Before your new kitten arrives, make sure you have a supply of high-quality food on hand. The food needs to be complete and balanced with nutritious ingredients. We feed our babies Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Food. As for the type to feed your kitten, consider giving them wet food in addition to (or in place of) dry food. Wet food has a higher water content than kibble, which helps keep cats well hydrated.

Your kitten’s food and water bowls should be made of non-toxic materials and appropriately sized. Opt for bowls that are shallow yet wide to help prevent your cat whiskers from rubbing against the bowl. The water bowl, specifically, should hold at least one cup of water. (Kittens need about 2 ounces of water per 2.5 pounds of body weight per day.)  

When your baby isn't pouncing, playing and exploring, they’re snoozing! Typical kittens can sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day, it’s crucial to have a cozy bed for them to sleep in.

When you pick up your new family member, you’ll need a sturdy cat carrier to transport them home safely. Look for a carrier that is made of durable materials, has proper ventilation, is easy to clean and has a comfy floor pad. Once you're home, be sure to keep the carrier in an accessible location so you can grab it easily in an emergency or when you need to take your kitten to the vet.

Litter boxes and litter are a necessary evil for your kitten’s hygiene and well-being—not to mention, the cleanliness of your house. Additionally, you’ll need a scooper for your kitten’s litter and a litter mat to catch stray bits of litter. 

Kittens are naturally curious and playful creatures, and toys provide a fun and interactive way for them to expend their energy and satisfy their instincts. Toys also help prevent boredom and reduce destructive behaviors, such as scratching furniture or getting into mischief (their specialty).

Your new kitty has sharp claws and a natural urge to scratch things. Without designated scratching spots, your furniture, drapes or carpets may become the unlucky targets of their scratching frenzies. 

Ideally, you should have multiple scratching posts placed in visible locations in your home. These posts should be sturdy enough for your cat to really dig into them and long enough for your cat to stretch out.

Your new kitten needs a kingdom of their own, and a cat tree is just the ticket. Not only does a cat tree provide a royal throne for lounging and napping, but it also offers a playground of climbing, scratching and exploring opportunities. 

When picking out a cat tree, you’ll want at least one big tower that is taller than your tallest piece of furniture. It should also have multiple perches and be sturdy and well built so it won’t injure your cat.