What you to need to buy for a kitten guide

Spoil your kitten with the best food, bedding and toys.

Kitten plays with a toy on the sofa.

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

What to buy a kitten is the start of the most exciting adventure, not to mention a fun shopping experience. Naturally, you want to lavish your fur baby with toys and treats. Additionally, there are practical items, such as kitten food, bowls, litter trays and scratching posts. Buying a combination of useful and fun items is a good way of keeping your kitten stimulated, satisfied and healthy.

Your baby cat will need products that are specially designed for smaller bodies, such as harnesses and kitten litter trays. If you lead a busy life, you might be interested in exploring the benefits of cat subscription boxes, to keep your kitty supplied with regular food, treats and even flea treatments. It's so much fun too; you get to be a paw parent and enjoy every step of your kitten's development.

What to buy a kitten at a glance:

Best kitten dry cat food: Iams for Vitality Dry Kitten Food with Fresh Chicken – View on Pets At Home
Best flea treatment subscription box: itch. Pet Subscription – View on Itchpet
Best cat toy ultimate set: 22 Pcs Cat Toys for Indoor Kitten – View on Amazon UK

In this guide, we'll showcase the best of the essential items that kittens need to develop and thrive. If you're interested in exploring a particular product in detail, you can follow the links in each section to find out more. In addition, there are some FAQs at the end of the article that give some tips about the responsibilities of caring for a cat. Please remember that owning an animal is a financial commitment and long-term duty of care. Furthermore, by choosing to own an infant, you are taking on the extra responsibility of ensuring it has its vaccinations, training and getting the right nutrition.

To help you be a great pet owner, here's a bite-size round-up of everything a kitten needs in their first year.

Best dry cat food for kittens

Your kitten is growing fast and needs extra protein and smaller kibble that's designed for mini mouths. You may find that they have a sensitive stomach too, in which case a hypoallergenic dry cat food can help. Dry food is an excellent way of removing plaque from teeth and can become a lifelong dietary choice. Here's our pick of the best dry food for kittens.

For a full guide, read our article on the best dry cat food for kittens.

Best kitten dry cat food

This 800g bag of Iams for Vitality Dry Kitten Food with Fresh Chicken is packed with 91 per cent animal protein (out of total protein) which is essential for our rapidly growing little carnivores.

Customer review: "My kittens loved this dry food. It didn't have a bad impact on their belly either and they adjusted to this easily. They definitely preferred eating this over their regular dry food."

Pros

  • Tailored blend of minerals for optimum health
  • Wheat free, no artificial colours, flavours or GMOs

Cons

  • Some kittens do not like the smell

Best kitten dry cat food for quality

Purina ONE Kitten Dry Cat Food Chicken and Wholegrain is designed for kittens aged one to 12 months and is kind to little tummies. This kitten kibble is an appetising chicken flavour 'complete' dry diet, meaning no other meals or supplements are required.

Customer review: "Being an indoor kitty this is purrrfect for her. Quality ingredients that stay fresh once the packet is opened."

Pros

  • High quality ingredients
  • A complete food
  • Convenient

Cons

  • Small packet size

Best cat subscription box

A cat subscription box makes an ideal pressie for your kitty. They'll receive a monthly box that's full of toys, treats and accessories. In addition, there are subscriptions for regular flea and worming treatments that also give you access to a 24/7 vet. Read our round-up of the best cat subscription box deals.

Best fresh food cat subscription box

Katkin Club
Price: £1.89 per day

www.katkin.com

If you're looking to jump to a high-quality cat food subscription box (think HelloFresh for us humans), then check out this 'Katkin Club' for cats. If you're interested in trying them, they do a two-week free trial.

Customer review: "I really like how the nutritional plan is designed by vets and the calories calculated specifically for my pet (size, activity, neutered status)."

Pros

  • Fresh, high-quality ingredients
  • Nutritious

Cons

  • Can smell if left out too long

Best flea treatment subscription box

The itch. Pet Subscription is perfect for any cat owner wanting high-quality reassurance to get flea treatments on time and consistently. Their flea subscription starts from £7 a month and you can also get other goodies like treats and supplements. With free, monthly delivery and cancellation anytime, you can't go wrong. Change, amend, or cancel anytime and the monthly delivery is free of charge.

Customer Review: "Service is excellent, the product comes, with his name on the packaging, which I think is a nice touch."

