft toys can all work, but cats have individual preferences. A blanket or quiet bed area is also useful while they settle.
What not to buy straight away
- Expensive beds before you know where your cat likes to sleep.
- Large cat trees before measuring your space.
- Specialist diet products unless advised by a vet or rescue.
- Too many toys before learning what your cat enjoys.
- Automatic feeders or fountains unless they solve a real routine problem.
My recommendation
Prioritise the essentials first: carrier, litter setup, bowls, scratching post and a few toys. Once your cat has settled, you can upgrade based on actual behaviour rather than guessing.
If you want the easiest shopping route, compare the starter items on Amazon, but avoid buying large bundles full of things you may not use.
Related starter-kit buying guides
Use these guides to compare individual starter items before buying. This is usually better than buying a large bundle with products your cat may not use.
Best next guides to read
These guides go deeper on the starter-kit items that usually matter most for new cat owners.
FAQs
What do I need before bringing a cat home?
You need a carrier, litter tray, litter, food and water bowls, suitable food, a scratching post, and a quiet safe space for your cat to settle.
Do I need a cat tree straight away?
Not always. A scratching post and safe resting spot are enough to start, but a cat tree can be useful later, especially for indoor cats.
How much does a cat starter kit cost?
It depends on whether you buy basic or premium items. Keep the first shop practical and spend more later only where it clearly helps your cat.
Last updated: 1 July 2026
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