December 07, 2023
Iryna Imago / Shutterstock.com
Bringing home a new kitten? You’ll need more than just food and litter. I once adopted a new cat and brought her home, only to realize I had forgotten toys! She had to release her kitten energy that first day playing with household objects—and kittens have a ton of energy.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top ten essential products every new kitten needs, as well as a bonus recommendation that may make your life just a little bit easier.
At a Glance: The 10 Best Products for New Kittens To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Recipe Canned Food
- Provides over 54% dry matter protein
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
- Smooth, easy-to-chew texture
Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes
- Made with a single animal-based ingredient
- Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids
- Low in calories, easy to break into pieces
Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Cat Toothbrush
- Dual-ended design for kittens and adult cats
- Ergonomically angled brush heads
- Long handle for easy maneuverability
Pet Fit for Life 5-Piece Squiggly Worm Wand Cat Toy
- Durable fiberglass rod and nylon rope
- Comes with five colorful wiggle worms
- Clasp make it easy to swap out toys
Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush
- Two sides for grooming and detangling
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable use
- Wire pins have rounded safety tips
Frisco High-Sided Litter Box
- High sides help contain litter box mess
- Lowered entry improves access for kittens
- Sturdy design, easy to carry
Frisco 42-Inch Heavy-Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
- Provides space to hide, climb, and play
- Sisal-wrapped supports withstand scratching
- Sturdy square base provides stability
Frisco 33.5-inch Sisal Cat Scratching Post
- Wrapped in durable sisal for scratching
- Sturdy double-layer base improves stability
- Tall enough to enable a full-body stretch
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Hooded Cat Bed
- Ideal size and shape for kittens to cuddle up in
- Removable hood offers privacy, if desired
- Metalized insulation reflects body heat
Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel
- Sturdy plastic construction with two doors
- No fabric to snag sharp kitten claws
- Top-load option for easy access to your kitten
Why Trust Cats.com
Not only have I spent the past four years researching cat care and testing a wide range of products, but I’ve been a cat owner myself for over a decade. I adopted two of my cats, Bagel and Munchkin, when they were just three months old. I’ve also fostered several kittens for my local animal rescue over the years.
Drawing on my personal experience raising kittens and the insight I’ve gained testing products and writing in-depth reviews for Cats.com, I selected ten products I recommend for new kittens. While not an exhaustive list, the product categories I chose to highlight are essential for creating a safe, secure, and healthy environment for a new kitten.
The Top 10 Products for New Kittens in 2024
We consider a variety of factors when making product recommendations and these particular picks are influenced by my personal experience. However, every kitten has their own individual needs and preferences.
While the ten products below are some of our top recommendations, they may not be ideal for your unique kitten. To help you stock up on the essentials as a new kitten owner, we’ve broken down our recommendations into categories by product type.
#1 Best Kitten Food: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Recipe Canned Food
Balanced and species-appropriate nutrition is the key to raising a healthy kitten. This Wellness CORE formula features a protein-rich blend of turkey and chicken muscle meat as well as fresh herring. It’s also energy-dense to support your kitten’s growth and development, providing about 36 calories per ounce.
In addition to plenty of animal-sourced protein, this recipe contains menhaden fish oil as a biologically appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids. DHA, in particular, is essential for healthy brain and eye development in kittens.
With its smooth pate texture and high moisture content, this kitten food is a hydrating choice that is easy to chew for kittens of all ages. As a multi-protein formula, it may help your kitten get used to different flavors at an early age.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Herring, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Kelp, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Provides over 54% dry matter protein
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
- Smooth, easy-to-chew texture
- Good source of hydrating moisture
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum may trigger loose stools in some kittens
- Fairly expensive, costs over $0.50/ounce
#2 Best Kitten Treats: Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes
Whether you’re working to bond with your new kitten or trying to encourage desired behaviors, an irresistible treat is essential. These dried bonito flakes have a strong aroma to capture your kitten’s attention and they’re thinly shaved, which makes them easy to break into pieces.
Made with a single ingredient—dried bonito—these kitten treats are packed with species-appropriate protein. They’re also higher in moisture than the typical crunchy cat treats and provide animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids. You can even use them as a food topper to ease your kitten through a food transition.
