New Kitten Checklist: Everything You Need Before Bringing Your Kitten Home

New Kitten Checklist: Everything You Need Before Bringing Your Kitten Home

Bringing home a new kitten is exciting, but it can feel like there is a lot to remember. A simple checklist keeps things calm and organized. The goal is not perfection, it is to make sure your kitten has a safe, cozy place to land, the right supplies, and the basics of health and identification covered. This guide walks you through what you need before your kitten arrives, plus a few things that can wait until later.

Set Up a Safe Home Base

New kittens feel safer in a small, quiet space at first rather than having access to the whole house. Choose one room as your kitten’s first home base. A spare bedroom, a quiet office, or a sectioned area of your living space works well.

Your home base should include:

1. A warm sleeping spot such as a soft bed or folded blanket in a corner.

2. A shallow litter tray placed away from food and water.

3. Food and water bowls on a hard floor or mat for easy cleaning.

4. A few toys to explore, plus a scratching surface.

Before your kitten arrives, do a safety sweep. Remove small objects they could swallow, secure cords where possible, move breakable items, and check for tight gaps where a tiny kitten might get stuck. Some houseplants and household products are dangerous to cats. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center keeps updated lists of toxic plants and common hazards, which can help you double check your space.

Core Kitten Supplies Checklist

This is the core list most new kitten owners need. You can always add extra fun items later.

1. Carrier

You will need a secure carrier for trips to the vet and safe travel. A hard sided carrier with a front door and, ideally, a top opening makes it easier to place and remove your kitten. Line the carrier with a towel or small blanket that smells like home, once you have one. Never travel with a kitten loose in the car.

2. Food and Water Bowls

Choose shallow bowls that are hard to tip. Many owners like stainless steel or ceramic because they are easy to clean. Avoid very deep bowls for small kittens, as they can be uncomfortable to use. Place water in a separate bowl from food. Some cats prefer running water, so you can consider a fountain later, but a simple bowl is fine to start.

3. Kitten Food

Look for food labeled for kittens rather than adults. Kittens need more calories, protein, and certain nutrients during growth. You can choose wet, dry, or a mix, based on your vet’s advice and your kitten’s needs. For the first week, it is best to use the same food your kitten was eating at the shelter or breeder to avoid stomach upset, then change gradually if you plan to switch. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers general guidance on nutrition that you can use to frame a conversation with your vet.

4. Litter and Litter Box

Start with a low sided litter tray that a small kitten can easily step into. Many kittens learned a type of litter in their previous home, so ask what was used and start with something similar if possible. Unscented clumping litter is a popular choice for many owners, but you can adjust over time. Place the box in a quiet area that is easy to access, not right next to loud appliances or in heavy traffic walkways. For a very small home, you may still want more than one box once your kitten roams more widely.

5. Scratching Post or Board

Scratching is a normal cat behavior. Giving your kitten an appropriate place to scratch early saves your furniture and supports healthy claws and muscles. Many kittens like vertical scratching posts wrapped in sisal or sturdy cardboard scratchers on the floor. Place a scratching surface near your kitten’s bed or near areas where your family spends time, since cats often scratch as part of greeting and stretching.

6. Bed and Blankets

A dedicated bed gives your kitten a clear safe spot to rest. Choose a bed with sides so they can curl up and feel enclosed, or a simple padded mat if your home is warmer. Some kittens love small caves or covered beds. You can also use a folded blanket or towel, and later add something with your scent. Comfort matters more than price here.

7. Toys and Enrichment

Kittens are full of energy and curiosity. Provide a variety of simple toys such as small balls, soft stuffed toys, and wand toys for interactive play. Avoid toys with tiny pieces that can snap off and be swallowed. Rotate toys so your kitten does not get bored. Play sessions of a few minutes at a time throughout the day help your kitten burn energy and build confidence. The Humane Society of the United States has ideas for enriching play that you can adapt for your home.

