Bringing a kitten into your home—and your life—is a big commitment that comes with endless rewards: snuggles, playtime, and the unique bond only a pet can provide. Whether this is your very first kitten or a new addition to your furry family, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
From preparing your home to choosing the right food, understanding behavior, and scheduling that all-important first vet visit, there’s a lot to prepare for before you adopt a kitten. This guide will walk you through everything you need to feel confident and ready for your kitten’s arrival.
Supplies for your new kitten
Before your kitten steps a paw into their new home, it’s helpful to have the right supplies to keep them safe, comfortable, and entertained. Here’s a complete checklist of supplies to help you feel fully prepared:
Basics
- Kitten food: Choose a high-quality food made for kittens to support their growth and development.
- Water and food bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are ideal since they’re easy to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria.
- Cat bed: A soft, quiet spot to help your kitten feel safe and secure.
- Scratching post: Scratching is a natural behavior that helps keep claws healthy. Having a scratching post can help save your furniture!
- Cat carrier: A secure, comfortable carrier is a must for vet visits and travel.
- Collar: A breakaway collar with an ID tag provides safety and peace of mind.
- Litter box: Choose a shallow box that’s easy for a small kitten to access.
- Litter and litter scooper: Unscented, non-clumping litter is often best for young kittens.
- Enzymatic cleaner: Accidents happen, and enzymatic cleaner helps eliminate odors.
Kitten care
- Cat toothbrush and toothpaste: Dental health starts early! Make sure to use dental products made for cats.
- Nail trimmer: Keep those tiny claws in check with a gentle, pet-safe trimmer.
- Grooming brush: Regular brushing helps reduce shedding and keeps your kitten’s coat healthy.
- Flea control treatment: Ask your vet for kitten-safe options to keep pesky parasites away.
Training and mental stimulation
- Harness and leash: Great for safely exploring the outdoors or getting used to car rides.
- Food dispensing toys: Toys like the KONG® Cat Wobbler or treat balls add fun to mealtimes and keep their minds active.
- Interactive toys: Wands, laser toys, feather toys, and mitt-style toys are perfect for bonding and play.
- Play-alone toys: Toys that encourage independent play, like squeaky or crinkle toys, help keep your cat entertained when alone.
- Soft treats, crunchy treats, freeze-dried meats: Treats help with training, bonding, and rewarding good behavior.
- Catnip, catnip toys, or catnip spray: Most kittens love catnip! These can add a burst of fun to their day.
Create a safe space for your kitten
As much as you may want to show your kitten every nook and cranny of their new home right away, it’s best to start small.
Moving into a new environment can be overwhelming for a kitten, and giving them too much space too soon can add to their stress. That’s why creating a safe haven is one of the most important first steps in welcoming your new family member. A safe haven is a quiet, enclosed area where your kitten can gradually adjust to their new surroundings. It’s a cozy retreat that gives them a sense of control, security, and comfort as they get used to your home’s new sights, sounds, and smells.
This space should remain your kitten’s base camp until they’re fully comfortable exploring more of your home, which may take a few days or weeks. And even after that, it remains a spot they can retreat to whenever they need a little alone time. Giving your new kitten space is even more important if you have other cats or pets. It helps reduce stress and sets the stage for more successful introductions.
Kitten-proofing your home
Kittens are curious, playful, and surprisingly skilled at finding trouble. Before your new companion explores beyond their safe haven, it’s important to do a full safety sweep of your home. Think of it like baby-proofing—only your “baby” can jump, climb, and squeeze into the tiniest of spaces.
Kitten-proofing your home now means fewer worries—and fewer vet visits—down the road. Here are some common household hazards to be aware of and how to protect your kitten from them:
- Toxic plants: Many common plants and vegetables, like onions, garlic, and poinsettias, are toxic to cats. Lilies, in particular, are extremely toxic to kittens and cats, and even ingesting a small amount can cause severe kidney damage. Keep all plants out of reach or use a bitter apple spray to deter chewing.
- Poisonous substances: Prevent your kitten from getting into things they shouldn’t by securing all: human medications (especially aspirin, acetaminophen, and NSAIDs), veterinary medications, insecticides, rodenticides, common household poisons, chocolate, and other toxic foods.
- Chemical residues: Even if they don’t directly ingest toxins, kittens can absorb them by walking through or brushing against recently cleaned surfaces and then grooming themselves. Use natural, non-toxic cleaners and avoid ammonia-based or phenol-based disinfectants whenever possible.
- String and small objects: What looks like a fun toy to a kitten (yarn, tinsel, rubber bands, dental floss, necklaces, earrings) can be life-threatening if swallowed. These items can cause serious internal injuries and may even require surgery to remove. Keep all string-like objects stored safely out of sight.
- Electrical cords: Loose cords are tempting targets for kittens. Bundle or cover electrical wires and secure plugs, especially in areas your kitten can reach. Cord protectors or bitter-tasting sprays can help deter chewing.
- Plastic and paper bags: Kittens love the sound and crinkle of bags, but plastic bags are a choking and suffocation hazard. Stick to paper bags for playtime and always cut off the handles to prevent them from getting stuck.
- Unsafe hiding spots: Block off access to tight, dangerous spaces like behind stoves, washers, dryers, and refrigerators. These areas can pose electrical risks or trap a kitten in a place that’s hard to reach in an emergency.
- Windows and doors: Even experienced adult cats can fall from open windows, and contrary to popular belief, not all land on their feet. Make sure windows are securely screened and can’t be pushed open.
Basic kitten care
Caring for a kitten goes beyond toys and cuddles. From grooming to nutrition to health, building good habits will set your kitten up for a lifetime of well-being.
Grooming
Even though cats are natural groomers, your kitten will benefit from regular brushing to reduce shedding and prevent hairballs. Use a soft- or medium-bristle brush and make grooming a positive experience by offering treats and praise. Starting young helps your kitten get comfortable with a regular grooming routine.
Food and water
Feed your kitten a veterinarian-approved diet using ceramic or stainless-steel bowls (plastic can cause skin irritation). Always provide fresh water and never give them milk, as it can upset your kitten’s stomach. In fact, milk makes many cats ill if they drink it because they don’t have the enzymes to break it down. Lastly, keep an eye on their appetite. If your kitten stops eating or drinking, contact your vet immediately.
Medical concerns
Kittens are good at hiding signs of illness, so it’s important to stay on top of kitten care by paying attention to changes in behavior, appetite, grooming, litter box habits, and energy levels. Symptoms like sneezing, diarrhea, or excessive scratching should be addressed quickly. Regular vet visits are essential for vaccinations, flea control, and ensuring your kitten gets the healthiest start possible.
Key takeaways
Before you go, here are a few of our top tips to help you care for your new kitten:
- Stock up on supplies: Collect essentials like food, litter, a bed, and toys, as well as grooming tools and flea medicine to keep your kitten healthy, safe, and entertained.
- Create a safe space: Start your kitten off in a small, quiet room to help them adjust at their own pace. A designated safe haven provides comfort, reduces stress, and sets the stage for a confident transition into your home.
- Kitten-proof your home: Cats are curious and agile, so keep hazardous items like toxic plants, medications, cords, and plastic bags out of reach. Safety now prevents accidents later.
- Practice basic kitten care: Begin grooming routines early, monitor your kitten’s eating and litter box habits, and watch for signs of illness. Regular vet visits and a healthy diet are key to long-term wellness.
Looking for more information on caring for kittens? Download our Kitten Adoption Handbook for more tips, checklists, and expert advice to help you care for your newest family member from day one.