Pros

  • Tailored to your pet
  • Expert advice available

Cons

  • May take a little time to work

Best toy for kittens

It's true that if you give a cat a present, it'll prefer to play with the box. But there truly are some superb cat toys that will develop your kitten's reflexes as well as burn off their abundant energy. Cats have an innate hunting instinct and it's really important to provide them with toys, especially if they are home alone for several hours. Read our pick of the best toys for cats.

Best cat toy ultimate set

With twenty two pieces in this one set, this is surely to be the ultimate set - what more could you want? 22 Pcs Cat Toys for Indoor Kitten includes a large tunnel for cats to play around in, it also has a variety of classic chasers and teasers so that you'll never run out of things to play with.

Customer review: "My kitten immediately took to the tunnel. It's been months and he's still playing with it and the various toys included. Durable and with a wide variety to ensure your cat won't get bored."

Pros

  • Excellent value for the variety of toys
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Tunnel is a little small and contains metal parts

Best cat toy bundle

If you want an all-in-one bundle of effective cat toys, this Petface Cat Toy Bundle is perfect for every and any cat. With a laser chaser, mouse teaser and catnip mouse, you've got all of the classic toys in one for less than £15. Bargain.

Customer review: "I brought the Petface Cat Toy bundle three weeks ago, and I am delighted that I did. My two cats are obsessed with it, particularly the laser pointer, and the catnip."

Pros

  • Stimulating range of toys
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Made from Polyester

Best cat carrier

When your kitten is in transit, you want to make sure they're comfortable. Here's our pick of the best cat carriers. It's worth remembering that this is one of those purchases that you'll want your feline friend to fit when they're fully grown. Also, remember that it is an essential purchase as there will be trips to the vet. The carrier should have good ventilation and be easy to clean.

Best top-rated cat carrier bag

Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag
Price: £49.84

This Morpilot pet carrier is top-rated on Amazon - with over 18,000 positive reviews you know you're getting the best for your cat. Including a portable pet bowl, attachable strap and bed included, this is totally worth the value.

Customer review: "Great carrier. Ideal size for my British short hair. Folds flat so ideal for storing when not needed and can connect to your cat seat belt for those drives in the car."

Pros

  • Highly rated by other pet owners
  • Machine washable
  • A comfortable bed makes it more appealing for cats

Cons

  • Quite bulky, not suitable for large cats

Best Pets at Home cat carrier

Pets at Home is great for any pet needs, stocking everything from food to scratching accessories. One thing you won't want to miss is this chic and useful navy pet carrier that's nicely ventilated with mesh panels.

Customer review: "I like it can open on the top which makes it easier to get the kitten inside. It's very comfortable and easy to store when not used."

Pros

  • Efficient and easy-to-use
  • Very comfortable

Cons

  • Bulky

Best scratching post to buy a kitten

Scratching posts also give your kitten a good stretch and will prevent them from scratching the furniture. Naturally, kittens love to climb, and a cat activity centre with integrated scratching posts is a great product that gives them access to higher levels without destroying your bookshelves. This is especially important for indoor cats who need to channel their natural instinct. Save your furniture with our recommendations for the best scratching posts and let your kitten exercise their natural impulse to stretch and claw. We've chosen two of the smaller scratching posts; perfect for your little one.

Best cat scratching post with toy

If your cat has an affliction with your carpets, a floor scratcher is best. The PetKit 4-in-1 Cat Scratcher combines a scratching post, a ball track toy, fresh catnip and a bell. Remember, if your kitten is exhibiting negative behaviour, such as scratching furniture, spraying, aggression and over-grooming, these are signs that they are in need of stimulation and training.

Customer review: "Uses the scratch mat, likes to sit inside and has played. Portable. Easy to put together. The only reason for 4 stars, it doesn't always stay clipped together when I pick it up."

Pros

  • Combines play with a cat scratcher
  • Clever design for space-saving
  • Ideal for indoor cats

Cons

  • Comprised of several parts

Best cat scratching post for sofas

Sofa Cat Scratcher
Price: £31.49 (was £34.99)

www.etsy.com

If you've tried everything, but your cat just cannot resist scratching your sofa, why not meet in the middle and purchase a Sofa Cat Scratcher? This scratching post from BigPurr is designed to sit on the corner of your sofa and has four different colours available.

