
Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting milestone, and having the right supplies ready before your kitten arrives will help make the transition as smooth as possible. A prepared home helps your kitten feel safe, comfortable, and confident as they adjust to their new family.
At CT Persian and Ragdoll Kittens, we want every kitten to have the best possible start. While we begin socialization, litter training, and grooming before your kitten goes home, there are a few essential items we recommend having ready before pickup day.
Here’s our complete new kitten shopping checklist.
1. High-Quality Kitten Food
Proper nutrition is one of the most important parts of raising a healthy kitten. Young kittens need a diet that supports growth, brain development, and a strong immune system.
We recommend feeding the same food your kitten has been eating during the transition to help prevent stomach upset.
Dry Food Recommendation
Purina Kitten Chow Complete Dry Food
We feed Purina Kitten Chow because it provides complete nutrition for growing kittens and is readily available at most pet stores and grocery stores throughout Connecticut.
Wet Food Recommendation
Royal Canin Kitten Wet Food
Wet food provides additional moisture and is a great way to encourage healthy eating habits. Royal Canin Kitten Wet Food is highly palatable and formulated specifically for growing kittens.
Tip: Continue feeding the same food for at least the first couple of weeks after bringing your kitten home. If you decide to switch foods later, make the transition gradually over 7–10 days.
2. A Safe, Low-Dust Litter
Choosing the right litter helps your kitten continue the litter box habits they’ve already started learning.
At CT Persian and Ragdoll Kittens, we recommend:
Tidy Cats Unscented Clumping Litter
Benefits include:
- Low dust
- Unscented formula
- Easy to scoop
- Excellent odor control
- Gentle on kitten paws
Keeping your kitten’s litter consistent during the first few weeks can make adjusting to a new home much easier.
3. Fun, Interactive Toys
Playtime is an important part of your kitten’s physical and mental development.
Interactive toys also help strengthen the bond between you and your new companion.
Some of our favorite beginner toys include:
Fishing Pole Toys
Fishing pole toys encourage your kitten to chase, jump, and exercise while allowing you to interact together.
These toys help satisfy your kitten’s natural hunting instincts.
Ping Pong Balls
Simple ping pong balls are inexpensive but incredibly entertaining.
Their lightweight design allows kittens to bat, chase, and carry them around the house for hours of fun.
Many kittens enjoy these just as much as expensive toys.
4. A Comfortable Carrier
Every kitten needs a safe carrier for trips to the veterinarian, grooming appointments, or travel.
We recommend a soft-sided cloth carrier because it offers several advantages:
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Comfortable for small kittens
- Easy to store
- Fits well in most vehicles
Many kittens also find soft carriers less intimidating than hard plastic carriers.
Adding a small blanket with familiar scents can help your kitten feel even more secure during travel.
5. A Cat Tree Is a Must
One of the best investments you can make is a sturdy cat tree.
Cat trees provide:
- A safe place to climb
- Healthy scratching surfaces
- Exercise
- Mental stimulation
- A place to nap and observe the home
Scratching is a completely natural behavior and helps kittens stretch, maintain healthy claws, and mark their territory.
Providing an appropriate scratching surface from day one helps encourage good habits and protects your furniture.
Choose a cat tree with multiple levels and sturdy scratching posts that your kitten can continue using as they grow.
Bonus Items You’ll Be Glad You Bought
While not essential on day one, these items make life easier for both you and your kitten:
- Stainless steel food and water bowls
- A soft kitten bed
- Grooming brush or comb
- Nail clippers designed for cats
- Enzymatic cleaner for occasional accidents
- A cozy blanket for your kitten’s favorite resting spot
Preparing Your Home
Before your kitten arrives, set up a quiet room with:
- Food and water
- A litter box
- A scratching post or cat tree
- Toys
- A comfortable bed
- A few safe hiding places
Giving your kitten a smaller area to explore first helps them feel secure while adjusting to their new surroundings.
As they gain confidence, you can gradually introduce them to the rest of your home.
We’re Here to Help After Adoption
At CT Persian and Ragdoll Kittens, our commitment doesn’t end when you take your kitten home.
We begin litter training, socialization, and grooming before your kitten leaves our cattery, but the transition to a new home is still a learning experience. We’re always happy to answer questions about feeding, grooming, litter training, and kitten care to help your new family member settle in successfully.
Our goal is to raise healthy, well-socialized Persian and Ragdoll kittens that become cherished companions for years to come.
Looking for a Persian or Ragdoll Kitten in Connecticut?
If you’re searching for a healthy, affectionate Persian or Ragdoll kitten, CT Persian and Ragdoll Kittens is dedicated to raising kittens with exceptional temperaments in a loving home environment.
Contact us to learn about our available kittens, upcoming litters, or to reserve your future furry family member. We look forward to helping you find the perfect companion.
