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Everything Needed to Welcome Home a Kitten

Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Welcome Home a Kitten

Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting time, giving you the chance to create lasting, meaningful bonds and have a furry friend to snuggle with whenever you need. However, owning a kitten involves much more than simply adopting or buying a pet – you must have the right supplies and materials to ensure their comfort and a smooth transition into their forever home. From kitten food and litter to beds and toys, Tractor Supply carries everything you need to prepare for your new cuddly buddy and help get you started on your kitten-raising journey.

Setting Up the Purrfect Space for Your New Kitten

Kittens are curious little creatures, often learning new things about their environment and acquiring their feline skills. When they first arrive at your home, they may hide at first, but they will eventually want to sniff around and explore their new surroundings. You’ll need to kitten-proof your home before the little explorer arrives, ensuring all spaces in your home are safe for kittens to roam. To accomplish this, you should:

  • Cover or hide all electrical cords and electronics, which curious kitties may want to chew or lick. 
  • Secure valuable or breakable items, such as vases and family heirlooms, as they may push or knock them over. 
  • Ensure furniture is secure so kittens can safely climb around and jump onto individual pieces without knocking them over. 
  • Remove trash bins, medications and chemicals out of the kitten’s reach. 
  • Hide and secure window blind cords and any other hanging objects that might pose harm. 
  • Restrict your kitten’s access to home appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters.
  • Keep toilet lids closed when not in use, preventing them from splashing in the water or falling in. 
  • Research which flowers and plants are toxic to felines and ensure they are removed from your home.

Our feline companions are not only curious but also tiny, squeezing through small spaces that we might not think they could fit into. Because of this, you must also inspect screens and doors for holes or damage before bringing them home, which they can potentially climb through and get outside. Even if you’d like your kitten to grow into an outdoor cat, they generally should not be allowed outside until they’ve been spayed or neutered, have had all their shots and are familiar enough with their territory and scent. 

Other ways to make home spaces safer for kittens include adding child locks to cabinets, helping to prevent cats from getting into harmful substances, such as cleaning supplies. You should also be mindful of human food that might be sitting on the counter or crumbs in the sink, always keeping it out of their reach, as certain foods are also poisonous for cats, including common cooking ingredients such as onions and garlic. 

Types of Supplies You’ll Need for Proper Kitten Care

To start your kitten care setup, you’ll need the right supplies and accessories to help make your new pet feel at home. As your kitten grows, the products you buy must be compatible with their size, meaning they may need new bigger collars, carriers and beds as they grow older. Here is a starter list of items you’ll need for your tiny feline:

Cat Litter

Your kitten will always need access to litter boxes for their bathroom needs, and scooping every day is recommended to keep them pleased. We offer several types of cat litter that make cleanup easy and efficient, including:

  • Clumping: Clumps when coming into contact with urine or feces so you can easily scoop out waste
  • Non-clumping: Dissolves urine and leaves solids behind for scooping out
  • Multi-cat: Provides additional clumping and more odor control for households with more than one feline
  • Scented: Gives off a fresh aroma that helps to mask odors
  • Unscented: Doesn’t have fragrance added but still works to mask odors
  • Natural: Free of harsher chemicals and made from natural materials

Consider adding a litter mat to your setup, which keeps spaces clean by catching stray pieces from your kitty’s paws as they get in and out of their litter box. You’ll also need a scooper to remove waste from boxes, as well as poop bags and related supplies – all of which you can find in our selection.  

Litter Boxes

The number of litter boxes you should have in your home depends on the number of cats you have. As a general rule, each cat should have at least one litter box, plus one extra. This gives kittens plenty of comfortable options to use the bathroom. 

Having enough for your felines ensures they don’t have accidents around the house or compete for bathroom space. As your kitten grows, you’ll likely need larger litter boxes to accommodate their size unless you have a particularly petite pal. The one you choose depends on your preferences, and our options include many styles and shapes: 

  • Open: Come without lids to give your kitten an open space
  • Covered: Feature a top to keep them secure while they do their business 
  • Self-cleaning: Offer less cleanup for convenience by automatically sifting out waste
  • Disposable: Allow for temporary use when traveling or transitioning during a move 

Finding the right litter box may be a trial-and-error process, giving your kitten different options until they find something comfortable. To complete your setup, you need the right accessories, including litter box cleaners and liners, to allow easy and efficient cleanup. 

