Blog

Essentials: Every Cat Must Have!

Bringing home your new feline friends can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your cats. However, living with cats requires careful planning and preparation to ensure your cats are comfortable, safe, and happy in their new home. This guide covers all the essential items for living with cats, offering valuable cat tips and must-have cat essentials recommendations.

Whether you’re living with cats full-time or just preparing to babysit, adopt, or foster a little furball for a weekend our cat-friendly advice will help you master living with cats in your life. From cat safety tips to keeping your cat comfortable, discover useful cat tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Here’s your comprehensive guide with everything you’ll need if you plan on living with cats.

Must-Have Essentials for Living with Cats

Table of Contents

    1. Safe Space or Crate

    A safe space is essential for your Cat to feel secure in their new house! Either a designated area in your home where they know they can roam, rest, eat, poop, and pee. Also, consider not just giving them a bed but a case to feel secure. Our cat has both a cat carry case and he has a portable pet house, plus many more feline-friendly items to keep him comfy!

    • Safe Space
    • Carry Case / Crate
    • Pet House / Bed

    If you plan to travel: A secure carrier or travel crate is essential for your cat’s safety, especially during transit on road trips or vet appointments. Ensure the carrier is spacious enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should also be well-ventilated and secure to prevent any escapes.

    2. Litter + Box

    If you didn’t know cats naturally know to go in a litter box when they potty from birth! Or at least they don’t need to be potty trained for the most part if you give them a clean box full of kitty litter they’ll go potty without any help. All you have to do is keep it cleaned out! Plus, we use Pretty Litter!

    If you plan to travel: A portable litter box is a must-have for cat travel. Choose a compact, covered litter box to contain odors and prevent litter from scattering during travel. Don’t forget to bring a scooper and plenty of litter to keep the box clean and fresh.

    3. Food & Water Bowls

    Make sure your cat has their own food and water bowls. We leave a bowl of water down for the dogs and cat to share (which the vet told us was okay to do). However, we never leave food out or down unless feeding. So that’s the only time we get any bowls out. TDH we use some cheap cat bowls we got at the Dollar Tree!

    If you plan to travel: Invest in spill-proof food and water bowls to prevent messes while driving. Consider collapsible bowls for easy storage and convenience.

    4. Cat Food & Treats

    Make sure to feed your cat a healthy balanced diet both cat food and cat treats included. Spend a little extra to give your feline friend the food they deserve! We usually stick to Blue Buffalo Cat Food and Treats!

    If you plan to travel: Bring your cat’s regular food and enough supply to last the entire trip. Sudden changes in diet can upset their stomachs. Pack some of their favorite treats to reward them and keep them happy.

    5. Scratching Post or Pad

    Cats need to scratch to keep their claws healthy and to mark their territory. Every time our cat wakes up from a nap he immediately starts to scratch his claws! That could be on the carpet or furniture but we aim to prevent this by keeping a cat scratching post everywhere he sleeps or likes to frequent!

    If you plan to travel: A portable scratching post or pad will help prevent them from scratching yours or anyone else’s furniture!

    6. Comfort Items

    Keep your cat comfy with a bed, blanket, toys, etc… Just like you they want to feel comfortable too!

    If you plan to travel: Bring along your cat’s favorite blanket, bed, or toys to provide comfort and a sense of familiarity. These items can help reduce stress and make them always feel a sense of home.

    7. Collar, Harness and Leash

    Our cat doesn’t venture outdoors often and if so not alone. But, we do like to keep track of him whether we are in the RV or at the Condo at home, a hotel — no matter where we roam! One thing we like is to make sure Johnny has a bell on his Cat Collar so we can always hear where he’s at.

    If you plan to travel: A harness and leash are essential for letting your cat explore the outdoors safely. Make sure the harness fits securely and practice using it before your trip to ensure your cat is comfortable.

    8. First Aid Kit

    A pet-specific first aid kit can be a lifesaver in emergencies. Include items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any medications your cat might need.

    9. Sink cover, Closed & Lockable Containers

    We have a sink cover that is used for drying dishes, but it also works to keep Johnny our Cat out of the sink! We try to keep the dishes clean, but our cat loves to check out the sink! But, what I love about the sink covers is that we always try to buy roll-up or easily storable ones.

    We also have lockable containers and never leave anything on the counter even a bag of chips. Our cat has a crazy nose and he eats through every bag of food, treats, bread, sauce packets, — if you leave it out for him to be able to get his nose will find it! So everything stays in containers or cabinets. For the counter in the travel trailer we have tested a “bread box” which is actually only for us to store quick snacks but so that Johhny can’t get to them and eat them first!

    And we have a double-decker clear rolling container we use to store dry cat food and treats in. Thankfully it has locking latches on the handles to keep the cat out, but he loves to smack them in an attempt to get in. I also think he likes the sound it makes every time he hits the handles on them. 🤦‍♀️

    >> Get our Double-decker stacked rolling storage bin (for cats)* online!

