Indoor Cat Basics
Indoor Cat Care: The Complete Beginner's Guide
The full picture for a first indoor cat — how to set up the home, what to feed, how much play a day really takes, and the small routines that prevent most problems.
11 min read
Indoor Cat Essentials Checklist
Setting up for a cat is cheaper than the shop layout suggests. This checklist separates the essentials from the extras.
The Urban Feline EditorialUpdated 6 min read
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Day-one essentials
- Two litter boxes and unscented clumping litter, plus a scoop
- Food and water bowls — wide, shallow, ceramic or stainless steel
- Food the cat is already eating, to avoid an abrupt change
- A sturdy carrier that opens from the top
- A tall, stable scratching post
- A wand toy
- A bed, plus a covered hiding spot
Worth adding in the first month
- A cat tree or window perch
- A brush suited to the coat type and nail clippers
- A puzzle feeder
- A second scratching surface in a different orientation
- A water fountain if your cat drinks little
Things you can usually skip
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Covered litter boxes | Most cats prefer open boxes |
| Elaborate toy bundles | Rotation of a few good toys works better |
| Cat clothing | Restrictive and stressful for most cats |
| Scented litter or deodorisers | Strong smells put cats off the box |
Set up before the cat arrives
Have the room ready — litter, water, food, a hiding place and a closed door — so a new cat can decompress in one small space before exploring the rest of the home.
Products mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
- What should I buy first for a new cat?
- Litter boxes and litter, bowls, the food the cat is already eating, a carrier, a scratching post and a hiding place. Everything else can follow.
- Do I need a cat tree straight away?
- Not on day one, but vertical space is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades for an indoor cat, so it is worth planning for early.
- How many bowls do I need?
- One food bowl per cat, kept separate in multi-cat homes, and at least two water points in different rooms away from food.
About this guide
We research, write and update every guide on this site. Our articles are general educational information for cat owners and are reviewed against current guidance from veterinary and feline welfare organisations. Read our editorial policy.
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