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