Marcia Clark 
Table of Contents
Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting time for any family. Kittens need various supplies to help them adjust to their new home and surroundings. Provide your cat with plenty of food and water bowls. Choose shallow bowls that are easy for your kitten to eat from. Consider a water fountain to encourage your kitten to stay hydrated.
Claw Clippers
Kittens are adorable balls of mischief, but their claws can be problematic if untrimmed. Pet-safe claw clippers make it easy to keep your kitten’s nails in check before they cause problems. A cat carrier at Chewy.com is a must-have for transporting your new feline friend to and from the vet and creating a safe space in your home. Choose one with plenty of ventilation, inside padding, and an easy-to-open door. These clippers feature a safety guard and guide that help you avoid cutting into the ‘quick,’ which causes pain and bleeding in the nail. Plus, they have comfortable rubber ridges to make them easier to grip when trimming your kitten’s claws. The blades are 30% thinner than standard clipper blades, which makes it easier to see your pet’s ‘quick’ and ensure you cut them safely. The stainless steel blades are durable and sharp.
Enzyme Cleaner
As a new cat parent, you’ll want to be prepared for any messes your kitten may make. A good enzyme cleaner can help remove stains and smells from carpets, bedding, toys, and more. This cleaner is safe for pets and humans and can eliminate organic odors like pet urine, vomit, and feces. Some enzymatic cleaners are ready to use right out of the bottle, while others come in a concentrated formula you must dilute before using. Look for a natural, non-toxic enzymatic cleaner that’s safe for you, your family, and your kitten. Kittens can be messy, so you’ll also need a pack of cat wipes. Wipes that are specially formulated to help reduce dander and odor in cats. You can find these and other cat grooming supplies online and in pet stores.
Cat Collar
A collar is essential whether your new cat is an indoor-only pet or will spend time exploring the great outdoors. A collar allows you to add an ID tag with her name, microchip number, and rabies vaccine information to return her to your home if she ever gets lost. Choose a collar that fits snugly enough to prevent her from slipping it off but not so tight that it restricts her breathing or swallowing. A snap-open mechanism is also helpful as it releases if she becomes stuck on a tree branch. Keep her safe by keeping food items, vases, plants, and other breakables out of reach. Some houseplants, such as lilies, are toxic to cats if eaten, and you’ll also want to ensure that all household cleaning agents are out of her reach. Toys can help keep her active and entertained but be sure to check that they don’t have anything that could be a choking hazard.
Grooming Brush
Brushing is an essential part of your kitty’s daily grooming routine. It keeps her coat shiny and removes dead hair while distributing natural oils to her skin and fur. Brushing is also a great way to bond with your cat. Be sure to choose a brush appropriate for her coat and suited to her temperament. Some brushes are prone to causing discomfort, and some may be more suitable for particular cats than others. For example, if you have a long-haired cat, consider getting a de-matting comb that reaches into knots and gently pulls them apart. Or, a slicker brush that has wide-spaced pins may be more comfortable for her than one with thin tines. You’ll also want to look for a dual-sided brush with a bristle brush on one side and a rake brush on the other. This brush is excellent for tackling matting and tangles while keeping the coat shiny.
Flea Comb
Kittens are especially vulnerable to flea infestations, which can cause anemia, tapeworms, and skin allergies. A good quality flea comb helps you banish these unwelcome guests and keep your kitten comfortable, happy, and healthy. You’ll also want to stock up on toys for your new kitty, including some meant for solo play and others that encourage interactive play with you. You can find a variety of cat toys online. And remember a scratching post or pad to prevent your cat from scratching the furniture and other surfaces in their home.
Toys
Kittens have a natural curiosity and play instinct, so toys help keep them active and distracted so they don’t use your furniture or other household items as scratching posts. Look for safe toys, like those without splinters or easily detachable elements that can be ingested. Toys that have a lot of movement—unpredictably or erratically—appeal to kittens, as do toys that are shaped to mimic prey (feather- or motorized mouse toys) and ones that can be batted or kicked (like elongated banana-shaped critters). Wands and teasers require human interaction and help your new furbaby work out pent-up energy while bonding with you.
