Bringing Home a Kitten: The Must-Have Supplies Checklist (and What Can Wait)

September 26, 2026

Chaton gris qui joue avec un jouet à plumes

A kitten is coming home soon? Congratulations! To make their first days go smoothly, it's best to set up their space before they arrive. Here's the list of truly essential supplies, grouped by need, plus the ones that can wait a few weeks.

The quick checklist

Two bowls (water and food), wide and shallow
A constant source of fresh water
A litter box sized for them, plus litter
A cozy, reassuring bed
A few toys to burn off energy
A soft brush and nail clippers
A carrier for the first vet visit

1. Eating and drinking

Kittens have small, very sensitive whiskers, so they prefer wide, shallow bowls. A raised, tilted bowl keeps mess to a minimum and offers a more comfortable posture.

Think about water too: many cats don't drink enough. Fresh water, changed daily and placed away from food, encourages them to drink. A cordless water fountain is a real plus: moving water attracts most cats. Learn more in our cat water fountain guide.

2. The litter box

Choose a box with low sides so they can get in easily, in a quiet spot away from their bowls. Scoop it every day: cats are very particular about a clean bathroom.

3. A reassuring bed

Kittens sleep a lot, up to 18 hours a day. They look for a warm, sheltered spot where they feel safe.

The calming donut bed: its plush raised rim wraps around the kitten, ideal for the first nights.
The cozy cat tent or the honey pot bed: a semi-enclosed hideaway for shy little ones.
A super-soft blanket: tuck in a piece of fabric that smells like their mother or previous home if you have one.

4. Toys to burn off energy

Play is essential for kittens: it's how they learn to hunt, get exercise and bond with you. Avoid playing with your hands so they don't get into the habit of biting.

The telescopic feather wand: the number one toy for playing together at a safe distance.
The 20-piece toy set: plenty of variety to rotate every week without breaking the bank.
The collapsible tunnel: hide-and-seek and ambushes guaranteed.
The interactive ball: so they can play even when you're not home, supervised the first few times.

Put string toys away after each session: a kitten should never play alone with string.

5. Grooming and claws

Get them used to brushing and handling early: it'll be much easier once they're grown. A grooming glove turns brushing into petting. For claws, LED nail clippers help you clearly see the area to avoid. Our step-by-step method: how to trim your cat's nails.

What can wait

Costumes and holiday accessories: best kept for cats who are already relaxed, and only for a few minutes.
The window hammock: perfect once they can jump easily.

Tips for the first few days

Start them off in a single quiet room with everything they need.
Let them explore at their own pace, without forcing it.
Book a vet visit for a health check, vaccines and microchipping.
Kitten-proof your home: electrical cords, toxic plants, windows and balconies.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can a kitten leave its mother?

Kittens should stay with their mother until at least 8 weeks old, and many breeders wait until 12 weeks, which gives them time to learn cat social skills from their mother.