Congratulations on getting your new kitten! You are in good company, with over 45 million households sharing your passion for cats.1 Taking care of any pet is a big commitment, but you’ll be pleased to learn that, overall, cats tend to cost less than keeping a dog. Food is often cheaper since they weigh less and eat less, and the average annual expenses for the two pets are about $1,200 for canines and $687 for felines.2
In terms of equipment and supplies, the first year of pet ownership is often the most expensive, but this very much depends on whether you’re looking to set up the basic feline essentials, or going all-out on a dedicated cat room, catio, or turning your home into a kitty dreamhouse.
One thing that anyone bringing home a new kitten should keep in mind is that two kittens are better than one. The costs don’t increase significantly, but you’ll avoid the issues associated with ‘single kitten syndrome’, and your kitty will always have a feline friend to play with, wrestle with, and socialize with.
You’ll likely find that some items on our list are one-time purchases, whereas others are merely replacement costs. Let’s cut to the chase with our kitten checklist.
The 5 Things You Need for a New Kitten
1. Food
It’s vital to feed your new pet a diet that’s appropriate for their life stage. The nutritional needs of kittens and adult cats vary, and growing kittens need more protein, vitamins, and minerals to support their growth.
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the minimum crude protein on a dry matter basis (moisture-free) for kittens is about 30%, compared with 26% for adult cats. Interestingly, minimum crude fat is 9% for both life stages.
The food label should always say “complete and balanced” for the relevant life stage, indicating the food meets standards. Because cats are obligate carnivores, they require certain nutrients (like taurine and specific amino acids) found in animal-based sources (meat). Ingredients like cranberries or blueberries, or choosing grain-free, are optional extras; they are not essential for the cat’s basic nutritional health.
For a smooth transition and less risk of upset tummies, it’s a good idea to start with a supply of the same brand of food your kitten was eating at the previous home, even if you plan to change to a different food later. Changes in diet should happen gradually, over 7-10 days, never overnight.
Some products we recommend for a regular diet for your new kitten are:
Of course, you’ll also need food and water bowls on your list of kitten supplies.
2. Treats
Cat treats are not a substitute for food; they are just tasty, protein-rich tidbits, not nutritionally complete and balanced. Therefore, they should only make up a maximum of 10% of your kitten’s daily caloric intake. We suggest using them as a training aid. You can reward your feline for doing what you want them to do, such as using the scratching post instead of your recliner.
You should also check the caloric content of any product you buy. Then, make necessary adjustments in your pet’s daily intake based on how much you’re going to offer your kitten. Some products we like include:
It’s worth noting that kittens don’t usually respond to catnip like adult cats. We suggest waiting until your pet is over 6 months old before introducing it to them.
3. Litter Box and Supplies
The litter box has come a long way since Ed Lowe invented it in 1947. The products have improved, with better odor control and lighter weights to make clean-up more manageable, and self-cleaning litter boxes are making kitty hygiene easier than ever before!
When it comes to setting up your kitten’s first litter box, think about ease-of-access and location. Next to the washing machine might seem convenient, but terrifying if your cat is mid-stream when the spin cycle starts up! Closed or covered boxes are good for controlling smells, but they can also make your kitten feel trapped, particularly if there are cats or other pets who might be waiting to pounce on them as they leave, even if just for fun. It’s always a good idea to have more than one litter box available, particularly if you have more than one kitten.
Open-topped litter boxes are generally preferred by cats, but they can be a bit smellier and harder to keep litter from going all over the home, so choosing the right type of litter is also an important decision. Trapping mats placed outside the litter box can really help cut down on litter tracking, so it’s worth investing in a good one.
Other accessories you’ll need include a litter scoop. Do yourself a favor and get a metal one that will last. We also suggest keeping a package of baking soda handy to control the odors.
Wondering whether an enzymatic spray or deodorizing powder is better at fighting pet odors? Compare Hepper's Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray to their Litter Deodorizer Powder to see which product is best for your deodorizing needs.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray |
|
Check Price |
 |
Hepper Cat Litter Deodorizer |
|
Check Price |
At PangoVet, 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!
4. Toys
When you think about what kittens need, you should certainly budget for toys. It’s not a luxury or indulgence item. It’s vital for your pet’s mental health. It is also a safeguard for your curtains and furniture. Most kittens think every item in your home is a toy. Your job as a pet owner is to redirect their energy.
Products that resemble mice, birds, or other prey are always a hit. You can say the same about balls, which kittens love to bat around and chase. Interactive toys are a relatively new category. We’re not fans of laser pointers, which don’t end with a reward. However, toys that allow you to participate are an excellent addition to your kitten’s toy chest. It’s a bonding experience that provides mental stimulation. But, take our advice. Kittens will play endlessly with these toys and will likely outlast your patience.
5. Cat Furniture
Like toys, cat furniture is more of a necessity than an indulgence. Remember that felines are more in touch with their wild side, where scratching is a way to mark their territory. It helps them stretch and condition their claws. It’s worth mentioning that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has spoken out against de-clawing cats.
The solution is to offer your kitten suitable substitutes, such as scratch posts. You can use catnip to attract your cat to a new scratching post or cat tree.
Getting a cat bed is also a great idea, even though your kitty may prefer to sleep in bed with you. A covered bed gives your kitten a safe place to hide. We like the idea because it lets your cat enjoy uninterrupted sleep and feel secure in their new home.
- Related read: 6 Best Cat Foods for Pregnant Cats
Calorie Calculator
Your kitten must have the best nutrition while they are growing. You can use this useful tool to calculate calories:
The exact amount of calories an individual animal needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice
Final Thoughts
Getting a new kitten is an exciting prospect. Cats at this age are so much fun. You only have to look at all the kitten videos on YouTube to understand why. They make us smile and make us laugh out loud. You can’t help but get into a kitten’s enjoyment of life. Everything is fun and a game. Outfitting your pet with the basics and extras will give them the best start in life.
Our advice is to savor these early days and take plenty of photos of your new feline!
Featured Image Credit: OlenaPalaguta, Shutterstock
