Complete New Kitten Checklist: Essential Tips for Adopting a Kitten

A playful, cuddly kitten can be the perfect addition to your family, whether you already have other pets or are just starting out as a pet parent. But before you pick out a kitten at your local shelter or rescue, make sure you have all the cat essentials for a kitten to make your new pet feel at home.

Checklist of must-have cat and kitten supplies

It’s time to plan your shopping list of supplies for a cat. So, what do kittens need? Your kitten essentials checklist should include a litter box and scoop, a carrier, a kitten bed, food and water bowls, a scratching post, and toys. Here’s the full breakdown.

1. Cat food

Cats and kittens require a diet that includes protein, vitamins, fats, and minerals, so choose a dry or wet cat food (or one of each) designed for your cat’s age. Dry food is convenient, stays fresh longer, and is generally more budget-friendly than canned food. Its small kibble size makes it easy for kittens to eat, it supports dental health by reducing plaque, and it works well for free feeding since it can be left out without spoiling. But wet food provides the simplest transition from milk for young kittens.

2. Food and water bowls

Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best and can help your kitten avoid an allergic reaction to plastic bowls that can cause chin acne (yes, kittens can get acne). Researchers found that 22 percent of pet parents washed their pet’s food and water bowls just once a week, and 18 percent admitted to doing it less than once every three months, or never. Yikes. To prevent bacterial growth, make sure to clean out your kitten’s food bowls daily, even if they lick the dish clean at each meal.

3. Litter box and scoop

While puppies require house-training, kittens (usually) want to use a litter box and naturally understand the concept. Look for a shallow pan so your kitten doesn’t have to struggle over a high rim to use the bathroom. You can upgrade to a larger litter box as your cat grows. Choose a litter scoop that’s sturdy and unlikely to break when cleaning the litter. Make sure to keep the litter box clean and choose a non-clumping litter until your kitten is older.

4. Collar, ID, and microchip

A collar with a bell can help you keep track of your kitten as they explore their new home. Just make sure that any collar you purchase has a breakaway snap to keep your cat safe if their collar becomes caught on something.

While you should have your cat microchipped, you should also add an ID tag to their collar to make it easy for others to know where your kitten belongs if they get lost. An ID tag should include your kitten’s name, your name, your cell phone number, and your address.

5. Scratching post

Scratching has many benefits for cats, from relieving stress to helping them shed nail layers for healthier claws. But you don’t want your furniture to suffer, so scratching posts are cat necessities to keep them healthy and entertained.

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6. Cat bed

Once you bring your cat home, don’t be surprised if you find them napping everywhere — in a box, on your bed, even in the sink. Cats are weird (in the best way). Still, your new cat essentials list should include a bed for a cozy place to nap. You can start with a small, kitten-sized bed or invest in a larger one designed for adult cats. If you choose a large bed, use blankets to help the space feel more enclosed.

7. Cat toys

Cats need mental stimulation to keep them active and happy. Plus, spending time playing with your kitten can help the two of you bond and provide a way for them to burn off some energy. Purchase a variety of toys, from simple kick toys to moving toys and puzzles, to keep your kitten entertained.

8. Carrier

Many shelters and rescues don’t provide a carrier, so you’ll need to purchase one to bring your kitten home. A carrier also comes in handy when it’s time to take your kitten to the vet.

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What should you be aware of before adopting a kitten?

Kittens tend to be less high-maintenance than puppies, but they still require a lot of time and attention, and there are a few essential things to know about kittens before making this commitment. This new pet parent’s checklist is a great resource for making sure you’re providing everything your kitten needs to grow into a well-adjusted cat, but there are a few things you should be aware of before adopting a cat.

• Kitten personality and temperament: Kittens are playful, curious, and eager to explore. Unlike adult cats, who often enjoy their alone time, kittens require more attention, so be prepared to devote at least an hour each day to grooming, playtime, or cozy snuggles.

• Kitten grooming: One way to bond with your kitten is to groom them regularly. Long-haired kittens need daily, short grooming sessions, while short-haired kittens may only need grooming once a week.

• Kitten veterinary care: At around four to five months, kittens can be spayed or neutered. While some pet parents may feel hesitant about this surgery, doing so can help your cat live longer, reduce the risks of reproductive cancers, and keep your cat from wandering away from home. It’s also important to take your cat to annual wellness examinations to keep them healthy.

• Safe environment: Start by creating a “safe room” for your kitten in a bathroom, home office, or guest room where you can close the door. This space should be fully kitten-proof, which means removing any breakable or dangling items and installing child-proof latches on cabinets and drawers.

• Kitten behaviors: Kittens want and need to scratch, so make sure to provide them with appropriate scratching posts to protect your furniture and other items in your house. If your kitten shows any signs of aggression toward other pets in the home, separate the animals immediately.

• Kitten vaccinations: Your kitten’s first year should include core cat vaccinations, such as the FVRCP vaccine and a rabies vaccine, which is required by law. You should also invest in heartworm and flea preventatives as well. Even indoor cats require regular vaccinations to prevent disease.

Before you adopt a kitten, take the time to learn exactly what you need to know before adopting a kitten and ensure that you have everything you need for a cat. There are plenty of kittens in shelters who need loving homes and would make excellent companions.

Ready to adopt? Consider your adoption options

Once you’ve decided you want a kitten, you may be wondering about the best way to bring one into your home. There are a few options you can pursue to make the transition to being a pet parent to a kitten.

• Adopting a kitten: Adopting a kitten from a local rescue or shelter can help save a cat in need and provide them with a home. Note that most shelters and rescues won’t adopt out kittens until they’re at least eight weeks old, at which point they should be weaned from their mothers and vaccinated.

• Fostering a kitten: If you haven’t been a cat parent before, you may want to try out fostering a kitten through your local shelter. This experience will give you insight into what being a pet parent to a kitten is like before you fully commit to doing so.

If kittens are too high-energy for you, consider adopting an adult or senior cat. Senior cats come with their own challenges, but with patience and love, you can end up with an affectionate companion.

Commonly asked questions

How can I introduce my new kitten to existing pets?

If you already have pets in your home, introducing them to a new kitten should be done carefully and slowly. With all introductions, make sure to supervise and watch for any signs of aggression.

When it comes to other cats, introduce the kitten by allowing each animal to meet the other through a closed door where they can smell the other’s scent. After a few days, you can introduce the cat and kitten face-to-face by placing the kitten in a carrier. Once both animals appear comfortable and don’t show any signs of aggression, you can let the cat and kitten meet each other at their own pace by leaving the door to the kitten’s room open.

Many of the same rules apply to introducing a kitten to a dog. Start with smells, such as switching the dog and kitten’s blankets, so they’re aware of each other’s presence. Then you can introduce the two through a baby gate before eventually letting your dog and kitten meet.

How do I prepare my home for a new kitten?

Take time to kitten-proof your home by putting away breakable items and purchasing all the items on this new cat owner checklist.

What should I know about kitten nutrition and feeding?

Provide your kitten with some wet food because kittens can have trouble chewing dry food. Review labels for the correct amount to feed your kitten.

What vaccinations and veterinary care does a kitten need?

Kittens need annual vaccinations to protect them from common illnesses like rabies and distemper, as well as regular heartworm and flea preventatives.

References

Luisana, Emily, et al. “Survey Evaluation of Dog Owners’ Feeding Practices and Dog Bowls’ Hygiene Assessment in Domestic Settings.” PLOS ONE, vol. 17, no. 4, 6 Apr. 2022, p. e0259478, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259478.