The 13 Best Essentials for a New Kitten in Your Home

GoTags Personalized Reflective Cat Collars

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Even if your new kitten is going to be strictly indoors only, it’s a good idea to get a personalized collar with your contact information on it. That way, if kitty slips out the door, others will know he or she has a home and how to find it. These collars have your name and phone number laser engraved on them, so they won’t scratch off or fade. The collar also has a bell, so you can hear your kitten coming, and a breakaway buckle so if it gets stuck on something, it will pop right off. It's also adjustable, so it can grow with your cat.

PetLuv Happy Cat Premium Soft Sided Cat Carrier

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You’ll need a new cat carrier for when you’re picking up your kitten and for when you’re bringing him or her back and forth from vet appointments. But getting your kitten into the carrier is a feat that often proves difficult. This one has four access panels and a top opening, so you can put kitty in and take him or her out with less effort. Plus, it has a roomy design with optimum ventilation and all-around windows that let your kitty see what’s going on. There are also adjustable seat belt loops, so you can strap the carrier in your car for added safety.

Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan

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Of course, your new kitten will need a place to go to the bathroom, and this Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan is the perfect loo. While it might seem a little big for a kitten, he or she will grow into it fairly quickly. It offers a removable door and a hooded lift for easy cleaning, plus a carbon filter that absorbs odor, so you won’t get bombarded with stink every time your kitty does its business. It comes in two colors—warm gray or white with cute tiger striping on the top.

However, it's worth noting that some cats prefer an open litter box. But if this hooded option doesn't work out, you can remove the top and use the bottom tray on its own.

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

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While the litter box is important, a high-quality litter will do wonders for eliminating stink and making it easier for your new kitten to learn how to regularly use the potty. This unscented litter from Dr. Elsey’s is 99.9 percent dust-free, low-tracking, and made with all-natural ingredients. It also forms hard clumps, making it easier for you to scoop and preventing crumbling.

Ureverbasic Small Pet Feeding Bowls, Set of 2

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These Ureverbasic cat bowls are ideal for a kitten who’s still figuring out how exactly this eating from a bowl thing works. They have an anti-skid rubber wrap around the bottom to help prevent slipping and spilling. Plus, they’re made from polished, high-quality stainless steel that’s resistant to corrosion and rust, so they’ll last for years. Each bowl holds 8 ounces of food or water, and they come in more than a dozen colors so that you can get one to match your home or grab a couple sets and switch it up.

Wellness Natural Pet Food Grain-Free Wet Canned Food

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Young kittens have small teeth and can’t always chew dry food very well, so this Wellness Complete grain-free wet cat food is the perfect transition food. It contains protein-rich chicken combined with antioxidant-rich cranberries, minerals, omega fatty acids, and taurine, which is essential in grain-free formulas. The kitten food is finished off with real broth that keeps your kitty hydrated and supports urinary health. It’s made without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, so you can start your new kitten off on the right foot.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free Cat Treats

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Treats are an excellent way to tell your new kitten he or she is doing a great job (or just being really cute). Like the Wellness Complete cat food, these Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free Cat Treats are made with only real ingredients and free of preservatives, by-product meals, grains, corn, wheat, and soy. Protein-rich chicken and turkey are the first ingredients. And, they only have 1.5 calories per treat, so you can give out a few each day. Plus, they’re enhanced with the essential vitamins and minerals your kitten needs.

SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post

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If you want to discourage tiny little kitten scratches on your furniture, you’ll want to offer an appealing alternative. Kittens like to scratch things to sharpen their claws, stretch their bodies, and mark their territory. This sturdy option from SmartCat is 32 inches tall, allowing your kitten to fully stretch out, even as he or she gets bigger. The 16 x 16 inch base prevents it from tipping over, while the woven sisal naturally inspires targeted scratching.

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs

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Cats are meticulous about self-grooming, but sometimes they need a little help, especially if they’re long-haired. Brushing your kitten regularly will also help reduce shedding and keep excess fur off your furniture and clothes. This Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush from Hertzko has slightly-angled bristles that can penetrate fur, fixing knots and tangles without irritating the skin underneath. When you’re done brushing, you can click a button and the bristles retract, making it easy to gather the fur from the brush and throw it away.

Shiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals

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To protect your skin and furniture from tiny claws, you’ll want a pair of clippers to make quick work of claw-trimming. Trimming your cat’s nails is also important for your pet’s health, as untrimmed claws may eventually curl under towards the paw, causing pain and increasing the risk of infection. This trimmer is a great choice for cats of all ages, because their sharp blades and easy-to-grip handles help you work quickly.

Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Cat & Dog Bed

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Every kitten needs a warm place to lie down, and this Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Cat & Dog Bed is an excellent backup option. It has a special inner layer that utilizes the same technology as the space blankets given in emergency situations or after a marathon. When your kitty settles into it, it gets warm and cozy, without overheating. It’s finished off with faux lamb’s wool and corduroy to make it extra warm and inviting.

Cat Dancer Cat Charmer Toy

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Playtime isn’t just fun, it’s a crucial part of your new kitten’s development. Interactive play—when you and your kitten play together—is a great way to create a bond between the two of you. This colorful Cat Dancer Rainbow Cat Charmer combines four feet of fabric with a polycarbonate wand that you can use to entice your kitten to pounce and play. Plus, with all the jumping and chasing, your kitten will get loads of aerobic exercise. Play with him or her before bed and maybe you’ll get to sleep through the night.