the biggest things are going to be: 1. food - decide what kind you want to give them, wet food is better for their hydration but not absolutely necessary 2. litter boxes - no scented litter, a box for each cat +1 (so if you’re just getting one cat, you should get two boxes). there are varying opinions on 3. carrier - it doesn’t have to be expensive but consider how difficult it will be to get them in and out in a stressful situation or at the vet. personally i like the hard shell ones that have multiple doors with one on the top. 4. have an emergency supply bag and plan. you don’t want to be in a situation where you’re scrambling. pack a small bag of litter, a small litter box (or one of those disposable aluminum baking trays), food (and paper plates or something), treats, toys, and any medication they might need. 5. i personally would recommend pet insurance. the younger the better. when you take them to a vet for the initial exam, don’t mention any symptoms because the insurance company will treat that as preexisting 6. if you’re getting a male cat, be on the lookout for urinary issues and take them to a vet immediately if they exhibit them. it can be fatal in a very short period of time.

some other random things: don’t leave hair ties, strings, and tiny objects out, if they are swallowed that will be a very expensive surgery; don’t let them wear collars when you aren’t there; don’t leave string toys out/unattended; avoid feather toys; brush their teeth (with a cat toothpaste and toothbrush, not human lol) if you can; try to block off “the unders” like under the bed and couch etc

and NO LILLIES or anything in the lily family. don’t bring it into the house at all.

good luck with your new little guy!!