Why this basket
- Cats Protection says a kitten should start in one quiet room, so everything that room needs is bought before collection day.
- Two litter trays, not one: the Cats Protection rule is one tray per cat, plus a spare.
- The food and litter picks are fallbacks. Cats Protection says to keep whatever the kitten already knows and change it gradually.
- Every title was checked for species and size, and the litter trays and cat tree are sized for the grown cat, not the kitten.
Before they come home
Set these up in one small room with a door that closes.
A sturdy, well-ventilated carrier
Amazon Basics two-door cat carrier
4.6 on Amazon · 63,935 ratings · 500+ bought last month · #1 in Cat Hard-Sided Travel Carriers · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Cats Protection asks for a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier for the journey home, secured with a seatbelt in the car. This one opens at the top and the front, the listing says. It is the 48cm size, which buyers find snug for a grown cat on long trips, so pick the 58cm size on the same listing if you want one carrier for life.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Feels solid and secure, with a front door that locks firmly(12 of 13 reviews)
- Opening the top as well as the front makes loading a reluctant pet easier(9 of 13 reviews)
- Hard plastic shell wipes clean easily(2 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- The small nuts and bolts joining the two halves are fiddly to fit(3 of 13 reviews)
- The 48 cm size is snug for a grown cat on longer trips(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 48 x 32 x 25 cm
- Weight
- 1.3 kg
- Material
- PP, Iron
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
Two large, open litter trays
CAT CENTRE big open litter tray, 56cm
4.7 on Amazon · 1,578 ratings · 300+ bought last month · #10 in Cat Litter Boxes · recorded 27 Sept 2026
The tray count follows Cats Protection's rule of one per cat plus one extra. It suggests a large, adult-sized tray so the kitten can keep using it when grown. This one is 56 x 39 cm, with a lowered entry step for small legs and a rim that unclips, the listing says. Place both trays somewhere quiet, away from food and water.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- High sides keep wee in the tray, even from cats that sit high(7 of 13 reviews)
- Roomy enough for large and older cats to turn round(7 of 13 reviews)
- The rim comes off so the tray is easy to clean(3 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Keen diggers still flick some litter out over the front(4 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 56 x 39 x 23 cm
- Weight
- 870 g
- Material
- Plastic
- Made for
- cats
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
Also recommended on: a smelly litter tray, cat pee smell, Covered or open litter tray?.
Litter the kitten knows, or an unscented one
Catsan Hygiene Plus litter, 20L
4.6 on Amazon · 33,646 ratings · 80K+ bought last month · #1 in Cat Litter · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Always "on offer"23 of 23 days
Ask what litter the kitten uses now and buy that if you can; Cats Protection says any change should be gradual. If you are starting from scratch, this non-clumping litter has no scent or bleach and is suitable for kittens, the listing says. Cats Protection suggests at least 3cm in the tray, with poo and pee removed at least once a day.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Holds down the smell of urine better than other litters they tried(5 of 13 reviews)
- Very little dust when pouring into the tray(2 of 13 reviews)
- The 20L bag goes a long way between full changes(3 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- It does not clump, so you lift solids and change the rest(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Weight
- 10 kg
- Material
- Quarts & Limestone
- Capacity
- 20 litres
- Made for
- cats
- In the box
- 1 x Catsan - Catsan Hygiene Plus Cat Litter - 20L
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 23 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 23 of them, including today.
Also recommended on: Cat's Best or Catsan cat litter?, Catsan, Sanicat or Ever Clean cat litter?, What to sign up for a pet owner.
