I was smart enough to buy FRISKIES brand cat food since before the pet poison scare. I will stay with that canned food. Dry food gives my male cat urinary tract infections…very painful.

Cats get spayed or neutered around 6 months old. I recommend saving a life by buying a cat at the SPCA. You’ll be glad you did. They come already immunized, free of diseases, spayed or neutered (as part of the cost you pay) and they truly need love.

Start with the basics. Get a litter box big enough for it, and choose litter material depending on the age (if its a kitten avoid crystal absorbant litter for now. Kittens eagerly sniff everything and they keep their WET noses against the litter while they inspect. I have a kitten come mewing to me because it had a litter crystal stuck to its lip), and choose a box to your liking. Some you use a scooper for, some have scoopers bui;t in. Change them everyday. Most cats won’t use it if it is full of poop.

Choose a brand that is recommended for long life and healthy for your cats digestive system. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Avoid wet cat food as I understand its not great for the gums and makes their feces stink badly. Use it every once and a while for a treat.

Get some toys if you wish, every cat is different but most love a furry toy mouse. I like rolling up paper balls and teasing them with string (if you don’t mind picking up shredded paper). Get a bed if you wish, but cats usually choose their own favorite place to sleep. Like curled up with you.

If you want an indoor cat consider getting it declawed. I’m not a fan of the practice and even my indoor cats have all their claws, but you may wish to protect your furniture. I strongly advise a scratching post of some kind so they may keep their claws and your furniture will be fine.

Keep up with a vet, get them their shots etc. If they’re outdoor cats get them spayed/neutered to avoid the population problem.

Above all touch, touch, touch them. When my cats were young I touched them constantly. It keeps a very loving, physically affectionate realtionship going from a early start.

Once these basics are covered consider getting a book about cats or talk with a specialist for all teh other things, like behaviors.

cat litter $10
litter box $1-350 (depending on what one)
litter scoop $2
cat food $5-20
food and water bowls $5-10
water $faucet
toys $3
scratching post or climbing tree $5-150
cat carrier $15
spay and neuter surgery or vet care can be expensive, which is why adopting is a great thing. the cat should be already fixed, microchiped, vaccinated and you may possible get a free vet check depending on the shelter. that cost could be anywhere from 50-100… best of luck!