New kitten checklist for the first 10 days
Prepare one quiet room for a kitten's first 10 days. Start with the same food and litter used before the move, then make any changes gradually with veterinary guidance.
What to get
Current kitten food
Ask the shelter, breeder, or foster for the brand and daily amount.
10 days of measured portions
Food bowl
1
Water bowl
1
Open litter boxes
2
Current familiar litter
Use the type the kitten already knows during the transition.
Two fills at the usual box depth + 10 days of top-ups
Litter scoop
1
Litter mats
2
Hard-sided carrier
Check that the door latches and label it with your phone number.
1
Breakaway collar
1
ID tag with phone number
1
Vertical scratching post
1
Cardboard scratchers
2
Interactive wand toy
Put it away after supervised play.
1
Small solo-play toys
Do not leave string, ribbon, elastic, or toys with swallowable small parts out for unsupervised play.
3
Washable blankets
2
Enzymatic pet cleaner
32 fl oz
Veterinary records
Include vaccine, parasite treatment, medication, and feeding information.
1 copy
Veterinary clinic contact
Arrange the first visit on the schedule recommended by the clinic.
1 saved contact
Microchip registration check
Register or update the chip number and confirm the listed phone number.
1
Who this list is for
This checklist is for anyone welcoming a new kitten into their home, especially if the kitten is coming from a shelter, breeder, or another household. It’s designed for the first 10 days, when kittens need a stable, low-stress setup in one quiet room. If you’re a first-time kitten owner, or you want to avoid common pitfalls, this list covers the basics to get your new arrival settled.
How to use this list
Start by preparing a quiet, closed-off room before the kitten arrives. Gather all items on the list in advance. Use your kitten’s current food and litter for at least the first week, as sudden changes can cause digestive upset. Place the food bowl and water bowl on one side of the room, and set up two open litter boxes with familiar litter on the opposite side. Lay down litter mats to catch stray granules. Keep the hard-sided carrier nearby for vet visits or emergencies. Attach the breakaway collar and ID tag only if your vet recommends it. Set up a vertical scratching post and cardboard scratchers. Bring in an interactive wand toy and a few small toys for solo play.
Common mistakes
People often skip using the same food or litter the kitten is used to, leading to stomach issues or accidents. Don’t use covered litter boxes at first—open boxes are less intimidating. Avoid overwhelming your kitten by introducing them to the whole house too soon. Don’t skip the hard-sided carrier, as cardboard boxes are not secure for transport. Resist the urge to buy too many toys right away; a few well-chosen ones are enough.
What is on this list
You’ll need 10 days’ worth of your kitten’s current food, a food bowl, water bowl, and two open litter boxes with enough familiar litter for daily top-ups. A litter scoop and two mats keep things tidy. The hard-sided carrier is for safe travel. Essentials like a breakaway collar and ID tag are for identification. For enrichment, you’ll want a vertical scratching post, two cardboard scratchers, an interactive wand toy, and three small toys. Cross off anything you already own, but double-check that items are clean and in good condition.
After the visit
After the first 10 days, gradually introduce your kitten to other rooms and family members. If you plan to switch food or litter, do so slowly and with your vet’s input. Clean and sanitize bowls and litter boxes regularly. Check that the collar fits as your kitten grows. Replace worn-out scratchers and toys as needed. Keep the carrier accessible for future vet trips.
FAQ
Who is "New kitten checklist for the first 10 days" for?
This checklist is for anyone welcoming a new kitten into their home, especially if the kitten is coming from a shelter, breeder, or another household. It’s designed for the first 10 days, when kittens need a stable, low-stress setup in one quiet room. If you’re a first-time kitten owner, or you want to avoid common pitfalls, this list covers the basics to g…
How should I use "New kitten checklist for the first 10 days"?
Start by preparing a quiet, closed-off room before the kitten arrives. Gather all items on the list in advance. Use your kitten’s current food and litter for at least the first week, as sudden changes can cause digestive upset. Place the food bowl and water bowl on one side of the room, and set up two open litter boxes with familiar litter on the opposite s…
What should I skip or avoid with "New kitten checklist for the first 10 days"?
People often skip using the same food or litter the kitten is used to, leading to stomach issues or accidents. Don’t use covered litter boxes at first—open boxes are less intimidating. Avoid overwhelming your kitten by introducing them to the whole house too soon. Don’t skip the hard-sided carrier, as cardboard boxes are not secure for transport. Resist the…
What is on the "New kitten checklist for the first 10 days" list?
You’ll need 10 days’ worth of your kitten’s current food, a food bowl, water bowl, and two open litter boxes with enough familiar litter for daily top-ups. A litter scoop and two mats keep things tidy. The hard-sided carrier is for safe travel. Essentials like a breakaway collar and ID tag are for identification. For enrichment, you’ll want a vertical scrat…
What should I do when I am done?
After the first 10 days, gradually introduce your kitten to other rooms and family members. If you plan to switch food or litter, do so slowly and with your vet’s input. Clean and sanitize bowls and litter boxes regularly. Check that the collar fits as your kitten grows. Replace worn-out scratchers and toys as needed. Keep the carrier accessible for future…
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.