Before Your Kitten Arrives: The Prep List

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your kitten's transition smooth and stress-free. Kittens are sensitive to change, and having everything in place before they arrive means you can focus on bonding rather than scrambling for supplies.

Essential Supplies to Have Ready

  • Litter box and litter: One litter box per cat, plus one extra, is the standard recommendation. For kittens, start with a box with low sides so they can climb in easily. Unscented clumping litter is a safe starting choice.
  • Food and water bowls: Ceramic or stainless steel are preferred over plastic, which can harbor bacteria and cause chin acne in some cats. Wide, shallow bowls suit cats better — many dislike their whiskers touching bowl edges.
  • Kitten-appropriate food: Ask the breeder or rescue what food the kitten has been eating and get the same brand to start, then transition gradually if you want to switch.
  • A safe, cozy sleeping space: A cat bed, a box lined with soft blankets, or even a carrier with the door open — somewhere quiet and den-like.
  • Scratching post: Establish appropriate scratching habits from day one. Get a tall, stable post covered in sisal.
  • Toys: Wand toys, soft mice, and crinkle balls are great starter options. Avoid toys with small detachable parts that could be swallowed.
  • Carrier: You'll need this for the first vet visit. Leave it out with a blanket inside so your kitten views it as a safe space.

Kitten-Proofing Your Home

Kittens are curious, fearless, and very small — a dangerous combination. Before bringing your kitten home:

  • Secure or hide electrical cords (kittens chew)
  • Remove or move toxic plants (lilies are especially dangerous to cats)
  • Check for and block small gaps behind appliances where a kitten could hide or get stuck
  • Store cleaning products and medications in closed cabinets
  • Keep toilet lids down for young kittens
  • Secure window screens — curious kittens can push through loose screens

Day One: The Homecoming

The first day home is overwhelming for a kitten. They've left their mother, littermates, and everything familiar. Resist the urge to overwhelm them with attention right away.

  1. Start with one room. Set up a "base camp" — one quiet room with their litter box, food, water, bed, and a few toys. Let them explore this space and settle before introducing the whole house.
  2. Let them come to you. Sit on the floor, speak softly, and let the kitten approach on their terms. Avoid picking them up repeatedly in the first hours.
  3. Show them the litter box first. Place them gently in the litter box as soon as you arrive so they know where it is.
  4. Keep things calm. Limit visitors and loud noises for the first day or two. A nervous kitten needs time to decompress.

The First Week: What to Expect

Feeding

Young kittens (under 6 months) need to eat frequently — three to four small meals per day. Stick with the food they're used to for the first week, then transition to your chosen food over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts of new food with decreasing amounts of old food.

Litter Box Training

Most kittens who were with their mother already know how to use a litter box — instinct takes care of most of the training. Your job is to make the box accessible, clean, and in a quiet location. Scoop daily and change litter regularly. If accidents happen outside the box, clean with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the scent, and reassess whether the box location is convenient for your kitten.

Sleep

Kittens sleep a lot — up to 16–20 hours a day is normal. This is when they grow and consolidate learning. Don't worry if your new kitten sleeps more than they play in the early days.

Your First Vet Visit

Schedule a vet appointment within the first week, ideally within the first few days. Your vet will:

  • Perform a full physical examination
  • Check for parasites (fleas, ear mites, intestinal worms)
  • Review and set up a vaccination schedule
  • Discuss spaying or neutering timing
  • Answer any questions you have about feeding and care

Bring any health records you received from the breeder or rescue.

Building Your Bond

The first weeks lay the foundation for your relationship. Handle your kitten gently and regularly — touch their paws, look in their ears, and open their mouth so they become comfortable with handling. This makes future grooming and vet visits much less stressful for everyone. Play with them daily, and above all, be patient. Every kitten adjusts at their own pace.