Customer review: "Exactly what I wanted. Really good quality and came with very clear instructions on how to put it up! The delivery was also faster than I expected, and it came in lovely eco-friendly packaging which is always a bonus."

Pros

  • Handmade
  • Natural materials

Cons

  • None

Best water fountain

Keeping your kitten hydrated is essential. Naturally, cats prefer running water, so rather than finding your fur baby in the kitchen sink, give them a water source that's on their level. In addition, close toilet lids. Do not encourage your cat to see the toilet as a source of water and risk being poisoned by bleach. Your pet's water should be in a separate place from their food bowl because cats dislike the taint of food in their drinking water. Here are the best water fountains for cats.

Best water fountain

This is without a doubt the cream of the crop. Affordable, easy to set up, and it's ultra-silent, so you can keep it running throughout the day without worrying about the noise. We also love that the Cat Water Fountain with Water Level Window is environmentally friendly and has three different water flow settings.

Customer review: "Looks good and is easy to assemble and clean. Very handy to have a display on the outside which lets you know the water level."

Pros

  • Low power consumption
  • Fun design

Cons

  • Made of plastic

Recommended

TOMXCUTE Cat Water Fountain 3.2L
Price: £36.99

The TOMXCUTE Cat Water Fountain is a brilliant water fountain offering your pet a source of filtered water. We love that it comes with an upgraded pump and three replacement filters.

Customer review: "We chose this fountain as our kittens are fascinated with sinks and taps but did not drink water much from a bowl. This one does have the look of a sink with a tap. They both use the fountain and seem to like the running water and seem to drink more since we got it."

Pros

  • Made of durable stainless steel
  • Won't taint the water
  • Hygienic

Cons

  • Will need periodic cleaning to prevent limescale build-up

Best cat harness

Keep a rein on your adventurous feline with our guide to the best cat harnesses, with options that are designed for kittens. A harness is a sensible way to introduce your pet to its surroundings and you can feel reassured that it won't make a great escape.

Best cat harness

The BINGPET Escape Proof Cat Harness and Leash is escape-proof and stands out due to its large sizing range and low price point. To get the perfect fit, make sure to measure your cat's girth snug against its fur. Then add two to six inches to that measurement for comfort.

Customer review: "I am really glad I bought these and would definitely recommend the harness for any size cat."

Pros

  • It comes in sizes S to XL
  • Designed to be totally escape-proof for more mischievous kitties

Cons

  • It is only available in black at the moment

Best cat harness for kittens

rabbitgoo Escape-Proof Cat Kitten Harness with Leash Set
Price: £13.99

Although you can teach an older cat how to wear and use a harness, it's recommended you try to start as young as possible. Therefore, the rabbitgoo Escape-Proof Cat Kitten Harness with Leash Set is ideal for kittens. The vest style makes sure to distribute pressure to avoid the neck because kittens are very energetic.

Customer review: "This harness is really good quality and value for money. My Maine Coon is six months old and weighs 5kg and the extra small is still a little too big, but he still wears it for an adventure around the garden. It is easy to put on as it is not too tight to get over his head. I would recommend this harness."

Pros

  • Made in XS or S, the rabbitgoo is perfect for little ones
  • Two-buckle system and adjustable straps

Cons

  • It is not available for larger cats

Best heated cat bed

We can't think of anything more adorable than a tiny kitten snuggling up on a soft and furry bed. Keep your feline friend warm with our guide to the best heated cat beds. And be prepared to take about a billion photos of sheer cuteness. Also, it's really important that you position your cat's bed somewhere that's quiet, so they have a sanctuary from visitors and noise, especially if it's a lively household.

Best non-electric heated cat mat

Mora Pets, Self-Heating Blanket Bed for Cats
Price: £24.92

If you need a cat mat that generates warmth and is totally portable, the Mora Pets Self-Heating Blanket Bed for Cats is an ideal choice. It becomes active when your cat lies on it, reflecting and preserving their body heat, plus there's no electric connection. The mat contains three layers of tested self-heating material and can be easily washed.

Customer review: "What can I say? My cat seems to LOVE this thing. She's spent the majority of her time since it arrived curled up on it no matter where I put it. It's soft, quite thick and definitely seems to keep her nice and warm which is obviously great for the upcoming cold months. I'm not afraid of her damaging it in any way, it seems to be hard-wearing and sturdy; there's no signs of wear so far and my cat has been making biscuits on it daily since it arrived."

