Gathering Supplies for Your New Kitten

PetSmart -

Adopting a kitten is a lot like preparing for the arrival of a new baby--you have to be prepared! A kitten needs food, a place to sleep, a litter box, and other necessities. Purchase these supplies before you bring your kitten home, so your kitten feels comfortable and safe in its new home. Gather the following supplies for your new kitten or cat.

An identification (ID) tag
The ASPCA recommends that you keep an ID tag on your kitten at all times, even if you're not going to let the kitten outside. Order the ID tag at least a few weeks ahead of time. Have your name, address, and telephone number printed on the front. Include the name and number of your veterinarian, if you like. You might also want to print a message such as 'If I'm outside, I'm lost,' on the back of the tag.

A breakaway collar
A breakaway collar is usually made of elastic or contains a small elastic section so your kitten can slip out if it becomes hooked on something. Although the collar should fit the kitten snugly, it should be loose enough that you can slip two of your fingers between the collar and the kitten's neck.

A carrier
A carrier looks like a plastic, portable cage. Carriers are designed to keep your kitten safe in a car or plane. Never allow your kitten to roam freely in your car or carry your kitten in your arms into the veterinarian's. A kitten can get scared and break free.

Select a carrier that's sturdy with secure latches. Hard, plastic carriers are safe and easy to clean and disinfect. Usually, you can run your car's seatbelt through the carrier's handle so the carrier is secure. Soft-sided carriers, often called bags, are also very popular. These carriers are zippered all around so you can get the kitten in and out easily.

A litter box and litter
You can buy either an open or closed litter box for your kitten. An open litter box is easy to clean and scoop, but it's messy. A closed litter box keeps the mess inside and offers the kitten some privacy. Most closed letterboxes have latches on the sides so you can remove the top and clean them. You can also buy a more sophisticated litter box with two pans. With this type of box, you remove the top pan, which has small holes in it, and shake the clean litter into the pan underneath. This type of litter box is more expensive than the traditional open and closed letterboxes.
You can buy either soft, clumping litter or clay litter for your kitten. Most cats prefer soft litter because it doesn't hurt their paw pads.

Food and water dishes
Because kittens are so small, they usually prefer shallow dishes. You can buy either metal, plastic, or ceramic kitten dishes. Metal dishes are lightweight and easy to clean, but you can't put them into the dishwasher. Plastic dishes are also easy to clean and most of them are dishwasher safe. However, because metal and plastic dishes are so light, some kittens flip them over.

Ceramic dishes are heavier than metal and plastic dishes and are usually dishwasher safe. Make sure ceramic dishes don't contain lead, which can harm animals.

A bed
Most kittens appreciate something soft to sleep on. Kitten beds come in many different shapes and sizes. You don't have to buy your kitten's bed, however. Most kittens are content to sleep on an old pillow or blanket. Make sure your kitten's bed is washable.

A scratching post
Your kitten will need a place to scratch. Many different types of scratching posts are available. Usually, posts made of a loosely woven upholstery work well, as do posts made of sisal, a ropelike material most cats like. Most kittens won't use a scratching post if it's soft and plush.

Grooming supplies
If your kitten has long hair, start grooming it as soon as possible. A soft brush and a flea comb (a thin metal comb) are usually adequate to groom a kitten. Once your kitten grows, however, a wire slicker brush will help prevent mats and tangles.

A toothbrush and toothpaste
Since cats are often prone to gum disease, it's a good idea to brush your kitten's teeth. Use a small soft Pet toothbrush and a dab of Pet toothpaste. You can also clean your kitten's teeth with a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger.

Nail clippers
If you clip your kitten's nails, it's less likely to scratch your furniture. Your veterinarian can show you how to clip your kitten's nails safely with nail clippers specially designed for cats. See Nail Clipping and Ear Cleaning.

Toys, toys, and more toys
Your kitten needs toys to burn off energy and provide mental stimulation. While some kittens prefer to play with toys that hang from sticks, others like toys that roll around on the floor. However, most kittens will play with just about anything.

Don't give your kitten toys it can choke on. Never leave your kitten alone with very small toys or toys with small parts.

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