The New-Kitten Checklist

The New-Kitten Checklist

Bringing a kitten into your home can be a life-changing experience — for both you and the cat. Understand the needs of your family and your new furry friend to help ensure a smooth transition into your home

Make a Purr-fect Plan

First, think about your family's lifestyle, your living situation and how a kitten would fit into the picture.

  • Answer These Questions: Will it be an indoor or outdoor cat? What's your pet budget? How will the kitten chores be divided amongst family members? Is anyone allergic to cats?
  • Satisfy Your Curiosity: Spend time with friends’ cats, and chat with other owners. Perhaps cat-sit for a neighbor, friend or relative for a night or two. Visit the nearest breeder, humane society or animal rescue shelter with your family to learn if cats are right for you.
  • Measure Your Surroundings: Examine your household living space and outdoor surroundings. If you live by a busy street, you might want to keep your cat indoors. If your kitten will be an indoor cat, decide where its litter area will be.
  • Make Your Choice: Whether the choice is all yours or it's a family decision, make sure the family agrees to long-term care and maintenance responsibilities. Make a checklist of daily and weekly cat chores and assign everyone a part.
Get on the Feline Defensive Line

Consider investing in these helpful training, cleaning, organization and safety tools:

  • Storage bins for food and organizing supplies
  • Baby gate
  • Stain remover
  • Deodorizer
  • Cat-designated towels — to dry him off and to protect furniture
  • Cleaning rags or paper towels
  • Water spray bottle (for training)
  • Breed-specific guidebook for training tips
  • Pet insurance
Create a Cozy Cat Den

When you finally bring home your new kitty, help her fit in. Create a safe environment that supports healthy growth and stimulates her playful, curious nature. Pick up these kitten essentials:

  • Adjustable collar and ID tags
  • Food and water bowls
  • Recommended kitten food
  • Litter box with lid and liners
  • Slotted scoop
  • Biodegradable litter
  • Kitty bed
  • Carrier crate
  • Chew toys for dental health
  • Cat nip
  • Scratch pole
  • Playful teaser toys — feathers, wiggle wands
  • Kitten treats for dental health and training rewards
  • Grooming tools — brush, comb and nail clippers
  • Flea treatment
Care for Your Kitten

Commit to being a responsible cat owner. Caring for pets can be a great way to teach lessons to children, but remember, the responsibility ultimately lies on your shoulders.

  • Timing: Adopt a kitten when you know you can schedule more time at home and have the patience to handle her occasional mishaps and misbehavior.
  • Investment: Owning a cat can require a financial investment — from the initial adoption fees for vaccinations and spay / neutering to ongoing food, grooming, pet insurance, vet fees and incidentals costs.
  • Tasks: Daily duties include feeding, refreshing water bowls, training, cleaning up, cuddling and play. Weekly activities include thorough grooming. Periodic responsibilities include vaccination boosters and health checkups.
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