Kitten essentials

What a new kitten actually needs in the first weeks, and the reason each item is on the list. Straight from our new kitten checklist.

Low-sided, uncovered litter boxLow sides so a small kitten can climb in. Plan on one box per cat, plus a spare.
Hard-sided carrierLeft open at home with a blanket inside, it stops being a trap that only means vet day.
Cats
A sturdy scratching postScratching is not optional for a cat. A tall, steady post decides whether it is the couch.
Cats
Wand toysBurns kitten energy without teaching them that your hands are prey.
Cats
A warm hideaway bedCats settle into a new home faster when they have a covered spot that is theirs.
Cats

These are category picks, not brand endorsements. Nothing here is a paid link. As we vet specific products we will add where to buy them, and mark any paid links clearly.

More gear