Getting a new cat is one of life's genuinely wonderful things. 🐱💛
Whether it's a fluffy kitten bouncing off the walls or a rescue cat cautiously exploring their new home for the first time — that first chapter of life together is something truly special.
But if you're a first time cat owner, the sheer number of products available can be completely overwhelming. What do you actually need? What's genuinely useful? And what's just clever marketing?
We've cut through the noise. Here's everything you actually need as a new cat owner in the UK — the products that make a real difference, and why. 💛
1. A Feeding Station That's Good for Their Health
One of the first things every new cat owner needs to sort is where and how their cat is going to eat. And while it's tempting to just put a bowl on the floor and call it done — there's actually a much better way. 🍽️
Cats who eat from flat bowls on the floor have to strain their neck downward at every meal — putting unnecessary pressure on their joints, spine and digestion over time. An elevated feeding station raises the bowls to a natural, comfortable height and makes every mealtime easier and healthier for your cat.
Elevated Double Stainless & Ceramic Steel Pet Bowls 👈
Our elevated double stainless steel feeding station is the perfect starter option for new cat owners — two generous stainless steel bowls raised to a comfortable height, available in 6 beautiful colours to complement your home. Hygienic, easy to clean and built to last. 🐱
Bamboo Elevated Triple Cat Feeding Station 👈
If you want to go one step further, our bamboo triple feeding station gives your cat separate bowls for food, water and wet food or treats — all raised to the perfect ergonomic height on a beautiful natural bamboo stand. 🌿
Tilted Double Ceramic Cat Feeding Bowl 👈
For cats who are particularly sensitive around their whiskers — a condition known as whisker fatigue — our tilted ceramic bowls are a brilliant choice. The angled design reduces pressure on the whiskers during eating, making mealtimes more comfortable for sensitive cats. Available in gorgeous colours with adorable paw print and fish bone designs. 🐟🐾
A note on water:
Cats are notoriously bad at drinking enough water — particularly when fed on dry food. Always keep fresh water available separately from their food bowl and consider a cat water fountain if your cat seems uninterested in still water.
2. A Scratching Post — Non-Negotiable
If there is one accessory every single new cat owner needs from day one, it's a good scratching post. Not optional. Not a nice to have. Essential. 🌳
Scratching is completely natural cat behaviour — cats do it to shed old claw layers, stretch their muscles, mark their territory and release stress. If you don't give them somewhere appropriate to scratch, they will find somewhere of their own. Usually your sofa. 😄
Wooden Cat Scratch Tree 👈
Our wooden cat scratch tree is beautifully crafted from durable wood with natural sisal scratch surfaces — giving your cat the satisfying texture and resistance they need, while looking gorgeous in your home. The tiered base with rolling balls and spring feather toy means it doubles as a full entertainment centre for your cat too. Perfect for new cat owners who want one product that does it all. 🐱🌳
Tips for introducing a scratching post:
- Place it near where your cat is already scratching
- Sprinkle a little catnip on it to attract their attention
- Reward them with treats and praise when they use it
- Never punish them for scratching elsewhere — just calmly redirect
3. Protect Your Furniture While They Learn
Even with the best scratching post in the world, cats — particularly kittens — sometimes need a little time to learn where they should and shouldn't scratch. In the meantime, protecting your furniture is a must. 🛋️
Cat Scratch Furniture Protector 👈
Our cat scratch furniture protectors are a brilliant stopgap solution — simply apply them to the areas of your sofa, chair or carpet your cat keeps targeting and let them do the work. Clear, discreet and effective — your furniture stays protected while your cat learns to use their scratching post instead. A must-have for every new cat owner. 🐱
4. A Comfortable, Cosy Bed or Blanket
Cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day — so getting their sleep setup right is genuinely important. Every cat needs at least one space they can call entirely their own — somewhere warm, comfortable and safe to retreat to whenever they need to rest or decompress. 😴
Soft Fleece Comfort Pet Blanket 👈
Our ultra-soft fleece blanket is perfect for lining a cat bed, a cosy corner shelf or even a cardboard box — giving your cat a warm, familiar-smelling retreat they'll return to again and again. Machine washable and available in white, beige, pink and purple. 🐱💛
Tips for getting your cat to use their bed:
- Place a worn item of your clothing in it so it smells familiar
- Put it in a quiet spot away from the main flow of the house
- Never force them into it — let them discover it in their own time
- Cats love warmth so placing it near a radiator or in a sunny spot helps enormously
5. Toys and Enrichment
A bored cat is a destructive cat — and a new cat, particularly a kitten, needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and out of trouble. 🎾
Interactive play that mimics hunting is the gold standard for cat enrichment — short, regular sessions that let your cat stalk, pounce and catch. Aim for 10-15 minutes twice a day as a minimum.
