New Kitten Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

Trying to figure out everything you need for your new kitten can be quite daunting, some things might be needed right off the bat while others can be bought along the way. That’s why we’ve collected a kitten essentials list, so you know exactly what you need from the get-go and there’s no need to worry about things you don’t need right away.

When thinking about what to buy for a new kitten to make them feel comfortable and at home as quickly as possible, their basic needs are where you will need to look first. Think food, water, shelter and toileting, the basic needs for survival and then build out from there based on more secondary needs like play and grooming to make sure they are well cared for.

A pet carrier is one of the first things you’ll need when you’re thinking about getting your kitten home safely - they’re the safest way to transporting them to their forever home. Being in a new environment is nerve-wracking at the best of times, so you may find they are a little shy in the first few hours.

Once you’ve both arrived home, settle their carrier in a quiet place in your home with their carrier door open – letting them explore at their own pace and in their own time!

Finding out an estimated size and weight before you pick your new kitten up can help you pick the right carrier. It should be well-ventilated and roomy enough to move around in a little. To get them comfortable during the journey, asking if you can take a little towel or blanket that already has their or mother’s scent on to put at the bottom of the carrier can help settle them. The Savic Trotter 2 Pet Carrier is a popular choice.

You might get told exactly what kitten food they’re being fed in their previous home, in which case sticking to the same brand initially, can help them settle and not upset their stomach, with too much change. Preference testing your new addition is an important aspect of finding the perfect food for them, they could prefer dry or wet or even a mixture of both.

The Whiskas 2-12mths Cat Pouches Poultry Feasts in Jelly is designed specifically for kittens, containing the right amount of nutrients to support their growth.

Don’t forget to make sure you have food and water bowls ready for when you bring your new addition home. Fresh water should be available at all times for your kitten and they may need a drink after the drive home so you should already have these ready.  Particularly if the drive home is fairly long. The Savic Delice Cat Bowl is a great choice thanks to its sturdy design.

Having a clean litter is a vital part of litter training your new kitten, as a clean litter box will encourage your cat to use it. There are lots of different styles of litter boxes and litter types, so finding one that suits both you and your kitten is sometimes down to trial and error.

Your kitten might prefer an open litter box while you might want something with a lid to keep smells at bay – the Savic Nestor Corner Litter Tray is the perfect option, allowing it to easily fit in the corner and giving your new kitten privacy when needed. You can remove the door of a covered litter tray until your kitten learns where it is, then reattach it once they know how to use it.

 

To make your new kitten feel at home, you should have a few safe, cosy places for them to curl up and rest. Cat beds come in all different shapes and sizes, so finding the perfect fit may take a few go’s to get it right. From igloo cat beds to thermal ring beds, there are endless cat beds for your new furry friend to love.

Some kitties might prefer to hide away in something like the Rufus & Rosie Cave Cat Bed. For the sprawlers of the cat world, a more open or flat bed might be the firm favourite. There are lots of options, so if your kitten doesn’t take to the bed you initially choose, it could just be the wrong style for them.

Toys aren’t just enrichment to your feline friend; they can also help you bond with them and save your furniture from the sharp end of their claws! Cat scratchers are great for giving your kitten somewhere to practice a very natural behaviour while not destroying the house.

If you’re looking for toys you can play with together cat wands like the KONG Laser Teaser Characters Cat Toy can really help to build their confidence. If your kitten is a foodie, interactive feeders can make mealtimes last much longer and get them practising their problem-solving – just don’t forget to pick up their treats!

While some cats are good at keeping on top of their own grooming, others felines, such as long-haired moggies might need a helping hand from time to time. It’s important to get them used to being brushed so they’re not opposed to it as they grow into an adult when it might be much harder to introduce something new.

You may even need to give their coat a trim from time to time or cut their nails if they’re not scratching them down enough themselves!

Before your new kitten begins exploring every nook and cranny, it’s important to make sure your home is safe for curious little paws. We recommend doing a quick “kitten-eye view” sweep of your space to spot potential hazards. Tuck away loose wires, secure blinds cords, and move houseplants out of reach (some common varieties can be harmful if nibbled on). Fragile ornaments, small objects, and anything that could be chewed or swallowed should also be safely stored away. It’s a good idea to block off tight spaces behind appliances or furniture where your tiny explorer may get stuck. With a few simple tweaks, you’ll create a safe environment where your kitten can play, climb, and pounce to their heart’s content - and you can relax knowing their adventures won’t land them in trouble. After all, a well-proofed home means a happier, less-stressful time getting to know your new family member.

Creating a calm, cosy space for your new kitten can make all the difference as they settle into their new home. We recommend setting up a dedicated area where your kitten can feel safe while they adjust to unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. A soft bed or blanket in a quiet corner gives them somewhere warm to rest, while nearby food and water bowls and an easy-to-find litter tray help establish a comfortable routine. Adding a scratching post and a few toys will encourage natural behaviours like scratching, pouncing, and play - which helps keep both your kitten and your furniture happy. By giving them a secure little base to retreat to, you’ll help build their confidence as they gradually explore the rest of their new territory.

Before your new kitten arrives, it’s a good idea to make sure the whole household is ready for their tiny new family member. At Jollyes, we recommend chatting with everyone in the home about how to interact gently and respectfully with your kitten. Young children should be shown how to handle them carefully, avoid loud noises, and give them space when they’re eating or sleeping. It’s also helpful to decide who will be responsible for daily tasks like feeding, cleaning the litter tray, and playtime. Setting a few simple house rules early on - like keeping doors and windows secure and not encouraging rough play - will help your kitten feel safe and learn good habits from the start. With a little preparation and plenty of patience, your family will be ready to welcome their new furry friend and enjoy lots of purr-filled moments together.

One of the most important things you can do for your new kitten is to register with a trusted vet as soon as possible. Early veterinary visits help ensure your kitten receives the essential vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and health checks they need during those crucial first months of growth. Your vet will also monitor their weight, development, and overall wellbeing, offering guidance on nutrition, behaviour, and neutering when the time is right. Establishing regular check-ups from the start helps catch any potential health concerns early and gives you peace of mind as your kitten grows. With the right veterinary care in place, your tiny ball of fluff will have the best possible start on their journey to a happy, healthy life full of purrs, play, and plenty of mischief.

Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned kitten parent, you can find all the essentials you need for bringing your new addition home in store or online.