Home Alive Cat Blog

New Kitten Checklist: What Do I Need for a Kitten?

Written by Krystn Janisse | Apr 23, 2024 7:53:00 PM

Adding a new kitten to your family is exciting, but before bringing your new fluff home, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need with our New Kitten Checklist.

Kittens are often playful and curious, but it’s always best to be prepared for a rockier transition. Shy or anxious kittens may need more time and a different approach to adapt to their new abode and their new family. What do I need for a new kitten?

We put together a new kitten checklist complete with all the essential supplies you'll need for your new kitty and some tips for getting your home ready. 

 

8 Steps to Prepare for Your New Kitten

Having the right tools and gear is helpful, but it’s about more than just things. You need to prepare your home, family, and other pets for this adorable new addition. 

Before you even think about bringing your kitten home, you need to take a look at your house and your routine and think about what your little furball is going to need on day one. This will allow you to assess your environment, make changes, buy the right products, and set boundaries for your family before your new kitten comes home. 

Even the most curious and playful kittens will need some time to adjust, and preparing your home and life will make the transition much less stressful. Here is a simple first-time cat owner checklist to get you started.

Here are a few helpful tips to help you get ready for your new kitty:

1. Prepare the Kids

Kittens are very small and fragile but also sharp. Preparing young kids on how to appropriately interact with your new kitten will prevent injury on both sides. 

Practice how to approach, pet, and even pick up the new kitten safely, and lay down some ground rules of how and when they can interact with the kitten. 

The more your kids know about your new kitten’s needs and routine, the more they can be a part of helping you raise the new kitten. Learning how to care for the kitten will help them understand and respect the kitten’s boundaries. 

 

2. Kittens Need a Safe Space

It’s not uncommon for cats of any age to want to find a quiet, safe space to hide when they first get home. Everything is new and scary. For a tiny kitten, the fear can be amplified. 

If you don’t create a safe space for your new kitten to hide and decompress, she might find one herself, and it could be an unsafe place or one that you can’t reach to get her out. 

Plan for her to have access to one room in the house that will have everything she needs to a climate herself. Kittens will seek out dark, covered spaces, so set up something that will fit these criteria:

Get creative, but make it comfortable. Make sure you have soft and warm blankets or towels for her to curl up in. 

It’s also good to block off areas you don’t want her burrowing into and underneath beds, dressers, closets, cupboards, etc. 

 

3. Get Supplies

Stock up on supplies before you get your kitten. Having the right tools can help prevent messes, injury, and stress. Having the correct gear can also facilitate the early stages of training before bad habits can be learned. 

Keep reading to see our full New Kitten Checklist. This will help you choose the right supplies for your kitten. You won’t need everything on the list before your kitten comes home, but it’s better to have a little extra and not need it than be caught without something that you do end up needing. 


4. Kitten-Proofing

Kitten-proofing your home may not seem as important as puppy-proofing for a new dog, but kittens can be quite mischievous as well. Making sure your home is safe for your new kitten means tucking away anything they could injure themselves on if they scratch, bite, or bump it. 

For cats, plants are one of the biggest concerns. Many common house and garden plants are actually toxic to cats, so check out our list of dangerous garden plants to ensure that you aren’t exposing your kitten to anything harmful. 

Other concerns include cords, rope or string, candles, decorations, and loose food from people or other pets. Also, put aside any valuable knick-knacks that can be easily knocked off shelves and tables once your kitten is feeling brave enough to explore. 

 

5. Educate Yourself

While cats are often seen as having the same personality, your kitty’s breed can actually tell you about their personality. It’s quite common for lots of cats in North America to be classified as domestic short, medium, or long-haired, but many cat breeds have unique needs and preferences. 

Bengals, for example, are one of the most highly active breeds and notoriously hard to train if you aren’t prepared for their stubbornness and energy levels.

Another example would be Sphynx cats. Because of their hairless nature, they need help controlling their body temperature, so they often need sweaters and a warmer indoor climate. 

