New kitten checklist: What you actually need
Getting a new furry mate is such an exciting time – but have you sorted your new kitten checklist?
Before you bring your new kitten home, you need a proper checklist to make sure you're ready.
This handy new kitten checklist covers all the essential bits, safety tips, and prep work to help your new moggy feel safe and happy in their new home.
From food bowls to vet visits, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to become brilliant cat owners.
We're here to help your new addition have a cracking start in life in the best way possible!
Table of Contents
New kitten checklist
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List 1: The absolute essentials
Let's start with the must-have bits that every new pet needs straight away.
These kitten essentials will keep your furry friend fed, watered, and comfortable from day one.
1. Food and water setup
Your new moggy needs proper food and water stations.
Get separate food bowls and water bowls - cats like their eating and drinking areas apart.
Stainless steel bowls are a brilliant choice because they're easy to clean.
They also don't hold onto smells like plastic bowls can.
Top Tip:
Adjustable bowls are absolutely perfect for growing kittens!
You can make them taller as your moggy gets bigger.
This helps your cat eat more comfortably and can even help with tummy troubles.
Big cat breeds like Maine Coons, Savannahs, and Ragdolls can grow as tall as some medium-sized dogs—so a bowl that grows with them is dead handy!
For kitten food, ask your local vet what they recommend.
Most moggies need special kitten food that's different from adult cat food.
Remember that little ones need more calories and nutrients to grow big and strong.
You'll want both wet food and dry food options.
Here's a good shout: set up a water fountain if you can!
Cats love fresh, moving water, and it encourages them to drink more, which is dead important for your kitten's health.
2. The perfect sleeping spot
Every new cat needs a cosy bed where they can feel safe and sound.
Kittens are tiny, and the world can feel really big and scary—especially in a new home.
That’s why it’s dead important to give them a soft, warm spot to snuggle up and feel protected.
Our anxiety relieving cat bed is perfect for this!
It’s soft like anything, with raised sides that make kittens feel safe—like they’re cuddled up with their mum.
Your moggy will love having their own special spot to curl up, have a kip, and dream of tasty treats and toy mice!
3. Litter tray basics
You'll need at least one litter tray (maybe two if you have a big house).
Get kitten litter that's safe for young cats - some regular cat litter can be too dusty for little lungs.
Don't forget a litter mat to catch any bits that get tracked out.
Most cats figure out the litter tray pretty quickly, so don't stress too much about this one!
List 2: A safe place – kitten-proofing musts
Before your new family member arrives, you need to make your house kitten-safe.
Trust us, kittens are like tiny, furry tornadoes with sharp claws!
1. Securing your space
Create a safe room where your kitten can stay for the first few days.
This helps them get used to their new surroundings without feeling overwhelmed.
Remove anything breakable, dodgy plants, or small objects they might swallow.
Block off high places that might be dangerous, and secure any loose wires or cords.
Kittens love to chew on things, and electrical cables are definitely not good snacks!
Cardboard boxes make brilliant temporary barriers and hiding spots.
Plus, most cats go absolutely mental for cardboard boxes anyway - it's like getting a free cat toy!
2. Protecting your furniture
Our sofa covers are dead handy!
These covers protect your furniture from scratching and any little accidents while your kitten learns the house rules.
They're easy to wash and look smart too.
Get a scratching post or cat tree straight away.
This gives your kitten a good place to scratch and climb, which is natural cat behaviour.
It's much better than letting them practice on your sofa!
Quick kitten-proofing checklist:
- Hide cables, rubber bands, and stringy toys when not in use
- Keep cleaning supplies locked away
- Remove houseplants that are toxic to cats
- Use stair gates or closed doors to block off dodgy rooms
- Secure bookshelves and breakables
Related: How To Travel With a Cat: Car, Plane, Train
List 3: New kitten vet checklist – what to ask and expect
Finding a good local vet is one of the most important things you can do for your new pet.
Here's what you need to know about veterinary care for kittens.
1. First vet visit essentials
Book a vet visit within the first week of bringing your kitten home.
Bring any medical records you have, and don't forget to get their contact details for emergencies.
Ask about the vaccination schedule.
Kittens need several jabs to protect against things like feline distemper and feline leukemia.
