Someone you love just brought home a cat. The best gifts are the ones they'll use every day, so this list starts with the basics shelters and vets say every new cat needs, then adds toys, cozy spots, a few splurges, and a little something for the human. Every pick below is available in our shop now.
Key Takeaways
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Start with the checklist. The ASPCA cat supply checklist includes cat food, a food dish, a water bowl, interactive toys, a brush and comb, a safety collar with an ID tag, a scratching post or pad, a litter box and litter, a carrier, and a bed or box with a warm blanket. PetSmart recommends one litter box per cat plus one extra, so a second box or enclosure can be a welcome gift too.
| Checklist item | Gift idea |
|---|---|
| Cat carrier | A collapsible carrier tote |
| Brush and comb | A silicone grooming brush |
| Scratching post or pad | A hanging sisal scratcher or scratcher bed |
| Interactive toys | A feather wand or a bucket of mice |
| Bed or box with a blanket | A fleece bed, hammock, or window lounger |
| Litter box | A litter box enclosure or cat tree with built-in litter space |
Checklist items from the ASPCA General Cat Care guide.
Carriers, grooming tools, and scratchers. Every cat needs a secure carrier for vet visits, and PetSmart suggests one large enough for the cat to stand up and turn around. The ASPCA says regular brushing keeps the coat clean, reduces shedding, and cuts down on hairballs. For scratching, it recommends a sturdy post at least three feet high covered in rough material like sisal, and notes many cats also like scratching pads.
Touchcat Tote-Tails Collapsible Cat Carrier
A collapsible designer carrier for vet visits and travel.
$46.99 Shop Now →
Pet Life Gyrater Silicone Grooming Brush
A swivel silicone brush for regular grooming sessions.
$16.99 Shop Now →
Pet Life Scrape-Away Hanging Sisal Scratcher
A hanging sisal and jute scratcher with a toy.
$12.99 Shop Now →
Touchcat Claw-ver Nest Scratching Bed
A round scratcher and bed in one, with a teaser toy.
$49.99 Shop Now →
Pet Life Triangular Puzzle Scratcher House
A scratcher, lounge, and hideaway with catnip.
$38.99 Shop Now →
A water fountain is another gift that gets used daily. The ASPCA says cats need fresh, clean water at all times, and our water fountain buying guide compares styles.
Interactive toys first. They're on the ASPCA checklist, and PetSmart recommends a mix of wands, balls, mice, and puzzle toys, rotated every few weeks to keep them interesting. Laser toys are a hit with many cats; PetSmart suggests always ending a laser session with a toy your cat can actually catch.
Pet Life KITIQUE 3-in-1 Feather and Laser Wand
A retractable wand with feathers and a laser.
$33.99 Shop Now →
Pet Life Wander-Cat 10-in-1 Teaser
An extendable teaser with 10 attachments, including a laser.
$33.99 Shop Now →
Pet Life Windmill Spinning Cat Toy
A suction-cup spinner that sticks to smooth surfaces.
$18.99 Shop Now →
Small toys make easy add-ons or stocking stuffers, and a bucket of mice gives the new owner plenty to rotate.
HuggleKats Polka Dot Mice Bucket, 16 Pack
A bucket of 16 mice for plenty of toy rotation.
$99.99 Shop Now →
A bed or a lookout. The ASPCA says a cat should have a clean, dry place to sleep, lined with a soft, warm blanket. PetSmart notes cats sleep 12 to 16 hours a day and that many like raised resting spots where they can watch their surroundings, which is why hammocks and window loungers make such good gifts.
Touchcat Molten Lava Triangle Cat House
A triangular cat house with a hanging teaser toy.
$46.99 Shop Now →
Pet Life Kittyhaus Hanging Hammock Lounger
A dual-level hanging pillow bed and hammock.
$50.99 Shop Now →
Pet Life Purr-View Window Lounger
A see-through suction-cup lounger for window watching.
$55.99 Shop Now →
Furniture that gives the cat height. The American Animal Hospital Association calls vertical space essential indoor enrichment for cats. A cat tree is something most new owners need but may put off buying, so it makes a memorable group gift. Short on space? Our guide to small cat trees for apartments has compact options.
43 in Lamb-Shaped Cat Tower with Rattan Condo
A 43-inch tower with a 2-door rattan condo.
$139.99 Shop Now →
Cat Tree with Litter Box Enclosure
A climbing tower and a hidden litter box in one footprint.
$301.47 Shop Now →
Modern Cat Tree with Cattail Condo and Top Perch
A design-forward tree with a natural look.
$409.47 Shop Now →
White Smart Litter Box Cabinet with Glass Door
A premium litter box enclosure with a glass door.
$416.57 Shop Now →
Litter furniture is another upgrade new owners appreciate once they've lived with a litter box for a few weeks. See our tips on keeping a litter box from smelling for placement ideas to share with them.
Yes, and they're a nice touch alongside a practical pick. A cat-themed plush or candle celebrates the new family member without adding to the cat's pile of stuff.
Skip anything medical. The ASPCA advises never giving a cat medication that a veterinarian hasn't prescribed. If you're passing along used items, PetSmart notes that scratching posts and beds can hold scents from previous cats that may stress a new one, while bowls, litter boxes, and carriers can be reused after a thorough cleaning. If the new owner travels, our guide to traveling with cats is a helpful link to pass along with a carrier.
Something from the ASPCA cat supply checklist, like a carrier, a sturdy scratching post, a brush, interactive toys, or a cozy bed. Practical gifts get used every day.
The ASPCA recommends a sturdy post at least three feet high that won't wobble, covered in rough material such as sisal, burlap, or tree bark.
Many cats love them. PetSmart suggests always ending laser play with a toy your cat can catch.
PetSmart recommends one litter box per cat plus one extra, so two boxes for a single cat.
Yes. AAHA calls vertical space essential indoor enrichment for cats, and a tree gives a new cat a high, safe place to rest and watch.
Sources: ASPCA, General Cat Care, retrieved 2026-10-05. PetSmart Learning Center, New Cat Checklist: Essentials To Welcome a New Cat, retrieved 2026-10-05. American Animal Hospital Association, Purrfectly Entertained: Indoor Enrichment for Cats, retrieved 2026-10-05.
$220.53
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$220.53
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