If you do know your new kitties' breed, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research so that you can get an idea of what to expect. Check out Cattime.com to learn more about cat breeds. 

 

6. Assess Your Situation

Consider your current living situation and routine before you get a kitten. If you have a hectic schedule or have a lot of traffic coming in and out of your home, then it might be too stressful of an environment to welcome a kitten. 

You’ll want to spend at least a few days with your new kitten, helping them adjust before returning to your usual routine, like work. It’s also a good idea to allow your kitten to get comfortable for a few weeks before bringing friends or family to meet her. 

Too much change all in a row can overwhelm a baby cat, leading to destructive, dangerous, or aggressive behaviours. 

 

7. Plan Your Trip Home

The one aspect that many people often forget to plan for is the trip home with the new cat checklist. It may be a short drive, but you will still want to ensure you have the right supplies to make sure the trip is comfortable and safe. Here are a few things you need to bring along with you:

As much as it’s tempting to hold your kitten in your lap, sometimes the safest place is in an enclosed carrier that is full of soft and warm bedding. 

 

8. Find a Local Vet

Research your local vets to find the right one for your new kitty. Check out reviews and the different services they offer to ensure they are a good fit for you. 

Within the first month of bringing a kitten home, she should go in for a check-up just to make sure she isn’t showing signs of any illness or disease. 

 

New Kitten Checklist

Now that your house is prepped, it’s time to hit up your local pet store for some vital supplies. Here’s a helpful breakdown of what you’ll need:

Kitten Food

The foundation of a healthy cat is a healthy cat diet. Most kittens are fully weaned off of their mother’s milk by the time you bring them home, so it’s just a matter of finding the diet type and formula that helps them thrive. 

There are lots of options:

Kittens still have a lot of growth and development in the first year, so you must choose a diet that offers them the nutrients they need. Look for foods that are labelled kitten food or choose a calorie-dense all-life-stage food, like raw, to ensure they get sufficient nutrients.

Cats are carnivores, so a meat-rich diet with minimal and low-glycemic carbohydrates will help support their energy needs and help them build the muscle mass their bodies need. 

Try to find out what food your new kitten was eating before you picked her up. Having some of her current diet will help you transition her to the diet you choose.

When you are ready to change their food, it’s best to slowly replace the old food with the new food over 7-10 days. Start by replacing 1/4 of the old diet with the new one and gradually increase this quantity over a week or so.

   

 

Cat Food Dishes

The type of dish you use to feed your kitten might not seem that important, but you should consider a few things before you buy. 

Look for materials that are easy to keep clean. Plastic bowls are cheap and lightweight, but they also scratch or crack easily. Bacteria can collect in these marks and indentations, which can harm your cat and yourself. These bowls will need to be sanitized frequently and replaced often. 

Glass, metal, and ceramic cat bowls are better options as they are less likely to collect bacteria and are easy to keep sanitized in between feedings. 

The second factor you should consider is the shape of the bowl. Whisker fatigue is when your kitten’s sensitive whiskers are overstimulated. This can be very frustrating and disorienting and lead to anxious behaviours and poor eating habits.

Look for a wide, shallow, saucer-style bowl, like Messy Cats Stainless Steel Saucer Shaped Bowl, to prevent whisker fatigue. 

Food Storage and Feeding Accessories

How you store your kitten’s food can affect the safety and quality of the diet. Proper storage can keep food from spoiling and getting stale and prevent pest infestations. 

Different food formats require different storage methods. Kibble has the longest shelf life, but you can keep the food fresher for longer if opened bags are properly stored in an air-tight container in and away from direct sunlight. 

Canned foods are a bit different. They are not shelf-stable and must be refrigerated once opened, but still need proper storage in the fridge to ensure the quality, taste, and texture are maintained. 