Ingredients
100% Dried Bonito.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single animal-based ingredient
- Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids
- Low in calories, easy to break into pieces
- Strong aroma is highly enticing to cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Product may crumble if not handled properly
- Fairly expensive
#3 Best Toothbrush: Vetoquinol Enzadent Dual-Ended Cat Toothbrush
Dental disease is incredibly common in cats, affecting as many as 90% of cats over the age of three. By starting a daily tooth brushing routine while your kitten is young, you can protect their oral health and save yourself the headache of trying to get an older cat used to the toothbrush.
This dual-ended toothbrush works well for cats of all ages. The smaller end is perfectly sized for smaller mouths, while the larger end works for adult cats. It has a long handle, giving you plenty of room to maneuver with, and the brush heads are ergonomically angled for convenience.
The bristles on this cat toothbrush are nice and soft, so they won’t hurt your kitten’s sensitive gums or developing teeth.
What We Liked:
- Dual-ended design for kittens and adult cats
- Ergonomically angled brush heads
- Long handle for easy maneuverability
- Soft bristles won’t irritate sensitive kitten gums
What We Didn’t Like:
- Handle may be too long for some users
#4 Best Kitten Toy: Pet Fit for Life 5-Piece Squiggly Worm Wand Cat Toy
Play serves numerous essential functions for a growing kitten. Not only do interactive play sessions create an opportunity for you to bond with your kitten, but they also provide much-needed exercise and mental stimulation. A wand toy like this triggers your kitten’s hunting instincts, driving them to chase, pounce, and swat.
This toy consists of a shatter-resistant fiberglass pole and a nylon string that won’t stretch or fray. It comes with a set of five colorful wiggle worms that move erratically with a quick swish or flick of the wand. If your kitten isn’t interested in the worms, Pet Fit For Life offers a wide array of wand attachments ranging from plush toys to feathers.
What We Liked:
- Durable fiberglass rod and nylon rope
- Comes with five colorful wiggle worms
- Clasp makes it easy to swap out toys
- Perfect for interactive play sessions
What We Didn’t Like:
- Soft worms may not withstand chewing
#5 Best Kitten Brush: Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush
Like toothbrushing, it’s important to get your kitten used to grooming early in life. Regular brushing helps distribute the natural oils produced by glands in your kitten’s skin that keep their coat healthy. A quick grooming session also provides a chance to bond with your kitten.
This combination brush features soft, closely spaced bristles on one side and stainless-steel pins on the other. The soft bristles help smooth your kitten’s coat, while the wire pins help remove tangles and loose fur.
When you first start grooming your kitten, they may find the soft bristles more comfortable—soothing, even. Once your kitten gets used to being brushed, you can try the other side. Just pay attention to your kitten’s body language and stop if they become overstimulated.
What We Liked:
- Two sides for grooming and detangling
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable use
- Wire pins have rounded safety tips
What We Didn’t Like:
- May work better for short than long fur
- May be too small for large adult cats
#6 Best Litter Box For Kittens: Frisco High-Sided Litter Box
Kittens typically learn how to use the litter box from their mothers, so you may not need to do much litter box training yourself. You should, however, ensure that your kitten’s litter box (ideally multiple litter boxes) is easily accessible.
This sturdy litter box from Frisco is generously sized for kittens and features high walls to contain litter scatter and urine spray. A lowered entry point makes it easy for your kitten to get in and out. When it’s time for cleaning, the heavy plastic materials are easy to wipe down and a rolled edge around the top improves stability for carrying purposes.
What We Liked:
- High sides help contain litter box mess
- Lowered entry improves access for kittens
- Sturdy design, easy to carry
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some litter may escape out the lowered front
- Takes up a lot of floor space
#7 Best Cat Tree For Kittens: Frisco 42″ Heavy-Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo
As natural-born predators, many cats feel most secure when they’re high off the ground. Providing your kitten with a cat tree may help them feel safer in their new home, and it gives them a special place to call their own.
This heavy-duty cat tree from Frisco measures 42″ tall at its highest point. It features an enclosed hideaway at ground level with two elevated perches. The flat surfaces are covered with soft faux fur and the support posts are wrapped in durable sisal rope for scratching.
What We Liked:
- Provides space to hide, climb, and play
- Sisal-wrapped supports withstand scratching
- Sturdy square base provides stability
- Bed on top is removable and washable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Larger breeds may eventually outgrow it
- Soft material may accumulate fur over time
#8 Best Scratching Post For Kittens: Frisco 33.5″ Sisal Cat Scratching Post
Just like climbing, scratching is an instinctual and functional behavior for kittens. Not only is it a form of healthy exercise and mental stimulation, but it also helps them shed the rough outer layers of their claws as they grow. Teaching your kitten to use a scratching post may help protect the soft furnishings in your home.
