Congratulations on getting your new kitten! You are in good company, with over 45 million households sharing your passion for cats.1 Owning any pet is a responsibility. However, cats typically cost less to keep than dogs.
Getting food for a kitty is cheaper since they eat and weigh less. The estimated annual expenses for the two pets are about $1,200 for canines and $687 for felines.2 The first year of pet ownership is usually the most expensive when considering the new kitten supplies you’ll need.
You’ll likely find that some items are one-time purchases, whereas others are merely replacement costs. Let’s cut to the chase with our kitten checklist.
The 5 Things You Need for a New Kitten
1. Food
It’s vital to feed your new pet a diet that’s appropriate for their life stage. The nutritional needs of kittens and adult cats vary. Younger animals need extra vitamins and minerals to support their growth.
For example, the protein requirements are 30% and 26% per kg of food, respectively. Interestingly, fat is the same at 9%. There are also differences in various nutrients, whether you’re selecting a diet for a kitten, adult, pregnant female, or senior pet.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) helps you choose the best food for your pet with its nutrient profiles. The words you want to see are complete and balanced on the product label.
It is essential to bear in mind that felines are obligate carnivores. They don’t necessarily need ingredients like cranberries or blueberries in their food, and most cats don’t require grain-free diets.
Some products we recommend for a regular diet for your new kitten are:
Of course, you’ll also need food and water bowls on your list of kitten supplies.
2. Treats
Treats are not nutritionally complete. Therefore, they should only make up a maximum of 10% of your kitten’s daily caloric intake. We suggest using them as a training aid. You can reward your feline for doing what you want them to do, such as using the scratching post instead of your recliner.
You should also check the caloric content of any product you buy. Then, make necessary adjustments in your pet’s daily intake based on how much you’re going to offer your kitten. Some products we like include:
It’s worth noting that kittens don’t usually take to catnip like adult cats. We suggest waiting until your pet is over 6 months old before introducing it to them.
3. Litter Box and Supplies
The litter box has come a long way since Ed Lowe invented it in 1947. The products have improved, with better odor control and lighter weights to make clean-up more manageable. You’ll find unscented and scented products with brand names, such as Febreeze and Glade.
The choice of your kitten’s litter box is just as important as the litter inside of it. You don’t have to be a pet owner long to learn about tracking. We strongly recommend getting at least one, preferably two, trapping mats to put outside of your cat’s litter box to cut down on tracking dramatically. We’re sure that you’ll thank us when you notice the difference.
Other accessories you’ll need include a litter scoop. Do yourself a favor and get a metal one that will last. We also suggest keeping a package of baking soda handy to control the odors.
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4. Toys
When you think about what kittens need, you should certainly budget for toys. It’s not a luxury or indulgence item. It’s vital for your pet’s mental health. It is also a safeguard for your curtains and furniture. Most kittens think every item in your home is a toy. Your job as a pet owner is to redirect their energy.
Products that resemble mice, birds, or other prey are always a hit. You can say the same about balls, which kittens love to bat around and chase. Interactive toys are a relatively new category. We’re not fans of laser pointers, which don’t end with a reward. However, toys that allow you to participate are an excellent addition to your kitten’s toy chest. It’s a bonding experience that provides mental stimulation. But, take our advice. Kittens will play endlessly with these toys and will likely outlast your patience.
5. Cat Furniture
Like toys, cat furniture is more of a necessity than an indulgence. Remember that felines are more in touch with their wild side, where scratching is a way to mark their territory. It helps them stretch and condition their claws. It’s worth mentioning that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has spoken out against de-clawing cats.
The solution is to offer your kitten suitable substitutes, such as scratch posts. You can use catnip to attract your cat to a new scratching post or cat tree.
Getting a cat bed is another option if you’d prefer your pet not to sleep in bed with you. A covered bed gives your kitten a safe place to hide. We like the idea because it lets your cat enjoy uninterrupted sleep and feel secure in their new home.
- Related read: 6 Best Cat Foods for Pregnant Cats
Calorie Calculator
Your kitten must have the best nutrition while they are growing. You can use this useful tool to calculate calories:
The exact amount of calories an individual animal needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice
Final Thoughts
Getting a new kitten is an exciting prospect. Cats at this age are so much fun. You only have to look at all the kitten videos on YouTube to understand why. They make us smile and make us laugh out loud. You can’t help but get into a kitten’s enjoyment of life. Everything is fun and a game. Outfitting your pet with the basics and extras will give them the best start in life.
Our advice is to savor these early days and take plenty of photos of your new feline!
Featured Image Credit: OlenaPalaguta, Shutterstock