Kitten Food

Our cat food features many types and flavors, including specially formulated kitten food that offers complete and balanced nutrients, such as taurine and choline, which are essential for development. With so many options in our stock, it may take some time to figure out what your kitty likes best. It’s suggested to feed your kitten wet food instead of only dry food or give them a mix of both. Wet food offers a higher water content than others, keeping your kitten well hydrated. 

You may also want to consider kitten foods with certain health features. These may include immune system support, ingredients for bone, heart, muscle or brain health, or formulas that promote general wellness. Some other choices for special dietary needs include: 

No matter your kitty’s dietary needs, our options come in a range of palatable and delicious flavors, such as chicken, salmon or turkey. You should discuss kitten food with a veterinarian to ensure your baby feline receives the right type and amount.

Cat Feeding Supplies

No cat feeding setup is complete without the right cat bowls and feeding supplies, and no two kitties dine the same way. Some may prefer their bowls in specific locations, so try out different feeding spots until you find one your kitten enjoys most. You should consider an extra cat bowl for water in another area they love to play and lounge. Find the best options for your kittens in our selection, which includes:

Besides deciding on the type, you’ll also need to consider the material your cat bowls, waterers or feeders are made from. Common constructions include: 

  • BPA-free: Prevent chemicals from potentially getting into food and water
  • Dishwasher-safe: Convenient washing to keep bowls clean 
  • Spill-resistant: Avoid frequently cleaning up messes or damage to flooring 
  • Weather-resistant: Enhanced durability when feeding cats who like to be outside  
  • Stainless steel: Durable, non-toxic material that boasts longevity and ensures your kitty’s safety

Cat Treats

Our kitten treats can be a great way to reward your furry friend and create an everlasting bond. Kittens should only have treats once they become used to a solid food diet, usually around eight to 10 weeks. They also won’t react to catnip treats until they reach six months to one year of age. Try not to overfeed your cat treats, only giving them when they especially deserve that tasty snack. 

Whether they prefer the savory flavors of bacon and cheese or lighter flavors, such as salmon and turkey, we offer many delicious tastes and forms, including: 

Cat Carriers

When picking up your new best friend, you need a cat carrier to safely transport them home. Having a carrier on hand also allows for secure travel when taking kittens to the vet or on adventures with you. It should be large enough for them to stand up and move around in and have proper ventilation, allowing for breathability as your kitten lounges.

Get cats comfortable with their carriers by leaving it open and with a blanket inside. This allows them to recognize their scent and use the space to relax and hide away. When your cat goes into the carrier on their own, reward them with a treat so they understand that this is a positive space. Whichever way you get them inside, our selection offers reliable options: 

  • Wire: Made with durable wire and offer visibility to pet parents 
  • Plastic: Constructed of easy-to-clean materials, keeping your cat healthy and safe 
  • Soft-sided: Made with soft, comfortable materials that keep kittens secure in many conditions
  • Collapsible: Become compacts when not in use for simple storage
  • Washable: Easy to keep sanitary for your beloved kitty 
  • Water-resistant: Keeps them dry and offers durability against spills and wet weather 
  • Zippered: Allows easy kitten retrieval during vet visits 
  • Airline-approved: Makes plane travel convenient for you and safe for cats 

In our range of cat containment options, you can also find convenient removable accessories, such as pans for easy cleaning, dividers and covers for versatile carrying and carry handles for comfortable transport. Alternatively, our cat totes and slings provide another simple, portable replacement to a crate. 

When purchasing a new carrier for your kitten, it may take them some time to get used to their new space. It’s important to give them time to become familiar with their crate, making it easier to travel when the time comes. 

Cat Bedding

Did you know kittens can sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day? While this may seem like a lot, cats require this much sleep to promote good health and growth. Every pet parent wants their kitty to feel comfortable and safe. Having the right cat bed setup can help achieve this as they adjust to their new environment, giving them a designated space to retreat to when they want to relax and unwind.

