Welcoming a new cat to the family is a fun and exciting experience. But for first-time cat parents, it can be overwhelming too, with some wondering, “What do kittens need, exactly?”
Kittens may be small, but there are a number of vital supplies you must have to prepare for their arrival and make their first days in your household safe and happy. So to get off to a smooth start, tick off the following items from your checklist.
Bedding and Litter Boxes
As cats are big on comfort, you need to set up a cozy and secure spot where he or she can snooze. Any soft space will do, but a pillow-like cat bed is recommended.
Versions of cat beds that are elevated or integrated with tree-like posts are available as well. These are designed to satisfy your kitten’s love of climbing and will allow her to build speed, balance and strength early on.
With litter boxes, low-sided open versions are ideal because they are easily accessible for kittens. Unscented, low-dust clumping litter also works best. Just make sure you scoop the litter box daily and change it weekly.
Toys and Scratching Posts
Your checklist should also include items that will keep your new kitty occupied. Given kittens’ inquisitive and energetic nature, a basket of cat toys would be the perfect boredom buster. Popular options for solo playtime include catnip, soft mouse-shaped items, and toys with feathers.
Interactive fishing pole toys and handheld laser pointers are great for play sessions, which you can supervise and join in on. And although cats are often pictured playing with balls of yarn, remember that these can actually endanger your kitten. If the string attaches to his tongue, he won’t be able to spit it out. Instead he will be forced to swallow it, which in turn can lead to an emergency trip to the vet office!
Also, look for a tall and sturdy sisal-covered scratching post (or a corrugated scratching pad). This is the most practical solution for your kitten’s urge to scratch, and training him or her to use the post while they’re young will save your furniture from damage in the long run.
Treats and Food
Stock up on treats, as you can count on these when you would like to distract your kitten during a vet visit, get them ready for a grooming or nail-clipping session, or train them to follow simple commands. Both pre-packaged and homemade treats ought to do the trick, but you will need to keep the portions small; overfeeding is a no-no.
For meals, buy a food bowl that is just the right size. Since their bones, muscles, and nervous system are still developing, stick to high-quality food that’s formulated especially for kittens or for a cat’s most nutritionally demanding life stages. Seek your vet’s advice as well to ensure that your choice suits your kitten’s age and health status.
Collar, Leash, and Carrier
For identification purposes, get your kitten a collar that can hold an ID tag. The collar, however, should be designed to prevent accidental strangulation and not meant to be attached to a leash. A leash and harness are essential too if you plan on taking your kitten for outdoor walks.
A carrier is another must-have. It helps to have your kitten in a carrier during the ride home and for those drives to the vet’s clinic. A carrier will make them feel more secure—and less nervous—during each trip. You can even leave it in their room at home, so he or she can also use it as a sanctuary or hiding place.
The most kitten-friendly carriers are sturdy yet comfortable, easy to open and close, and well-ventilated. There are versions with padding inside, although you can also line it with a towel.
Taking care of a kitten is a big responsibility, and making sure all the items on your “what-do-kittens-need” list are covered when you bring them home is just the first step. But with sufficient preparation, chances are you’ll both be starting off on the right track.
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