Bringing Home a Kitten Checklist
What to prepare and do in the first days with a new kitten, from supplies to that first vet visit.
What to prepare and do in the first days with a new kitten.
Buy before arrival
- Kitten food (the brand it is already eating) and bowls
- Litter box and litter (one per cat plus one extra)
- Scratching post or pad
- Carrier, bed, and safe toys
- Collar with an ID tag
First days
- Start the kitten in one quiet room
- Set up the litter box away from food and water
- Let the kitten explore at its own pace; provide a hiding spot
- Handle gently and often; play with interactive toys daily
- Expand access to the home gradually
Health
- Book a first vet visit and start vaccinations
- Ask about spay or neuter and parasite prevention
- Microchip and register your details
- Secure window screens and balconies for an indoor cat
Keep the litter box clean and confirm your kitten's vaccination schedule with your vet.
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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Kitten food and bowls, a litter box and litter (one per cat plus one extra), a scratching post or pad, a carrier, bed, and safe toys, and a collar with an ID tag.
Start the kitten in one quiet room, set up the litter box away from food and water, let it explore at its own pace with a hiding spot available, and expand its access to the home gradually.
Book a first vet visit soon after arrival to start vaccinations, ask about spay or neuter and parasite prevention, and microchip and register your details.
Secure window screens and balconies, since indoor cats can slip through unsecured openings, and handle the kitten gently and often while playing with interactive toys daily.
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