Before purchasing a cat bed, you should consider its size and design, if it matches your home decor and if it’s suitable and cozy for your kitten. It’s easy to find a space for them to rest in our selection of beds, which includes constructions such as: 

  • Round: Allows cats to curl up into a ball  
  • Square: Provides the space for them to stretch out and lounge
  • Furniture-style: Blends well with existing furniture while giving them somewhere to relax with the family 
  • Heated: Provides enhanced warmth on cold days with bed and pad styles
  • Travel: Great for taking your kitten to the vet or on other adventures
  • Memory foam: Offers exceptional cushioning for more restful lounging 

Cat Furniture

Stimulate all your kitten’s senses by getting them a cat tree or condo, which feature perches, tunnels, scratchers and other toys to promote relaxation and play. This gives kitties an area to climb, play and scratch – all natural instincts that make felines happy. 

When shopping for cat trees, you should find one that’s taller than your tallest furniture piece. You should also ensure the cat tree you choose has perches, giving furry friends plentiful options for finding the perfect lounging space. Discover other fun cat tree features, including: 

  • Tunnels: Let them burrow and explore like they might in the wild 
  • Built-in toys: Give furry friends endless entertainment in one area with chasers and teasers and other playthings
  • Cat scratchers: Help relieve their natural scratching instincts 

If you don’t have the space for a towering cat tree, consider our smaller feline furniture options, such as cat houses, window perches or wall shelves. For example, our standalone scratching posts give kittens a designated area to satisfy their natural urges, and having multiple scratchers and posts around your home ensures no shortage of fun and stimulation. If you’d like your kitty to get some fresh air in a safe and secure environment, opt for one of our catios.

Cat Toys

Kittens are incredibly energetic, spending much of their time playing with toys, scratching or doing other activities. Because of this, you should have enough toys and supplies to help stimulate their instincts, allowing them to continue learning new skills. 

Whether you’re looking for something bouncy and stuffing-free or something that crinkles, chirps or squeaks, cat toys help get their curiosity and energy out, satisfying their natural urges and preventing boredom. 

While many cats find joy in simple household items, such as hair ties or cardboard boxes, you shouldn’t let them play with them. These objects can potentially fall apart, leaving your furry feline at risk of swallowing small, loose parts. Toys made for kittens are durably built to keep stuffing and other components in, keeping cats safe from choking hazards. 

From tunnels to chasers and teasers, check out some options for a playful kitty in our inventory: 

  • Toy scratchers: Provide the opportunity to flex their nails and move around the room as they scratch and rub against them 
  • Interactive toys: Offer stimulation through puzzle-solving or motion-activated enjoyment, which entices their need to hunt 
  • Electronic cat toys: Invite fun for the whole family with lasers and similar gadgets 
  • Plush and mice toys: Comfortable, soft materials are gentle on small teeth to give your kitten a cuddly companion.  

Cat Collars and ID Tags

Just like our other pets, cats need collars and ID tags for easy identification in the event they become lost. Having one can make an easy and quick reunion with your kitty possible. The ID tag should have your kitten’s name, as well as your name and personal information, such as your phone number and address. 

If there’s room on the ID tag, you should also consider adding their microchip number, making it easy to track and identify your cat if they ever go missing. In some cases, it may make sense to add additional notes or instructions, such as “Do Not Feed” for outdoor pets.  

Collars not only provide vital information about your cat, but they also show off your and your cat’s personalities. From season to season, you can choose holiday designs for festive flair, from patriotic and Halloween options. Alternatively, your kitten can cheer on your favorite professional sports teams with choices featuring team logos and colors.  

Breakaway-style collars are ideal for kittens, as they easily disconnect if they become stuck, which can prevent injury. Other collar safety features in our inventory include slip-on and high-visibility constructions. 

Cat Grooming Supplies

While cats self-groom by licking themselves, humans still need the right grooming accessories to properly care for their fuzzy companions. For example, you’ll have to trim your cat’s nails with clippers, grinders or files, so their little claws don’t catch onto fabrics or other materials. 