    Conclusion:

    In conclusion, living with your feline friends can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your cats. However, it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure your cats are comfortable, safe, and happy at home or traveling on the road. By using this guide, you can cover all the essential items for living with cats and benefit from valuable cat tips and cat gear recommendations.

    Whether you’re living with cats full-time or just planning a cat visit, maybe just looking for cat advice this will help you master living with cats in your life. From cat safety to cat comfort, these cat tips will make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

    Shop The Cat Store

    Shop All These Cat Essentials, Must Haves and more in our online feline friendly store!

    SHOP For Cat Gear
    Don’t Miss A Thing…

    Follow @CattitudeChaos via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter X, and Pinterest. Also, don’t forget to Subscribe on YouTube! And, Most Importantly Sign Up To Receive Our Email Newsletter!

    #CatEssentials #CatMustHaves #CatAccessories #Cats #AdoptingCats #CatRescue #CatAdoptions #CatLover #CatDog #Johnny #JohnnyCat #CatsRule #BlackCat #MeetJohnny #AdoptDontShop #TipsForAdopting #Adopting #Rescue #BirdiesDoghouse #FurryFamily #CattitudeChaos

    Affiliate Disclaimer: Note this website may contain affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned and support the website at no cost to you. While we may earn minimal sums when the visitor uses the links, they are not obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!

    My Cat Started A YouTube Channel (1st Cat Video Debut)!

    🐈‍⬛ Who is Cattitude Chaos? Meet Johnny Flynn, the cat dog behind the “Cattitude” and the one causing all the “Chaos” over at Birdies Doghouse! We did NOT plan to start a Cat Rescue but who knew this little Cat Adoption ended up being a rare and unique Black Cat With a Bobtail! You never know what you’ll find when you Adopt Dont Shop! Kitten and Kitty Cat Lovers rejoice! The next Cat Influencer aka “Pet Influencer” is starting his own CatTube! Sharing Cute, Hilariously Funny, Cute, And Adorable Cat Videos! Meow! Plus, my cat just posted his First YouTube Famous Video Debut!

    🙀 My cat just posted his First YouTube Famous Video Debut ‪Don’t forget to Subscribe & Follow ‪@CattitudeChaos‬ on YouTube for more Cat Videos! 🐈‍⬛ #Shorts 

    Don’t Miss A Thing…

    Follow @CattitudeChaos via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter X, and Pinterest. Also, don’t forget to Subscribe on YouTube! And, Most Importantly Sign Up To Receive Our Email Newsletter!

    Affiliate Disclaimer: Note this description may contain affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned and support the website at no cost to you. While this website may earn minimal sums when the visitor uses the links, the visitor is in no way obligated to use these links. But if you do… Thank you for your support!

    #Shorts #Cattitude #CatsOfYouTube #CattitudeChaos #Cattiness #Cats #CatsAreFamily #CatMoments #CatInfluencer #AdoptDontShop #JohnnyCat #CatRescue #JohnnyFlynn #KittyParty #BirdiesDoghouse #Kitty #CatVideos #CatsShorts #CatTube #CatsYouTube #FamousCats #CatLovers #CAtLover #YouTubeFamous #YouTubeShorts #BobTailCat #BlackCat #BlackCatShorts #BobtailCat #ChildlessCatLady #Caturday

    Meet Johnny The CAT + Dog!

    Johnny, our remarkable feline friend, boasts an impressive resume at just 2 years old, adopted into our lives at the tender age of 3-6 months. As a sleek black bobtail weighing in at a dainty 5-6 lbs, Johnny exudes an air of mystery and charm.

    Initially plucked from the prestigious Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta, Georgia, Johnny caught our eye at an animal adoption event hosted by Marty Kemp. Despite being the only resident cat in a household brimming with canine companions, Johnny seamlessly integrates into our canine-centric abode, embodying the spirit of a true “cat-dog.”

    Hailing from a shelter in Gilmer County, Georgia, Johnny’s upbringing among dogs has imbued him with a unique set of traits. He adores treats, gets along famously with his canine cohorts, and possesses clear nails, making grooming a breeze. A seasoned traveler, Johnny traverses the country with ease, whether in a cat carry case or indulging in the luxuries of RV and van life.

    However, Johnny’s regal demeanor belies a mischievous streak, as evidenced by his extreme food aggression and penchant for cord-chewing escapades. Despite his love for the great outdoors, Johnny’s adventures are carefully curated, confined to enclosed environments to prevent any rogue escapes.

    With a taste for the finer things in life, Johnny has graced hotels, RVs, airbnbs, and more, leaving a trail of feline mischief in his wake. Though not without his quirks, including a distaste for other cats and a preference for unconventional toilet habits, Johnny’s adaptability and charm continue to captivate all who encounter him.

