HappyPatas

Kitten checklist

I. Before Bringing Your Kitten Home:

• Research & Preparation:
  • [ ] Schedule a vet appointment for shortly after arrival.
  • [ ] Kitten-proof your home (hide wires, secure cabinets, remove toxic plants).
  • [ ] Prepare a designated “safe space” for your kitten.
• Essential Supplies:
  • [ ] High-quality kitten food (wet and dry).
  • [ ] Food and water bowls (stainless steel or ceramic).
  • [ ] Litter box (large enough for an adult cat).
  • [ ] Kitten-safe litter (non-clumping for young kittens).
  • [ ] Scoop for litter box.
  • [ ] Cat carrier.
  • [ ] Scratching post or pad.
  • [ ] Variety of kitten-safe toys.
  • [ ] Kitten bed or cozy blanket.
  • [ ] Kitten nail clippers.
  • [ ] Kitten brush or comb.
  • [ ] Kitten-safe shampoo (if needed).
  • [ ] First-aid kit (including pet-specific items).

II. First Few Days:

• Arrival & Acclimation:
  • [ ] Transport kitten home in the carrier.
  • [ ] Introduce kitten to their safe space.
  • [ ] Allow kitten to explore at their own pace.
  • [ ] Provide access to food, water, and litter box.
  • [ ] Give the kitten time to adjust to your voice, and scents.
  • [ ] Limit initial interactions with other pets/children.
• Health & Safety:
  • [ ] Schedule the first vet appointment.
  • [ ] Observe kitten’s eating, drinking, and litter box habits.
  • [ ] Watch for signs of illness or distress.

III. Ongoing Care:

• Feeding & Nutrition:
  • [ ] Feed kitten a consistent, age-appropriate diet.
  • [ ] Provide fresh water daily.
  • [ ] Establish a regular feeding schedule.
• Litter Box Maintenance:
  • [ ] Scoop litter box daily.
  • [ ] Clean litter box thoroughly weekly.
  • [ ] Maintain a clean litter box area.
• Grooming:
  • [ ] Brush kitten regularly.
  • [ ] Trim nails as needed.
  • [ ] Bathe only when necessary.
• Play & Interaction:
  • [ ] Engage in daily interactive play sessions.
  • [ ] Provide a variety of toys for solo play.
  • [ ] Cuddle and bond with your kitten.
• Health & Wellness:
  • [ ] Follow vet’s recommendations for vaccinations and deworming.
  • [ ] Schedule regular vet checkups.
  • [ ] Monitor for any changes in behavior or health.
  • [ ] Socialize the kitten to other animals and humans.
• Training & Behavior:
  • [ ] Begin litter box training immediately.
  • [ ] Use positive reinforcement for training.
  • [ ] Teach your kitten to use a scratching post.
  • [ ] Discourage biting and scratching of hands.
  • [ ] Socialize the kitten to sounds, people, and other animals.