My Favorite Cat Essentials (from a Vet Tech Who Lives With Cats)

Bringing a cat into your home — whether it’s a playful kitten or a laid-back adult — means setting them up with the right essentials from day one. As a Registered Veterinary Technician with over 18 years in the veterinary field, I’ve seen firsthand how the right products can make a huge difference in a cat’s comfort, behavior, and overall well-being.

These are the cat essentials I personally love and recommend — items that are practical, vet-approved, and actually make life easier for both you and your cat.

1. A Cat Tree: More Than Just a Place to Climb

A cat tree is one of my absolute must-have essentials for any cat household. From a veterinary perspective, cat trees provide both physical and emotional enrichment, especially for indoor cats.

Cats naturally seek out high places — it helps them feel safe, confident, and in control of their environment. A well-designed cat tree allows them to climb, stretch, scratch, perch, and nap all in one spot, which supports both muscle health and stress reduction.

When choosing a cat tree, I always recommend looking for:

• Sturdy construction that won’t wobble or tip

• Multiple levels or platforms for climbing and lounging

• Built-in scratching posts to support healthy nail maintenance

• Soft, cozy surfaces for resting and observing their surroundings

Cat trees can also be incredibly helpful in multi-cat households, giving each cat their own vertical space and helping reduce tension or competition. Even in small homes or apartments, vertical enrichment like a cat tree can make a big difference in a cat’s overall happiness.

There are a lot of cat tree options out there and they vary in price. If you are not a fan of the typical cat tree, then I recommend purchasing a lower priced cat tree first to find out what features your cat or cats prefer, then once you know what they like, go ahead and invest in one that looks more like a stylish piece of furniture.

👉 This is one of my favorite cat trees for comfort, stability, and enrichment (Amazon affiliate link)

2. A High-Quality Scratching Post or Pad

Scratching isn’t “bad behavior” — it’s normal, necessary feline behavior. Cats scratch to:

• Stretch their muscles

• Maintain healthy claws

• Mark territory (visually and with scent glands)

Providing a sturdy scratching post or pad can save your furniture and keep your cat happy.

Look for:

• Stable bases that won’t tip

• Sisal or textured surfaces

• Vertical or angled options (cats have preferences!)

👉 This is the scratching option I recommend (Amazon affiliate link)

If you are struggling with your cat scratching items in your home that they should not be scratching, check out this digital guide from Dr. Rachel Martinez, Certified Feline Behaviorist. Scratch-Free in 7 Days (affiliate link)

3. Enrichment Toys for Mental & Physical Stimulation

Indoor cats especially need enrichment to prevent boredom, stress, and unwanted behaviors. Interactive toys encourage:

• Natural hunting instincts

• Daily movement and exercise

• Mental engagement

Rotating toys every few days keeps things exciting and prevents boredom. It is also important that you cat has play time where they are entertaining themselves, but also time where you are playing and interacting with them. that is why I love this toy!

👉 My go-to interactive cat toy (Amazon affiliate link)

4. A Reliable Food & Water Setup

Hydration and proper feeding are key to long-term feline health. I always recommend:

• Shallow bowls to reduce whisker stress

• Easy-to-clean materials

• Options that encourage water intake

Many cats benefit from water fountains, especially those prone to urinary issues.

If you are like me and live a busy life, I love having a water fountain for my cats. Cats are naturally drawn to moving water, In the wild. flowing water is often fresher and safer. A water fountain's continuous flow can encourage cats to drink more frequently compared to a still bowl. From a veterinary standpoint, hydration plays a key role in long-term urinary and kidney health.

👉 This is the water fountain setup I personally like (Amazon affiliate link)

An automatic cat feeder can be a game-changer for both cats and their humans. From a veterinary perspective, consistent portioned meals help support healthy digestion, weight management, and routine — all things cats thrive on.

With two cats at home, I like starting our day with canned food. It lets me know exactly who ate (and how much), and it’s an easy way to sneak in extra moisture to support their hydration. Then in the evening they get their dry kibble dispensed by our automatic feeder.

When choosing an automatic feeder, look for one that offers:

• Adjustable portion sizes

• A secure lid to prevent food theft

• Easy-to-clean components

• Backup power options in case of outages

👉 This is the automatic feeder I personally like for reliability and ease of use (Amazon affiliate link)

5. A Litter Box That Fits Your Cat (Not Just Your Space) - wait...no recommendation???

Litter box choice matters more than most people realize. The wrong size, style, and the wrong litter can lead to litter box avoidance — one of the most common reasons cats end up at the vet for behavior concerns. Given that a littler box and the type of litter used is so personal to each specific cat, I can't quite recommend one for you to try out. Here is what I can say, cats are particular about where the box is located, if it is a covered, if it is uncovered, if it is too small, if it is too large, if it is in a noisy room, or if it is in a high traffic area. Now lets talk litter, cats are also particular about what litter is used. What does the litter feel like, what does the litter smell like, what does the litter look like? For any recommendations on cat litter I recommend talking to your veterinarian or feline behavior veterinarian as they will have the best recommendations for your cat.

The information shared in this post is intended for educational and informational purposes only and reflects my personal experience as a veterinary professional and cat owner. Every cat is unique, and individual needs may vary based on age, health status, behavior, and lifestyle.

These recommendations are not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about your cat’s health, diet, behavior, or wellbeing — especially if you notice sudden changes or ongoing issues.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products that I personally use, trust, or genuinely recommend based on my experience.

If a product does not seem to be a good fit for your cat or causes stress or discomfort, discontinue use and reach out to your veterinary team for guidance.