5 Must-Have Products for New Cat Owners in Toronto
5 Must-Have Products for New Cat Owners in Toronto
Congratulations — you've adopted a cat! Whether you brought home a wide-eyed kitten from a rescue or a dignified senior from the Toronto Humane Society, you're about to discover that cats are simultaneously the most independent and most demanding creatures on the planet. In the best possible way.
If you're staring at your empty apartment wondering where to start, this list is for you. These are the five new cat owner essentials we'd put in every starter kit — practical, well-chosen, and Toronto-life approved.
1. A Quality Litter Box Setup
Let's get the unsexy one out of the way first, because it matters more than anything else. Cats are fastidious about their bathroom habits, and a litter box that's too small, too smelly, or in the wrong spot will quickly become your cat's least favourite place — and your problem to solve.
For most cats, bigger is better. The box should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat. Covered boxes can help with odour (important if you're in a Toronto condo), but some cats hate feeling enclosed. Unscented, clumping litter tends to be the most universally accepted option. And the golden rule: one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
Scoop daily. Seriously. Your cat notices.
2. A Scratching Post (Your Furniture Will Thank You)
Scratching is not bad behaviour — it's a biological need. Cats scratch to shed old claw layers, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. If you don't give them an approved outlet, they will find one. Usually your couch.
A good scratching post should be tall enough for a full stretch (at least 60–70 cm), stable enough that it won't tip when attacked, and covered in a material your cat actually likes — sisal rope is the crowd favourite among most cats. Place it near where your cat sleeps or plays, not hidden in a corner.
In a condo, floor space is precious. A wall-mounted scratcher or a tall sisal post that doubles as a perch can be a space-smart solution that keeps both your cat and your landlord happy.
3. A Cozy Bed or Hammock
Here's the thing about cat beds: you can spend a fortune on one and your cat will ignore it entirely in favour of a cardboard box. But that doesn't mean beds are pointless — it just means placement and texture matter. Cats love warmth, elevation, and enclosed spaces that smell like you.
A soft bed placed near a sunny window is prime real estate in any Toronto apartment. During our long winters, a heated or self-warming cat bed becomes one of those purchases you'll wonder how you lived without. Hammock-style perches that attach to window sills are another favourite for cats who love to watch the world go by — which, in a city as busy as Toronto, is endless entertainment.
4. Interactive Toys for Indoor Enrichment
Indoor cats in Toronto don't hunt birds or roam ravines — which means you are their main source of mental stimulation. Boredom in cats doesn't look like a bored human; it looks like 3 a.m. zoomies, chewing on your plants, or batting your water glass off the counter. Not ideal.
Interactive toys — wand toys, puzzle feeders, motorized mice — tap into your cat's natural prey drive and give that brain something to do. Even 10–15 minutes of active play per day makes a measurable difference in a cat's behaviour and mood. Rotate toys regularly so they stay novel.
At Kimi's Paws, we handpick cat supplies in Toronto with enrichment in mind — because a stimulated cat is a happy cat, and a happy cat means a happy home.
5. A Grooming Brush
Whether your new cat is a silky short-hair or a gloriously fluffy long-hair, regular brushing is one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of cat care. Brushing removes loose fur before it ends up on your black pants, reduces hairballs, and gives you a chance to check your cat's skin and coat health regularly.
More than that, it's bonding time. Many cats grow to love being brushed — especially if you start when they're young and keep sessions short and positive. A gentle slicker brush works well for most coat types; a deshedding tool is a game-changer for heavy shedders.
You're Already Off to a Great Start
Every cat is different, and you'll learn your new companion's preferences quickly. But with these five essentials in place, you're set up for a happy, healthy start together. Browse our full collection of cat products at kimipaws.ca — everything is curated with real pet parents in mind, so you'll never have to wade through a wall of mediocre options.
Welcome to the cat parent club. Kimi would say it's the best one.
Shop for your pet, differently.
Setting up a happy home for your new cat? Two Toronto-favourite picks make it easy: give them the best seat in the house with the Cat Window Hammock Perch, and keep outings calm and cozy with the No-Pull Fleece Vest for Small Dogs & Cats. Both ship fast from our Toronto warehouse with free shipping across Canada over $50.