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It is easy to overspend when getting a new cat. Shops and online guides can make everything feel essential, but many products are optional, can wait, or are only worth buying once you know your cat’s habits.
New cat essentials: quick answer
The essentials for most new cats are food, bowls, litter, a litter tray, a secure carrier, a scratching option, a simple bed or blanket, and a few toys. Expensive extras like fountains, automatic feeders, cat cameras, backpacks and large cat trees can wait until you know what your cat actually uses.
What to buy first
| Priority | Product | Why it matters | Compare options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Cat carrier | Needed for collection, vet trips and emergencies. | Compare cat carriers |
| Essential | Litter tray and scoop | One of the first things your cat will need at home. | Compare litter trays |
| Essential | Food and water bowls | Simple bowls are enough to start with. | Compare cat bowls |
| Useful | Scratching post | Gives your cat somewhere acceptable to scratch. | Compare scratching posts |
Products you probably do not need straight away
These products can be useful, but they are not always day-one essentials. Waiting can save money because you will understand your cat’s personality, space needs and routine first.
1. Expensive cat trees
A cat tree can be a great purchase, but you do not need to buy the biggest one immediately. Start with a scratching post or smaller tree, then upgrade if your cat enjoys climbing and you have the space.
Compare starter scratching posts on Amazon or compare cat trees.
2. Automatic feeders
Automatic feeders are handy for routines, but a normal bowl is usually fine when your cat first arrives. Consider one later if you need timed meals or you are often out at feeding times.
Compare automatic cat feeders on Amazon.
3. Cat water fountains
Some cats drink more happily from fountains, but not all cats use them. Start with simple water bowls and only upgrade if your cat ignores still water or seems to prefer running water.
Compare cat water fountains on Amazon.
4. Cat cameras and GPS trackers
These can be useful for peace of mind, but they are optional. A camera may suit indoor cats when you are out, while a GPS tracker is mainly relevant for cats that go outside.
Compare cat cameras or compare GPS cat trackers.
5. Cat backpacks
A cat backpack can look appealing, but a secure carrier is usually the better first buy. Consider a backpack only if your cat is calm, the design is well ventilated and it fits your actual travel plans.
Compare cat backpacks on Amazon.
Where spending more can make sense
- Cat carrier: worth choosing carefully because it affects vet trips and travel.
- Litter tray: size and access matter more than fancy design.
- Scratching post: a stable post may protect furniture better than a cheap wobbly one.
- Food storage: useful if you buy larger bags of dry food.
- Insurance or vet costs: budget for care rather than spending everything on accessories.
My recommendation
Buy the basics first, then upgrade based on your cat’s behaviour. The biggest waste usually comes from buying premium products before you know whether your cat will use them.
Related guides
- Cat Starter Kit UK
- Kitten First-Year Cost UK
- How Much Does a Cat Cost Per Month in the UK?
- Best Products for Indoor Cats UK
FAQs
What do I actually need for a new cat?
Most new cats need food, bowls, litter, a litter tray, a carrier, a scratching option, somewhere to sleep and a few simple toys.
Are cat fountains and automatic feeders essential?
No. They can be useful later, but most new cat owners can start with normal bowls and upgrade only if there is a clear need.
Should I buy a cat tree straight away?
A small cat tree or scratching post is sensible, but a large premium cat tree can wait until you know whether your cat enjoys climbing.
Last updated: 2 July 2026
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