Royal Canin > My Pet > Kitten Guide

What to buy for your new kitten

When you get your kitten home, show them where things are kept, starting with the litter tray, then the basket which will become a place of refuge for peace and safety, and finally her toys and accessories.

 

Basket:

Choose one with comfortable bedding where the kitten will feel safe (although don't be surprised if your kitten chooses to sleep elsewhere).

 

Litter tray: 

This should be a container with a scoop to remove droppings. A covered tray can help avoid accidental spills and limit smells.

 

Two kittens eatingTwo dishes:

Use a small one for cat food (an adult cat only eats 60 to 70 grams of dry cat food a day) and a bigger one for fresh water. Water should be available for your cat at all times. Ensure dishes are a minimum of 50 cm apart from one another and from bedding and litter trays. Use the n+1 rule for water bowls and litter trays. (ie, if you have 2 cats 2+1=3 litter trays/water bowl, 3 cats=4 etc). 

 

Scratching post:

A scratching post can help avoid damage to other furniture in your home.

 

Toys:

Can be bought from the pet shop or home made. 

 

Cat tree:

As kittens love to climb up high (it is the dominant position) a cat tree can help save your cat from vaulting on your furniture and at the same time as to satisfy their need for exercise.

 

Collar and lead:

A collar is the easiest and quickest means of identification for your kitten. A lead can also be a useful accessory for short trips without the cat box. 

 

Cat flap:

If you plan to allow your kitten to go outside, training her to use a cat flap is the easiest way.  Electronic tags on the collar can be used, which only admit your cat rather than every cat in the neighbourhood. However, more owners are opting to keep their pedigree cat indoors.

Other sections:

Bringing your new kitten home

Kitten behaviour and training

Kitten nutrition, growth and diet

Oral health for kittens

Kitten insurance

Neutering your cat

Exercise and going outside

Kitten fleas and worming

Grooming your cat

Kittens and children

All advice and information contained within this guide maybe superseded by any contract or agreement you have with the breeder of your new kitten.