The Ultimate New Kitten Checklist: Must Have Gear, Accessories & Products (Vet-Reviewed)
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There’s nothing more exciting than bringing home a brand-new feline. Congratulations on the new addition to the family! Plenty of love, laughter, fun, and games lie ahead. It goes without saying that you’ll need to get your home prepared for the arrival of your new kitty. There’s quite a bit of equipment and supplies you need to have on hand for when they arrive. You don’t want to be in a last-minute panic trying to organize everything.
If you haven’t considered which items to purchase, then check out our kitten must haves below. It should cover just about everything you need to get started. As you get to know your little cat, you can change your list of essential supplies to suit your needs better.
Please Note
The New Kitten Supplies Checklist
- Food and Bowls
- Treats and Toys
- Litter Box and Litter Box Supplies
- Collar and Tag
- Bed
- Kitty Carrier
- Grooming
- Scratching Enrichment
Food and Bowls
1. Kitten Food
- Our Choice: Smalls Smooth Bird Recipe
Like adults, kittens require high-quality cat food that supports their health and development. Some pet food manufacturers produce formulations for all stages of feline growth, and the Smalls Smooth Bird cat food is one such food.
The Smooth Bird recipe contains chicken and chicken liver and is balanced with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure your kitten stays energized and healthy. Instead of shopping at the grocery store or pet store every week, you can order a monthly shipment from Smalls online.
2. Food and Water Bowls
- Our Choice: Hepper NomNom Bowl
In our opinion, Hepper’s NomNom bowls are ideal for felines of all sizes. If your new addition to the home is a messy eater, Hepper’s cleverly designed plastic frame catches the water and food that would usually land on the floor.
The stainless-steel bowls are 1 inch deep, and the tray and bowls are dishwasher safe. Since the NomNom Bowl is designed for both kittens and adults, you don’t have to buy another one when your kitty matures.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Treats and Toys
3. Treats
Blue Buffalo’s Baby Blue Savory Salmon treats are kitten-formulated and bite-size. The main ingredient in these treats is salmon, and they contain around 31% protein (on a dry matter basis). This makes them a moderately high protein treat.
However do keep in mind that these treats are not complete and balanced and therefore, should only be offered to your kitten sparingly and should not be used as the main constituent of their diet.
4. Toys
This kitten must-have will definitely cause some excitement! Your kitten will love this pack of toys and you’ll be glad you got it since it may distract them from the curtains, furniture, and carpets! This awesome toy bundle from Frisco includes stuffed mice, wands with dangly strings, balls, bells, and more. The cherry on top is the inclusion of a cool tri-tunnel so that your cat can hide inside! Kittens should definitely be monitored during playtime though, especially when they’re playing with objects that contain strings or other parts that may be bitten off by them.
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Litter Box Supplies
5. Litter Box and Poop Scoop
Frisco’s litter box is open-topped and easy to clean. It has high sides to prevent litter spray when your playful kitty is testing litter box boundaries. The scoop is well designed to let fine litter fall through the slots back into the box while retaining solid waste and clumped-up damp litter. It has a handy little caddy to house it when it is not in use.
One disadvantage of an open litter box is that it can get slightly malodorous, particularly immediately after the kitty does their business. Fortunately, cat litter is designed to absorb those unpleasant odors. As long as your kitty’s box is kept clean, this shouldn’t pose a problem.
Another potential disadvantage of this litter box is that the bottom pan is 6 inches high. If you’re adopting a very young kitten, they may not be able to scale this height and access their litter box. As such, some kittens may need a ramp to allow them to access the litter box.
6. Kitty Litter
Dr. Elsey’s is a fantastic “training” kitten litter. It contains natural herbal extracts that attract the kitten to it. It is fine-grained, which is ideal for those little paws. It is non-clumping and dust free and can be used for kittens aged 8 weeks to 1 year. It also has exceptional odor control.
7. Litter Box Liners
- Our Choice: Fresh Kitty Super Jumbo Thick Litter Box Liners
Litter box liners are a great idea, provided your little darling doesn’t shred them to bits! Liners make litter box cleaning a breeze, as well as being a hygienic means of discarding soiled litter.
8. Deodorizer
Incorporating an additive into your kitten's litter box will help reduce unpleasant odors. Our favorite product is Hepper's Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer. This powerful, pet-friendly agent combats odors upon contact and helps keep your litter area smelling fresh and clean.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
9. Poop Bags
BeyondGreen cat poop bags are a hygienic way of disposing of your cat’s waste, and they are fully compostable, too. Flushing your cat's waste down the toilet is not advisable as it may contain pathogens that could eventually find their way into the ecosystem. Additionally, any kitty litter that is stuck to the waste may clog up your toilet or septic system.
10. Litter Box Mat
- Our Choice: Frisco Rectangular Cat Litter Mat
Placing a litter box mat under your kitten’s litter box is a very sensible idea. These mats are designed to trap litter that comes out of the litter box either on your kitty’s feet or while digging.
