Kitten Supplies Checklist: What You Need Before Day One

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Bringing home a kitten is exciting, and it is easy to fill a cart with items it does not need. This checklist covers the essentials, a few useful extras and the things you can skip.

Food and feeding

• Kitten food. Choose a complete and balanced food labeled for growth or all life stages. Ask the breeder or shelter what the kitten has been eating, and keep it the same at first. See how to read a cat food label and kitten feeding schedule.
• Wet and dry options. Many kittens do well on a mix. See wet vs dry cat food.
• Bowls. Shallow, wide, ceramic or stainless steel bowls are easy to clean.
• Water. A bowl, and perhaps a fountain later. See how to get a cat to drink more water.
• Kitten milk replacer, only if advised by a vet. Do not give cow's milk. See can cats drink milk.

Litter

• A shallow litter box, with low sides for a small kitten, and later a larger one.
• Unscented, low-dust litter. Use what the kitten is used to. See how to choose cat litter.
• A scoop, and a bag or bin for waste.
• A mat to catch litter.

See kitten litter training and how often to clean a litter box.

Carrier and travel

• A sturdy carrier, with a top opening and secure latches, big enough for the cat as it grows.
• A soft blanket with familiar scent.

See how to travel with a cat by car.

Beds and hideaways

• A soft bed or a cardboard box with a blanket
• A covered hiding place
• A warm spot, such as a safe heated pad designed for pets

Scratching and climbing

• A sturdy sisal post, tall enough to stretch.
• A low cat tree or perches. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Cardboard scratchers.

Teach the kitten early to use them. See why do cats scratch furniture.

Toys

Choose safe toys that are too big to swallow, with no loose parts:

• A wand toy for interactive play
• Soft balls and crinkle toys
• A kick toy for older kittens
• Puzzle feeders
• Tunnels and boxes

Rotate toys to keep interest. See how to play with a kitten and indoor cat enrichment ideas. Avoid string, ribbon and toys with small parts.

Grooming

• A soft brush or comb. See how to brush a cat.
• Cat nail clippers. See how to trim cat nails.
• A cat toothbrush and toothpaste. See cat dental disease.

Identification and safety

• A breakaway collar with an ID tag
• A microchip, arranged through your vet. See cat microchipping and identification.
• Kitten-proofing supplies, such as cord covers. See kitten-proofing your home.

Health care

• A vet appointment, within the first week. See the cat vaccination schedule.
• Flea and worm prevention chosen by your vet. See fleas on cats and worms in cats.
• A basic first-aid kit, with items your vet recommends

Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

What you can skip

Fancy automatic litter boxes, expensive gadgets and large amounts of toys can wait. Wait to see what your kitten likes before buying more.

First-week routine

Set up the starter room before the kitten arrives, with the litter box on one side and food and water on the other. Let the kitten explore at its own pace, and offer meals at regular times. Keep a notebook of appetite, litter use and sleep, and bring it to the first vet visit. Add supplies gradually once you see what your kitten prefers, and keep receipts for items you may return.

Things worth upgrading later

As your kitten grows, you may need a larger litter box, a taller cat tree, a bigger carrier and a stronger scratching post. Buying in stages saves money and lets the kitten's tastes guide you.

Where to shop

Compare prices at local shelters, pet stores and online retailers, and consider asking your breeder or rescue for a starter kit. Reputable rescues often send kittens home with a small bag of food and a blanket that smells familiar. Check product recalls before buying food or toys.

Budget tips

Cardboard boxes make cheap, loved hideaways. Buy a small bag of food first. Look for second-hand cat trees in good condition, checking stability and cleanliness. Spend on the carrier, food and vet care.