New pet starter guide

New Kitten Checklist

A new kitten needs a calm starter room, clean litter setup, safe food, a carrier, and a first vet visit plan.

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Pet safety note

This page gives general pet-care information. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace licensed veterinary care. Call your veterinarian if symptoms are serious, sudden, painful, or getting worse.

Before kitten comes home

Basic supplies

Food and water

Use kitten food unless your veterinarian says otherwise. Keep clean water available and avoid sudden food changes.

Litter setup

Set the litter box in a quiet, easy-to-reach place away from food and water.

Carrier

Have a safe carrier ready for pickup day, vet visits, and travel.

Scratch and play

Add a scratching post or pad and safe toys. Avoid loose string, ribbon, or yarn when unsupervised.

Starter room

Start with one quiet room.

A quiet room with food, water, litter box, bed, hiding spot, toys, and a scratching surface can help a kitten adjust before exploring the whole home.

First vet visit

Schedule a checkup early.

Ask about vaccines, deworming, flea prevention, food amount, growth, spay/neuter timing, microchip options, and litter box questions.

Kitten-proof the home

  • loose cords
  • medicine and cleaners
  • small objects
  • open windows or loose screens
  • unsafe plants
  • string, ribbon, yarn, or rubber bands

Call your veterinarian if

  • repeated vomiting or diarrhea
  • trouble breathing
  • refusal to eat with weakness
  • bathroom trouble
  • signs of pain
  • sudden weakness or extreme tiredness

Next step

After the kitten checklist, review litter box setup and general pet safety signs.

Open Litter Box Basics