Maybe the cat distribution system found you, or maybe you finally got the chance to adopt a kitten.
While you are thrilled with this exciting development, a little prep work before bringing your furry friend home goes a long way. From the right food and litter box setup to the veterinary care your kitten needs right away, being prepared sets the foundation for a long, healthy life together.
Here’s a new kitten checklist to use, so you can spend less scrambling and more time snuggling.
What to Buy Before You Adopt a Kitten
Shopping for kitten supplies before adoption day means your new pet will have everything they need the moment they walk through the door. Here’s what to have ready:
Food and water bowls
Choose shallow, wide bowls that won’t irritate your kitten’s whiskers. Stainless steel or ceramic options are easier to keep clean than plastic.
Kitten-specific food
Kittens have higher caloric and nutritional needs than adult cats. Look for a high-quality kitten diet blend, or ask your vet for recommendations at your first visit.
Litter box and litter
The sides of the litter box should be low enough for the tiny kitten to climb in and out easily, and put the litter box in a quiet, accessible place. Kittens also prefer soft, fine-grain litter because they have sensitive paws.
A cozy bed
Like most babies, kittens sleep a lot. A warm, soft kitten bed (especially one they can hide in) will create a welcoming environment.
Scratching posts
Since scratching is a natural behavior that keeps claws healthy and relieves stress, a place to scratch is essential. As your kitten grows, make sure to provide scratching posts that allow them to stretch their reach to the max.
Toys
Crinkle balls, wand toys, and puzzle feeders are all great toys. They will keep your kitten physically active and mentally stimulated, and help you bond during playtime.
A carrier
You might not travel with your kitten much, but a good cat carrier is important for safe visits to the vet.
Collar and ID tags
Even indoor kittens should have identification in case they ever slip out. A microchip ID is the best way to help a lost cat find their way back home.
Schedule a checkup.
Whether you adopted from a shelter or rescued a stray, scheduling a vet visit is a very important first step. Your vet will make sure your kitten is healthy and start them on a vaccine series that will protect them against contagious diseases.
What Do Kittens Need When It Comes to Veterinary Care?
You should bring your kitten to the vet as soon as possible, and at least within the first week or two of bringing them home. During the appointment, your veterinarian will complete a full physical exam, screen for parasites, and discuss which vaccinations your kitten needs. Vaccinations usually begin around six to eight weeks of age. Your kitten will receive a series of doses over the next few months that will protect them against contagious diseases like rabies, calicivirus, and feline distemper.
Your vet will also help you plan for microchipping, dental care, and ongoing wellness exams.
And they’ll talk to you about spaying or neutering your cat, too. Spaying and neutering help reduce the risk of certain cancers and prevent unwanted behaviors. They also contribute to a longer life overall.
First Time Cat Owner? Here’s What to Know About Kitten-Proofing Your Home
If you’re a first-time cat owner, one thing that might catch you off guard is just how curious and quick kittens are. Do a walk-through of every single room and space from a kitten’s perspective before bringing your new pet home.
Here’s what to do:
- Tape or hide electric cords
- Remove toxic houseplants, especially lilies
- Store cleaning supplies and medications out of reach
- Pick up any small objects that could be swallowed
Give your kitten a small, safe space to start (like a single room) and gradually introduce them to the rest of the house as they settle in. This reduces overwhelm and helps them build confidence on their own terms.
Adopting a New Kitten in Frisco, Texas
From buying food and supplies to kitty-proofing your house, you need to set your pet up for success well before you bring him home. And visiting the vet for a checkup, vaccinations, and spay/neuter services should be at the top of your checklist as well.
We adore kittens here at LazyPaw, and we also love helping new pet owners get started on the “right paw.” Contact us to schedule your kitten’s first appointment at our animal hospital in Frisco.
Photo by Kote Puerto on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/26/26.