Complete kitten food, the kind they already eat
Felix kitten pouches in jelly (40)
4.7 on Amazon · 827 ratings · 10K+ bought last month · #1 in Cat Food Pouches · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Kittens need a good-quality, complete kitten food, and Cats Protection says to start with the one they already eat, so ask the breeder or rescue first. If they are on Felix, this is the kitten range. The listing's guide for an average kitten is three to four pouches a day, split into at least two meals, with fresh water alongside.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Kittens eat it readily and work through every flavour(4 of 8 reviews)
- The 40 pouch box is good value and lasts a while(4 of 8 reviews)
- A decent mix of flavours in one box(2 of 8 reviews)
Our summary of the 8 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Pack
- pack of 40
- Made for
- small cats
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Separate food and water bowls
4.6 on Amazon · 3,763 ratings · 1K+ bought last month · #1 in Feeding & Watering Supplies for Dogs · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Buy two bowls and keep them apart: Cats Protection says many cats prefer their water away from their food. These Mason Cash saucers are stoneware, 13cm across and hold 200ml, and the listing says they resist tipping and are dishwasher safe.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Solid stoneware that sits steady and does not slide about(6 of 13 reviews)
- Shallow and wide, so a cat's whiskers do not brush the sides(5 of 13 reviews)
- Easy to wash up and well made for the price(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 13 x 13 x 3.2 cm
- Weight
- 300 g
- Material
- Stoneware
- Capacity
- 200 ml
- Made for
- small cats
- In the box
- Bowl
- Care
- Dishwasher Safe, Freezer Safe, Microwave Safe
- Warranty
- Statutory Rights
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 3 of them, including today.
A soft bed for the sanctuary room
4.5 on Amazon · 1,495 ratings · 300+ bought last month · #1 in Cat Beds · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Limited time deal
A comfortable bed is on Cats Protection's list for the kitten's first room. This round bed measures 51 x 48 cm with 15cm sides, and the listing says the cushion lifts out and the whole bed can be machine washed.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Cats and kittens happily curl up and knead in it(6 of 13 reviews)
- Well padded with a thick, soft lining(4 of 13 reviews)
- Goes in the washing machine and keeps its shape(3 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Polyester
- Care
- Machine Wash
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 3 of them, including today.
Also recommended on: a cat.
A covered place to hide
4.5 on Amazon · 1,157 ratings · 100+ bought last month · #7 in Cat Caves & Houses · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Cats Protection suggests cardboard boxes or cat igloos as hiding places and says to let a new kitten hide whenever they want to. A box with a hole cut in it costs nothing. This igloo adds a washable cushion, the listing says, and folds flat into a bed later.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Very soft and warm inside, with a plush cushion(8 of 13 reviews)
- Springs back into shape out of the box, no fiddly setup(4 of 13 reviews)
- The 40 cm cave is roomier inside than it looks(4 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Not every cat goes inside, and some just lie on top or ignore it(3 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Polyester
- Made for
- small cats
- In the box
- Cat Cave Bed Igloo
- Care
- Machine Wash
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 3 of them, including today.
A scratching post
Amazon Basics scratching post, 80cm
4.6 on Amazon · 16,054 ratings · 2K+ bought last month · #1 in Cat Scratching Posts · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Limited Prime deal
Cats Protection includes a scratching post in the sanctuary room, so the kitten learns where scratching belongs from the first day. This post is 80cm tall with a jute wrap and a dangling toy, the listing says. The upgrade has a heavier base, which helps once a strong adult cat is leaning on it.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Tall enough for a grown cat to stretch right out while scratching(9 of 13 reviews)
- Sturdy and stays upright even with heavy use(8 of 13 reviews)
- Quick and easy to screw together(7 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- The base is on the light side, so a strong cat can tip it(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 80 x 40 x 40 cm
- Weight
- 2.2 kg
- Material
- Jute
- Made for
- medium cats
- In the box
- /
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 3 of them, including today.
Also recommended on: a cat lover.
Week one
Once the kitten is exploring the room.
