Getting a new kitten? Or did you just bring a new kitten home? Here’s everything you need to prepare your home for your new little furry friend!
How Do I Prepare for a New Kitten?
If you’ve never owned a kitten before, the idea of bringing home a little furball of energy can seem equal parts exciting and frightening. But don’t worry, kittens are great companions to bring home, and they’re sure to brighten your days!
You can prepare your home for a new kitten by making sure you’ve purchased everything a kitten needs, from food to litter, along with setting up a dedicated space for your kitten. It also helps to read up on all things cats so you can feel confident bringing a kitten into your home.
To start, use the new kitten checklist below to make sure you have everything you need to make your kitten feel right at home.
New Kitten Checklist
New Kitten Checklist: Full List
Coming Home
- Travel carrier or travel crate.
- Collar. Even indoor cats should own a collar. If you’re considering harness training your kitten, then you should also start shopping for harnesses.
- Personalized tags.
Comfort
- Bed. Also, figure out where your kitten should sleep on its first night with you!
- Blanket.
- Comfort toy.
- Scratcher.
Food and Water
- Food bowl.
- Water bowl. There are many ways to get a cat to drink more water, but you should always start with a good water bowl. Find a bowl with width and depth to help your kitten avoid whisker fatigue.
- Dry food. While some cat owners choose to give their cat either dry food or wet food, Lux Cat Living recommends using a combination of both. This provides the benefits of each option while minimizing drawbacks.
Related: What’s the Best Way to Feed Kittens?
- Wet food. Along with wet food, some cat owners put their kittens on a raw food diet. There are benefits and drawbacks to this type of diet, so research it before making a decision for your cat.
- Treats.
- Water fountain (optional). While not required, a cat water fountain is highly recommended. These promote hydration, leading to healthier kittens and cats.
Litter
- Litter. Picking a healthy cat litter is key to keeping your cat happy and your home odor-free. Be sure to try different types of litter for kittens to find the best fit for you and your new cat.
- Litter box. Not only should you have a litter box ready at home, but you should also consider getting a second litter box. This can help keep cat litter from smelling. If your kitten isn’t eager to use the litterbox, then consider litter box training your kitten.
- Scooper.
- Litter pad.
- Cleaning supplies.
Grooming
- Nail clippers.
- Brushes. If your kitten turns out to be pretty floofy, then you’ll want to brush away its undercoat. We recommend using the FURMinator.
- Toothbrush.
- Shampoo. Kittens can be messy creatures — after all, they are babies! There will likely come a time when you should bathe your kitten, and getting the right shampoo ensures that your kitten stays healthy.
Toys and Fun
- Kitten toys. Make sure that you have enough toys at home to keep your kitten interested! Getting a variety of toys can also help you figure out what types of toys your new kitten is most interested in. You can always check out some of the best cat toys for kittens to get started.
- Second cat. Getting a second cat can be a great decision, especially if you get two cats at the same time. Before adoption day, consider whether you should get a second kitten.
- Cat tree or scratching pole.
Vet and Health
- Choose a vet. Be sure to bring your kitten in to check for common kitten health issues, or for other health issues as they arise.
- Pet insurance.
- Shots.
- Flea protection and worm treatment.
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