The New Kitten Checklist for First-Time Cat Parents
Help your kitten feel at home.
So you're thinking about getting a kitten… congratulations! We can't wait for you to step into the world of cat-parenting. We recommend getting all the necessary supplies before bringing your kitten home – this will help you stay fully-focused on your kitten when the time comes and help them feel at home right away. Below, we've outlined the ultimate new kitten checklist, including must-have supplies, important tips for cat-proofing your home, and additional considerations when bringing home a new kitten. Keep reading or jump ahead to a specific section.
Supplies Checklist
Home-Preparedness Checklist
Safety, Health, & Wellness Checklist
Supplies Checklist
Before your new kitten comes home, you should have all the necessary supplies to take care of them and help them grow. Use this new kitten checklist to make sure you have everything you need to keep your kitten well-fed, occupied, and comfortable.
1. Food & Water Bowls
A food and water dish is a must-have on our new kitten checklist because it helps establish a space for your kitten to eat and drink without you having to sacrifice any of your dishware. Many cat bowls & feeders have slightly raised frames to make it easy for cats to enjoy a meal or grab a drink while sitting upright or standing. Pet water fountains are a popular alternative to standard water bowls because cats actually prefer moving drinking water to stagnant water.
Food is one of those kitten essentials where quality is really important. The right mix will ensure your kitten's health and development for the long-term. Kittens begin eating solid food when they're about a month old. When shopping for cat food, you'll want to look for brands with options specifically for kittens, as these options have all the nutrients a kitten needs to grow healthy and strong. If you've adopted or are planning to adopt a newborn kitten you should consult with a veterinarian or the breeder to determine if you still need to bottle-feed.
3. Litter Boxes & Cat Litter
Another must on our new kitten checklist is litter boxes and cat litter. Most cats prefer two litter boxes; one for urination and one for solid waste, so have two ready to go. You may also benefit from a kitten-specific cat litter. These cat litter varieties are designed to attract kittens with scent and help train them to use the bathroom. However, regular cat litter works just as well. You will need to put your kitten in the litter box after they eat, drink, nap, or sniff the ground to help train them to go to the bathroom there.
Litter box enclosures (like the one pictured above) have become extremely popular because they look like regular furniture while discreetly housing the litter box. Most litter box enclosures feature a cat-friendly opening and a spacious cabinet for one or more litter boxes and accessories.
Tip!
Check the Best Cat Litter Boxes for Your Feline to help decide on the best litter box for your kitten.
4. Other Litter Box Supplies
There are a few additional kitten necessities to consider when it comes to litter boxes. To start, you'll need one to two litter scoops to remove urine or solid waste from your kitten's litter box. This is a task you should complete each day to keep the litter box clean. A litter mat is another must-have. Place the mat directly outside of the litter box entrance. This way, your kitten will remove any litter from their paws onto the mat rather than tracking it onto your floor. Many litter mats have an interior compartment to trap litter and to make the box easier to clean out. You can also enlist the help of odor-reducing products and other litter box accessories if desired.
Tip!
Follow the guidelines of your cat litter brand to determine how often you should empty your cat's litter box and refill it with fresh litter. This is important because cats are susceptible to urinary infections and diseases as a result of dirty litter boxes.
5. Cat Bed
A cozy cat bed is a must on a first-time cat owner's checklist. Be on the lookout for plush cat beds with hooded (pictured above), nest, or donut configurations, as these designs create a comforting nook for kittens to nap, relax, and settle into their new environment.
When creating a checklist for a new kitten, don't forget to include a cat tree or perch! These structures help keep your kitten occupied and entertained. Opt for a small cat tree/perch combo with a low-to-the-ground design to keep kittens safe as they start to get more adventurous. Then you can invest in a full-size cat tree or cool condo enclosure later on. Most cat trees come with a built-in perch where kittens can hang out or take naps.
Tip!
Review The 9 Best Cat Tree Features and our Cat Condo & Cat Tree Buying Guide to learn more about this kitten must-have.
7. Cat Cage or Playpen
You can benefit from a cat cage or playpen structure if you know you'll have to run errands often or go to work for long hours after bringing your new kitten home. When your cat reaches adulthood they can be left alone in your home to reign free. However, young kittens are full of mischief and in need of training. Until you've trained them not to scale the bookshelf or tear the curtains, a cat cage is a safe bet. Some cat cages are designed to go outside so you can give your kitten outdoor time in an escape-free environment.
A scratching post is one of the things you need for a kitten to keep them occupied. At the beginning of their lives, kittens' claws are exposed 24/7 (they'll be able to retract them at around the one-month mark). A scratching post gives them a place to get out their energy, sharpen/file their claws, and build their strength. As kittens grow into adult cats, they will continue to use the scratching post, making it a worthwhile investment.
