I'm getting my first kitten tonight! I'm so unprepared!?

Question

Someone I work with has kittens, and asked if I wanted one. She said she'd let me know when they were ready to leave their mama. Well, this morning she called and asked if I could come over after work to pick the kitty up. I haven't bought a thing yet, I guess I was thinking I'd have more notice/time. I have 3 hours before I go to work, so I need to get busy. Could anyone help me with a list on what I'll need for the first few weeks? Also, if you have any suggestions on how to bring the kitty home, I don't have a carrier or anything. Do you think a laundry basket would work? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

a laundry basket would work, but you may need a carrier for the future and especially if you need to take this kitten to the vet...which you will most likely want to spay/nueter her/him.  

List of things needed for a kitten:

litter box, p**p scooper

litter (i suggest fresh step - it is the only cat litter i have found that clumps well, and you will want this so you dont have to waste litter by throwing it out)

toys

food, food & water dish

good luck with your kitten!  

Answer 2

ok. you will need:

-cat food

-litter box + litter

-if the cats have their front claws, you will have a lot of trouble. they will scratch the c**p out of everything in your apartment alllllllll the time! if they dont have their claws yet, be prepared for them. get new furniture or move good furniture to rooms that can be closed when your out of the house.

- try to plug up any holes in your house (places like in a garage that a cat can fit into that you either cant see or cant get to) the cat will definately get in there.

-make sure you have a way to avoid them running out of the house or out of windows. they will alway want out.

get some toys for them to play with. just to keep them busy

other than that, youll get used to it. they are very low maintenace compared to dogs so you should be ok.  

Answer 3

I don't know if he/she will stay in a laundry basket just put it as far from you as possible & be ready to stop cause you don't want her near the brakes pedal. Do you have an soda bottle boxes or bottled water see if you can get one from a grocery store & some kitty litter & some kitten food & you don't need anything else. If you want to spend more money you can buy special bowls & a special kitty litter container. For right now this is what you need & you give her some food read the can or box & some water. I don't know if people still give kittens milk it has been years since I have had one.  

Answer 4

you will need:

-kitten food( science diet works great. and depending how old he is you might want to soak any dry food you give him, so that it isnt so hard for him to chew. you could also try kitten dry food)

-a small litter box. make sure that he will be able to get in it

- litter and a pooper scooper

- a bed

- a blanket

- some toys.( i just recently got a kitten and i found that he loves things with feathers on it!)

- a carrier. ( i know that they might be expensive but for trip to the vet and things like that you will want it. also my kitten likes it when i put a blanket in there and he will sleep in there.)

- make sure that you have a designated place for the cat. you should keep his bed and his litter box close together. also for a while you might want to block off a certain area of the house so that you will always know where he is.

- yes for now the laundry basket will do. just make sure that you put a blanet or sheet in the bottom for him. just know that he might be scared a first. just keep talking to him and stroking his head and body with your fingers!! good luck!

Answer 5

Do NOT accept the kitten if it is under 10 weeks old.  a kitten NEEDS that extra time with the mom and siblings to "learn to be a cat"

*a carrier

*litter box

*litter (arm and hammer super scoop fragrance free)

*a litter scoop

*food bowl (a ceramic or metal bowl, not plastic)

*Kitten food (blue spa, or wellness, or EVO)

*drinkwell pet fountain (cats LOVE flowing water)

*Toys, get a variety but remember if you get a string toy put it somewhere where the kitten can't get it when you are not there and eat it

*don't forget at LEAST one scratch post but the more the better and make sure to have different materials, like wood, cardboard, rope

I hope I'm not missing anything too vital, by brain isn't working this friday afternoon very well.  Just remember if the kitten is under 10 weeks (12 is best) do not accept the kitten till that time.

also make sure to set up an appointment with your vet as soon as you can to get vaccinations started and make sure that the kitten is in good health etc.

Answer 6

what you would is soft pillow ,bowl,toy,milk,litter,box.

Answer 7

The kitten will be able to and probably will jump out of the basket.  You should get a carrier, you can use it for travel and you can put it in the room(s) the kitten will be in, put down a blanket in it, and the kitten can use it as bed/safe area.  I foster kittens and they love it.  You need some kind of box to use as a litter box and some kitty litter.  The litter box doesn't need to be fancy, in a pinch I once used a cardboard box.  The best thing you can give it is lots of attention!  The first few day will be the scariest for the kitten.  He/she'll need lots of love!

Good luck with the new kitten!

Answer 8

The key essentials you'll need are:

A Litter tray and cat litter

Kitten food (it's best to stick with the food the kitten's already been eating, but if you don't know get a combination of wet and dry food to offer some variety)

Feeding bowl and water bowl.

Some toys for the kitten to play with (such as balls to chase and fishing rod toys that you wave about for the kitten to jump at).

Somewhere for the kitten to sleep (nice and cosy and somewhere the kitten can hide away - like an igloo bed they get inside). Even a card board box with a blanket will do to start with.