8. Grooming and Health Basics

Have a small starter kit for basic care. This can include:

1. A soft kitten brush or comb that suits your cat’s coat length.

2. Pet safe wipes for gentle cleanup if needed.

3. Nail clippers designed for cats, if you feel comfortable trimming nails at home later.

4. A small container to store vet records and any medication.

Schedule a vet visit within the first few days for a wellness check, vaccines, and parasite control. Many shelters and breeders will tell you when the next visit is due. Keep that information handy.

9. Identification

Even indoor cats can slip through a door or window, so some form of identification is important. At minimum, consider a light breakaway collar with an ID tag that includes your phone number. Breakaway designs are made to release if the collar catches on something, which is safer for climbing cats. Many veterinarians and welfare organizations, including the ASPCA, also recommend microchipping cats and keeping the registration up to date. You can talk with your vet about the best timing for microchipping if it has not been done already.

Kitten Proofing Checklist

Beyond supplies, take time to remove or secure hazards. A quick checklist for kitten proofing includes:

1. Store medications and cleaning products in cabinets or high shelves.

2. Keep string, thread, rubber bands, and hair ties out of reach, as they can be very dangerous if swallowed.

3. Use cord organizers or covers on loose electrical cords where possible.

4. Check windows and balconies to make sure screens are secure.

5. Close washers, dryers, and toilets when not in use so a curious kitten cannot climb in.

6. Confirm that guests and family members know to watch doors and not to leave them standing open.

First Day Routine With Your New Kitten

Once your kitten comes home, keep the first day simple. Bring them straight to their home base room and open the carrier door. Let the kitten come out on their own rather than pulling them. Show them the litter box, then the food and water. Expect that they may eat and drink lightly the first day while they adjust. Keep noise low and limit visitors so your kitten does not feel overwhelmed.

Offer gentle play with a wand toy and allow plenty of time for naps. Kittens sleep a lot, and rest is how they process all the new experiences. If you have children or other pets, introduce them slowly with calm supervision. Your main job on day one is to show your kitten that this new place is safe and that their needs are met.

What Can Wait Until Later

Many products are nice extras rather than day one essentials. You do not need to buy everything at once. Some things that can often wait include:

1. Large cat trees or complex climbing towers.

2. Fancy fountains and automatic feeders.

3. Big collections of toys that your kitten may or may not enjoy.

4. Matching sets of bowls, mats, and decor items.

Start with the basics and learn your kitten’s preferences over time. You can always upgrade and add items as you go.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Kitten Essentials

How many litter boxes do I need for one kitten?

A common rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one extra once they have access to the whole home. For a single kitten in a small space, one box is usually enough at first. As they explore more rooms, consider adding a second box in another convenient location so your kitten always has easy access.

Should I get more than one kitten at the same time?

Some people choose a pair of kittens so they can play and keep each other company. This can work very well, especially for young, active cats, and many shelters encourage adopting littermates together. It does mean double food, double vet care, and double supplies such as extra bowls and boxes. The checklist above scales up simply by adding extra bowls, beds, and litter boxes. Your lifestyle, budget, and home size should guide this choice.

Do kittens need special food, or can they eat adult cat food?

Kittens have different nutritional needs from adult cats. Food labeled for kittens or for all life stages is formulated to support growth. It is best to use kitten appropriate food until your vet advises that your cat is ready to move to an adult formula, which is often around one year of age for many cats.

When should I schedule my kitten’s first vet visit?

If your kitten is coming from a shelter or breeder, they may already have had an initial exam and some vaccines. Ask for copies of all records. In general, it is a good idea to schedule a new kitten visit within a few days of bringing them home so your vet can check overall health, discuss vaccines and parasite prevention, and answer your questions about diet and behavior.

Is a collar safe for an indoor kitten?

Many indoor cat owners still choose a collar and ID tag in case their cat slips outdoors. A breakaway collar that releases under pressure is considered safer, because it is less likely to trap your kitten if it snags on something. Check the fit so you can slide two fingers between the collar and your kitten’s neck, and check the size often as your kitten grows.

A thoughtful checklist makes welcoming a new kitten feel less stressful and more joyful. With a safe home base, the right basic supplies, and a simple plan for the first days, you give your kitten a secure start and lay the groundwork for years of companionship.