Essential New Kitten Supplies You Can’t Do Without

By: Brianna Gunter / Updated June 28, 2023

Few things are as adorable and fun as a new kitten, but are you prepared for the day-to-day responsibility of caring for one? Between all the cuddles, playtime, and cute kitten photoshoots, you’ll need to make sure your furry friend is growing up safe and healthy.

Whether you’ve recently brought your little cat home or adoption day is swiftly approaching, stocking up on some essential new kitten supplies now will set you both up for success.

10 new kitten supplies for pet parents

Excited for life as a cat parent? This checklist of new kitten supplies will kick things off on the right paw.

1. Commitment to a new pet

Once you’ve decided to bring a new kitten (or any pet) home, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to give them the care they need for the rest of their life. The average domestic cat lives about 16 years (especially when they are indoor-only), though some cats can reach 20 years of age or more. You’ll need to be dedicated to your cat’s wellbeing from the get-go, no matter how long they’re with you.

2. Pet food just for kittens

Kittens are growing quickly and have different nutritional needs than adult cats, and their food should reflect that. Always get a high-quality pet food rated especially for kittens, and follow the recommendations of your veterinarian.

Keep in mind that your cat is an obligate carnivore and cannot eat all of the same foods as dogs or people. According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, ideal cat diets include high amounts of protein with moderate fat and minimal carbohydrates, along with over a dozen other nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, and acids.

3. Cat carrier

Using a cat carrier is often the safest way to transport your pet when you need to. To prevent your new pal from tumbling around too much on their trips to the vet, start with a smaller carrier appropriate for kittens and small cats, and make sure there is a blanket or mat inside — in addition to helping prevent your pet slipping inside, this will provide warmth, comfort and a better sense of security.

You may need to upgrade to a larger crate or carrier as your kitty ages, especially if they come from a large cat breed.

4. A cozy spot to sleep

In case you haven’t heard, cats sleep a lot! A comfy cat bed is an obvious go-to for many pet parents, but the truth is that not all felines are into them. You’ll learn your new pal’s particular preferences as you become more acquainted, but they’ll still need a safe and warm spot to curl up in for naps. Try getting both a bed and some blankets for your pet to give them multiple options for snoozes around their new home.

5. Identification

Some cat owners believe that if their new pet is going to be indoor-only, they don’t need a collar or identification tags for them. The truth is that accurate identification is always a good idea for both dogs and cats.

Even if your pal won’t be wearing a collar on a daily basis (definitely make sure they’re wearing one if they’re going outdoors at all), you’ll want to ensure your kitten is registered and microchipped. This will greatly improve the chances of your pet being reunited with you if they ever get lost.

6. Litter box and scooper

Shopping for new cat toys and fun stuff is an exciting part of welcoming any new kitty into your life, but don’t forget something as essential as a litter box. This is crucial to your cat’s wellbeing and hygiene. It’ll need to be maintained daily, so don’t forget a scooper as well.

As PreventiveVet notes, different cats have their own preferences when it comes to litter boxes. It may take some trial and error (and consulting with your veterinarian) before you find the perfect fit for your pet.

7. Enrichment toys

A pet enrichment toy is anything that is designed to provide your furry friend with physical, cognitive, and/or sensory stimulation. Not only can these toys be highly effective in curbing destructive behavior, but they are also a great way for your pet to burn energy and get some excitement in daily life.

8. Scratching post

It’s common knowledge that cats like to scratch. But what you might not know is that this behavior is a healthy instinct that helps cats stretch their muscles and mark their territory. Trimming your cat’s nails can help reduce damage to couches and other furniture. That said, investing in a good scratching post early in your pet’s life is a simple solution to make you both happy.

9. Cat climbing stand

You may notice early on that your kitty likes to climb, and their curiosity in heights often just increases with age. In order to make sure your cat is staying safe (and not wrecking your furniture), you will want to consider adding a climbing stand to your list of essential items. Getting one with different levels and places to scratch will give your cat some territory of their own and keep their interest for years to come.

10. First veterinary visit

Healthy kitten food and engaging enrichment toys are great for your new pet’s wellbeing, but they don’t negate the importance of regular veterinary care. Your kitten will need routine checkups and vaccines to make sure they are growing up healthy and spot any issues early on.

So, while you’re checking off your list of new kitten supplies, go ahead and schedule a first veterinary visit if you haven’t done so already.

Make your growing cat’s health a priority

Regular veterinary care, healthy food, and getting plenty of exercise are all essential to your cat’s health, from kittenhood on through their golden years. But even the healthiest cats can get sick or injured unexpectedly. Having a good pet insurance plan in place can help by covering these surprise expenses and reducing financial obstacles to your cat’s care.

The best time to sign your pet up for coverage is when they’re young. Learn more about cat insurance today and how it can help your kitten get the best veterinary care throughout their life.