Complete New Kitten Checklist: Essential Tips, Planning, and Must-Haves for Adopting a Kitten
Adopting a new kitten? We've created a checklist to help you get organized before bringing your new friend home.
by Savannah Admire, | June 29, 2023
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Melanie DeFazio / Stocksy
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.
In this article:
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 for making the transition to being a pet parent to a kitten.
Adoption from a shelter or breeder
Adopting a kitten from a local rescue or shelter can help save a cat in need and provide them with a home. If you choose to purchase from a breeder, make sure to research and choose an ethical breeder who treats their animals well. 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
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.
Senior adoption
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.
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.
Kitten age and health
Cats are called kittens from birth to one year. During this time, they require a specific diet, regular playtime, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Be sure to take your kitten to the veterinarian within their first week in their new home.
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 food and nutrition
Kittens require a diet that includes extra protein, vitamins, fats, and minerals, so choose a dry or wet cat food (or one of each) designed for kittens.
Kitten litter box and litter
While puppies require house-training, kittens instinctively want to use a litter box and naturally understand the concept. Make sure to keep the litter box clean and choose a non-clumping litter until your kitten is older.
Kitten toys and playtime
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 to keep your kitten entertained.
Kitten grooming
Another 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
Your kitten’s first year should include vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventatives, and spaying or neutering. Even indoor cats require regular vaccinations to prevent disease. 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.
What are the essential items I need for adopting a new cat?
Now that you’re aware of what to know before adopting a cat, it’s time to plan your shopping list of supplies for a cat. So, what do kittens need?
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). Make sure to clean out your kitten’s food bowls daily, even if they lick the dish clean at each meal.
Litter box and scoop
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 kitten grows. Choose a litter scoop that’s sturdy and unlikely to break when cleaning the litter.
Kitten bed
Your cat essentials list should include 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.
Toys
Cats need mental stimulation to keep them active and happy. Purchase a variety of toys, from simple kick toys to moving toys and puzzles, to keep your kitten entertained.
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.
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.
Collar and ID tag
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.
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.
New kitten checklist
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 right away.
How do I create a safe and stimulating environment for my kitten?
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.
What are some common kitten behaviors and how do I address them?
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.
What vaccinations and veterinary care does a kitten need?
Kittens need several vaccinations in their first year, including a rabies vaccine, which is required by law. You should also invest in heartworm and flea preventatives as well as spaying or neutering.
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.
Commonly asked questions:
What should I be aware of before adopting a kitten?
While cats are largely independent, kittens require more attention and time. Do your research about things you need before getting a cat and make a new cat checklist.
What are the essential items I need for a new kitten?
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.
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.
Savannah Admire
Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.