Essential Supplies Every Kitten Needs
Bringing home a new kitten is thrilling—tiny paws, curious eyes, and endless energy! But before your new friend arrives, you'll want to make sure you have all the right supplies to keep them healthy, happy, and safe. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need for a smooth start.
Kitten Food: The Foundation of Growth
Kittens grow quickly and require nutrition tailored to their needs. Choose a high-quality commercial diet made specifically for kittens under six months. Your veterinarian can recommend the best options. Mixing wet and dry food helps prevent picky eating later on. Feed four or five small meals daily (measured portions help avoid overfeeding).
Food and Water Bowls
Pick sturdy, easy-to-clean bowls—stainless steel with wide bases work well since they’re less likely to tip. Many cats love running water; consider adding a pet water fountain next to a regular bowl to encourage hydration.
Litter Box and Litter
Kittens usually prefer open-topped litter boxes that are low enough for easy access. Place one box per cat plus an extra in quiet, private spots around your home. For young kittens, use non-clumping litter to avoid accidental ingestion; once they're older, clumping litter makes cleaning easier. Unscented options are best for sensitive noses.
- Scoop daily for freshness
- Wash boxes monthly
Toys: Mental and Physical Enrichment
Toys keep kittens entertained and help them learn important skills. Stock up on:
- Catnip toys
- Mouse toys
- Teaser wands (for interactive play only)
Avoid anything that could be torn apart or swallowed—no yarn, thread, rubber bands, or string.
Scratching Surfaces
Kittens need to scratch! Offer several types of scratchers: tall vertical posts (so they can stretch fully), horizontal cardboard pads, or cat trees. These not only support natural behavior but also help reduce stress.
Cat Carrier
A sturdy carrier is essential for trips to the vet or anywhere else. Hard-sided plastic carriers with both side and top openings make loading easier—and cleaning simpler if accidents happen.
Kitten-Proofing Your Home
- Close windows completely to prevent escapes or falls.
- Tie up window blind cords out of reach.
- Secure items that could topple onto an adventurous kitten.
- Hide electrical cords or use cord protectors—they love to chew!
- Remove toxic houseplants and store food/medications in secure cabinets.
Bedding and Safe Spaces
Your kitten will appreciate a cozy bed in a quiet corner. Washable beds are best for easy cleaning. Provide hiding spots—like covered beds or boxes—to help them feel secure as they adjust.
Grooming Tools & Identification
- Nail trimmers and flea combs keep your kitten tidy.
- A collar with a breakaway safety snap and ID tag is smart—even for indoor cats.
Veterinary Care: Start Early!
- Schedule an initial checkup soon after adoption.
- Bring any medical records you have.
Your vet will discuss vaccinations (FVRCP/feline distemper, rabies if required, feline leukemia virus), microchipping (recommended even for indoor cats), testing for diseases like FIV and heartworms, deworming, and parasite prevention options suited to your kitten’s age and lifestyle.
Your Kitten Supply Checklist:
- Kitten-formulated food (wet & dry)
- Bowls for food & water (plus optional fountain)
- Litter box & scoop; non-clumping litter at first
- Toys (safe & interactive)
- Scratching posts/pads/trees
- Sturdy cat carrier
- Bedding/cat bed
- Nail trimmer & flea comb
- ID collar with breakaway clasp & tag
- Litter box liners (optional)
- Treats (for training & bonding)
- Catsafe cleaning supplies for accidents
- Catsafe storage containers for food/meds/plants out of reach
- A confined area for acclimatization at first
Smooth Transitions: Helping Your Kitten Settle In
The first days can be overwhelming for a kitten—help them adjust by introducing familiar scents (like a towel from their previous home), offering hiding places and climbing structures, keeping feeding times consistent, and maintaining cleanliness in their space.
The Importance of Routine Veterinary Care & Spay/Neuter
Your vet is your partner in keeping your kitten healthy through regular exams and preventive care—don’t skip those appointments! Spaying or neutering at the recommended age prevents future health issues and unwanted litters.
A Few Final Tips:
- Avoid unsafe toys/items that could be ingested or cause choking.
- Create routines around feeding, playtime, grooming, litter box cleaning.
- Praise good behavior; patience goes a long way during socialization.
If you’re organized from the start—with all these essentials ready—you’ll set the stage for years of companionship with your new feline friend!
