New Kitten Checklist: 11 Must-Have Kitten Essentials

So, you’re bringing a new kitten home. Hooray! To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of the essential supplies you’ll need to ensure your furry friend has everything required for a smooth, safe, and purr-inducing welcome. Plus, we’ve created a handy new kitten checklist you can save, download, and print out.

A joyful kitten exploring a cozy, sunlit corner of a home with a small bed, toy, and water bowl nearby

Key Takeaways

This new kitten checklist helps ensure your kitten has everything they need for a safe, smooth transition home.
Essential supplies include kitten-specific food, litter box essentials, scratchers, toys, and a secure carrier.
Breakaway collars and microchipping help keep kittens safe if they escape.
Kitten-proofing your home prevents common household hazards and protects curious young cats.

New Kitten Checklist

1. Kitten Food

Before your new feline companion arrives, make sure you have a supply of high-quality kitten food on hand. The food must be complete and balanced—with nutritious ingredients like taurine and choline—and formulated specifically for growing kittens.

Consider offering wet food in addition to (or instead of) dry food. Wet food has higher moisture content than kibble, helping keep kittens well hydrated.

Always consult your veterinarian to choose the best food for your kitten’s needs.

Top-rated kitten foods available at furpetvo.com include:

FurPetVo Feline Health Nutrition Mother & Babycat Ultra Soft Mousse in Sauce Wet Cat Food, 3-oz can, case of 24
FurPetVo Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley Wet Cat Food, 2.8-oz can, case of 24
FurPetVo Kitten Healthy Development Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food, 3.5-lb bag

2. Food and Water Bowls

Your kitten’s bowls should be made from non-toxic, easy-to-clean materials—ceramic or stainless steel are ideal. Avoid plastic, which can irritate sensitive skin around the chin.

Choose shallow, wide bowls to prevent whisker fatigue. The water bowl should hold at least one cup of fresh water; kittens need about 2 ounces of water per 2.5 pounds of body weight daily.

For kittens who eat too quickly, slow-feeder bowls support healthy digestion and reduce vomiting or bloating risks.

Popular options at furpetvo.com include:

FurPetVo Marble Design Non-skid Ceramic Cat Bowl, Neutral, 1 cup
FurPetVo Cat Face Non-skid Ceramic Cat Dish, White, X-Small (0.5 cup)

Close-up of a kitten drinking from a ceramic water bowl beside a matching food dish on a clean kitchen counter

3. Cat Treats

Kittens can enjoy treats once fully weaned onto solid food—typically around 8 to 10 weeks old. Treats are a wonderful way to bond and reinforce positive behavior during training.

Opt for protein-rich treats that support rapid growth and development. Skip catnip-based treats for now—most kittens don’t respond to catnip until they’re 6 months to 1 year old.

Remember: treats should never exceed 10% of your kitten’s daily caloric intake.

Top picks at furpetvo.com include:

FurPetVo Baby Blue Savory Salmon Kitten Treats, 2-oz bag
FurPetVo Crunchy Bites Dental Cat Treats, 1.8-oz bag
FurPetVo Churu Grain-Free Chicken, Tuna, Scallop Puree Variety Pack, 0.5-oz tubes (pack of 20)
FurPetVo Chef's Cuts Real Hand-Flaked Natural Tuna Soft & Chewy Cat Treat, 10 count

4. Cozy Cat Bed

Kittens sleep 16–18 hours a day—so a soft, secure sleeping spot is essential. Choose a bed sized appropriately for their small frame, with gentle, washable materials and supportive cushioning.

Look for designs that offer warmth and security—like enclosed or bolstered styles—especially during early adjustment days.

Recommended beds at furpetvo.com:

FurPetVo Round Orthopedic Bolster Anti-Slip Puppy & Kitten Bed, Camel, Small
FurPetVo Modern Elevated Tunnel Cat Bed
FurPetVo Meow Hut Covered Cat Bed with Water-Resistant Bottom, Standard

A sleepy kitten curled up in a plush, round orthopedic bed with soft bolsters, placed on a light rug near a sunny window

5. Sturdy Cat Carrier

You’ll need a durable, well-ventilated carrier to bring your kitten home safely—and for all future vet visits or travel.

Choose one with a comfortable floor pad, secure latches, and easy-clean surfaces. Keep it accessible in your home so your kitten can explore it at their own pace—this reduces stress when travel time comes.

Top-rated carriers at furpetvo.com:

FurPetVo Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel, Grey, 20-in
FurPetVo Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Carrier, Blue

6. Litter Box Essentials

A clean, accessible litter setup is vital for hygiene, health, and household harmony. Start with a low-entry litter box so your kitten can step in and out easily.

Follow the “one box per cat plus one extra” rule to prevent accidents and territorial issues. You’ll also need a quality clumping, unscented litter, a sturdy scooper, and a litter mat to catch stray granules.

Essentials available at furpetvo.com:

FurPetVo Open Top Cat Litter Box With Rim, Large, Gray, 19-in
FurPetVo Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 20-lb bag
FurPetVo DuraScoop Original Cat Litter Scoop, Color Varies

7. Collar and ID Tag

A properly fitted breakaway collar with an ID tag significantly increases the chance of a safe, quick reunion if your kitten ever slips outdoors.

Choose a lightweight, adjustable breakaway collar—designed to release under pressure—to prevent injury. Your ID tag should clearly list your kitten’s name, your contact information, address, and whether they’re indoor-only. If space allows, include their microchip number.

Top choices at furpetvo.com: