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Welcoming a new kitten to your family is a magical experience. I remember getting ready to bring Percy home 12 years ago - I was excited but also a little overwhelmed and unsure of where to start when it came to preparing my house for this new bundle of fluff. I grew up with cats, but this was the first time I had the sole responsibility of looking after a tiny kitten, and I wanted to give Percy the very best I could afford!

Percy and I when he was eight months old

Knowing what is best for your new kitty can be challenging. To help with your potential choice paralysis, I've created this list of personal recommendations on what to consider buying for your new kitten to ensure a smooth and happy transition into their new home.

Food and Water Bowls

Kittens have little faces, so wide-set and shallow bowls that are sturdy and preferably dishwasher-safe are the way to go. Our Kate Welton hand-thrown stoneware bowls are ideal for young cats. The wide and shallow shape is perfect for kittens, and the charming illustrations add a touch of elegance to your kitty's dinnerware. Do not use plastic bowls; clean your cat's food bowls after each meal and wash their water bowls daily. The following article provides more in-depth information and advice on the best bowl for your cat. Read it here.

Browse our Kate Welton stoneware bowls here.

Kitten-Specific Food

There is such a huge variety of different cat food brands available online that it can be particularly overwhelming and difficult to choose, especially for a new cat owner. From our experience it is best to go by personal recommendations, I feed Percy and Penelope a raw diet from Purrform which is only available in the UK but there will be alternatives in your country. Look for what is right for your kitten according to their age and health and ask your vet for recommendations if you are unsure.

Litter Tray and Litter

Provide a litter tray that is easily accessible for a kitten, either a shallow tray or a tray with steps so your kitten can get in and out with ease. If you have more than one cat, consider getting a litter tray for each cat and place them in quiet and easily accessible areas. Ensure that they have constant access to clean litter and that the tray is cleaned daily and changed weekly. There is a lot of advice out there for different types of litter, for some of my personal recommendations on litter see this article.

Bedding

A cosy and comfortable place to sleep provides your new kitten a sense of security and warmth. Our Cat Cloud® Range is perfect for kittens who love the sumptuous and comforting faux fur material. Whether you choose a thermal bed, furry throw or even an old woollen jumper, consider placing your cat's bedding in a safe and quiet space to which they can retreat as they get used to their new home. We all know how much cats love cardboard boxes, so placing a bed or a blanket in an old delivery box and cutting a kitten-sized entrance hole is a low-cost way of making a safe space for them. If you are considering something larger for snooze spots around your home, our sheepskin rugs or our faux fur Cat Cloud® Throws are a particularly snuggly option loved by our feline customers. Some cats prefer the natural scent of sheep's wool and may be more attracted to that than faux fur, but it is up to personal preference, so you won't know until you try.

Leo and Misty on their Cirrus Pink Bed Check out the complete Cat Cloud® range here.

Toys

Kittens are full of beans and need a wide variety of enrichment and play to keep them stimulated. Our article on Cat Enrichment highlights top tips on keeping your kitty happy and healthy whilst maintaining a strong bond between you and your cat. You will find a selection of high-quality toys in the Cheshire & Wain online store that are ideal for kittens, but there are also many ways to make DIY cat toys on a budget. When Percy was a kitten, he loved chasing a scrunched-up ball of tinfoil, and Penelope was partial to a champagne cork! Never give your cats ribbon, thread or yarn to play with (despite familiar cartoons of cats playing with balls of string). Your kitten could ingest these items which can cause serious issues if they get tangled up inside their body. A popular toy with kittens and young cats is our Chief Mouser Kit. They love the wool felt's texture and the mice's shape and size stimulate their natural hunting instincts.

Collars

If you are thinking of introducing a collar to your kitten, they will need Cheshire & Wain's petite size while they are still growing. Our Reflective collars are a popular choice due to the lightweight and high visibility material. We also have a variety of leather collars in a petite size and our Rococo and Wonderland collars can be personalised with your cat's name or your emergency phone number if your kitten doesn't like wearing an ID tag.

Cat Carriers

A secure and well-ventilated carrier is essential when transporting your kitten to the vet for check-ups or vaccinations. I have tried various carriers and found that simple and functional designs are often the best option as these are needed occasionally, so it's not necessarily worth splashing out on this bit of kit. The one I use for Percy and Penelope is available from Amazon. It's inexpensive and sturdy, and can be dismantled and stacked for easy storage. 

Grooming Supplies

Brushing your kitten's coat (weekly for shorthaired cats and daily for longhaired cats) is a great way to build a bond with them while keeping their coat glossy and healthy. The Pet Teezer Brush is the perfect little brush for cats with short and medium-length fur.

Every kitten is unique, and their individual needs can vary. We hope this article provides helpful information. If you have any concerns or if your kitten has specific medical or physical needs, we recommend consulting your veterinarian for specialised advice. Creating a loving and nurturing environment, along with dedicating time and affection to your kitten, is essential for helping them adjust to their new home. 

For more advice on cat care please explore our journal and consider joining our mailing list. Feel free to fill out our Purrsonal Shopping Form to receive curated product suggestions tailored to your budget and your kitty's personality.