Educational Resources

What to Have on Hand for Your New Kitten

Essentials to Have Ready Before the Kitten Arrives

  • High protein canned food
  • Non-plastic cat dish
  • Daily freshwater or pet fountain
  • Two litter boxes & scoop
  • Unscented cat litter that is digestible in case kitten eats it (corn or wheat-based)
  • Comfortable cat bed/bedding
  • Cat carrier
  • Nail trimmer


For Developmental & Environmental Enrichment (3–8 Weeks)

  • Scratching posts (cardboard or sisal)
  • Collar with identification if the cat goes outside, preferably reflective (for visibility) and break-away (for safety)
  • Wand toys for supervised playtime
  • Bat-around toys (fur mice, crinkly balls, etc.)
  • Cat tree/tower for the cat to climb and rest on
  • Comb/brush for grooming
  • Books on cat care


At 6 Months and Beyond

  • Gradually introduce adult canned cat food
  • Larger litter box (1.5 times the length of the cat)
  • Collar and identification tag if the cat goes outdoors
  • Catnip and/or honeysuckle toys at 6 months (kittens do not respond to catnip until this time)
  • Dental care products including toothbrush, toothpaste, rinse, and/or dental chews (introduce at 8–12 months or when adult teeth come in)
  • Treat dispensing food balls and various meat-based treats
  • May transition to any type of litter at this time

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