Cat can lid covers are one of the easiest ways to store canned cat food in the fridge. These covers help to seal in the moisture and keep out bacteria. Wet cat foods can only be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and can lid covers should always be washed after each use. 

Messy Mutts Stainless Steel Bowls with silicone lids are perfect for storing unfinished meals or foods that have been meal-prepped days in advance. The metal won't collect bacteria, and the silicone lids lock in freshness. They can be used to store any kind of food, including raw, freeze-dried, and homemade diets. 

Consider any other accessories you might want to make feeding easier. Food mats are great for keeping your floors protected from a clumsy kitten. 

Cat Water Dishes and Fountains

Just like the food bowls, avoid plastic for their water dishes or cat fountains too. These are usually cleaned less often than food bowls, so the risk of bacteria growth is higher. 

Cats don’t drink nearly enough water, so it’s important to encourage better drinking habits by always having fresh, clean water available. This could mean having multiple cat water dishes in your house or opting for a fountain. 

Fountains are often preferred by cats because the constant movement and filtration of the water help keep the water a degree or two cooler and much cleaner than stagnant water. 

Check out all the benefits of cat water fountains to see if it’s right for your cat. 

Cat Treats

An excellent way to help gain your kittens' trust and bond with them is to treat train them. It’s not quite the same as treat training a puppy, but kittens respond well to rewards. 

Different treats serve different purposes. Treats used for rewards should be high-value. Look for freeze-dried meats or fish or something soft and chewy

Crunchier, cookie-style treats are typically recommended for dental health. Not all kittens will be drawn to crunchy treats, especially if they are teething, but having a few options will help you learn what they do and don't like and offer plenty of variety to keep treats fun and exciting.

Some kittens like to chew too much. Natural chews for cats can come in handy for satisfying their chewing desires and also support teething and overall dental health. Dried fish skins and raw or dehydrated chicken feet are all kitten-safe natural chews. Just make sure you always supervise the chewing session.

 

Cat Brush

Brushing your kitten daily is a great way to get them used to her grooming routines. Regular brushing helps to reduce shedding, prevent mats, and stimulate oil production in the skin, which helps to condition the skin and coat

Kittens are small and need a gentler brush to get started. A slicker brush will keep away tangles and remove loose hair. 

Longer hair kittens will benefit from a comb or pin brush, like the Bass Brush Detangler, to prevent tangles and mats, especially on their underbelly and tail. 

Deshedding brushes can be used once your kitten is used to the brushing process, but you shouldn’t deshed your kitten more than once every other week or so. Overusing a deshedding brush, like the Furminator, can pull out healthy fur if you are not careful. 

Waterless Shampoo and Pet Wipes

Cats, in general, are better self-groomers than dogs and don’t require bathing as frequently, but kittens get messy sometimes. Cats are also usually water averse, so bathing them can be stressful. An easier solution for keeping your kitten clean is to spot-clean them. 

Waterless foaming shampoos, like Earth Bath Hypoallergenic Grooming Foam, are an easy way to keep your kitten clean in a pinch without fully bathing them. The foam can be gently massaged into your kitten’s coat, and then just use a damp cloth or pet wipe to smooth the coat.

Tropiclean Hypoallergenic Wipes for Pets are also a great spot-cleaning tool. Use them for a quick face wash after a messy mealtime or to wipe down your kitty’s paws after playing in her litter box.   

If your kitten does need a full bath, then stick to a shampoo that is safe for sensitive young kittens. Hypoallergenic or fragrance-free shampoos are less likely to irritate their skin. 

Kitten Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Most people don’t even think about brushing their kitten's teeth. The first set of teeth is going to fall out anyway, so what’s the point, right?

Wrong! Dental care is an important part of your kitten’s overall health. Yes, those baby teeth will fall out, but their gums need to be healthy too. Plus, starting a tooth-brushing routine early helps your kitten get used to this practice. 

Toothbrushing can also help with the teething process. A soft-bristled brush or a rubber finger brush can be used to massage the gums and help new teeth push through the surface of the gums. 

