Taking Care of Kittens

What to Get & What to Know

by Carrie Profenno: Author, lifelong Mainer & veteran Maine Coon owner

Taking care of kittens is a lot of fun! They are balls of fluffy energy, always ready to go.

They play hard, sleep deep, eat and start over. It's a great idea to get the home ready before introducing a new kitten.

What to get:

Food and Water Dishes

Kitten Food

For his best health, find a high-quality dry kitten food. You'll also need to purchase some of the food he is used to.

If you're switching, wait a few days and then start mixing the new food in, a little more each time until your kitten is completely on the new food. Also, only give your kitty good quality water that you would drink.

Cat Litter Boxes

Even if you already have cats, get a new litter box. Your kitten will be in a separate area at first and he'll need his own litter box.

Even after this time, you'll need at least one cat litter box per cat. Some people like the automatic cat litter box style.

You don't want to disturb good litter habits! Make sure that whatever you get is what the kitten wants to use. Our page on Cat Litter Boxes shares the best ones available today.

Cat Litter and Scooper

Get the good stuff. Good litter box habits are so important!

Most cats and kittens prefer the clumping kind, and do not appreciate a change from their favorite.

It is much easier to clean and maintain, as well. Kittens have special needs when it comes to cat litter, so take some time to read about it: Cat Litter Box Care.

A Cat Carrier

It's a good idea to leave this out in the kittens area for a while, with a blanket or towel in it.

He'll go in and out of it. It will be his hideout, and safety zone at first. Make sure it doesn't get bumped or moved for a while, until he becomes secure at home.

Grooming Supplies

You'll want to check out the combs and brushes. A long haired kitten will need a good brush. And get some high-quality kitten shampoo.

Even if you don't think you'll need it, things happen and kittens get dirty. It's a great idea to start this habit early.

Flea and Tick Medication

This really is a must have. Fleas will eventually find their way in to your home. And without proper Flea Products they will multiply before you realize it.

Taking care of kittens means safeguarding them from fleas and ticks. It is a huge job to get rid of them. Best to avoid them entirely!

A Comfy Bed

This is actually optional. You could use things around the home to fill this need.

Just make sure that whether you buy one or not, you have a nice snuggly place for kitty to hang out.

Toys

Kittens come pre-wired for play! There's no doubt about it, you need toys, maybe lots of them. And the ultimate toy is a cat tree (mentioned below).

Kittens love the pole and string style toys. It is great for hours of interactive playtime. Before getting the most expensive ones, remember kitty will be rough and there is a good chance you'll be replacing toys soon.

Other great options are toy mice and catnip. Try to find good quality catnip and make sure it won't break open too easily.

Coming soon, a whole section on Cat Playtime, including homemade cat toy ideas! Taking care of kittens is definitely lots of fun!

Visit our page on the best cat toys to see whats hot right now.

Fun Extras for Taking Care of Kittens

The things below are not really needed yet for taking care of kittens, but you might want them at some point.

A Cat Tower

Cats love to be up high. A cat tower, or cat condo is a great thing to have if you have the space for one.

You certainly don't need one, but you can expect the kitten to find other ways to get up high. Think tall furniture.

A Cat Scratching Post

Your kitten will scratch. There's no way around it. They have an instinct that tells them to sharpen their claws. If you have some extra wood around, great. Rub a little catnip on it, and your kitten should go to it.

If you get a cat scratching post you won't regret it!

A Cat Door

These are great for allowing your kitten access throughout the house without always having to open the door for him.

Many owners find them very convenient. We have one in the door that leads to our basement.

Cat Grass or Catnip

This is really fun, especially for indoor cats. you can even grow your own cat grass or catnip, for an ongoing supply.

An Outdoor Cat Enclosure

Any cat will live a long and fulfilling life indoors. That said, they do love to be out in the fresh air!

We have a cat who will risk life and limb by trying to escape whenever a door opens!

A cat fence or cat cages are a nice compromise for some families. The cat is safe, and happy to be outside.

Another option is a harness and leash. Some cats do well with this, especially when you start young. Always supervise, of course.

Cat Treats

For special occasions, since the kittens' system is used to only one food. Too many treats will cause an upset stomach.

Taking care of kittens is fun and rewarding. It's so exciting to add a new member to the family. Enjoy!

9 Strange Behaviors That Are Totally Normal for Kittens

Kittens are endlessly entertaining, and sometimes a bit puzzling!

Those quirky habits - like the intense dashes around the room at midnight, or the tiny, high-pitched "chattering" sounds they make at birds outside - can make any pet parent wonder, Is this normal?

The answer is usually yes! Many of a kitten's most unusual behaviors are part of natural instincts, helping them learn, grow, and express their needs.

Understanding these unique actions is all part of bonding with your furry friend and ensuring they feel safe, confident, and loved.

Here are nine quirky kitten behaviors that might seem strange but are actually completely normal:

• Sudden, Intense Bursts of Energy (Zoomies)
  Kittens often experience random bursts of energy where they race around wildly, which helps them burn off energy and practice their hunting skills.

• Pouncing on Anything That Moves
  Whether it's your hand, a toy, or even a shadow, kittens instinctively pounce as part of their prey drive and to practice coordination.

• Biting and "Bunny Kicking" During Play
  This playful biting and kicking combo is a form of mock fighting, a way for kittens to strengthen their muscles and develop hunting instincts.

• Climbing on Furniture, Curtains, and Even You
  Climbing helps kittens strengthen their muscles and gain confidence. It’s a natural behavior, although it might require some redirection to safe climbing spots!

• Chirping or Chattering at Birds or Bugs
  This sound often happens when kittens watch prey from a window. It's thought to be an instinctual behavior, mimicking the sound of prey or expressing excitement.

• Licking and Grooming You or Other Pets
  Grooming is a social behavior, and when kittens groom you, they are showing affection and bonding with their "family."

• Kneading with Their Paws
  Often called "making biscuits," kneading is a leftover behavior from kittenhood that helps them feel secure and comforted.

• Eating Non-Food Items (Pica)
  Some kittens chew on random objects, possibly because of teething, curiosity, or even a nutrient deficiency, though it’s mostly harmless. It’s good to monitor and redirect this behavior to safe chew toys.

• Sleeping in Odd, Tiny, or Elevated Spaces
  Kittens seek out small, cozy spots to feel safe. Tiny hideouts and elevated places are secure and warm, satisfying their need for comfort and protection.

Embrace the quirks, celebrate the cuteness, and enjoy each moment with your playful, curious little companion!

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