What Do Pets Need
Your answer

What does a new kitten need?

A litter tray, a bed, food and water bowls, a carrier and a scratching post top International Cat Care’s list. ASPCA adds food, toys, a brush and comb, and a safety collar with an ID tag.

On the list

What to get

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One each, plus one

International Cat Care asks, as a minimum, for one of each key resource per cat, plus one extra: food and water bowls, litter trays, beds and scratching posts. Two kittens need three of each.

Litter tray and carrier sizes

The tray should grow with the cat: see what size litter box and how many litter boxes per cat. For the trip home and vet visits, see what size cat carrier.

Vaccines and health checks

Vaccines, worming, flea treatment and neutering aren’t covered here. Ask your vet about them at your kitten’s first check-up.

Foods and plants that are dangerous to cats are on what cats can and can’t eat and plants toxic to cats.

Common questions

What food should a new kitten eat?

ASPCA's cat supply checklist lists premium-brand cat food. Your vet can say which food suits your kitten's age.

Does a kitten need a collar?

Yes, ASPCA's cat supply checklist includes a safety cat collar with an ID tag.

Keep going

What size litter box?How many litter boxes per cat?What size cat carrier?What can cats eat?

Where we get our information from

The list comes from International Cat Care and the ASPCA’s cat supply checklist. Checked against published data from International Cat Care and ASPCA.

See all 4 sources
  • International Cat Care, Choosing a litter tray for your cat
  • International Cat Care, Preparing for your new cat or kitten
  • International Cat Care, Travelling with your cat
  • ASPCA, General Cat Care

General care guidance from animal welfare charities, vets and makers' published sizes. It isn't veterinary advice: if your pet seems unwell or has eaten something it shouldn't, call your vet.