There's no better way to bond with your new kitten or encourage their creativity than with cat toys. These are a must-have item on your kitten checklist because they ultimately keep your kitten from getting bored and turning their attention to mischievous activities. Many cat playpens, cat trees, and scratching posts have built-in dangling toys that kittens can paw and swat at for individual amusement.
10. Cat Carrier
A cat carrier allows you to take your kitten on-the-go. Whether taking them on road trips, transporting them to a new apartment, or taking them to the vet, a cat carrier gives you the flexibility to take your kitten with you. Some even come in backpack configurations or have special design features that let you attach them to car seat belts.
Just like any pet, kittens can be messy. They may occasionally eat something that disagrees with them or need more training on where to use the bathroom. They also might be too adorable to kick off the sofa (resulting in plenty of hair left behind). Whatever the reason, you need proper cleaning supplies to tackle accidents and hair-covered upholstery. We recommend getting a vacuum that specializes in ridding surfaces of pet hair and cleaning solutions that remove stains and odors from carpeting.
In addition to having the right supplies, you also need to make sure your home is ready to take on a new kitten. This ensures they have a safe environment to grow and explore (and that your home is also protected from whatever mischief they might get into!).
1. Check the Toxicity Levels Of Your Houseplants
Cats are curious creatures – and kittens are even more so! The occasional nibble of a houseplant isn't an uncommon occurrence in households with cats and dogs, so it's important to keep toxic houseplants out of reach, in pet-free rooms, or out of your home altogether. Some examples of toxic houseplants for cats include English ivy, peace lilies (or any lily variety), sago palms, daffodils, pothos, and philodendrons . But there's a long list, so read up! Cat-friendly houseplants include spider plants, prayer plants, Chinese money plants, some palm varieties, and peperomias (just to name a few). Always research a specific plant to determine if it is indeed cat-friendly before allowing your kitten to be around it.
Tip!
Get more information in our guide: What Plants Are Safe for Pets?
2. Cat-Proof Electrical Wires Around Your Home
Kittens and adult cats are notorious for chewing electrical wires when they get the chance. This can lead to accidental fires or electrical incidents. When possible, keep electronics and light fixtures unplugged when you're not home. We highly recommend using cable wraps, jackets, and covers to surround electrical wires and protect them from your cat’s claws and teeth.
3. Be Mindful Of Open Windows & Window Screens
Make sure you keep windows closed to prevent your kitten from escaping outside. Open windows on second- or third-levels are also potentially harmful if your cat falls or jumps out. Cats can also claw through window screens. The point is, keep your windows closed or cracked with a window screen attached, especially when your pet is a baby and still learning. You can also train your cat not to claw at the window screen using a water spray bottle.
4. Add Childproof Locks to Cabinets
Kittens are curious and they will explore cabinets and drawers. Protect your kitten from accessing cleaning supplies or medications (and protect glassware/dishware in kitchen cabinets) by adding childproof locks to cabinet doors or drawers. This will discourage kittens from opening cabinets and getting into mischief.
5. Create a Safe Room
A large new environment can be overwhelming for a kitten. Make them feel comfortable by creating a safe room in your home for them to adapt to the space. Designate a bathroom or bedroom to be “cat-proofed”, and keep your new kitten in there. Place a cat bed, toys, and food or water dishes in the space. Allow your kitten to get used to the room and keep the door open so they can venture out to explore the rest of your space when they feel comfortable.
6. Use Furniture Slipcovers
Furniture slipcovers are smart investments for homes with new kittens and adult cats alike as they protect furniture upholstery from claws and pet hair. Have a fabric or plastic slipcover on-hand in case your kitten gets fixated on napping, scratching or climbing on a particular piece of furniture. Some furniture covers only cover the sides of furniture and armrests so you don't have to completely hide away your beloved furniture pieces if you don’t want to.
You also need to take steps to ensure the health and wellness of your kitten once you bring them home. Here are some important considerations for taking care of a kitten for the first time:
1. Cat Collar With Contact Info
Equip your kitten with a collar featuring a charm with your name and phone number. This makes it easy for someone to contact you and reunite you with your kitten should they accidentally get outside. Many veterinarians provide identifying tags along with vaccine information after your cat receives a vaccination. However, you can also order special tags from artisan websites.
2. Grooming Kits
Create a specialized grooming kit with cat-friendly nail clippers, kitten shampoo, and a tub or grooming table. You'll need to trim your kitten's claws every few weeks to keep them healthy. Indoor kittens don't need a lot of baths, but you may find yourself needing to wash their paws if they get into mischief (digging in potted plants for example).
3. Cat Insurance
When you get a new kitten, it's important to get a form of pet insurance that includes cats. This ensures that you can get reimbursed for emergency vet visits, surgeries, or assessments in the future.
4. Veterinary Care
Once you bring your new kitten home, you'll need to find a local veterinarian to get them important vaccinations and general health screenings. Your vet will let you know when and how to schedule important vaccinations so your kitten can grow healthy and strong.
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