19 Must-Haves For New Dog And Cat Owners
There’s nothing more exciting than welcoming a new furry family member to your household. However, if it’s your first time learning how to be a pet parent, knowing what products you need to have on hand to cover the basics can be a confusing process.
With so many products on the market, what items are actually essential to keeping your new puppy or kitten happy and healthy? Thankfully, the pet experts at Animates have answered this question for us, curating a list of 18 must-have products, covering everything from toys to grooming, to ensure your transition to pet parent can be as seamless as possible.
With something for every pet on offer, from an (almost) indestructible chew toy to a cat-scratcher guaranteed to save your couch and a cloud-equivalent dog bed, keep scrolling to shop the expertly curated edit of new pet essentials below.
Must-Have Puppy Accessories, Toys & Essentials
Pro Plan Medium Breed Healthy Growth & Development Puppy Food 15kg
Price: $199.99
Specifically developed by vets and nutritionists to help your puppy maintain their overall health, you can be reassured this food will give your dog the nutrition they need. Shop here.
Brooklands Plush Calming Pet Bed Round Grey Small
Price: $69.99
The deeply padded and soft centre of this doughnut-style bed will help enhance your puppy’s sleep, providing a deep sense of security and comfort, while helping to minimise feelings of anxiety or stress. Shop here.
Yours Droolly Double Door Dog Crate 36 Inch
Price: $199.99
This convenient and durable dog crate is designed to be used in multiple locations thanks to its clever double door and easy-to-fold design. Shop here.
Hartz Puppy Shampoo
Price: $29.99
Delicate puppy skin requires special attention, which is why you should invest in a puppy-specific formula. We love this sweet-smelling and gentle shampoo for keeping them clean and fresh. Shop here.
Advantage Flea Treatment For Small Dogs & Puppies Under 4kg
Price: $65.99
These are super easy to apply and safe for use on your pup from as young as 2 weeks making them perfect for new parents. Advantage Flea Treatment For Small Dogs & Puppies Under 4kg works within hours and keeps fleas at bay for up to a month. Shop here.
Lickimat Buddy Turquoise
Price: $12.99
Designed to help slow down meal times or lengthen the enjoyment of treats, this flexible lick mat is suitable for use with both wet and dry foods and encourages longer licking. Shop here.
Ezydog Leash Soft Trainer 181cm Black
Price: $43.27
Designed specifically for dogs under 20kg, this soft - but super strong - leash features a reflective trim, comfortable neoprene lining and barrel lock for keeping waste bags handy. Shop here.
Yours Droolly Training Pads 10 Pack
Price: $21.99
Accidents are inevitable in puppies, but these super-absorbent and non-toxic pads will make the toilet training process less stressful for both you and your pup. Shop here.
Kong Small Puppy Toy
Price: $22.49
This durable chew-and-treat toy will keep your puppy occupied for the long hall thanks to its hollow interior that can be stuffed with treats for your dog to discover. Shop here.
Cuddlies Muff Pup Small Dog Toy
Price: $31.99
Designed to provide comfort or act as the perfect accessory for games of fetch and chase, this snuggly and squeaky toy will likely become your puppy’s favourite. Shop here.
Must-Have Kitten Accessories, Toys & Essentials
Royal Canin Kitten Trial Bag
Price: $13.99
Created specifically for kittens aged up to 12 months old, this food is designed to support optimal growth, immune support and overall digestive health. Shop here.
Brooklands Sherpa Cuddly Cave Cat Bed
Price: $59.99
Create the perfect cat sanctuary with this cosy and warm hooded hideaway bed that’s designed to be the ideal sleep space. Shop here.
Loving Pets Bella Cat Bowl Blue Fish 240ml
Price: $12.99
This easy-to-clean bowl features bacteria-resistant stainless steel, a clever non-slip rubber base and a patterned poly-resin exterior. Shop here.
Drontal Worm Treatment For Cats 4kg 2 Pack
Price: $22.99
These gentle and effective worming tablets only need to be taken every three months, making it easy to keep worms under control. Shop here.
Snuggle Safe Microwave Heat Pad
Price: $74.99
Designed with newborn pets in mind, this microwavable heat pad stays warm for up to 12 hours to provide lasting warmth and comfort. Shop here.
Catit Pixi Cat Drinking Fountain 2.5l
Price: $159.99
Ensure your kitten stays healthy and gets enough water with this drinking fountain, featuring three different water settings to suit all types of cats. Shop here.
Le Salon Essentials Cat Slicker Brush
Price: $25.99
Enjoy a bonding moment and help your cat look their best with this easy to use slicker, designed to make brushing your kitten a breeze. Shop here.
Kazoo Cat Scratch Post Charcoal Small
Price: $44.99
Give your couch and curtains a break with this high-quality cat scratching post made from sisal fabric designed to withstand endless scratching. Shop here.
Gigwi Motion Activated Melody Chaser Bird Cat Toy
Price: $19.99
Designed to satisfy your kitten’s hunting instinct, this motion-activated toy will make a sound every time your cat interacts with it. Shop here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Animates. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image credit: Urban List and Animates