10 Essential Products for Cat Parents Who Are Starting from Scratch

Cat trees are a staple for new cat parents. At only 23" tall, this double cat tree is small-space-friendly and actually pretty chic. It's a cozy spot for napping or peeking out the window, and it even comes with a little string toy attached.

If you're only able to splurge on one item, I recommend investing in a nice litter box. This box from Tuft & Paw is clean-looking and — just as important — easy to keep clean. It comes with a built-in brush, dust pan, and scooper. Plus, it doesn't require liners.

Help your cat dine in style with these simple food bowls that come with a bamboo stand. They come in two sizes, depending on how much food your pet needs. And they're sure to fit in with any decor.

When I was asking cat-owner friends what to buy, this window hammock came highly recommended. It's a good compromise between a bed and a tree because it will give your furry friend a place to nap or a view of what's going on in the outside world. Plus, it won't take up floor space!

There's a lot of cat collars out there to choose from, but I love this earth-tone collar from Etsy. You can customize the size, color of the buckles, and the name plate to dress your pet in style.

The opposite of a cat tree, some cats prefer to rest in a more cave-like structure. This cat condo has two beds inside and on top of the cube, and it's foldable! It's simple, inexpensive, and durable. If you have two cats, it's even sturdy enough to stack two cubes on top of each other!

If your cat has fur, they're definitely going to shed (some more than others). Get ahead of the mess with a grooming brush like this one. This brush will make it easy to groom your cat, and it wouldn't look out of place on a coffee or side table.

A good cat carrier is also a must for vet visits and travel. Even if you're not planning on air travel at the moment, an airplane-safe carrier is a good move just in case. This carrier is a best-seller on Amazon — probably because it's waterproof, washable, and TSA-approved.

After you've brushed your cat, it's a great time to break out the vacuum — preferably this one that specializes in cleaning up pet hair. It's a small, handheld vacuum that's perfect for cleaning spots on the floor or pieces of furniture.

One piece of advice I've received while shopping for my new cat is to go for simplicity. If you spend a lot of money on a fancy toy, it's going to be a real disappointment when all your cat is interested in is an old cardboard box or ball of tinfoil. That's why I love these fish string toys. They're simple, yet high quality. So maybe this one toy is all you'll need.