New Kitten Checklist - pawprints.love

📋 Kitten Information

Kitten's Name

Breed

Date of Birth / Age

Gotcha Day

Breeder/Rescue Contact

🛒 Essential Supplies

Food & water bowls (shallow dishes work best for kittens)
Kitten food (same brand as breeder/rescue for transition)
Kittens need kitten-specific food until 12 months old
Litter box (low sides for easy entry)
Cat litter (unscented clumping is often recommended)
Litter scoop
Cat carrier
Scratching post or pad
Essential for healthy claws and to protect furniture
Soft bed or cozy blanket
Collar with ID tag (breakaway style)
Interactive toys (feather wands, balls, crinkle toys)
Brush for grooming
Nail clippers (kitten-sized)
Cat treats

🏠 Kitten-Proofing Your Home

Secure electrical cords and blind cords
Remove toxic plants
Lilies are extremely toxic to cats — even small amounts can cause kidney failure
Store chemicals, medications, and cleaning supplies securely
Check for small spaces they could get stuck in
Secure screens on windows
Keep toilet lids closed
Put away string, yarn, rubber bands, and small objects
Check washer/dryer before using (kittens love to hide!)
Keep trash cans covered

⚠️ Toxic Foods to Keep Away Onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine, grapes/raisins, alcohol, xylitol, raw eggs, raw meat/fish, dairy (many cats are lactose intolerant)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Preparing Children

Teach gentle handling (support the body, no squeezing)
Explain that kittens need lots of sleep — don't disturb
Practice calm, quiet movements and voices
Show how to use toys (not hands) for play
Using hands as toys teaches biting behavior
Set rules: no chasing, no pulling tail, no cornering
Teach reading cat body language (flat ears = unhappy)
Assign age-appropriate responsibilities

💡 Pro Tip Always supervise young children with kittens. Teach kids that if the kitten hides or walks away, they should let them go — forcing interaction builds fear.

🩺 Vet & Health

Vet's Name

Vet's Phone

Schedule first vet visit (within 48-72 hours)
Gather vaccination records
Discuss spay/neuter timeline (usually 4-6 months)
Ask about microchipping
Discuss flea prevention
Ask about deworming schedule

🏡 Setting Up a Safe Space

Start with one small room (bathroom or spare bedroom)
A whole house can be overwhelming at first
Place litter box away from food/water
Provide hiding spots (boxes, cat caves)
Include a scratching surface
Keep food, water, and bed in the safe room

🏠 The 3-3-3 Rule 3 days to decompress • 3 weeks to learn your routine • 3 months to feel at home

📅 First Week Goals

Day 1: Keep calm. Let them explore the safe room. Don't force interaction.
Days 2-3: Sit quietly in the room. Let them come to you. Offer treats.
Days 4-5: Begin gentle play sessions. Handle them briefly.
Days 6-7: Gradually open up more of the house under supervision.
Introduce to other pets slowly and through scent first.

🐱 Bringing Your New Kitten Home