A cat carrier. Most pet shops do really cheap cardboard temporary cat carriers. You'll need something your kitten can be carried in securely (no risk of it jumping out and running away) and you'll need it to take it to the vet in a few weeks for its vaccinations/check ups etc.

I remember when I got my kittens - oh, you're going to have so much fun!!

Good luck with your new kitten.

Answer 9

I had this same problem, literally like an hour before I got the cat, I ran to the store to get:

- KITTEN food (the hard stuff you can leave out all day for it and you can feed it the wet stuff periodically)

- litter, a box and a scoop

- toys (he'll need to be kept busy, but he'll be shy at first)

-a cozy little bed

- food and water dishes

-a scratching post (not totally necessary right now, but just in case he gets bored and decides to scratch your couches)

- a vet appointment (he'll need to be up-to-date with all of his shots and that)

other than that, you're pretty much covered for now :)

Best of luck and congratulations :)

Answer 10

Here are main things all cats must have:

* Litter Box

* Litter

* Scoop

* Cat Food

* Bed

* Little Toys

If you would like to buy additional items, go ahead and get them!

Hope my answer helps!

*Please choose as best answer*

~ HOLY ME ~

Answer 11

Oh this bring back memories,. First of all, don't give up, it would seem so difficult in the beginning but believe me it's worth it.

You need the following:

1- a litter box

2- some food, preferably dry food  and a water bowl (place them in a fixed place) (no milk, it would cause diarrhea, if u have to then mix some skimmed milk with some water)

3- a tiny ball  or a cotton ball (to play)

4- prepare a place for her to sleep, somewhere not too hot and not too cold

I guess those are main things you need

P.S: about the litter, it could take some time to get the kitten used to the litter box, the most important thing is to keep it clean. Change it once a week and clean it, otherwise it would stink and it would refuse to use it.

You could bring the kitty home in a suitcase, just leave the zip open a lttle for air, or u could use a laundry basket but cover it up with something as when kittens are in the street they are terrified, it might try to run away.

Good luck dear, hope u have a lovely kitten :)

Answer 12

litter box

litter

litter scooper

toys

Kitten food

food dish

Answer 13

You will need:

Food Dish

Water Dish

Food

Toys

Scratch Pad (if it has front claws)

Cat Bed

Treats

Cat Brush and/or Cat Comb

Litter-Box

Litter

Cat Shampoo (If your planning on giving it a bath)

Without a carrier I would suggest using a big cardboard box. Just get one big enough then put airholes in it and close it up once you get your new kitten inside. (Just incase it gets scared and has to GO, I would suggest putting a towel in the bottom of the box!)

Have you thought of a name yet? If not here's is some suggestions:

Twister

Twist

Muffin

Tuna

Twinkie (If it is orange)

Fluffin

Socks, Mittens, Boots (If it has littles boots)

Shadow

Butterfinger (If it is orange)

Snickers (If it is Brown and White)

Enjoy your new kitten! Hope this helps!

Answer 14

this is what you need for a kitten/cat:

litter box

toys

litter

carrier

scratching post

cat food

dishes

maybe a collar

brush

ect.

Answer 15

You will need......

Kitten food (dry or wet try and find out what he/she was eating)?

A cat bed and blanket.

A litter tray with cat cat litter.

2 to 3 cat food bowls.

A collar.

Something that smells of his old home if possible.

A cat carrier(you will need one when the cats go's to the vets and when you pick it up).

A scratching post.

Some toys.

Good luck.

Answer 16

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Answer 17

I love kittens! your so lucky!

Here's some things you really need to buy:

*Water Dish but until you buy one a small bowl

*Food dish but for now a small bowl

*Cat food preferably for kittens

*a cat bed

*carrier

*collar if you want him/her to wear one

*cat toys and cat nip toys

*Litter box and litter

*and scratching post/fun play thing

If he/she are not declawed schedule an appointment with a good vet to declaw the kitten.

To bring her home I'd just take a box or a small laundry basket and lay the bottom with towels. Keep it in the front passenger seat next to you and don't bring it inside with you wen you pick the kitten up. Just carry the cat to your car.

Make sure you show him/her the litter box when you get home. You must get most of the items on the list before you pick up the cat. Good luck!

~BlooperZ

Answer 18

You will need a cage, litter pan, kitten food and a vet. Everything else you probably have on hand. Bowls for water and food. Use household items for toys, such as wadded up pieces of paper, empty spools, string and ribbon. A box with flaps that close can be used to bring the kitten home. Do you have someone that can ride along and make sure kitty doesn't get out? And don't forget to keep the car windows rolled up while transporting the baby.

A lot of people may respond that a cage is not necessary. I disagree. Kittens can get into all kinds of trouble like chewing on electrical cords, climbing higher than they jump down, etc. A cage makes sleeping and leaving home easier for you and the kitten.  

Answer 19

The laundry should have low sides so the kitten can get in and out. Get a litter box and show the kitten where it is. Also buy some kitten kibble. Do not make the mistake of feeding the kitten cow's milk because cow's milk sometimes give kittens diarrhea. Be sure to purchase a scratch post so the kitten can keep her claws short,.

