New Kitty? Essential Cat Products to Buy Today

Every kitty deserves to be spoiled with toys and treats, but there are essential cat products that you need to purchase for your kitty’s health and well-being. These go beyond food and water, and include things like litter boxes, kitty litter (there are tons of different types, as well), products to encourage drinking (like cat fountains) and much more.

A lot of times, you’ll need to determine your cat’s personality and quirks to choose the right cat care products for them. For example, some cats don’t like it when their water is too close to their food—so you have to move their water bowl to a different location! Some cats may need hairball cat care products because they have long hair and tend to cough up hairballs (yuck!) while others may not have a problem with hairballs at all.

Choosing toys can be a chore in and of itself. Some cats love catnip toys or wand toys, while others prefer to just passively play with something easy, like a ball toy that conveniently comes to them repeatedly so they can bat at it!

The point is, that cats are individuals—just like people, and may need unique cat products as a result.

Maybe you just got your first cat, or maybe you’ve owned cats for years. Either way, it’s important to take a look at the latest essential cat products on the market today. After all, some of them might make you and your kitty’s life easier!

In this article, we explore the different things you need for a cat, including the must-haves, unique cat products, and more.

Essential Cat Products for Cat Owners [Checklist]

While there are unique cat care products that you can buy depending on your individual cat’s needs, there are several essential cat products that every cat needs—regardless of whether they are a full-grown adult or kitten.

If you just brought home your first cat, you might not be fully aware of exactly which products you need, so it helps to have a handy checklist. Even if you’ve owned cats before, there could be new products out there that you weren’t aware of before.

The below table is a summary of the sections below:

1. Cat Care Products

There are some cat care products that you absolutely need to get for your kitty to ensure they are comfortable, happy, and healthy in your home with you. These items include:

• Litter box: There is a wide range of different types of litter boxes. For the most part, a standard open plastic litter box is best, just make sure you get a box that’s bigger than you think your cat needs (you can never have a litter box that’s too big). There are also covered litter boxes, but some cats may not like them because they can quickly become smelly and it can be hard for them to move around comfortably inside. Automatic, self-cleaning litter boxes are also an option, but they are also often covered, and the noise from the mechanical parts may startle your cat.
• Litter: Just like with litter boxes, there are a wide range of different types of litter. The standard clay litter (what you can find in most grocery stores) is fine for the majority of cats, but cats with dust sensitivities or respiratory problems may have issues with the litter dust that these products create. In addition to clay litter, there are wood pellets (often made from pine), silica gel (crystal) cat litter, paper pellets, and more. You may have to experiment with different types of litter to see which works best for your kitty and your household. Some cats are very picky about litter and prefer types that allow them to easily bury their waste, while others could care less about what litter they have.
• Cat bed: While your kitty might prefer snuggling up with you on the couch or your bed, it’s important that they have multiple options for places to sleep. Giving your kitty a comfortable cat bed lets them know that they have a space for themselves where they can feel safe. Observe your cat and see where they love to rest, whether it be a spot on the floor or near the window, and place their bed there to encourage them to lay on it. You may also want to use some catnip or treats to entice them to lay on their new bed.
• Identification: Getting the proper identification for your cat is very important. If your kitty goes missing, a microchip can help whoever finds your kitty return them to you. Any veterinarian has a tool that is able to “scan” your cat to determine if they have a microchip, and if they do, it reveals your contact information. The procedure is easy and painless for your kitty as well. Another identification you can get for your cat is a simple collar from the pet store, which is an easy way to indicate to others that your cat is owned by someone and not a stray. You can also get a metal or plastic charm for your cat’s collar that has their name and your contact information on it for easy reference.
• Cat carrier: There will be times when you need to take your cat to the vet or otherwise out of your house, so it’s important to have an appropriate cat carrier ready to go. These come in a variety of different styles, from hard plastic carriers to ones that are softer and more like a duffle bag. The most important thing is that you get one that is large enough to fit your cat and their favourite blanket or towel so that they can feel a bit more comfortable on their journey.
• Food and water bowls: For the most part, food and water bowls for cats are not that complicated. But there are a few important things to keep in mind when choosing these essential cat products. First off, most cats do not like their food near their water, so a combination of food and water bowls isn’t the best option. Plus, plastic bowls can sometimes cause feline acne or redness on your cat’s chin and lips, because the plastic harbours bacteria more so than stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Choosing a material for your cat’s food and water bowl that isn’t plastic and keeping them separate from each other is a best practice.