A fishing rod toy
Pawaboo feather wand with bell
4.4 on Amazon · 2,973 ratings · 200+ bought last month · #14 in Feather Toys for Cats · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Fishing rod toys are the type Cats Protection picks out for kittens, because they keep claws and teeth away from hands and feet. This wand has a flexible wire of about 88cm, a bell and a spare feather, the listing says, and buyers say the feathers clip on rather than being glued. Put it away after each game, as Cats Protection advises.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- The springy wire makes the feathers dart about like a real bird(4 of 13 reviews)
- Sturdier than most wand toys, with feathers clipped on rather than glued(4 of 13 reviews)
- A spare feather attachment comes in the box(3 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Claws can snag in the metal clip and rings during play(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 30 x 22 x 1.8 cm
- Weight
- 27 g
- Material
- PP Handle, malleable mild steel string
- Made for
- small cats
- In the box
- Cat Toy
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Also recommended on: a cat.
A gentle grooming brush
Tangle Teezer Pet Teezer cat brush
200+ bought last month · #3 in Grooming Brushes for Cats · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Short and long-haired cats may both need grooming, Cats Protection says, and the tools should be introduced slowly: let the kitten sniff the brush, then build up to short sessions with praise. The listing says this brush suits short to medium fur and has flexible bristles.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Cats enjoy it, even ones that usually refuse a brush(6 of 13 reviews)
- Lifts loose top hair from short and medium coats without tugging(6 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Little use on long-haired coats, knots or mats(4 of 13 reviews)
- Collects less fur than a firmer brush, more a gentle massage(3 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
Later
A safe high place
4.7 on Amazon · 23,327 ratings · 900+ bought last month · #3 in Play Towers & Trees for Cats · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Access to safe high places is on Cats Protection's kitten list, and a cleared shelf does the job at first. When the kitten has the run of the house, this 137.7cm tree is big enough for the grown cat: four sisal posts, two top perches, a cave and a hammock, with an anti-tip kit, the listing says.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Quick to put together with clear instructions and tools included(9 of 13 reviews)
- Feels stable once built, even with cats jumping on and off(11 of 13 reviews)
- Cats take to it at once, with the top bed a favourite spot(4 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 143 x 55 x 45 cm
- Weight
- 10.6 kg
- Material
- Particle Board, Plush Fabric
- Made for
- small cats
- In the box
- Cat Tree, Anti-Tip Kit, Accessory Kit, Instructions
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
Also recommended on: a cat.
Can wait
- A cat flap. Cats Protection says to start a kitten in one room and to have them microchipped before they first go outside, so a flap is a job for later.
- A water fountain. Cats Protection's kitten list asks for fresh water in a separate bowl; nothing more is needed in week one.
Skip it
- SkipA small, kitten-sized litter trayCats Protection says a large, adult-sized tray is best, so the kitten can keep using it when fully grown.
- SkipToys with small parts or loose threadsCats Protection advises sturdy toys with no small parts, loose threads or pieces a kitten could swallow.
- SkipPhenol-based disinfectants for the trayCats Protection says phenol-based disinfectants are toxic to cats; use water and a cat-safe disinfectant for the weekly clean.
Quick questions
How many litter trays does one kitten need?
Two. Cats Protection's rule is one tray per cat, plus one extra, placed in quiet spots away from food and water. It also suggests large, adult-sized trays from the start, so the kitten does not outgrow them.
Should a new kitten have the run of the house on day one?
No. Cats Protection says to start in a small, quiet room with a door that closes, holding the bed, bowls, a litter tray, hiding places, a scratching post and toys. Put the carrier down there, open it and let the kitten come out in their own time.
Can I switch my kitten's food or litter straight away?
Not straight away. Cats Protection advises using the food and litter the kitten already knows at first and making any change gradually, to avoid stomach upsets or toileting problems. Ask the breeder or rescue what they use before collection day.
What should I clean the litter tray with?
Water and a cat-safe disinfectant, once a week. Cats Protection says to avoid phenol-based disinfectants, which are toxic to cats, and to remove poo and pee at least once a day in between.
What about vaccinations, neutering and microchipping?
Those are vet decisions and are not covered here, so talk to your vet. Cats Protection notes that in England microchipping is compulsory for owned cats over 20 weeks old, and that a kitten should be chipped before going outside for the first time.
Sources: Cats Protection: bringing a new kitten home (checked 26 September 2026); Cats Protection: cats and toileting (checked 26 September 2026).