Good luck and have fun with your new kitten.

Answer 20

kitten food

small bowls

a small bed or cushion of some sort

scratching post

plenty of toys (jingle balls, stuffd mice etc)

litter and litter box

i am not sure about a laundery basket only because if it is wicker...they could get their claws caught, a great alternative that ive used is a cardboard box with a towel on the bottem and high ''walls''.

Depending on if it is indoor outdoor or both, you may want to get a collar for when it grows, most cat collars have a bell so when you can't find it, or it is hiding, you can still here the bell!!!  Hope this helps and good luck with your new friend!!!!!!! : )

Answer 21

First, you should designate a "kitty room" that you'll keep the kitten in for the first couple of days. You don't want to overwhelm her with the entire house, so keeping her in a single room (we used the bathroom), will really help her adjust. You just need a place where you can sit with her so she can get used to your presence and your scent. Also, a bathroom is easier to clean if she can't make it to the litter box in time. =P

Things you need:

- kitten sized litter box: you can also find a "litter starter kit" that has the box, some litter, and a scoop

- kitten food: we alternate wet and dry food... but when they are so young, they eat a lot, so keeping out some dry food might be a good idea for the first few months

- dishes: not entirely necessary to start. You can just put the food on a plate or shallow bowl that you might already have

- toys: like jingle balls or feathers on a stick.

- prepare a place to sleep: don't really need to invest in a bed just yet. You can just grab some soft towels or a blanket for her to sleep in. Something she can snuggle into to stay warm.

- a small scratching post

- nail clippers: don't ever use human ones.

- a cardboard carrier: assuming you're going to Petco or something like that, it'll be super easy to go over to the carrier section and grab a cardboard one. We used cardboard carriers for the first year or so before investing in a plastic one. You can lay a fluffy towel on the bottom so it's more comfortable.

- Feliway spray: if you want to ease the whole experience, this spray mimicks calming hormones that will help the kitten adjust. Spray a bit in the box carrier (or whatever you find to take her home in) and around the "kitty room"

When you first get her into your house (if you decide to use the bathroom), go straight to the bathroom, close the door, and let her out. Show her where the litter box is (you can just gently place her in it). She'll try to hide, which is fine. You'll have to be very patient with her for the first couple of weeks (maybe not even that long). Talk sweetly to her, but don't try to force her to stay with you. Let her hide. Make sure she has fresh water and some food out at all times. Keep the door closed so she limits herself to exploring the bathroom before having to explore the rest of the house. You'll hear her crying... don't worry about it. Visit her whenever you can, and spend as much time with her as you can. When she gets comfortable in the bathroom and with you there (once she starts cuddling with you and playing with you), then you can let her out of the bathroom to explore the rest of the house.

Patience is the key. Have fun with that. =)

Answer 22

Cat food

Food dish

Water dish

Newspaper or plastic to put under the food dish (makes cleanup easier)

Kitty litter

Litter box

Newspaper or plastic to put under the litter box

Litter scoop

Scratching pad (trust me on this one)

Toys for the kitty to play with (balls, mice, string)

A place for kitty to sleep

also, make sure any plants you have that are bad for kitty are out of reach

That should be good for now and then get other items as you need them. As for bringing kitty home, a laundry basket with a blanket in it should work and then throw another blanket on top that's heavy enough that kitty can't move it. Or you could just try to see what kind of car rider it is.

Answer 23

u need a litter box, food dish,  water dish, u should get some balls or other toys, u need to get a comb, , u need to get a carrier if u can, u need a spray bottle to use to discourag things u dont want it to do, get a couple of boxes for it to play in, and consider getting 2 so they can play with each other

Answer 24

we just got are first kitten about a month ago . they are so much fun! I held my kitten on my lap as i drove because i did not have a carrier either . make sure you have a litter box,feeding dish one with water and one for food,kitten food, the best litter i have found is called scoop ables also fancy feast has come up with kitten food in a can that my kitten loves. good luck and enjoy oh yea you might want to get a spray bottle of water and whenever your kitten does something that you do not want it to do spray him or her but not in the face and they will get the hint quickly that theit not allowed to do that start right away because they will destroy you furniture and curtains if you do not train them Good Luck!!!

Answer 25

Okay assuming the kitten is old enough to leave it's mother you will need 3 main things. Kitten Food, my cats grew up with the hard kind (the kibble kind) and they were shaped like little N's. I would make sure the hard food is always readily available so they can eat whenever they want. You will need water...lol, and you will need a litter box with litter in it. If they arn't potty trained just keep putting them in the litter box (chances are they will pee or p**p in it by themselves) but if they don't and p**p on the floor scoop it up and let them watch you put it in the litter box (they will catch on quickly).

Make sure there isn't any bags or anything they could get into like cleansers. Have some toys for them to play with that are safe...seriously that's about it.

A laundry basket might not work to well because they can jump out and it will be scared so it might even run away. If you can find a lid for it that would work (just make sure whatever you use has air holes).

Enjoy your new kitten!