You should start trimming their nails when they reach about four weeks old. Smaller clipper sizes are often more convenient, as you can easily move around with wiggly kittens. From their nails to their coat, we’re here to help cat owners find everything they need, whether it’s time for a waterless bath or a good brushing or combing. 

Kitten Supplements, Vitamins, Medications and Vaccines 

If you’re looking to give your new pal a wellness boost, or they need kitten milk replacement, look no further than our stock. Find a complete range of health and wellness products for kittens, including:

Frequently Asked Questions About Owning a Kitten

How much food/water should I give my new kitten?

Before giving your kitten food and water, you should research the type of food you have. This can give you a better idea as to how much you should feed your kitten. However, you should always ask your veterinarian for more specific feeding instructions for your cat’s size and breed. Kittens require at least two ounces of water per 2.5 pounds of body weight per day. 

Kittens should eat multiple small meals per day, catering to their abundant energy levels and keeping them satisfied. Your cat’s dietary needs will change as they grow, so make sure to follow your vet’s specific instructions to give your furry feline the nutrients they need to thrive as they grow older. 

What is the best way to transition my kitten into their new home?

When first bringing your cat home, you should keep them in a small room with everything they need, such as their food and water, cat toys and a bed. This allows them to gradually adjust to their new environment and you. 

After spending some time with them and forming the beginnings of a bond, you can begin letting them roam other areas of your house. During this time, you can also start introducing your kitten to other family members and pets. If your kitten wants some space though, make sure you give it to them. 

To make adjustments easier and less anxiety-inducing for your furry friend, consider purchasing anxiety-calming products specifically formulated for cats. While young kittens shouldn’t be taking any sort of vitamin or supplement, you can find other products to promote calming and relaxation. For example, cat anxiety calming diffusers release natural pheromones for calmness during transitions. 

How long will it take for my cat to adjust to their new environment?

There is no telling how long it will take for your cat to get used to their new home. However, slowly introducing them to new areas and family members can ease and simplify their transition. You should also show them any potentially frightening house features, including busy streetways outside windows or noisy appliances, to ensure they stay away. 

Usually, the first three days will be the most stressful for kittens. They become more and more relaxed over the coming weeks and months. Eventually, they will settle into your daily routine. By three months, cats should feel fully comfortable in their new environment. However, each cat is different, so don’t be concerned if it takes a little longer to adjust. 

What daily care tasks do I have to complete for my kitten?

The most important task as a kitten owner is ensuring your furry friend has enough food and water to get through their day. Your list of daily care tasks may become longer, ranging from regular tooth cleaning to hair brushing, as they grow older. 

As your kitten adjusts to their new life, it can help to keep to a regular routine for feeding, napping and playtime. This can ease anxiety for adjusting felines, as they know exactly what happens next in their day. Additionally, you should implement a grooming schedule, brushing both long-haired and short-haired cats at least once a week. 

Part of their grooming involves regular nail treatment. Scratching posts grind nails naturally, keeping them short and maintained. However, you’ll still have to trim their nails frequently, clipping them when you notice they are too long. You can complete nail trimmings at home or take your kitten to your local groomer or vet’s office to keep their paws safe and healthy.

Should I feed my kitten wet food or dry food?

The type of food you feed your cat depends entirely on their preferences and tastes. Some kittens may have trouble chewing and digesting hard bites. In this case, you’ll want to give them wet food. You can also mix wet meals with dry food to give them all the nutrients they need. You should read food labels and check with your veterinarian to determine how much to feed your kitten.

What kind of veterinary care does my kitten need?

Regardless of your kitten’s condition, you should make an appointment with your local vet as soon as you bring them home. They need regular veterinarian care, especially within their first year living with you. They often require vaccinations and medications, such as rabies and distemper, for early prevention of certain diseases and to stay healthy and happy. 

Your new kitten will need about five vet visits before their first birthday, including wellness checkups, vaccine boosters and plans for spay/neuter appointments. Your vet may also recommend regular heartworm and flea medications, which you can find in our selection.

If you’ve never owned a cat before, it can be helpful to ask friends and family for vet recommendations or browse online reviews for local veterinarian offices. Many offices specialize in cat care or promote a fear-free environment to ensure they remain comfortable throughout their visit.  

