New Cat Shopping & To-Do List

Cat Food & Bowls

Kittens should eat kitten kibble until 6 months (ideally 1 year) and canned food daily. VCS uses Purina Kitten Chow. Transition to new foods slowly over 7-14 days.

Litter, Box & Scoop

CRITICAL: Under 4 months OLD MUST use non-clumping litter (pine, paper). Box should be 1.5x the cat's length.

Secure Carrier

Hard-shell is often better; soft carriers can mold and cats can easily open their zippers.

Vet Registration

Local vets are at capacity. Get established ASAP! (VCS provides final kitten shots for $25 if under 19 weeks).

Microchip Registration

Your kitten is chipped, but YOU must register it to be notified if they are lost or trapped.

Break-away Collar & ID Tag

Crucial even for indoor cats. Break-away collars release safely if snagged on branches.

Flea & Worm Meds

Required if your cat goes outdoors, as fleas are the main transmitter of intestinal worms.

Nail Clippers

Get cat-specific clippers! Dog clippers are too big and crush the nail instead of cutting it cleanly.

Brushes

Minimizes shedding and prevents painful matting for long-haired cats.

Cat Bed

Big fluffy beds, pillows, or simple blankets work perfectly.

Scratching Post or Mat

Saves your furniture! Floor mats, tall posts, or even pieces of lumber work.

Toys & Treats

Ensure toys are not small enough to swallow. Cats universally love the soft treat tubes!

Cardboard Boxes

The ultimate free toy for hiding, napping, and pouncing. Paper bags are great too!