Pros

  • Energy-efficient
  • Well-constructed
  • Thick and comfy

Cons

  • Some reviews comment that it's not as effective as an electric heated bed

Best stylish heated cat bed

If you are looking for a bed to match your cat's sassiness, then look no further than this stylish Petnap Heated Cat Bed with Leopard Print Design. The heat pad can be removed to clean in the washing machine and is powered by electricity.

Customer Review: "My Siamese adores his heated bed. He spends a lot of time in it and it's just the right size for him as he isn't a big cat. Its cover is easily removed for washing and I've had one of these for nearly three years. l I leave it on day and night and so far, it's never failed to keep warm."

Pros

  • Machine washable
  • Soft and plush

Cons

  • No padding in the base

Best litter tray to buy a kitten

Potty train your kitten with our guide to the best litter trays. We've selected the following two products as the best options for kittens, as they're less intimidating for a shy fur baby. It almost goes without saying that you should clean the litter tray regularly. Keeping it hygienic for your cat to use will prevent accidents around the home - especially if you have an indoor cat. Try out a number of types of cat litter to see what your kitty prefers. They will have the instinct to dig around in the litter so ensure that there is more than 3cm depth.

Best litter tray for kittens

This Jumbo Pink Hooded Kitten Litter Tray has a rounded ergonomic design that will suit your fur baby perfectly. It's hooded, in case they're a little nervous, but the translucent flap door means you'll be able to keep an eye on them, and them on the lookout for you.

Customer review: "Ideal for my kitten. Good size. Easy clean and locks easily."

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Privacy for kitten
  • Litter is contained by hood and flap

Cons

  • It's not intended to be carried by the handle with litter inside

Best litter box with a lid

Curver Pet Litterbox
Price: £114.90

This stylish Curver Pet Litterbox comes equipped with a drawer system and scooper for easy litter changing, and your cat will enjoy the privacy of the closed shape and swinging door.

Customer review: "Perfect for kittens and cats of all sizes to be fair, easy to clean and lightweight. Just what I needed plus the house-like box makes for odour containment. Might take a while for the kitten to venture into it though but once it does, it’s their own world."

Pros

  • Very stylish
  • Popular on Amazon

Cons

  • Could be sturdier

Best cat beds to buy a kitten

Comfort, value and easy to clean are priorities when it comes to choosing a bed for your pet. While we're focusing on the kittens here, you can take a look at our guide to the best cat beds, for kittens of all ages. Regardless of age, your feline will need to feel safe, so do take time to consider where to position their bed. Place their food, water, litter tray and bed in different places around the home. This is because cats are very clean creatures and greatly prefer separate eating, toilet and sleeping areas.

Best cat bed for value

Amazon Basics Round Pet Bed
Price: £15.88

This Amazon Basics Round Pet Bed is great if you're looking for something that's value for money but will keep your cat happy.

Customer review: "For the money I thought it would be more practical, easier to clean and vacuum. That said the kittens seem happy to sleep in it."

Pros

  • Ultra-plush padding with strong sides and bottom for durability

Cons

  • Bit too small for big cats

Best cave cat bed

VERTAST Small Cat Igloo Hideout Bed
Price: £22.90

This VERTAST Small Cat Igloo Hideout Bed is a great option for any cat parent who's looking for a cave bed. With a large opening allowing them to pop their head out but a soft fluffy inside keeping them warm, this is great for any kitty who likes to go and hide.

Customer review: "Nice little bed for a kitten to escape in."

Pros

  • Cats will feel safe, warm and comfortable
  • Ideal for small cats and kittens

Cons

  • Some reviews comment that it's a little floppy

Best cat bowls to buy a kitten

Choosing a bowl for your kitten needs consideration. In our guide to the best cat bowls, we go through the particularities of elevated bowls and puzzle feeders. Here, we've chosen a couple of options for your young cat that are simple, easy to clean and durable. You will need at least two bowls: one for food and one for water. It's a good idea to have three bowls to give your cat access to dry kibble and water throughout the day, whilst the third bowl is used for wet cat food.

Best shallow cat bowl

Mason Cash Cat Saucer
Price: £13.59
Alternative retailers
Walmart$14.99View offer

This pretty pink Mason Cash Cat Saucer is heavy ceramic, so won't slip if a hungry cat is over-zealous when eating. It's made from quality stoneware that is dishwasher, microwave and freezer-proof.

