Maison Maleb's
First Cat Checklist
You don't need everything. You need the right things.
Essentials (before they arrive)
- Litter box: One per cat, plus one extra. Quiet, accessible location.
- Litter: Unscented, clumping preferred. Start with what the shelter used.
- Food & water bowls: Wide, shallow. Place water away from food.
- Quality food: Wet food preferred. Named protein as first ingredient.
- Scratching post: Tall enough for full stretch. Sisal rope is reliable.
- Carrier: Top-loading is less stressful. Leave it out between trips.
- Safe room prepared: One small room to start. Remove hazards. Add hiding spots.
Kitten vs adult differences
Kittens
- Higher energy
- 3–4 meals per day
- Shorter attention span
- Smaller litter box (temporary)
- Need kitten-specific food
- More supervision required
Adult cats
- Established routines
- 2 meals per day
- Clear preferences
- Standard litter box
- Adult maintenance food
- Lower tolerance for chaos
What to buy now vs later
Buy now
- Litter box & litter
- Food & water bowls
- Quality food
- Scratching post
- Carrier
- Basic toys (wand, balls)
- Hiding spot or box
Buy later
- Cat tree (observe preferences first)
- Water fountain
- Automatic feeder
- Window perch
- Puzzle feeders
- Extra beds (they'll choose)
- GPS tracker
- Cats adjust faster than humans. Set the environment right and let them lead.