While no other routines will replace the value of brushing your kitten's teeth, there are some food additives and water additives that can help improve your kitten's dental health between brushings. 

 

Nail Trimmer

Nail care is another important practice to start early. Keeping their nails properly trimmed makes it safer for both you and them. Overgrown nails can easily get snagged, which, other than being a hazard to you and your furniture, can lead to their nails tearing or limiting their mobility. 

Scissor-style nail trimmers are ideal for kittens because they are small and easy to handle. A kitten’s nails will be very tiny, so be very careful not to cut too far down. Start with just the tip until you get more comfortable with the process. 

Baxter & Bella Nail Scissors for cats are a lightweight option that lets you easily see what you’re doing. 

An alternative option is to use a nail grinder, like the JW Gripsoft Palm Nail Grinder. Some people prefer these because they are more intuitive, but the sound and vibration can be scary for some kittens. It may take some time for your kitten to get comfortable with this nail care tool. 

Ear Cleaner

The area that your kitten can’t groom on their own is their ears. Routine ear cleanings can prevent build-up that can lead to infection. Ear cleaning solutions for kittens should be a gentle formula that won’t irritate their sensitive skin. 

Tropiclean Ear Cleaning Wipes for Pets are an easier and less messy option for routine ear cleanings. The pre-soaked pads are a gentle way to remove dirt and debris that collects in your cat’s ear. 

Check out How to Clean a Cat’s Ears for tips to make this grooming practice simple and stress-free.

Cat Trees and Scratchers

You can’t stop a kitten from scratching - It’s a natural instinct - but you can redirect them to scratch on the right stuff. Cat trees and scratchers can save your furniture, your carpets, and your legs from a playful kitten’s razor-sharp claws. 

Scratchers are cheaper and disposable and are perfect for young kittens. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are perfect for a kitten who is just learning. 

Cat trees are bigger and more durable. They can stand up to really aggressive scratchers and can provide a high platform for your kitten to nap on. 

Cat trees are also a great choice for homes with multiple pets or young kids. Even when everyone gets along, it’s nice to be able to provide your kitten with a hideaway from the other monsters in the house. 

Cat Bed

Cats seek out warm and soft places to sleep, so a nice comfortable cat bed will help your kitten relax. Most cats prefer a bed with high sides so they can really cozy in, like the Fringe Petshop Pet Hut

If your house is on the cooler side, then a cave bed might help keep your kitten snug as a bug. The Catit Fluffy Bed is the perfect cuddle spot for kittens that just need some quiet time.

A great option for cats that love to bask in the sun is the K&H Pet Kitty Sill Window Bed. This comfy lounger bed suction cups to the window and can hold up to 60 lbs. 

Kitten Toys

Playtime is an important part of the kitten stage. This is when they learn what is and isn't appropriate to play with. Having a variety of toys for interactive group and solo playtime, like Catit Senses, will help your kitten learn good playtime behaviours. 

Lots of cat toys are infused with catnip. It’s questionable as to whether kittens get the same effects of catnip as adults, so we recommend having both catnip and non-catnip toys in your toy bin. 

Always pick toys that are safe and take away any toys that your kitten has damaged. Broken toys could injure your kitten if there are sharp pieces or if your kitten tries to chew pieces off. 

Natural Pet Cleaners

Kittens can make a mess sometimes, so pet-safe stain and odour removers are a must. 

Look for natural pet stain and odour removers with active enzymes that get rid of pet messes, like Nature's Miracle. Chemical cleaners simply cover up pet messes but may not discourage them or another pet from making another “mess” in the same spot. 

Collar and ID

Most cats spend very little time outdoors, but a collar and a cat ID tag are still necessary. Even if your cat is indoors only, they could still accidentally sneak outside and get lost. 

The best way to ensure your kitten makes it home from an impromptu neighbourhood stroll is if they can be quickly ID’d.

