Ultimate New Kitten Guide: Everything You Need for Your First Cat
, by Robert Price, 2 min reading time
Bringing home a kitten? Discover the ultimate new kitten checklist with essentials, vet care tips, and training advice to give your cat the best start.
There’s nothing like the chaos and joy of bringing home a new kitten. One moment they’re asleep like an angel, the next they’re hanging off your curtains like Spider-Man. Whether this is your first cat or you just need a refresher, here’s your one-stop guide to everything you’ll need — and what to do — to make your kitten’s first weeks a success.
The Kitten Essentials Checklist
Food & Water
- Kitten-specific food (high protein, age-appropriate)
- Shallow bowls for food and fresh water
- Bonus: a cat water fountain (many kittens love running water)
Litter & Hygiene
- Low-sided litter tray (easy for tiny legs)
- Clumping, unscented litter (gentle and safe)
- Scoop, liners, and mat to catch stray litter
Comfort & Sleep
- Soft kitten bed in a quiet corner
- Blankets or a safe heat pad (they miss mum’s warmth)
Play & Enrichment
- Wand toys, balls, tunnels, and scratching posts
- Puzzle feeders to burn energy and build brainpower
- A cat tree (great for climbing confidence)
Health & Grooming
- Kitten-safe brush and nail clippers
- Flea, worming, and vaccination schedule (ask your vet)
- Carrier for safe vet trips
Preparing Your Home
Kittens are equal parts explorer and escape artist. Secure cables, tuck away toxic plants, and remove anything breakable you’d be sad to lose. Create a small “kitten zone” at first — one room with everything they need — so they can settle without feeling overwhelmed.
Socialising & Training
- Litter training: Most kittens pick this up quickly, but guide them to the tray after meals and naps.
- Scratching: Redirect them to posts early so your sofa survives.
- Handling: Short, gentle handling sessions help them feel safe and confident.
- Routine: Feed, play, and sleep at consistent times — cats thrive on predictability.
Vet Care: The First Steps
Book your vet visit within the first week. They’ll check overall health, discuss vaccinations, microchipping, and parasite protection. Keep a little notebook of questions — new kitten brain fog is real.
TL;DR
Bringing home a kitten is equal parts joy and chaos. Stock up on the essentials (food, litter, bed, toys, carrier), kitten-proof your home, start vet care early, and focus on gentle training and socialisation. You’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without them.
We know the first few weeks with a kitten can feel overwhelming — but with the right prep, it’s pure magic.