Why a first-week checklist helps
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, and it is also easy to forget something on day one. A short checklist keeps you from making rushed store runs while your new pet is still settling in. This guide covers the basics most households need in the first week: a place to sleep, food and water bowls, a litter setup for cats, a collar for dogs, a way to carry your pet, and a few toys.
Everything below comes with general buying advice and a few real picks from the PetLavo catalog. We only describe each product the way its listing does. Always check the full product page for sizes and details before you order, and talk to your vet about feeding, vaccines and anything health related, since that is outside what a shopping guide can cover.
1. A bed or resting spot
Your new pet needs one consistent place to rest. When choosing, think about three things: size, cover material and how easy it is to wash. Puppies and kittens grow, so a bed that fits only a tiny animal may be outgrown fast. A removable cover makes cleaning simple, which matters when accidents happen.
- Oxford Fabric Pet Bed, Waterproof & Washable ($98.99). The listing describes a thickened Oxford fabric bed for dogs and cats with a waterproof, scratch-resistant material and a removable, washable cover.
- Double-Layer Cat Bed ($54.99). A double-layer bed described as a soft, cozy spot for a cat to curl up and rest.
Who it is not for: the Double-Layer Cat Bed is listed for cats, so it is not the right pick if you are shopping for a larger puppy. Check the dimensions on the page against your dog's expected size.
2. Food and water bowls
Stainless steel is a popular choice for bowls because it is easy to wipe clean and does not hold onto smells the way some other materials can. Pick a bowl that is the right size for your pet's face, stable enough not to slide, and simple to wash every day.
- 3-in-1 Collapsible Travel Pet Bowl with Suction Cups and Hook ($59.49). A collapsible bowl, handy to keep in a bag for the first outings.
Who it is not for: the hanging bowl is designed to clamp onto a cage. If you do not use a cage or crate, a standard floor bowl will suit you better.
3. Litter setup for a kitten
If you are bringing home a kitten, the litter box is the most important item to get right before day one. A few general tips: choose a box your kitten can step into easily, put it in a quiet and easy to reach spot, and pick a design you will actually enjoy cleaning. Enclosed boxes can help contain scatter, but some cats prefer open ones, so watch how your kitten reacts.
- Enclosed Cat Litter Box With Pull-Out Drawer ($103.99). Fully enclosed, with a front entry door, a transparent panel, a top opening and a pull-out drawer.
- Cruiser Cat Litter Box ($43.39). A lower priced option if you want to start simple.
- Double-Layer Cat Litter Mat ($89.99). A mat designed to catch loose litter from paws before it spreads across the floor.
Who it is not for: an enclosed box with a front door may be a tight fit for a very small kitten, so check the entry height in the listing. A litter mat is only useful if you already use a box, so treat it as an add-on, not a starter item.
4. Collar and leash for a puppy
Most puppies need a collar and leash early on, even before long walks begin. Look for an adjustable fit, because a growing puppy will change size quickly. Check the buckle and stitching, and always make sure you can fit two fingers under the collar so it is comfortable and not too tight.
- Nylon Padded Dog Collar ($20.29). Thick nylon straps with a padded lining and an adjustable panel for a custom fit.
- Velvet Dog Collar & Leash Set With Bow (from $18.89). A velvet collar and matching leash set with a metal buckle and cotton lining, in multiple colors.
Who it is not for: the velvet set is more about style than heavy duty use. If you expect a strong puller, read the product page carefully and consider a sturdier material.
5. A carrier or bag
You will need a safe way to carry your new pet home and to appointments. A good carrier should be the right size for your pet, easy to clean and comfortable for you to hold.
Who it is not for: a shoulder bag suits short trips with a small pet. Do not count on it for a fast growing puppy or for long travel. For those, look at a sturdier carrier and confirm the weight and size limits on the product page.
6. Toys and play
Play helps your new pet burn energy and learn what is theirs to chew. Choose toys that cannot be easily broken into small pieces, and watch your pet during play, especially with toys that have parts like bells or feathers. Rotate toys so they stay interesting.
- Electric UFO Cat Teaser Toy With Feather & Bell ($23.09). A USB-charged teaser toy with a bell and a replaceable feather, made of ABS.
Who it is not for: the teaser toy is for supervised play with cats, so it is not a chew toy for dogs. For puppies, check the product page to see whether the rubber toy is the right size for your dog.
7. Grooming and scratching basics
Two small extras are worth considering. A Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats, Dogs & Small Pets (from $18.89) is described as an ergonomic brush that removes loose fur and tangles. For kittens, a Folding Cat Scratcher ($73.99) folds flat for storage and gives your cat a surface to scratch and play.
Quick checklist
- One bed or resting spot, with a washable cover if possible
- Two bowls, one for food and one for water
- Litter box, litter and a mat (cats)
- Collar and leash (dogs)
- A carrier or bag
- Two or three safe toys
- A brush and a scratcher
Frequently asked questions
What do I really need on day one?
A place to rest, food and water bowls, and either a litter box for a kitten or a collar and leash for a puppy. Everything else can wait a few days while you learn your pet's habits.
How do I choose the right size?
Check the dimensions in each listing and compare them with your pet's expected adult size, not only their size today. If you are between sizes, ask your breeder, shelter or vet about the expected size.
Are enclosed litter boxes better than open ones?
Neither is better for every cat. Enclosed boxes can help with scatter, while some cats prefer open boxes. Start with one, watch your kitten, and switch if needed.
Can I use one bed for both a dog and a cat?
Some listings are written for both dogs and cats, such as the Oxford Fabric Pet Bed above. Still, make sure the size suits the animal using it and keep it clean and washable.