Before bringing your new kitty home, you should be prepared with some cat supplies (check out these reviews by PuppyUrl ). It's best to have all supplies ready before the first time your new pet enters the house because he should be able to immediately begin exploring and get used to things.

1. Cat Carrier or Crate

   The first thing you will need is a cat carrier or crate. This purchase will likely be one of your firsts, as you will need one to take your new friend home in. It should be safe and sturdy with plenty of ventilation and easy access for you.
   
   We like the carrier, which includes a rigid exterior with a removable mesh door that can be used as a carrier or sleeper. A cardboard box doesn't allow for enough air access, and a scared cat could probably claw its way through it. A plastic carrier with a locking door on the front should be sturdy enough and also provide the right amount of accessibility. Cover the bottom with a towel or another piece of soft material before placing your kitty inside.

2. Food and Water Bowls

   Your cat should have food and water bowls waiting for him upon his arrival. It filters contents up to 130 times per hour through a charcoal filter to help remove impurities and is designed for convenient cleaning with an easy cleaning reservoir and dishwasher safe bowl. The bottoms of the bowls should be weighted to avoid tipping.
   
   If you've adopted a kitten, you should consider purchasing smaller, shallower bowls designed specifically for kittens. Bowls should be cleaned daily and placed far from the litter box, as cats don't like to eat and relieve themselves in the same location.

3. Food

   There are several types of food to choose from. If possible, find out what kind of food the breeder, shelter, or pet store was feeding your cat and stick to the same diet for a while. He will be adjusting to so many new things during his first few weeks at home that keeping his diet the same may be a comfort to him. What you feed your new cat also depends on his age: kittens need a special diet and senior cats may also require a diet formulated especially for seniors.

4. Cat Bed

   Many cats will happily fall asleep anywhere, but a cat bed will be a favorite napping spot. The bed should be warm and soft, and it should be located in a place that makes your kitty feel comfortable and safe. The fabric traps kitty dander and comes in a variety of styles such as loungers and sacks. Make sure it is large enough for your cat to lay down in and have some room to stretch, but small enough to allow him to feel secure.

5. Litter Box

   There are many different styles of litter boxes available today. A self-cleaning litter box has a mechanism that will rake the dirty litter after your cat has used the box. While some owners appreciate the cleaning help this offers, these boxes are quite expensive and the mechanism can sometimes frighten the cat. A hooded litter box has a tall cover that is meant to give the kitten some privacy while hiding the mess often found in litter boxes. This can also be a great help in keeping litter from being tossed over the edge of the box and onto the floor. However, some cats are afraid of the hood and will not use a litter box that is enclosed. The third litter box option is a plain plastic box with kitty litter inside. Many cat owners prefer this simpler option but it does require some upkeep.
   
   The right litter can go a long way when introducing a new cat into your home. We like a veterinarian-formulated, natural, hard clumping clay litter that uses a natural herbal attractant to draw cats to the litterbox. It features superior odor control, is 99% dust free and helps with training cats to use the box also!

6. Comfort Zone Calming Diffuser

   Moving into a new home with a new family is a very stressful event for most cats. When cats are moving into a new environment, they need lots of help to adjusting to their new home. These pheromones help communicate to your cat that the area is safe. By providing your cat with this sense of calm, it can help prevent stress-related issues such as urine marking on the walls or even destructive scratching which can be signs that your cat is stressed.

7. Cat Scratching Post

   Cats need to scratch, so purchasing a cat scratching post can help with that urge. Make sure the post has a sturdy base to keep it from tipping over. It should be at least as tall as the cat so he can stand on his hind legs and get a good stretch while he's scratching.

8. Toys

   Cats love to play, so you'll need to provide your cat with a variety of safe toys. Pouncing is a favorite activity of cats, so balls and catnip-filled mice are good options. A nice option is the toy which mounts to any glass surface and provides interactive balls for hours of fun. It can be placed on glass doors, windows or even your fridge to entertain your cat. To avoid the danger of your cat choking on a piece of a toy, do not give him toys that have small parts that can be torn off, such as bells, feathers, or pom-poms. Ensure you examine each toy to make sure it's safe for your cat.

9. Collar and ID Tag

   Your cat should wear a collar with an ID tag at all times. The tag should have your name, address, and telephone number on it. The collar should have an automatic release that will disengage if your cat gets stuck on something, like a tree branch. Make sure the collar fits properly and won't irritate your cat's neck or affect his breathing and swallowing. A general rule is to allow enough room for two fingers to fit between the collar and the neck.