    Introducing Johnny…

    Introducing our esteemed feline overlord, the notorious Johnny, who rules our household with an iron paw and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Here’s a peek into the whimsical world of our beloved black cat:

    Profile:

    • His Highness, Johnny, is a distinguished 2-year-old black bobtail of the highest pedigree, adopted into our kingdom at the tender age of 3-6 months.
    • With his sleek black coat and regal demeanor, Johnny is the epitome of feline elegance, though he’s not above the occasional bout of mischief.
    • Having undergone the rites of spaying, Johnny maintains a svelte physique weighing a dignified 5-6 lbs, though his appetite for adventure knows no bounds.
    • As the sole male sovereign in our realm, Johnny holds court with the swagger of a cat-dog, embodying the finest qualities of both species.

    Origin Tale:

    • Johnny’s illustrious journey began amidst the grandeur of the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graced an exclusive animal adoption event hosted by the esteemed Marty Kemp, consort to the Governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp.
    • While we initially contemplated relinquishing him to another abode, Johnny’s irresistible charm and playful antics soon wormed their way into our hearts, ensuring his reign as the undisputed ruler of our household.

    Exquisite Mannerisms:

    • Much like a purr-fectly groomed aristocrat, Johnny exudes an air of sophistication and refinement, though his penchant for hijinks often belies his regal demeanor.
    • His discerning palate savors only the finest delicacies, indulging in gourmet treats with the gusto of a culinary connoisseur.
    • Ever the intrepid explorer, Johnny traverses the realm in a bespoke cat carriage, surveying his domain with a haughty disdain for all who dare to challenge his authority.

    Eccentricities of Nobility:

    • Johnny’s distinguished lineage is not without its quirks; his insatiable appetite and food aggression have led to numerous culinary escapades, including an infamous raid on the royal pantry that left us scrambling to reclaim our dinner.
    • A connoisseur of the absurd, Johnny delights in tinkering with the accoutrements of modernity, displaying a penchant for cord-chewing that rivals the most audacious of royal jesters.

    Charmingly Demanding:

    • Though he reigns supreme in our household, Johnny’s royal demands are not without their challenges.
    • Despite attempts to cultivate his outdoor pursuits, Johnny maintains a preference for the pampered comforts of his royal chamber, adorned with the finest luxuries fit for a feline monarch.

    Royal Retribution:

    • In moments of contemplation, we reflect on our initial attempts to bestow Johnny upon another realm. However, our hearts now overflow with adoration for our mischievous monarch, for he has woven himself into the very fabric of our lives, reigning as the undisputed sovereign of our hearts and hearth.

    >> SHOP all the things Johnny likes (to get into)…

    About Johnny To put it more simply…

    • Age: 2 years old (adopted at 3-6 months)
    • Characteristics: Black bobtail, male, spayed, weighs 5-6 lbs
    • Unique Situation: Johnny is the only cat in a household with several dog siblings. (aka Cat Dog)
    • Origin: Johnny was adopted from an animal adoption event at the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted by Marty Kemp.
    • Background: Originally from a shelter in Gilmer County, Georgia.
    • Personality:
      • Acts more like a cat-dog due to growing up with dogs.
      • Loves treats and gets along well with dogs.
      • Has clear nails, making grooming easy.
    • Travel Habits:
      • Travels well with a special cat carry case.
      • Enjoys RV and van life, adapting easily to new environments.
      • Will walk on a leash but may chew it if left alone.
    • Preferences:
      • Enjoys playing with toys and knows the word “treat.”
      • Has extreme food aggression and loves to chew cords.
      • Likes sunbathing in warm temperatures.
    • Outdoor Boundaries:
      • Curious about the outdoors but only allowed outside in a case or on a leash in enclosed areas.
      • Dislikes other cats but adjusts well to new dogs and environments.
    • Accomplishments:
      • Has flown on an airplane and stayed in various accommodations, including hotels, RVs, airbnbs, condos, and houses.
    • Bathroom Habits:
      • Semi-trained to use a toilet instead of a litter box, with some challenges.
      • Uses multiple litter boxes, including a pop-up one for traveling.

    Bow before the majesty of Johnny, our beloved feline overlord, whose reign of whimsy brings laughter and joy to all who dare to enter his kingdom! 🐾 👑

    >> Meet the rest of the Paws at Birdies Doghouse! 

    Don’t Miss A Thing…

    Follow @CattitudeChaos via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter X, and Pinterest. Also, don’t forget to Subscribe on YouTube! And, Most Importantly Sign Up To Receive Our Email Newsletter!

    #RoyalRascal #MajesticMischief #CatKingdom #AdoptDontShop #TipsForAdopting #Adopting #Rescue #BirdiesDoghouse #Cats #AdoptingCats #CatRescue #CatAdoptions #CatLover #CatDog #Johnny #JohnnyCat #CatsRule #BlackCat #MeetJohnny #CatDogAdventures #FurryFamily #CattitudeChaos