Wooden Cat Scratch Tree 👈
Beyond scratching, the rolling ball tracks and spring feather toy built into our wooden scratch tree provide brilliant solo entertainment for your cat — perfect for keeping them occupied when you're busy or out of the house. 🪶🐱
Other great toy options for new cat owners:
- Feather wand toys for interactive play sessions with you
- Crinkle balls and lightweight toys they can carry and toss around
- Puzzle feeders that make them work for their food — brilliant for mental stimulation
- Catnip toys for a burst of excitement and play
6. A Calming Aid for Nervous or Anxious Cats
Settling into a new home can be stressful for cats — particularly rescues or kittens who have just left their mother and littermates. Having a calming aid to hand in those first few weeks can make a huge difference to how quickly and smoothly your cat settles. 💛
Calming Heartbeat Plush 👈
Our calming heartbeat plush is particularly wonderful for kittens — the gentle simulated heartbeat mimics the comfort of being close to their mother, helping them feel safe and settled in their new environment. One of the most touching products I stock and one of the most effective for new kittens. 🐱💛
7. A GPS Collar for Peace of Mind
If your cat is going to have outdoor access — even just to a garden — a GPS collar is one of the most valuable investments you can make as a new cat owner. 🗺️
Cats are natural explorers. They wander. They follow interesting scents. And sometimes they end up much further from home than you'd expect — particularly in those first few weeks in a new environment when they're still learning the area.
GPS Cat Collar 👈
Our GPS cat collar gives you real-time location tracking from your phone — so you always know exactly where your cat is, day or night. For new cat owners especially, that peace of mind is absolutely priceless. 🐱💛
Important: Make sure your cat is microchipped before going outdoors — it's a legal requirement in England for cats over 20 weeks old as of June 2024 — and always use a quick-release safety collar so they can free themselves if it gets caught.
8. A Grooming Tool
Even short-haired cats benefit from regular grooming — and starting early means your cat gets used to being handled, which makes vet visits and general care so much easier as they grow. 🪮
Pet Paw & Fur Trimmer 👈
Our pet hair trimmer is perfect for keeping your cat's coat neat and tidy at home — gentle, quiet and easy to use and has built in LED light, available in four gorgeous colours including mint green, pastel yellow, lilac purple and blush pink. A brilliant addition to any new cat owner's toolkit. 🐱✨
9. A Pet Air Purifier
This one often surprises first time cat owners — but it's genuinely one of the most impactful purchases you can make, particularly if anyone in the household has allergies or asthma. 🌬️
Cats shed dander, hair and allergens constantly — and without proper air filtration, these particles circulate around your home and can cause real issues for sensitive people.
Pet Air Purifier 👈
Our compact pet air purifier features a HEPA filter that captures 99.98% of pet dander, dust and allergens, plus an activated carbon filter that eliminates pet odours — keeping your home smelling fresh and the air clean for everyone. Whisper quiet so it won't disturb your cat and compact enough to use in any room. 🐾🌬️
Your New Cat Owner Checklist
Before your cat comes home, make sure you have:
✅ An elevated feeding station — separate food and water
✅ A good quality scratching post or cat tree
✅ Furniture protectors while they learn
✅ A cosy bed or fleece blanket in a quiet spot
✅ A selection of toys for interactive and solo play
✅ A calming heartbeat plush for nervous kittens
✅ A GPS collar if they'll have outdoor access
✅ A pet carrier for vet visits
✅ A grooming tool
✅ A pet air purifier — especially if anyone has allergies
✅ A vet appointment booked for their first check up
Final Thoughts
Getting a new cat is the beginning of something really special — and with the right setup from day one, you're giving them the very best start in their new home. 🐱💛
You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials — a good feeding station, a scratching post, furniture protectors and a cosy blanket — and build from there as you get to know your cat's personality and preferences.
One thing is certain — they're going to bring you an enormous amount of joy. 🐾✨
Shop now at Urban Pet Shop 👈
🚚 Free UK shipping on all orders over £24.99
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