Your vet will set up a plan based on your kitten's age and health.
2. Health questions to ask
Talk to your vet about pet insurance - it's a brilliant way to manage costs if health issues come up later.
Ask about spaying or neutering, dental care, and what signs to watch for that might mean health problems.
If you're planning to have an indoor cat or let them be outdoor cats, discuss the differences with your vet.
Indoor cats have different needs than cats that go outside.
Don't forget to ask about worming and other regular care your kitten will need as they grow up.
If your kitten ever needs meds and you wonder how do you give an uncooperative cat liquid medicine?, your vet can show you the safest and least stressful techniques to make it easier.
Quick recap: Helpful questions for your vet:
- What vaccinations does my kitten need?
- When should I spay/neuter?
- How do I prevent fleas and worms?
- Is my kitten a healthy weight?
- Should I consider microchipping?
List 4: Everyday Care & Clean-Up
Taking care of a kitten isn't just about the big stuff - it's the daily routine that really matters for your moggy's health and happiness.
1. Grooming basics
Even short-haired kittens enjoy regular grooming.
Get a slicker brush for regular brushing sessions - it's a brilliant way to bond with your new moggy and keep their coat in good nick.
You'll also need nail clippers or nail trimmers for those sharp claws.
Most kittens need their claws trimmed every couple of weeks.
If your kitten has an allergic reaction to grooming products, stop using them and ring your vet.
2. Daily routine setup
Cats love a consistent schedule, so try to feed your kitten at the same times each day.
This helps with good behaviour and makes house training easier.
Keep their food and water dishes clean, and scoop the litter tray daily.
Fresh water should always be available - dehydration can cause serious health problems.
3. Mental stimulation and play
Your kitten needs mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Get a variety of toys including catnip toys, balls, and interactive toys.
Even simple things work a treat - many cats prefer cardboard boxes and paper bags to expensive toys!
Cat toys that encourage your kitten to hunt and pounce are perfect for keeping them entertained.
This is especially important for indoor cats that don't get to hunt real prey.
Related: Cat Behaviour Problems: How To Solve Them
List 5: Nice-to-haves that make life easier
Once you've got the essentials sorted, these extras can make life with your new moggy even better.
1. Travel and transport
A good cat travel carrier is essential for vet visits.
Look for one that's sturdy and has good ventilation.
Your kitten should be able to stand up and turn around inside.
Make sure your kitten has an ID tag with your phone number, just in case they ever get lost.
Microchipping is also a good option that your vet can do.
Did you know?
In England, it’s the law to microchip your cat by the time they’re 20 weeks old.
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it’s not a legal requirement (yet), but voluntary microchipping is strongly recommended to help reunite lost cats with their humans.
2. Extra comfort items
Consider getting vertical spaces like shelves or a tall cat tree.
Cats love high places where they can observe their territory and feel safe.
Food puzzle toys are a brilliant way to make mealtime more interesting and provide mental stimulation
This is especially helpful for kittens that scoff their food too fast.
Cat treats are handy for training and bonding, but don't go overboard - too many treats can upset their tummy or lead to weight gain.
3. Making Life Easier for Cat Owners
A second litter tray is often worth it, especially in bigger houses.
The general rule is one tray per cat, plus one extra.
Consider pet supplies that make cleanup easier.
Think about odour-controlling litter and easy-to-wash feeding mats.
If you have other pets, take time to introduce them slowly.
Senior cats especially need time to adjust to a new addition to the family.
Related: 10 Signs Your Cat Is Accepting the New Kitten
Ready for your new adventure!
Bringing home a new kitten is such an exciting time, and now you're prepared for success!
Remember, every kitten is different and has unique needs, so don't worry if your furry friend doesn't follow the "rules" exactly.
The most important thing is giving your new family member lots of love, patience, and time to adjust to their new home.
Before you know it, you'll have a happy, healthy cat that's perfectly at home with your family.
Keep this new kitten checklist handy for the first few weeks - you might be surprised how often you refer to it!
And remember, when in doubt, ring your vet.
They're always happy to help new cat owners navigate this exciting journey.
Your moggy is lucky to have such caring cat owners who want to do everything right.
Enjoy every moment of this special time with your new kitten!
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