The Ultimate New Kitten Checklist — What You Actually Need
TL;DR: A new kitten needs: kitten food, a small litter box with kitten-attract litter, a carrier, basic grooming tools, 2-3 toys, a scratching post, and a vet appointment. Skip the fancy tree and expensive tech until you know the kitten’s personality.
Congratulations on your new kitten. Most online kitten checklists are 40+ items sponsored into oblivion. Here’s the honest list — what you actually need in the first week, what can wait a month, and what’s a waste of money.
Week 1: The Absolute Essentials
Kitten-specific dry food (their digestive system is different from adult), a small litter box, kitten-safe litter (not clumping clay for kittens under 8 weeks), a scratching post, food and water bowls, and a carrier.
Our picks: Royal Canin Kitten, Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract, SmartCat post, Petmate Two Door.
Week 1: The Vet Appointment
Schedule a wellness exam within the first week. Vaccinations, deworming, and getting to know your vet matters. Ask about spay/neuter timing (usually 4-6 months).
Week 2: Grooming & Play
Now that your kitten is settling in, add: a rubber brush (kittens tolerate these better), 3-4 simple toys (wand, catnip mouse, ball), and nail clippers. Start handling paws daily now — it pays off forever.
Our picks: KONG ZoomGroom, Da Bird wand, Pet Republique clipper kit.
Month 2: Expand
Once you know your kitten’s personality, add a bigger cat tree, an interactive laser toy, and upgrade the litter box if needed. Consider an automatic feeder if you work long days.
Our picks: FEANDREA 60-inch, PetLibro Dial.
Month 3+: Quality-of-Life Upgrades
A water fountain will change their hydration for life. An automatic litter box is a life-changer for busy households. A window perch is often the single most-used purchase.
Our picks: PetKit Eversweet 3 Pro, Litter-Robot 4.
What You Don’t Need
Skip: cat clothing, cat perfume/cologne (yes, these exist), overpriced organic ‘wellness waters,’ most subscription boxes, $300 cat beds. Don’t fall for it.
What to Have Ready Just In Case
Pet first aid kit, enzyme cleaner for accidents (there will be accidents), a roll of Pill Pockets for when they eventually need medication.
Our picks: Rocco & Roxie, Greenies Pill Pockets.
From Our Experience: When we got Choco at 8 weeks, we overspent by about $300 on stuff he never used. The $180 cat tree he ignored for a cardboard box. The $40 ‘premium’ food bowl he wouldn’t eat from (we went back to a $4 ceramic one). The $90 cat bed he slept on exactly twice. The money would’ve been better on a water fountain (huge impact) and better food. Learn from our mistakes.
What We Recommend
Royal Canin Kitten Dry Food — The vet-recommended starter.
Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract Litter — Helps with litter box training.
Petmate Two Door Top Load Carrier — You’ll need this for the first vet visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can I bring a kitten home?
Minimum 8 weeks. Ideally 10-12 weeks — they’re more socially developed.
How long before I introduce to other pets?
Give the kitten their own room for 1-2 weeks first. Gradual scent-swap introductions.
Should I get two kittens?
If possible, yes. Bonded pairs are happier, less destructive, and often easier than one.
When do I start training?
Day one for litter, paw-handling, and carrier positive association.