They are easy to shake or out over the trash can once a day.
If your kitten hasn’t yet learned to use the litter box and goes outside of it, this mat is also easy to rinse with water. A litter box mat will help keep your kitty’s toilet area and home clean and tidy.
11. Stain and Odor Control
Having a furry feline youngster around is bound to result in a few accidents. It will take them a while to master the litter box. They may even be a bit stubborn about wanting to use it and persist in using other areas in the house.
This pet stain and odor eliminator spray from Hepper is bio-enzyme based, so it is easy on the environment and safe for your kitten. It is excellent at breaking down tough stains and removing nasty odors. If your kitten soils inappropriately anywhere in the house, you should spray it immediately, then clean the mess up to erase the odor and hopefully dissuade your cat from using that area again.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Collar and Tag
12. Kitten Collar
- Our Choice: Hepper Hemp Breakaway Cat Collar
If your kitten spends time outside, you need a sturdy collar that won’t get hung up on a branch or object and harm your cat. Hepper’s Hemp Breakaway Collar has a buckle that detaches if it gets snagged, and it has a detachable bell that warns birds and other small animals that your kitty is on the prowl.
The tight, hemp sticking on the collar is weather-resistant and incredibly durable. The breathable material is comfortable for even the fluffiest cats, and since the collar is adjustable, you don’t have to buy a new one when your kitten grows into an adult.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
13. ID Tag
- Our Choice: Frisco Stainless Steel Personalized Cat ID Tag
Even if your kitty never ventures into the great outdoors, it’s not a bad idea to get an ID tag made for their collar. Some kittens and cats are great escape artists and will grab any opportunity to escape. If this happens, you want your kitten to have some identification on them so that they can be returned.
Bed
14. Cat Bed
- Our Choice: Hepper Nest Bed
You’ve probably noticed when shopping for cat beds that most brands use similar designs and materials, but the Hepper Nest Bed stands apart from the competition. Its bowl-shaped design ensures your kitten will stay toasty, supported, and comfortable.
The plush fleece liner provides a comfy surface for them to nap. It's also machine washable, and fits securely on around the edge of the sturdy foam shell. It’s best for cats that love to curl up while they sleep or need a little extra sense of security from their bed.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Kitty Carrier
15. Cat Carrier
- Our Choice: EliteField Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Carrier Bag
Have you thought about how you’re going to transport your precious new bundle home? You might be able to borrow a cat carrier for the job, but it’s a good idea to invest in one as you will be using it often during your cat’s life.
There will be visits to the vet for scheduled check-ups as well as for their sterilization appointment. The EliteField soft-side carrier is light and durable and will be comfortable for your kitty. It has the added advantage of being airline-approved and carries an impressive 3-year warranty.
Grooming ✂️
16. Kitten Brush
- Our Choice: Li'l Pals Kitten Bristle Brush
Your tiny new kitten is delicate but would definitely enjoy being groomed. This brush from Li’l Pals is specially designed and made for soft kitten skin and fur. However, you might want to invest in additional brushes if you adopt a long-haired kitten.
17. Shampoo
- Our Choice: Hepper's No-Rinse Pet Shampoo
Hepper's No-Rinse Pet Shampoo is another must-have. While cats in general are fairly good at grooming themselves, you may find your kitten needs an extra hand, or paw, to keep their fur fresh and mess-free. It smells great, is pH-balanced, and is made with all-natural ingredients.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
18. Wipes
- Our Choice: Hepper's Wash Wipes
Having a pet-friendly wipe on hand is a great way to clean up kitty messes in a pinch. Hepper's Wash Wipes are our favorite because the combination of a durable fabric and a gentle cleansing formula is the perfect mix for effectively lifting dirt and debris. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a great option for sensitive kittens!
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Scratching Post and Kitty Condo
19. Cat Condo
- Our Choice: Frisco 48-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
The Frisco 48-inch Cat Tree & Condo is sure to be a hit with your kitten! It has multiple high-rise platforms for perching and keeping an eye on things, as well as a cozy little hide-out. It also has dangly toys that will provide hours of swatting fun.
The thing we love best about this condo is that it has multiple scratching posts included, so you don’t need to buy them separately. This is especially appealing if you have a small apartment that can’t handle clutter.
20. Scratcher
- Our Choice: Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher
The Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher is the perfect scratcher for several reasons. Its three-angle design promotes physical activity on different levels which is a great option for growing a kitten. The cardboard inserts entice scratching and steer cats away from clawing at furniture and curb curiosity about potentially unsafe house plants. It's a sleek and beautiful addition that any pet owner would be happy to have on display in their home. At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Final Thoughts
Bringing home a new kitten is such an exciting time! There are initial set-up costs to help your new addition feel welcome and settle in, but most of the products are affordable. We hope that this kitten checklist has helped you make any last-minute tweaks to your supply list. We also hope that you have as much fun shopping for all of your kitty’s new gear as we had to compile the list for it! A few of these items are kitten-specific and will need to be upgraded as your kitten becomes a cat.
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Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
