New Kitten Checklist: A Guide To Preparing For A New Kitten

Congrats on your new furry family member!

Before you bring home the little bundle of fur, there are some tried-and-true steps for how to prepare for a kitten and all the fun and chaos that comes with them. Follow our New Kitten Checklist and you’ll be as prepared as you possibly can be as a first-time kitten owner:

Breaking down the New Kitten Checklist:

• A Kitten by Any Other Name: When preparing for a new kitten it’s easy to forget that you’re going to need a name for your new kitty. The most popular pet names include Luna and Oliver, but you can always stand out with names like Fluffernutter or Google!
• Kitten Proof Your Home: Not sure what to do when you get a kitten? Kitten proofing your home is a good way to start. From removing toxic foods, plants, and cleaning supplies from paw’s reach, to setting up scratching posts by the couch before you bring your new cat home is a great way to keep your sanity…as well as keep your cat safe.
• Do Your Research: Read up on kittens and cats! We like Complete Kitten Care by Amy Shojai.
• Go Shopping: Preparing for a kitten means buying new kitty stuff! Kittens need food and water bowls, bedding, toys, kitten chow, a collar, identification (i.e. tags), a travel carrier, and grooming supplies (brush, nail clippers, toothbrush). Make your life easier and bring a new pet shopping list with you to the pet store.
• Make a Vet Appointment: There’s a lot of advice on what to know before getting a kitten. One of the most important things to know is where your local vet’s office is. As soon as your kitten gets home, make an appointment with your vet for their first checkup. This will allow you to get a good picture of your kitten’s health. Check out the Humane Society’s guidelines on choosing a vet, if you’re not sure how to do so. While you’re there, make sure you microchip (and register) your pet as well.
• Enroll in Pet Insurance: Kittens can be enrolled as early as eight weeks. The earlier you get cat insurance the better: getting coverage before your cat gets sick means you won’t have to worry about pre-existing conditions, which aren’t covered by any insurance provider. Plus, you’ll be protecting your savings from clumsy accidents (which kittens are great at).
• All the Bells and Whistles: Sign up for a kitty subscription box like KitNipBox!

After getting through our preparing for a kitten checklist, you’re ready for the final step: Enjoying your new kitten! They’re only kittens for so long. Those sweet, sleepy little buddies grow up fast!