You’ve finally taken the leap into bringing home an adorable kitten! Although you probably didn’t have a kitten shower to make sure you got all the essentials, it’s not too late! We’ve compiled a list of everything you need for a happy kittenhood.
Here’s a checklist to ensure you get everything you need for your new kitten:
- Beds: Make sure to get several comfortable beds for your kitten to rest in around the home. When selecting warming beds, be aware of cords that may pose a chewing hazard as well as the risk of burns. Read the safety information provided with the bed.
- Blankets: Select soft blankets to put in your kitten’s resting areas, including their cat carrier. These items can provide comfort to your kitten in the future if they need to be boarded, travel to the clinic or stay with friends or family. Be sure blankets are free from holes or strings, to prevent entanglement.
- Cat carrier: For their safety and yours, your kitten shouldn’t be allowed to roam freely in a moving vehicle. Kittens who are not restrained in a car can distract drivers, injure themselves or others by falling in the car or through open car windows, or be seriously injured in the event of an accident.
- Food and water dishes: Select washable dishes. Consider bowls that are designed to resist flipping over to avoid spills in the home.
- Toys: Your kitten deserves a variety of toys! Choose catnip toys, puzzle toys and more. Please note that yarn and string are not safe for your kitten to play with. Speak with your VCA care team if you’re unsure if a toy is safe for your kitten.
- Collar: Consider a breakaway collar to reduce the risk of choking. You may need to get a larger collar as your kitten grows.
- Kitten food: Make sure to choose a food that is AAFCO-approved for growing kittens or for all life stages.
- Treats: Treats are so important for good training. Look for small training treats or treats that can be broken into smaller pieces to avoid giving excessive amounts.
- Treat pouch: This will make giving treats during training much easier.
- Cat-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste: Don’t use human toothpaste for your kitten! The VCA care team can provide recommendations for appropriate brushes and toothpaste.
- Nail trimmers: Get your kitten started on nail care early to prevent fear later on.
- Brushes/combs/other grooming supplies: Some of this will depend on the type of kitten you’ve adopted. We’d recommend speaking with your VCA care team or a cat groomer to determine what might be helpful to have at home.
- Carpet cleaners and enzymatic sprays: Your kitten may have accidents. You’ll want to be prepared with cleaning supplies before they occur.
- Training/potty pads: You may want potty pads to put around your kitten’s litter box for easier accident cleanup.
- Cat shampoo: Kittens like to get into things, so don’t be caught unprepared for bath time! Choose a cat-friendly shampoo. You should not use a human shampoo on your kitten.
- Safety gates: If there are areas in the home you don’t want the kitten to go, consider getting safety gates to block these spaces off. This is also is a good way to give your new pet a safe space away from children or other animals.
- ID tags: Don’t forget to get your kitten a tag with their name and your contact information in case they escape!
- Harness and leash: A fun way to let your cat safely enjoy the outdoors is with a good harness and leash.
- Food containers: A latching bin to put your food bag in is a great idea. This is a way to keep your pets from getting into the food and gorging themselves.
- Litter box: The box should be deep enough to allow 3 inches of diggable material. Consider high sides to reduce splatter. The litter box should be large enough to allow the cat to turn around within the box and bury their urine or feces without having to step in it. You may need to start with a smaller box and get a larger one as your kitten grows. Most robotic litter boxes are not safe for kittens who are 6 to 8 weeks old.
- Litter: Kittens tend to prefer clumping litter.
- Litter scoop: You’ll want this for scooping the litter box.
- Scratching posts and pads: We recommend giving your kitten both vertical (posts) and horizontal (pads) scratching options.
- Cat trees: Cats love to survey their kingdoms. Cat trees are a great way to use vertical space to enhance your kitten’s environment. Consider starting with shorter cat trees while your clumsy kitten learns to navigate their new home.
Find veterinarian-approved food, dental must-haves, shampoo and more on shopmyvca.com
