This is a compilation of cat supplies that we use and recommend. Your cat may prefer different toys, etc., but for the most part, these recommendations should suit most cats.
Food: Probably the most important thing that you can do is feed a quality cat food having meat and meat by-products as the primary ingredients. Always start with whatever food your cat/kitten was previously on and slowly switch to a new food. CATS ARE OBLIGATE CARNIVORES AND MUST HAVE MEAT.
Water: have a metal water bowl or metal water fountain. Metal is more resistant to bacteria and easy to put in the dishwasher. I like the one from Pioneer Pet, but any good metal or ceramic fountain is fine.
https://www.chewy.com/pioneer-pet-stainless-steel-dog-cat/dp/49052 Remember to change the water frequently and clean the bowl and ALL parts.
Comb: I like a medium-sized metal comb to pull out the dead coat; brushes do not get down into the undercoat. https://www.chewy.com/babyliss-pro-pet-6-basic-pet-comb/dp/238369 is a good example. Do not use slicker brushes (with the wire tines) and it can pull out too much fur.
Nail Clippers: I like the clippers that are like scissors and have a notch. https://www.chewy.com/jw-pet-gripsoft-cat-nail-clipper/dp/40177 Remember to position them from side to side (not top to bottom).
Food Bowl: I like an all metal (so it goes in the dishwasher), shallow and wide bowl as it doesn’t bend their whiskers. See: https://www.chewy.com/frisco-stainless-steel-dish-cat-bowl/dp/231079 as an example.
Cat Toys: Our cats LOVE the cat springs (https://www.chewy.com/frisco-stainless-steel-dish-cat-bowl/dp/231079 ) and crinkle balls (https://www.chewy.com/sungrow-kitty-crinkle-balls-indoor/dp/241961) Mice are always good to bat around (https://www.chewy.com/smartykat-skitter-critters-value-pack/dp/164501) If you decide to get any wand toys, make certain that they are durable and put away when you’re not playing with him. This might be a good choice (https://www.chewy.com/ethical-pet-skinneeez-friend-teaser/dp/56226) PLUS: don’t forget to check out cat toy vendors at a local cat show. They make the best toys!
Litter: I strongly recommend non-clumping pine pellets. Feline Pine was one of the original ones https://www.chewy.com/feline-pine-original-non-clumping/dp/32587 You only put in an inch or two; you don’t need a lot. The pellets break down into sawdust and do a great job of keeping odor under control. (and it fluffs up in volume when it breaks down…so don’t use too much) Scoop out the solid waste daily, and dump box when it’s all sawdust. If you have a Southern States, Tractor Supply, or any other farm supply outlet, they sell pine pellets for horse bedding for about $7/40lbs.
If you prefer clumping litter, try one of the tofu-based litters, such as Tuft and Paw or Catit. They don’t track as much as clumping clay, are lighter, and do great with odor control.
Don’t use clay litter. Why do people think that cleaning litter boxes is a chore? Because they use clay litter! It’s dusty and you’ll fine dust everywhere! It becomes a soggy mess and does nothing to control odor.
You don’t need liner bags; they get torn up an make a mess. Just dump into a trash bag.
Litter Boxes: I use plain, open plastic boxes. Medium to large size should be fine. https://www.chewy.com/van-ness-cat-litter-pan-blue/dp/55353
https://www.chewy.com/petmate-litter-pan-color-varies/dp/109059
No liners, no gadgets. Just a good scoop with slightly wide openings for the pellets. I like this one https://www.chewy.com/pioneer-pet-big-mouth-litter-scoop/dp/51901 because is will also easily contain what you scoop up, but any scoop should be fine.
Scratching Posts: This is tough, as again, I usually get mine at shows, and they last a LONG time. It’s hard to tell viewing online how sturdy a post/tree is, and that’s one of the most important things. I would go for one with sisal rope as the scratching area, and preferably made from wood. https://www.chewy.com/frisco-32-in-real-carpet-wooden-cat/dp/235550 seems to be nice. I do know this vendor, and his product is nice. http://www.customqualitypetfurniture.com/cat-trees. Want a cat tree that’s a little on the wild side? Take a look at www.furwoodforest.com. Made of real tree branches and fine rugs, these trees last for years!
