So you're the proud owner of a cat – congratulations! Before you bring your new feline friend home, though, there are a few cat essentials that you'll need. These are the most important cat supplies.

All relationships are built on giving and taking. We all know what cats are like, though, so you're probably aware that this won't be a 50-50 split!

We do pretty much everything possible for our fur babies to have a long, comfortable, and carefree life. In exchange, they occasionally deign to show us some affection when they feel like it. Such is the life of a cat owner, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

But what do we need to be ready for when we take our new feline friend home with us? What are the cat supplies and essentials that you need in your possession before a kitty blesses you with its presence?

TAG24's cat guide can help set the scene before your feline friend has arrived!

When you first move your cat into its new home, there are a few basics that you'll need. If you fail to own even the essentials, then that first night is not only going to be difficult and unpleasant, but very messy as well. Prepare well before you go to the pet store, and you'll be very happy for it.

So here are the most basic cat supplies that you'll need:

• Somewhere for your cat to go to the toilet (essential)
• Kitty litter to fill that toilet (essential)
• Cat food (essential)
• Something for your cat to sleep on (somewhat essential)
• Something for your cat to climb on (somewhat essential)
• Various items like cat carriers, toys, and more

Your cat is going to need to go to the toilet from time to time, so it has to have a litter tray. While no part of being a cat owner is less enjoyable than cleaning up after your furry friend, it's a simple reality of cat ownership that you've got to get used to.

Litter trays pose a lot of headaches, though, and you've got a few things to decide: where to place it to keep unpleasant smells contained, how to deal with looser lumps, how to make it easier for you to scoop multiple times a day - we could go on. Luckily, it doesn't have to be that way!

There are plenty of litter trays that will make your life a lot easier, so get some advice from a vet and head into your local pet store – the shop assistants could also give you a hand!

Now that you've got the perfect litter box for your cat's needs, all you need is the right litter. There's one criterion that matters more than any when it comes to litter, though: clumping.

The more solid the litter clumps, the less you will have to worry about when scooping it up. We would recommend litter that isn't too expensive, clumps well (making it very easy to clean up), and is relatively environmentally friendly. Biodegradable kitty litter is your best bet for sure.

You will probably go through a lot of kitty litter, so make sure to buy it in bulk, to save on costs. Only start doing this, though, once you have found the perfect litter.

Before you get your cat, you need to make sure you have at least a few meals ready to go. This includes a supply of both wet and dry food, as you won't know your cat's preference until it arrives. Of course, after a little while you will be able to design, along with your vet, a cat diet that'll keep it strong health, but for now just make sure you have some food.

Love goes through the stomach, so cat food is a language of affection when it comes to being a pet owner. There is a risk, however, that you will take that love a little too far and feed your kitty so much that it actually hurts its health. Be careful about what you feed your cat and, whatever you do, make sure that you stick to proper cat food, not human food.

Of course, our ultimate advice is to simply take a step back and get the advice of your veterinarian. Let them decide what your cat eats, and simply follow what they prescribe.

Cats often seem like all they want to do is sleep and slack off, but they also need a stimulating environment. Keeping your cat entertained is extremely important and easily the difference between a happy cat and a frustrated cat that plays up and behaves in a naughty and unpleasant way.

Get your cat a scratching post as soon as you can, if not immediately, this will give it something to focus its anxieties on (and, of course, sharpen its claws).

While cats are willing to sleep pretty much anywhere, and will make that decision themselves, it's still a good idea to make sure that there are some sleeping supplies readily available to it. Acclimatize your cat first to a small part of the house, complete with a protected nook that's full of blankets, pillows, toys, and everything a sleeping cat could need.

It's not unusual for your cat to completely ignore what you give it to sleep on, but you should still make sure that it is available. Put attention into making it a spot that's ideal and comforting for your kitty, to incentivize its use.

There are a number of other items that you will probably need when you get a cat. While these items don't warrant their own section, many of them are absolutely essential and should be owned by every cat owner from birth to death. Luckily for you, a lot of this stuff is really cheap.

Here are the essential cat supplies every owner needs:

• Biodegradable plastic bags for used cat litter
• A trowel to scoop up the cat litter
• An assortment of toys
• A carrier box for transporting your cat
• Water and food bowls
• Collar

With these basic supplies, you'll be set for a happy and peaceful life with your brand-new kitty companion. Try not to stress, take things as slowly as you can, and relax, cats can have some weird habits and behaviors, but they're actually not very hard to look after - you mostly just let them do their own thing, actually.

Remember, though, that taking any animal under your care is a big responsibility that will always come with difficult challenges, and many inconveniences. This can be fixed, though, with a couple of simple and smart additions to your home.