PetProvo Field Guides · Everyday care
Small paws.
A warm welcome.
A new kitten checklist to help you prepare the essentials and make the first days at home a little calmer.
PetProvo editorial · Published 19 October 2026
Before collection day
Ask the previous carer what the kitten eats and which litter it knows. Prepare a quiet, secure room with a hiding place before bringing it home in a suitable carrier. Cats Protection recommends giving a kitten time to settle and introducing the wider home gradually. Read its kitten guidance ↗
Your essentials checklist
- A secure carrier for the journey and future vet visits.
- Age-appropriate kitten food and clean bowls.
- A litter tray and suitable litter.
- A comfortable resting place, a hiding space and a scratching surface.
- Safe toys for supervised play.
- Your kitten’s care records and a plan for a veterinary appointment.
Set up a quiet starter room
A bed and a place to hide.
Easy access in a calm space.
Separate from feeding and resting areas.
Check for escape gaps, exposed cables, reachable cleaning products and small objects before opening the carrier. Let the kitten explore at its own pace; do not force it out of hiding or introduce every visitor at once.
Keep the first meals familiar
Start with the food the kitten already knows, then seek advice about any gradual change. Choose food labelled for the kitten’s life stage rather than assuming adult cat food is interchangeable. Keep fresh water available. Ask your veterinarian about feeding amounts and any individual needs.
Plan the next few days
Keep a simple note of meals, litter use and how the kitten is settling. Arrange veterinary guidance for vaccinations, parasite prevention and identification rather than guessing from products online. Make introductions to children and other animals gradual and supervised. The source guide above explains these steps in more detail.
Make a practical PetProvo shopping list
Explore our cat and kitten food range, then check the age suitability, pack size and feeding directions on each label. You do not need every accessory on day one: prioritise a safe space, the familiar essentials and supplies you can use consistently.
