15 MUST-HAVE PET PRODUCTS FOR NEW PET OWNERS

We know how exciting being a new pet owner is, so we’re here with some helpful dog owner and cat owner tips for newbie pawrents. Before you rush off to buy those cute puzzle toys dogs can enjoy for hours or that scratching post to entertain cat, there are a few things to consider. 

• Will the item be something they enjoy, or will it lie in your home collecting dust?

• How old is your pet, and will this item suit them now?

• Does your pet enjoy the outdoors or prefer being inside?

• Will the item improve your pet's life (mentally, physically, or through enrichment?)

With so many super cute pet products out there, it's easy to get carried away (trust us, we've been there)! Taking some time to think about your purchases will be well worth it. Keep reading for more dog owner and cat owner tips and must-have products.

Here’s the thing about pet owner checklists - they’re all bark and no bite. Do you really need to spend $50 on a standard dog bowl? No, no, you do not. So, we've put together a few items to add to your first time dog owner checklist or your new cat owner checklist that we think make a real difference. So, let's jump right in.

For Cat Pawrents

Ergonomic Cat Bowl

Food (and water) are two of the most im-paw-tant things in our kitty's life, so it makes sense to invest in an ergonomic cat bowl to make the eating and drinking experience more enjoyable. This is also a purrrfect first item to add to your new cat owner checklist. 

What exactly is an ergonomic cat bowl, you may be wondering? They are food and water bowls designed with sloped angles to help minimize spillage. We love this set from Frisco, available from Chewy's online store.

Scratching Post for Cats

This item is purrfect for both cats and their owners and an essential addition to your new cat owner checklist. For cats, a scratching post can sharpen and care for their claws with ease. For pawrents, a scratching post for cats prevents our furbabies from using the furniture and damaging our favorite couch or chair. Cat owner tip: spray your scratching post with a bit of catnip for extra enjoyment.

Nail Clippers for Cats

With cat claws on the brain, nail clippers for cats are another essential item for pawrents to have at home. These are especially im-paw-tant if you have an indoor cat who won't get outdoors and use its claws as much. Keeping your cat's nails trimmed is part of keeping them happy and healthy, and nail clippers for cats make cutting easy. If we can give you another one of our cat owner tips, it’s to be careful not to go too short (this can hurt your cat). Find out more here.

Cat Harnesses for Walking

Kitty strollers are great, but if your floof prefers to explore on foot, it's time to invest in cat harnesses for walking. Use cat harnesses for walking when you're off on a stroll around the block, visiting a new place, or getting your cat familiar with a new home. These work well for those situations where you want to allow your cat some freedom without giving them too much.

An Automatic Litter Box

We don't know if cats or pawrents will like this more! If you want to scoop less kitty poop, then an automatic litter box is just what you need. Your cat will enjoy clean litter while you won't have to worry about those daily cleans. We love Litter-Robot for your automatic litter box needs.

Cat Backpacks

If you're an outdoors lover and your cat doesn't mind joining in on the fun, cat backpacks are for your furmily. Cat backpacks are specially designed for kitties, keeping them comfortable while on the move with a window that they can look out of to entertain cat with nature's sights and sounds. Again, not necessarily an essential, but if you’re an explorer furmily, a must!

For Dog Pawrents

Puzzle Toys

These items should definitely be on your first time dog owner checklist. If you struggle with a pup who gets bored quickly, looking for puzzle toys dogs enjoy can be time consuming. In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with a Kong or treat dispensing chew toy that will help keep them occupied for hours. When choosing puzzle toys dogs will love, start with simpler ones and build up to more difficult ones as your dog gains more confidence.

A Slow Feeder Bowl

What’s next on our first time dog owner checklist? Most doggos are known for loving food and the speed at which they gobble down their food. While we love to see our pooches enjoying their meals, sometimes eating too quickly isn't good for their stomachs. Enter slow feeder bowls for dogs. These specially designed bowls help slow your dog's eating while providing a food maze to keep them entertained.

A Dog Seat Belt Leash

Does your doggie come in the car with you? If you answered yes, you'd want to invest in a pawsome dog seat belt leash. Designed to keep your dog safe and secure while traveling, a seat belt leash is actually required for parents who take their dogs in the car. Whether driving for 5 minutes or 5 hours, you want to keep your best bud safe.

A Collapsable Bowl

There's nothing we love more than taking our dogs on a hike or to the park. When we do, a collapsable bowl is excellent for serving the floofs water without having to lug their actual bowls around.

Interactive Dog Toys

When looking for exciting new toys for your pups, don't just buy the first cute thing you see. Instead, we'd suggest purchasing interactive dog toys. You can choose interactive dog toys to suit various needs, such as a toy that cleans teeth or one that is great for tug-of-war. Interactive toys are also a fur-tastic way for pawrents to bond with their doggos.

Wagworthy Naturals Hip + Joint Supplement

Regardless of your dog's age, this Hip + Joint supplement for Wagworthy Naturals is a good idea for all pawrents. This simple addition to their daily routine will give them years of comfort, allowing your dog to live its best active life for as long as paw-sibble.

Eco-Friendly Poop Bags

We should also do what we can to preserve our planet, especially concerning our pets. After all, we want a better world for our furbabies, right? So, next time you're stocking up on poop bags, choose eco-friendly ones. We love these Earth Rated poop bags from Chewy.

For Cats and Dogs

Door Buddy's Adjustable Door Strap

For pawrents of cats and dogs, this is one item your home shouldn't be without! Door Buddy's adjustable door strap for pets is the ultimate pet gate alternative for your interior doors. Are you worried about tails getting caught in closed doors or cats getting shut in or out? Don't be! Our Combo option comes with a handy foam door stopper to prevent slammed doors.

Another ameowzing thing about Door Buddy is that it works on most door types, including your double, bi-fold, and sliding doors. This adjustable door strap gives your cat some much-needed space and keeps your dog from eating cat poop and cat food.

When you become any type of parent (fur or hooman), life gets expensive with everything there is to buy. Remember, figuring out your pet owner checklist doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Focus on what you really need versus what you want, and there’s no problem in staggering your purchases. At the end of the day, a food and water bowl, a bed, and a lead go a long way in keeping your pet happy and satisfied. 

Okay, pawrents, now that you've got a list of everything you need to live your best life with your pets, it's time to start doing just that!