Summary
The list of supplies needed to care for weaned kittens may seem long, but you’ll be glad you have all these items on hand. Learn about appropriate types of litter, food, dishes, enrichment items and more to make caring for weaned kittens easier, safer and enjoyable.
Supplies Needed for Weaned Kittens
In addition to the basic supplies suggested in Basic Supplies Needed in Caring for Kittens, other supplies are needed as weaned kittens continue to develop weekly and become more engaged with you and their surroundings.
Litter Boxes and Litter for Weaned Kittens
- Litter box. The litter box should have at least one side that is low enough to allow kittens to walk into it easily and large enough to accommodate several kittens at once.
- There are several options: plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or disposable cardboard. Cardboard trays can be disposed of easily, and stainless steel and aluminum can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Plastic is still a good option, but small scratches can harbor pathogens over time and are more difficult to clean and disinfect effectively.
- Low-sided cardboard boxes are disposable litter box options and are free at grocery or pet stores. Flatten one side if kittens are too small to climb over the sides. Some boxes are wrapped in plastic; cut the excess on top, leaving plastic along the sides and bottom to provide extra protection against leakage.
- Depending on the number of kittens and the size of the litter box, you may need more than one litter box. Kittens still learning to use the litter box may urinate or defecate as soon as the urge hits them; to avoid accidents, place multiple litter boxes around the room, especially in places where they are prone to urinate or defecate. As kittens grow and have more control over their bladder and bowel, they should be better about getting to the litter box when the urge strikes.
- Litter. Provide unscented, non-clumping litter, as clumping litter can be dangerous to young kittens who swallow it. Typically, by the time kittens are four months old, it is safe to gradually switch them to a clumping litter if desired, but non-clumping litter can be used throughout a cat’s life. Many appropriate options exist for weaned kittens, including clay litter, pellet litter (typically made of paper or wood), and other natural litter products specifically made for cats and kittens. Some retailers sell soft pellet or crumble litter which is easier on kittens’ feet. There are also litter additives that are used to encourage kittens to use the litter box. Avoid including additives intended to cover up odors, and do not use sand or dirt, which may contain pesticides, parasites or other unknown, harmful substances.
- Protection under litter boxes. Use unscented pee pads under litter boxes to protect floors; multiple newspaper layers also work well, and top layers can be removed and discarded when soiled. Keeping the litter box clean is a must and may require more attention when several kittens are using the box.
- Litter scoop. A litter scoop that is easily cleaned and sanitized will be needed. Have a dedicated scoop for each separate litter of kittens. Do NOT use the same scoop for different litter boxes used by different kittens. Doing so can introduce parasites or pathogens from one litter box and a group of kittens to another.
Dishes for Weaned Kittens
- Provide separate dishes for water and wet and dry food.
- Size and shape. Weaned kittens need shallow food and water dishes to easily eat and drink without their whiskers touching the dishes’ sides.
- Material of dishes. Stainless steel, heavy glass or ceramic bowls that will not easily tip over work well. Avoid plastic dishes, which are difficult to clean and disinfect safely. Some cats and kittens develop feline acne from bacteria that plastic dishes can harbor.
- Cleaning dishes. Wash all dishes with liquid dish soap and hot water or dishwasher as needed, but at least once a day.
Food for Weaned Kittens
- Provide kittens with quality wet and dry food that is specifically formulated for kittens. Try to feed kittens the same type and brand of food consistently to avoid stomach upset and diarrhea, which may develop from switching foods frequently or quickly. Newly weaned kittens may need wet food watered down, perhaps with kitten formula, so have formula available (ideally, the same brand they were bottle fed).
- Have treats available to encourage a picky eater, provide as a reward after administering medication, or while socializing timid kittens. Lickable treats are also good for mixing with liquid medications to disguise the taste.
Enrichment Items for Weaned Kittens
Healthy, weaned kittens are active and curious. As their physical abilities increase, play becomes very important in helping them develop the skills they need as adults. Have a variety of safe toys and space exploration options to help kittens grow in confidence with their surroundings and other animals if present.
- Toys. Kittens begin playing with toys at about four weeks of age and need toys safe for their size. Toys do not have to be fancy or expensive. Ping pong balls, toilet paper tubes, cardboard boxes with cut-out holes larger than the kittens (so they cannot get caught in the holes) and paper bags with the handles removed are safe and entertaining. Wand toys can be popular with kittens and have the benefit of keeping hands away from excited kittens’ mouths and claws. Wand toys and other items that can be swallowed or may entangle or trap kittens (such as string, feathers, or toys with openings) should be put away when you are not supervising kittens. Choose easy-to-disinfect toys or those that can be disposed of or sent home with kittens when they are adopted.
- Cat tree. Cat trees are available in various sizes and complexities, and whether you offer one to kittens will primarily depend on the kittens’ age, how much space is available, and whether the tree can be properly disinfected. You will not want to let kittens scale heights from which they will jump when their legs and bodies are still too small to withstand the impact of the landing. It is best to hold off on providing a cat tree of any height until kittens are about six weeks old. When providing a cat tree, place other safe items near the tree to make it easy for kittens to get down without taking a big leap and risking injury. A thick blanket or pillows around the base may help soften an accidental fall. If the tree cannot be cleaned and disinfected, it should not be used again for future kittens.
- Scratching post or pad. Scratching is normal behavior and begins as early as five weeks of age. Some kittens prefer to scratch horizontally; others vertically. Others are equal opportunity scratchers. Scratching posts should be tall enough for a good stretch and stable enough not to fall over. Scratching posts come covered in sisal, carpet, or corrugated cardboard. However, you may want to avoid carpet so kittens do not learn to scratch rugs and carpeting.
Other Supplies for Weaned Kittens
- Nail clippers. There are several acceptable types of clippers available. Choose the option you feel most comfortable using.
- Grooming supplies. Comb, brush, and unscented baby wipes.
- Paper identification collars. If kittens look alike, use an identification method to tell them apart. Disposable ID collars with kittens’ names written on them or different colored collars are one option. You can make or purchase collars (an internet search yields several options). An appropriately-sized collar allows two fingers to be placed between the collar and the kitten’s neck. A collar that is too loose allows a leg or lower jaw to be stuck in it. Check collars often to ensure they do not become too tight as kittens grow. See Supplies Needed for Bottle Kittens
