Kitten Essentials Checklist: Vet-Approved Must-Haves for Your Home

There is nothing quite like the tiny meows and playfulness of a new kitten. But while they may be small, kittens have big requirements when it comes to their health and home environment.

At Vets Love Pets, we want to help you nurture your kitten so it grows into a confident, healthy cat. From kitten safety to specialised nutrition, here is our expert-led guide to preparing for your kittenʼs arrival.

Ready to start checking items off your list? Download our Free Printable Kitten Essentials Checklist

Kittens are "vertical explorers" and expert hiders. Setting up their environment correctly is the first step to a happy cat.

• The "Safe Room": When you first bring a kitten home, start them in one quiet room with their food, water, and litter. This prevents them from becoming overwhelmed by a large house.
• Cat Tree & Scratching Posts: Scratching is a biological necessity, not a choice. Provide a sturdy scratching post (vertical) and a cardboard scratcher (horizontal) to save your sofa.
• Cosy Beds: Kittens love to feel enclosed. A "cave" style bed or a high-sided donut bed provides the warmth and security they crave.
• Vertical Space: Cats feel safest when they are high up. Ensure they have access to a safe shelf or a tall cat tree where they watch from above.

Play is how kittens learn to be predators. Focus on these three types:

• Wand Cat Toys: These allow you to bond with your kitten while keeping your hands safe from "bunny kicks" and scratches.
• Solo Cat Toys: Small mice, crinkle balls, and springs that they can bat around safely while you're busy.
• Food Puzzles for Cats: Kittens are incredibly smart. Using a puzzle feeder mimics "hunting" for their food and prevents boredom.
  
  

Cats are naturally clean animals, but the right setup is key to preventing accidents.

• Cat Litter: Many vets recommend unscented, clumping clay or natural paper/tofu litters. Avoid strong scents, as a kittenʼs nose is very sensitive.
• Litter Tray: Start with a low-sided tray so tiny legs can climb in easily. As they grow, you can transition to a larger or hooded box.
• Litter scoop & Mat: A dedicated litter scoop and a textured mat to catch "litter tracking" will keep your floors much cleaner.

Kittens have much higher energy requirements than adult cats and need specific nutrients for brain and eye development.

• Kitten-Specific Food: Kittens need high-protein, calorie-dense food. Ensure it is labeled "Complete and Balanced for Growth."
• The "Wet vs. Dry" Balance: Vets often recommend a mix. Wet cat food provides vital hydration (as cats have a low thirst drive), while dry kibble for cats is convenient for grazing.
• Water Fountains: Cats often prefer running water. A pet fountain can encourage your kitten to drink more, supporting kidney health later in life.
• Raised, Wide Ceramic or Stainless Bowls: Avoid plastic, which can harbour bacteria and cause "feline acne" on their chins. Cats can get whisker fatigue if their bowl is too enclosed, so ensure you choose an option that gives them breathing room. They also prefer a higher dish, rather than one that is flat to the ground.

Need a hand choosing the right nutrition for your kitten? Check out our vet- approved Best Kitten Food in Australia.

Starting a grooming routine early ensures your cat won't fight the brush (or the vet) later.

• Soft Cat Brush: Even short-haired kittens benefit from weekly brushing to reduce hairballs and shedding.
• Nail Clippers: Get your kitten used to "paws being touched" early. Use cat- specific trimmers to snip just the clear tips of their claws.
• Flea & Worming Treatments: Intestinal worms are very common in kittens. Use a vet- recommended spot-on or tablet treatment starting from the age recommended by your vet.
• Carrier Training: Leave your cat carrier open in the living room with a treat inside. This makes vet trips much less stressful than if the carrier only appears for "scary" outings.

• Vaccinations: Kittens usually require a series of "F3" or "F4" vaccinations to protect against cat flu and enteritis.
• Desexing: Speak to your vet about the best timing for desexing (usually around 4-6 months) to prevent unwanted litters and roaming.
• Microchipping: Ensure your kitten is microchipped and that the registry has your current mobile number.
• Pet Insurance: Kittens are notorious for swallowing string or getting into mischief. Insurance provides peace of mind for those unexpected "curiosity" moments.
  
  

Ready to get started?

Setting your kitten up for success involves creating a safe and predictable environment that allows them to grow. While the list above covers the physical requirements, your most valuable tools will be consistency and routine.

By checking off these essentials early, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time on socialisation and training.

Start checking items off your list. Download our Free Printable Kitten Essentials Checklist