Needs and Behaviors
Scratching
Cats need to scratch. “Declawing” is removal of their toes at the first knuckle, which is a barbaric surgery. The best thing to do when cats are hunting or clawing the wrong things is to continue providing alternatives until you find things they prefer. For example, we keep corrugated cardboard scratchers around the house and a few sisal towers at strategic locations.
Catcidents
Accidents happen from time to time: hairballs, etc. Consider scotch guarding your rugs and keeping a jug of Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor remover and a spray bottle to refill. https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Miracle-Stain-Odor-Remover/dp/B072FVZ1Z9/.
If they eat too fast you can try a "puzzle feeder" which slows down their ability to gulp down food. For hairballs you can brush them regularly, such as once a week. This will keep them happy and healthy. Brushing regularly is a nice ritual that will keep your carpets clean and keep your bond with your cats stronger.
Bathroom issues
If they ever use the bathroom where they shouldn’t then they either don’t like the box, it's location, it's cleanliness, or they have a health problem. If you can't figure it out it's time to visit the vet.
Keeping things clean and comfy
Cats are social. They love routine. Playing, eating, and getting up in the morning to make coffee at the same times are both soothing and exciting. The predictability lets them anticipate and plan. It's low stress. They also love clean carpets and beds. We keep a lot of soft, easily-washable blankets and throws on furniture for protection and comfort.
Scoop the litter box every day. No exceptions. It's better for everybody.
Don't leave out wet food. They'll get sick just like you would if you eat meat that's left out too long. Don't leave out dry food. It gets stale.
Product Recommendations
Carriers
Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier
This one in particular is very nice. It also folds down flat.
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/sherpa-original-deluxe-charcoal-and-camel-pet-carrier-large-2789105
Litter
Litter Genie Cat Litter Box
Flexible, tall sides, easy to scoop, easy to move. Some reviews complain about cracking. If you get any small cracks around the handles just use a lighter to melt it a bit and it won't crack again.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FDHBM5N/
Mighty Monkey Litter Mat
Can vacuum this or hose it down outside.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L8KGJZL
Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter
This is the best litter.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009X29WK/
Food
IAMs Healthy Kitten
Best kitten food. Nice shiny coats.
https://www.amazon.com/Iams-Proactive-Health-Healthy-Chicken/dp/B01BMBPOF6
Purina ONE Indoor Advantage
Great adult cat indoor food when they are ready to be done with kitten formulas. Helps maintain weight and keep hairballs down.
https://www.amazon.com/Purina-Indoor-Advantage-Adult-Food/dp/B000WFKTWM
H-E-B Texas Pets Adult Complete Formula Dry Cat Food
For adult outdoor cats and as a morning treat for our adult boys we use HEB Adult Complete. This is from a regional central Texas grocery chain but it's excellent dry cat food.
https://www.heb.com/product-detail/h-e-b-texas-pets-adult-complete-formula-dry-cat-food/1910810
Vittles Vault Stackable Airtight Pet Food Storage
A great sealed container to keep kibble.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002H3S5K/
Scratching Products
Sticky Paws
Good for favorite furniture spots. Clear and unobtrusive appearance.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007I08FI4/
Ultimate Scratching Post
The best vertical scratcher ever made. Also see the Turbo Scratcher in the Play section.
https://www.amazon.com/SmartCat-3832-Ultimate-Scratching-Post/dp/B000634MH8/
Corrugated scratchers
Just put these anywhere near where you find they like to scratch. Keep extras on hand and put them in all the favorite spots.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZG54L6/
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
A scratcher that we've had for years. It's like a scratcher version of a fine piece of furniture.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004X6UEH6/
PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge
Similar level of fine furniture scratcher to the Ultimate Lounge. We've also had this one for years. It's a tank.
https://pet-fusion.com/products/jumbo-cat-scratcher-lounge
Play
Turbo Scratcher
The turbo scratcher has been around a long time. Every cat seems to like it. You can find it on sale, get refills etc. This is a pretty famous toy. The Nintendo Entertainment System™ of cat toys.
https://www.amazon.com/Bergan-70128-Scratcher-Assorted-Colors/dp/B00O8PTF36/
Ripple Rug
Hall of fame toy.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016H3T8EC/
Jackson Galaxy Satellites
Cats really like milk jug rings. They slide and they can carry them around. These are like a milk jug ring formed into a ball. Cat love these. The Jackson Galaxy brand / guy makes a lot of neat innovative toys. He’s kind of a “cat whisperer” celebrity.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07715HDHZ/
Chiwava Mice Box
A good standard lightweight mouse with rattle inside.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNVFRC4/
Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy
There’s a type of cat toy usually called a “kicker”. They like to hug and kick stuff with their back feet. This is by far the most popular we’ve ever had. Cats love this thing. Every person I’ve told about it got one and has rave reviews.
https://www.chewy.com/yeowww-catnip-yellow-banana-cat-toy/dp/130257
Grooming
Magic Coat Grooming Mitt
Works well, traps hair in a mat on the glove
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002USK6X6/
Claw Trimmers
This design is better than the guillotine design in my opinion. Easier to use and cuts cleaner without crushing nails.
https://www.amazon.com/PET-BOUSSA-Nail-Clippers-Trimmer/dp/B08272WXBP/
Burt’s Bees Dander Reducing Wipes
We wipe them down with these after brushing.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CCV8GUA/
Furminator
Cats get a thicker coat a couple times a year then shed it. There’s an “undercoat” that can take longer but if you want to go deeper with shedding issues this is the best tool. Be gentle.
https://www.amazon.com/FURminator-Long-Hair-deShedding-Large/dp/B0040QS3PO?th=1
Catit Senses 2.0 Self Groomer Cat Toy
Cats will mark the corners of your walls and leave a dark residue. You can keep cleaning it off or give them this and they’ll use it to mark / groom. It's cheap and the box it comes in is designed to be a toy too!
https://www.amazon.com/Catit-Senses-2-0-Self-Groomer/dp/B00D3NI2PG/
Access
PetSafe Pet Door (Medium)
We have our litter setup in the air conditioned garage with a shop vac nearby. It's quite industrial. The cats use this door to go in and out.
https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Plastic-Medium-Tinted-Paintable/dp/B0013DJFQS
Accidents and Cleanup
Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover
By far the best thing for carpets and rugs for "catcidents". Can also be found at Home Depot.
https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Miracle-Stain-Odor-Remover/dp/B072FVZ1Z9/