This 33.5″ scratching post from Frisco may appear too big for kittens, but the height offers an important advantage. It enables your kitten to achieve a full-length stretch as they scratch, even as they achieve their adult size.
Available in three colors, this scratching post is wrapped in durable sisal rope with a soft material on the base and top. A double layer of baseboard on the bottom provides stability—it’s even sturdy enough for your kitten to perch on top.
What We Liked:
- Wrapped in durable sisal for scratching
- Sturdy double-layer base improves stability
- Tall enough to enable a full-body stretch
What We Didn’t Like:
- Soft fabric covering the base may shred over time
- May take training to teach your kitten how to use it
#9 Best Bed For Kittens: K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Hooded Cat Bed
When you first bring your kitten home, be sure to have a safe, quiet space ready for them. Some kittens will be curious and eager to explore their new environment while others may prefer to hide until they feel more comfortable. A cozy cat bed is a must-have for kittens.
This hooded cat bed features 6″ walls so your kitten can curl up for comfort. The removable hood provides additional privacy and security, while a plush cushion creates a cozy spot to snuggle. A layer of metalized insulation inside the bed reflects your kitten’s body heat, delivering a self-warming effect that nervous kittens may find soothing.
What We Liked:
- Ideal size and shape for kittens to cuddle up in
- Removable hood offers privacy if desired
- Metalized insulation reflects body heat
- Soft cushion on the bottom enhances comfort
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some kittens may not like the enclosed design
- Soft material may accumulate fur over time
#10 Best Carrier For Kittens: Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel
Kittens need multiple rounds of booster shots, so you may find yourself ferrying them back and forth to the vet. You’ll need a sturdy carrier to keep your kitten safe—one that is easy to get them in and out of.
This two-door pet kennel is durably constructed from rigid plastic with steel wire doors on the front and top. The top-load option makes it easy to lift your kitten out of the carrier, saving them the additional stress of you reaching in after them. Holes all the way around the carrier ensure proper ventilation.
Available in two sizes and four colors, this carrier accommodates cats weighing up to 20 pounds. There’s generally no need to purchase a small carrier just for a kitten who is going to grow—you may as well start out with the larger of the two sizes.
What We Liked:
- Sturdy plastic construction with two doors
- No fabric to snag sharp kitten claws
- Top-load option for easy access to your kitten
- Plenty of ventilation for comfort
What We Didn’t Like:
- Hasn’t been crash-tested
- May not work well for airline transport
#11 BONUS: Litter Genie Plus Cat Litter Disposal System
While many of the products on this list will help encourage healthy kitten behavior, it’s equally important for you to develop good habits as a cat owner. Scooping the litter box daily is an absolute necessity. If the litter box isn’t kept clean, your kitten may decide to go elsewhere.
I’m more likely to scoop the litter box regularly when I don’t have to carry dirty litter around the house to dispose of it. I keep a Litter Genie next to each litter box so I can scoop waste directly into it and empty it out weekly.
The Litter Genie Plus Cat Litter Disposal system holds up to 14 days of dirty litter. The unique five-layer bag combined with the Push-N-Lock system seals away odor and germs. It also comes with a litter scoop and an attached holder.
What We Liked:
- Holds up to 14 days of dirty litter
- Helps contain odor and germs
- Eliminates trips to and from the trash
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requires the use of branded bag refills
- Takes up additional floor space near the litter box
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies should I get for a kitten?
On top of the basics like food and a litter box, you need supplies to help your kitten feel more at home. A cozy bed provides your kitten with a secure place to sleep. Cat trees, toys, and scratching posts let your kitten engage in healthy and instinctive feline behaviors. Don’t forget about products to keep your kitten safe like a carrier for vet visits.
How do you bond with a new kitten?
Create a daily routine that includes scheduled meal times, litter box maintenance, and play sessions. The more predictable their routine, the sooner your kitten will feel secure in their new home. Use tasty treats and interactive toys to encourage your kitten to engage with you, keeping all interactions as calm and positive as possible.
How long does it take a kitten to adjust to a new home?
The adjustment period for a new kitten can take a few days to a few weeks. A stable routine will help your kitten settle in, but factors such as age, personality, and previous experiences may come into play. Be patient with your kitten and allow them to set their own time frame for adjustment.