2. Cat Food

Choosing the right cat food can seem difficult at first, given that there are so many different options on the market. But once you know a few important considerations to keep in mind, the process becomes much easier. The recommendations below are compiled based on information from official regulatory bodies like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), The Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC), and FEDIAF, an association representing the European pet food industry.

1. Look for cat food that is nutritionally complete. Every cat food should have a statement on it indicating two important things: the life stage that the food is meant for (kitten, adult, or senior cat food), and whether it can be fed as a complete diet. These two components of a “nutritionally complete” statement are important because young kittens need more calories and fat compared to an adult or senior cat, and of course, adult cats need fewer calories and fat compared to kittens. In addition, some cat treats can look like regular cat food but are meant for occasional feeding only.
2. Choose a cat food that is appropriate for the cat’s life stage and condition. This applies to the nutritionally complete statement but refers more specifically to the nutrients and ingredients in the food. Cats need taurine and vitamin A in their diet because their bodies do not produce it. Ensure the food says that it can be fed as a “complete and balanced diet”, otherwise you may have to supplement your cat’s diet with the nutrients that they are missing. In addition, your cat’s condition is also of note. If your cat has diabetes or kidney problems, for example, you need to choose food that’s appropriate for that condition. This is where your veterinarian should get involved, as they should be able to recommend appropriate food.
3. Follow feeding directions. If the food is nutritionally complete and works with your cat’s condition(s) and life stage, then the only thing left is to ensure that you are feeding them according to the directions on the food’s packaging. You may have to adjust this based on your veterinarian’s advice, but it is a good baseline to get you used to how much you should be feeding your cat per day.

In addition to the above, you should also consider the type of food that you’ll be feeding your cat. Most veterinarians recommend feeding your cat at least one wet food meal a day to ensure that your cat gets enough moisture, as cats are used to getting some water from their food, but you might be able to get away with feeding your cat only dry kibble if they drink a good amount of water. Once again, every cat is different and what might work for one cat may not work for another. However, it is important to ensure that your cat stays adequately hydrated, so if you are going to feed them only dry food, be sure to monitor their water intake.

3. Cat Supplements

In many cases, adding cat supplements to your kitty’s diet is a good idea. For instance, many cats suffer from degenerative joint disease (DJD) in their lifetime, which can significantly affect their quality of life and of course their mobility. Cats are also notorious for trying to hide their pain and discomfort because in the wild a weak cat could compromise the safety of the whole colony. Because of this, cats in pain often have behavioural issues, which they use to mask the fact that they are in pain (usually it’s increased aggression to keep you away from them).

To help alleviate the pain and discomfort from inflamed joints, you can start giving your cat a joint supplement as early as kittenhood (once they start eating solid foods). TRI-ACTA is a great choice for a preventative supplement, but if your kitty is older and already experiencing joint issues, then TRI-ACTA H.A. (which includes Hyaluronic Acid) provides an extra boost.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More

4. Cat Hydration Products

Keeping your cat hydrated is extremely important for their overall health. Cats are notorious for being picky about their water. So much so, that they’ll have the audacity to prefer to drink out of the glass you’re drinking out of or the tap in the bathroom—rather than their water dish.

Although most cats don’t like being submerged in water, they do like to drink it—but they have a great sense of smell, and that plays a big role in why they tend to avoid the stagnant water in their bowl and go for the running water from the tap instead. Stagnant water just doesn’t smell great: it can have dust or dirt particles floating around in it, or old food that fell out of their mouth the last time they took a drink. Either way, it doesn’t exactly make for a very appetizing drink.

One of the main ways that you can help your cat drink more water is to buy them a cat fountain. This is essentially a water fountain that comes with a pump and filter that cycles the water and cleans it continually, so your kitty always has access to clean, fresh running water.

In addition to a special fountain for your kitty, there are other cat hydration products that you can consider:

1. Wet cat food or treats are a simple way to add a bit of moisture to your cat’s diet. Most wet food contains 70–80% water per can.
2. Cat hydration supplement is another option that you can get directly from your veterinarian. It’s essentially water with additional minerals and nutrients to help your cat recover from dehydration. Think of it like Gatorade for cats!
3. Water enhancers may work for your kitty to entice them to drink more water. A water enhancer is a flavoured liquid product that turns your cat’s water into a delicious juice and comes in flavours like beef or chicken.

