New kitten checklist — Here's everything you need for your tiny feline

Kitting aside (sorry, I had to), caring for a young cat can be intimidating.

To help, we put together a new kitten checklist of some essentials you’ll need, from food, healthcare, toys and treats to safety tips. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, especially if you’re caring for an unweaned kitten or a kitten with special needs. But it’s an excellent resource to help your fur baby start off on the right paw.

• Kitten food

• Food and water bowls

• Litter and litter box

Veterinarians recommend your tiny critter eat specially formulated kitten food for the first 12 months of life. Kitten food is higher in fats and protein, which will help your cat become a healthy adult and reach their full couch potato potential. 

Focus on quality ingredients and a variety of flavors and textures. There are plenty of options to browse, but if you’re not sure which food is best for your kitten, ask your vet. 

You might also consider a home delivery service such as Cat Person or Smalls. Kittens are voracious eaters and will appreciate having a steady supply of food dropped off at the front door almost as much as you will. 

Stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic bowls are some of the popular options available, and which you choose is up to your own preferences and needs. Stainless steel bowls, often the most durable, are perhaps easiest  to clean (steel is non-porous, so it’s less likely to trap bacteria). Ceramic bowls are more decorative, just be careful when cleaning because they’re more fragile. Plastic bowls are often more affordable, but can trap bacteria and so cause skin irritation for some kittens.

Kittens, like cats, crouch close to the ground when they eat, so you might want to invest in an elevated food bowl such as the double raised food bowl from Peturdays to avoid neck strain.

If you notice your kitten isn’t interested in their water bowl (and is otherwise in good health), a water fountain might be a good solution. Cats are attracted to the sound of running water and could be more inclined to drink from a fountain. KittySpout carries a quieter version, which means it’s kinder on your ears. 

Kittens, much like human toddlers, explore the world with their mouths. If your kitten likes to munch on those curious crystals their thoughtful humans put in their litter boxes, you might consider paper and wood pellets such as the ökocat Dust Free Non-Clumping Paper Pellet Cat Litter and Feline Pine Non-Clumping Litter.

When it comes to litter boxes, the choices are endless. You might want to try a simple litter tray for your kitten, since young cats are notoriously skittish and can get scared of automatic boxes. You’ll find plenty of options at online retailers like Chewy or PetFlow.

• Scratchers

• Cat trees

• Beds

• Carriers

Scratching everything around them is natural for kittens; they do it to self-soothe, stretch and set boundaries (which is also a part of a cat’s “self-care” routine). Thankfully, you have many alternatives to offer besides your couch. 

Similarly, cat trees and beds now come in a variety of styles and sizes. Pet furniture designers such as Omlet and Tuft + Paw make bespoke creations that blend seamlessly into your home decor and keep your kittens climbing and comfy. 

A carrier is a must-have for vet visits and travel.

Hard-sided carriers such as the Petmate Two-Door Kennel are sturdy and great for feisty kittens. Soft-sided carriers such as the Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier are more comfy and a good fit for calm kitties.

• Veterinarian

• Pet insurance

Besides you and your immediate family, a veterinarian is the most important person in your new kitten’s life. Once you bring your kitten home, take her to a vet right away! Kittens will need a few rounds of vaccinations, a wellness exam, and eventually a spay/neuter surgery once they’re at least four months old.

Ask friends and family to suggest names, and be sure to read reviews before choosing a clinic.

Pet insurance is a must, especially because an accident-prone kitten is now wandering around your home. It can save you from a jaw-dropping vet bill.

Cats are generally cheaper to insure than dogs, but do your research before signing a policy.

Kittens get bored easily. Keeping them occupied with new toys may be the only thing that saves your trinkets and houseplants from tiny paws. You can also use food puzzles with yummy treats to keep your kitten engaged. 

A cat parent’s answer to BarkBox, KitNipBox delivers toys and treats to your door through a subscription service.

If you also have a dog, Pet Treater delivers a box that caters to both the felines and canines in your life.

“What about catnip?” you might be wondering. Most kittens are not sensitive to catnip until they’re six months old. But, if you would like to try giving your kitten a taste of the herb, Meowflower offers organic, locally grown varieties. 

Kittens want to explore, which can make them a danger to themselves and a nuisance for the uninitiated. Watch out for:

• Toxic plants: Make sure your houseplants aren’t on this list of toxic plants.

• Wires and fragile decor: Kittens will chew on free-hanging laptop cords and knock down delicate vases. Secure anything fragile before letting your kitten roam the house.

• Unintended scratches: Cats spook easily, which can lead to accidental scratches and bites. If you have kids, introduce them to cat body language, so they can say “hello” to their new friend safely.
  

As you prepare your home for a new kitten, you can always rely on reviews left by fellow pet owners here at Trustpilot. Happy trails on your new journey!


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