what you need for cat and kitten supplies

Our easy checklist for bringing a kitten home

Kittens and cats don’t have a ton of needs, but they do need certain supplies to help them stay healthy and happy. You probably already know they need food, water, and kitty litter. But what about fun stuff like toys, and veterinary care like vaccinations, and parasite control? See what we suggest below.

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Essential veterinary needs for kittens

Routinely-recommended vaccinations on a vet-approved schedule. Your kitten needs you to help protect them against disease. Make sure to bring them in and talk to your vet about what they recommend to help keep your kitty happy and healthy. See more about vaccinations

Vet-recommended parasite control. Kittens get worms, fleas, and other yucky parasites that can make them super sick — and the wrong parasite meds can be really dangerous. Make sure your kittyBAE gets the right protection. See more about parasite control

Essential home equipment for kittens — cat treats, cat litter, and more

Kitten food designed for growing kitty needs. (You can switch to a quality cat food once they’re about a year old.) See more about feeding kittens

Fresh water to entice them to get plenty of moisture.

Food and water bowls. Cats and kittens will soon learn their feeding schedule and meow for more. Make sure they’re eating and drinking, and keep an eye on their calorie counts. See more about healthy pet weights

A bed where they can safely curl up and snooze. Even with the nicest bed, kittens and cats may also choose to sleep on laundry or anything else soft that seems enticing.

A crate or soft-sided carrier so you can take them to the vet, or travel with them safely.

A collar and ID tags. Make sure the collar fits correctly. You should be able to slip a finger underneath it, but it shouldn’t be so loose it slides right off. Add an ID tag with your phone number — even if your kitty is microchipped — to help if your kitty gets lost.

Kitten-safe toys, because kittens are the most fun to play with! Most kittens love batting around balls, pouncing on catnip mice, and chasing teaser toys.

Treats for bonding. Who doesn’t love a treat? Just try to keep it to a few a day, since treats are packed with calories that your kitten should be getting from their quality cat food. See more about pet obesity

Tooth-cleaning supplies so you can help your cat avoid dental disease. Starting early with your kitty will make it much easier to brush those cat chompers when they’re bigger. See how to clean kitty teeth

Kitty litter and litter box so your cat has a nice place to poop and pee. Little kittens may need a lower-sided box at first, and a bigger box as they grow. See more about kitty litterbox stuff

A scratching post or board to help keep kitten claws off your furniture.

Cat trees for climbing. Cats love to get high up, so think about providing a safe space for them to hang out and watch the action.

Useful supplies for specific kitten needs

Pet gates to help separate your dog from your kitten until they make friends. See how to intro dogs and kittens

Pet-safe cleaning supplies. Little kitties can have little accidents, so you want a solution that both cleans and removes odor. You may also want a special spray that makes your furniture less attractive to little claws.

Grooming supplies, like a brush and nail trimmers. Grooming can be great for bonding. Plus, it helps keep your cat sleek, and their nails less razor-like. See more about safe cat grooming

How Banfield can help

We’re here for the love, health, and happiness of your little kittyBAE. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions or concerns about behavior, feeding, parasite control, vaccinations, and more. Plus, check out our Optimum Wellness Plans® for your kitty! It’s all about kitty wellness their first year.

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