5. Cat Grooming Products

There's a wide range of grooming products available for cats to keep them looking and feeling their best. Here are some essential cat grooming products:

• Cat brush or comb: Regular brushing helps prevent matting, reduces shedding, and stimulates blood circulation. Look for brushes or combs specifically designed for cats' coats, such as slicker brushes, shedding combs, or grooming gloves.
• Cat shampoo: Cats may need occasional baths, especially if they have skin conditions or get into messy situations. Choose a gentle, pH-balanced cat shampoo to keep their coat clean without drying out their skin.
• Nail clippers or trimmers: Trimming your cat's nails regularly helps prevent them from becoming overgrown and reduces the risk of them getting their claws stuck in carpet or other surfaces and ripping out the nail. Opt for cat-specific nail clippers or trimmers with safety guards to avoid cutting the quick.
• Ear cleaner: Cats can accumulate wax and debris in their ears, leading to infections or discomfort. Use a specially formulated cat ear cleaner to remove dirt and wax buildup gently.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: Dental care is essential for cats' overall health. Brushing your cat's teeth regularly with a cat toothbrush and toothpaste helps prevent tartar buildup, gum disease, and bad breath.
• Flea comb: Flea combs have fine teeth designed to remove fleas, flea eggs, and flea dirt from your cat's coat. Regular combing can help detect and prevent flea infestations.
• Furminator or deshedding tool: Deshedding tools help remove loose fur from your cat's coat, reducing shedding and preventing hairballs. Furminators and similar tools are designed to reach deep into the undercoat without irritating the skin.

6. Cat Enrichment

Cat enrichment products are designed to stimulate your cat's natural instincts, promote physical activity, and provide mental stimulation. Here are some popular cat enrichment products:

• Interactive toys: Toys that encourage your cat to play and interact can provide mental stimulation and exercise. Examples include wand toys, puzzle feeders, treat balls, and electronic toys that mimic prey.
• Scratching posts and pads: Scratching is a natural behavior for cats and helps them stretch their muscles, sharpen their claws, and mark their territory. Providing scratching posts or pads can redirect your cat's scratching away from furniture.
• Cat trees and condos: Cat trees offer multiple levels for climbing, perching, and hiding, mimicking a natural environment. Look for trees with scratching surfaces, cozy hideaways, and dangling toys to keep your cat engaged.
• Window perches: Cats enjoy observing the world outside, and window perches provide a comfortable spot for them to relax and watch birds, squirrels, and other outdoor activities.
• Cat tunnels: Tunnels offer a fun and stimulating environment for cats to explore, hide, and play. Look for collapsible tunnels made of durable materials that your cat can crawl through and pounce on.
• Catnip toys: Catnip toys contain catnip, a plant that induces a euphoric response in many cats. These toys can entice your cat to play, chase, and roll around, providing entertainment and mental stimulation.
• Interactive feeders: Interactive feeders or puzzle feeders require your cat to work for their food, engaging their hunting instincts and providing mental stimulation. These feeders can help prevent boredom and overeating.
• Cat grass: Growing cat grass indoors provides a safe and natural alternative for your cat to nibble on, promoting healthy digestion and reducing the urge to chew on houseplants.

New Cat Products to Consider

As of recent trends, several cat products have gained popularity among cat owners. Here are some trending cat products:

Summary

Ensuring your cat's health, comfort, and happiness involves providing essential products tailored to their individual needs and preferences. From litter boxes to grooming tools, and food to enrichment toys, the array of available products allows cat owners to create a stimulating and nurturing environment for their furry companions. By understanding the importance of each item and staying informed about the latest trends in cat care, owners can cultivate strong bonds with their cats and ensure their well-being for years to come.

One of the most important products that you can add to your cat’s daily routine is a joint supplement. Given how common degenerative joint disease and arthritis are in cats, incorporating a supplement like TRI-ACTA is an easy preventative measure that you can take to ensure that your cat has strong joints well into their golden years.

Purchase TRI-ACTA online or learn where to buy at a store near you.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More