If you plan to take your kitten out for adventures, then we recommend a cat leash and a cat harness. Your kitten may need some practice to get used to these accessories, but they will help you keep them safe on walks and outings. 

Litter and Litter Accessories

Choosing a litter box will depend on the size and ability of your kitten. You may think it’s cost-effective to pick up a litter box that is large enough to suit them when they are full-grown, but it may simply be too big or tall for your baby cat to get in and out of. 

It’s best to start with a shallower open litter box until your kitten is big enough to use a larger or hooded box, like the Catit Jumbo Hooded Litter Box

Choosing a good kitten litter involves considering how the litter affects your kitten and how it affects you. A great starter litter for kittens who are still learning good litter habits is Dr. Elsey's Kitten Attract Litter. The natural scent-based attractant in this litter helps to encourage your kitten to use the litter box. 

Gravel litter is often very dusty, and some pet owners are concerned about the harm caused by a cat breathing in that dust. 

For a more natural option, you can try a non-gravel-based litter. Some are very similar in texture to gravel, while others are meant to be super absorbent. Here are a few of our faves:

Litter accessories aren't required but can make litter maintenance much easier. Litter scoops, mats, and filters can help reduce the mess and smell of your kitten's litter box area.

The Litter Locker Disposal System is one of our favourite accessories. The large bags can last up to 2 months and save you daily trips to the garbage. They lock in odours, too, so you don't have to hold your breath when you walk by the litter box.

 

Are You Ready for a Kitten?

It’s a common misconception that cats are easy to care for or they basically take care of themselves. This isn’t true. While cats may be more independent, they still require a structured environment, regular attention, and a variety of routines to keep them healthy, happy, and well-behaved.

Before you get a kitten, it’s important to think about how your lifestyle and routine will have to change to accommodate your new kitten’s needs. Cats need more one-on-one attention than most people think, so make sure you consider that in your day-to-day routine.

Be prepared to make some changes, both to your lifestyle and your home to accommodate your new feline friend and keep them safe. 

Also, consider the average cost of raising a cat:

According to Rover, the average cost of cat onwership in 2024 ranges from $930-$2400.

$1000 a year doesn’t seem too bad when you break it down monthly, but you also need to be prepared for incidentals. Routine vet bills, injury, and potential disease as they age can be a financial burden that not everyone can afford.  

I personally just got saddled with a $4,500 vet bill after my monster ate a cat toy and needed surgery to remove it. You can’t always plan for everything, but having an emergency fund or pet insurance can help you manage surprise costs like this.

Do your homework before you commit. This will give you a chance to make changes to create a safer and more suitable environment for your kitten.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How should I prepare my home before bringing a new kitten home? 

Before bringing a new kitten home, make sure you have all the essential supplies ready, including a litter box, food and water dishes, a scratching post, toys, and a comfortable bed. Kitten-proof your living space by removing any hazards or items that could be harmful to your new furry friend.

What type of food should I feed my new kitten? 

Choose a high-quality kitten-specific food that meets their nutritional needs for growth and development.

How can I help my new kitten adjust to their new environment? 

Provide a quiet and safe space for your kitten to explore initially, gradually introducing them to different areas of your home. Spend time bonding with the new kitten. 

How do I introduce my new kitten to other pets in the household? 

Introductions to other pets should be gradual and supervised. Keep the new kitten in a separate room initially, allowing scent exchanges under doors and supervised visual introductions before gradually increasing supervised interactions. 

When should I schedule the first veterinary visit for my kitten? 

Schedule a veterinary appointment within the first few days of bringing your kitten home. The veterinarian will perform a health check, administer vaccinations if needed, and discuss preventive care, nutrition, and any questions you have about kitten care.

How can I help my new kitten get used to the litter box? 

Place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location and show the kitten the box. Use a litter that is safe for kittens and maintain a clean box by scooping waste daily and replacing the litter regularly.