During their first vet appointment, your kitten will undergo a physical examination to check how they are growing. They’ll also receive their necessary vaccinations, along with other tests, if necessary. Vets may recommend tests, such as bloodwork or fecal samples, to determine if your pet has any underlying diseases or parasites. After your feline companion turns one, they only need to visit the vet once a year. 

You should ask your vet about a microchip during your furry friend’s first appointment – do they already have a microchip? Or do they still need one? This is a small device inserted between your cat’s shoulder blades, featuring a unique number. This number links to your name, address and phone number, meaning you can easily be reunited with your kitty if they ever become lost. 

How do I know to take my cat to the vet?

Alongside their regular checkups, there may be other times when your cat needs to visit the vet, such as when they’re sick. To determine if they may be sick, you should pay attention to their behavior and any changes you notice, including:

  • Excessive meowing or licking
  • Lower energy levels
  • Nose discharge
  • Weight loss
  • Rapid breathing
  • Increased shedding
  • Problems using their litter box 

Any changes in behavior can be a sign of illness or infection. It’s important to make an appointment with your local vet if you notice these symptoms, getting them the treatment they need so they can feel better.

What is the best way to introduce gentle kitten play to my kids?

Playtime is essential for allowing kittens to burn off energy, stay healthy and develop strong bones and muscles. However, it’s just as crucial for socialization, especially when getting all family members involved. 

When children play with cats, they may not understand that some things can hurt or make them upset. You must teach them how to safely care for kittens so everyone in your household can be comfortable – including new furry friends. To start, you should teach kids not to chase or grab kitties or pull their tails. You should also inform them that when cats hide or hiss, this means they want to be left alone. 

How do I train my kitten?

Kittens have sharp teeth and claws – and oftentimes, they don’t understand the power or impact their teeth and claws can have. They will also naturally cause mischief when they enter a new home, becoming used to their surroundings and their own skills and capabilities. When cats inevitably bite or scratch something by accident, you shouldn’t punish them by yelling. Instead, redirect their attention to acceptable behavior. 

For example, if kitties start scratching floors or furniture, take them to their scratching post. If they start playing with household items, such as plastic bags, hair ties or phone chargers, replace them with their own collection of toys. Make sure to reward cats for scratching and playing with their own toys, as this will enforce good behavior.

How should I introduce my new kitten to other pets?

Introducing your new cat to other pets should be done slowly, giving time to let both animals become familiar with each other’s scents. While new kittens stay in their own room, both pets will sniff at each other from either side of the closed door. After a few days, if you don’t notice signs of aggression, kittens and existing pets can begin co-mingling in the home. To start, let your new feline friend roam and explore other areas to become used to it, while other pets become used to their scent. 

To ease the transition, you can try putting your new kitten in a carrier and bringing it to the middle of a room, allowing cats and other pets to sniff each other from behind the crate door. If your new companion is not aggressive toward the other animals, they can interact fully. You should let cats become used to other pets in their own time – never try to force an interaction. If cats show aggressive behaviors, keep them separated until they become more comfortable with each other.

What’s the best way to care for an outdoor cat?

While outdoor cats can thrive outside, there are still precautions you should take to ensure their health and safety. First, you should wait until your kitten is spayed or neutered and fully updated on their vaccines before letting them outside. They should also be microchipped and have a collar with their name. Some cat owners add GPS trackers to their cat’s collar setup so they can easily find them. 

Outdoor cats should also have access to food and water, as well as comfortable spots to sleep, such as shaded areas or a heated cat house for winter. If you want your indoor kitty to still experience the fresh air, train them to wear harnesses or leashes to take them on walks and explore nature. 

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Let Tractor Supply Help You Prepare for Your New Kitten

From cat litter to food to toys, we offer anything you need to care for your new kitten with ease. Whether you’re home to multiple cats or adopting your first furry friend, knowing how to care for these creatures is essential to their health and well-being. Our team can assist with finding the right products for your kitten, allowing you to give them exactly what they need for a lifetime of joy. To learn more about our kitten supplies, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.