Customer review: "Perfect size, fit in a full cat food sachet, shallow so easy for cats to eat out of. I love the design with embossed paw prints around the outside edge and these are really easy to clean which I love, as makes my life a lot easier."

Pros

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Heavy and shallow to prevent tipping

Cons

  • Could break if dropped

Best cat trees to buy a kitten

Allow your kitten to burn off their boundless energy and keep their claws neat with their very own cat tree. Kittens adapt to living indoors with ease. You may choose to keep your cat indoors throughout their life, but you must provide them with lots of stimulation and avoid damage around the home - this is why a cat tree is a must-have. We've compiled a list of our favourite cat trees that you can treat your feline friend too. Here are two of the smaller options that are ideal for kittens.

Best small cat tree

Sometimes, we want to treat our cats but don't always have the space. This Petface Two Tier Cat Play Station is a perfect smaller option that will fit cosily in an apartment or small house.

Customer review: "Very easy to assemble and the kittens love it! Perfect starter scratching post and tower to keep them occupied and prevent them ripping apart my other furniture! Would definitely buy again."

Pros

  • Multipurpose
  • Two scratching posts
  • Cosy covering for sleeping

Cons

  • Smaller than other options

Best cat tree with hammock

Another perfect small option, this Pets at Home Hudson Hammock Cat Tower has a hammock for your pet to cosy up in. It's snug and small but has three levels for your kitty to climb up to.

Customer review: "Super easy to assemble and my five-month-old kitten loves it, particularly the scratching posts. He's not so keen on the hammock bit but maybe he'll change his mind! Excellent value for money."

Pros

  • Perfect for smaller cats
  • Three tiers to enjoy
  • Three scratching posts

Cons

  • Not suitable for bigger cats

FAQs

If you're looking for what to buy a cat that already has everything, we recommend itch. Pet Subscription. The plan can be tailored to your pet's needs, and you'll receive a monthly flea treatment that has been formulated with scientifically proven-ingredients. Expert advice is on hand when you need it too. Life is busy enough to be thinking about pests, so you can relax in knowing this will be delivered when you need it, so you never forget.

In addition, if you want a fantastic collection of toys, we think 22 Pcs Cat Toys for Indoor Kitten are a super value option. That little tunnel is super cute and there are lots of traditional cat toys in the 22-piece pack to entertain and stimulate your kitten.

What do I need to buy a kitten?

Your kitten will need food and water bowls and kitten food (which is designed for smaller mouths). Also, they'll need a comfy bed and lots of toys to stimulate them. A litter tray and litter are essential for indoors, also a scratching post to protect your furniture and allow your kitten to stretch and manage their claws. A grooming brush will keep their fur in tip-top condition, and they'll enjoy the bonding time. Finally, a cat carrier is a must-have purchase as you will be taking your fur baby to the vets for jabs and check-ups.

Of course, you can get as fancy as you like with smart pet cameras, automatic feeders and self-cleaning litter trays. But just to get you (and your baby cat) started, here's a checklist of essentials to give your kitten the best start:

Cat bed

Cat carrier

Scratching post

Food and water bowls

Lots of varied toys

Wet and dry cat food

Cat tree or activity centre

Collar

Grooming brush

Flea and deworming treatments

Additionally, there's a super checklist of must-have items for a kitten on the PDSA website.

What do I need to consider before bringing a kitten home?

Firstly, please ask yourself if you can afford everything that your kitten will need. In addition, you must assess your home and whether it is appropriate for a cat. You may need to do a little DIY before you welcome a kitten to the family. Keep cupboards, washing and tumble dryer doors closed so your kitten doesn't climb inside. Make sure windows and balconies are secure to prevent your kitten from jumping from them. Some houseplants can be toxic to cats, so double-check before buying. Keep cleaning products behind closed doors to prevent your pet from ingesting them. Also, did you know that some human foods are poisonous to cats? The list of toxic foods includes onions, grapes and chocolate. Keep them out of reach.

Your new kitten may be joining a household with existing pets or young children - so please follow recommended advice on gradually introducing the animals to each other. And if you intend for your cat to go outdoors, make an assessment of whether the outdoor area is safe. Are there other animals in your household or nearby to consider?
Finally, you will need to register your kitten with a vet and it's a good idea to take out pet insurance to help towards the cost of vets bills and prescription medicine.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.

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