Supplies to Have When Bringing Your Burmese Kitten Home

Before your kitten comes home, it is important to prepare the essential supplies in advance. During the first days, your kitten goes through a major change: a new home, new smells, new people, a different environment, and the absence of the mother and littermates. If you are bringing home two kittens together, adaptation is often a little easier, because they have each other for comfort. Still, a calm and well-prepared environment makes the transition safer, easier and smoother.

At Royal Esprit, we prepare every kitten for the move step by step, and this guide is based on the supplies and safety measures we recommend to our own kitten owners.

Many future kitten owners, excited while waiting for their kitten, want to buy as many things as possible. They want to give the kitten the most comfortable life from the very beginning. This is understandable, but it is better not to rush and buy everything that looks attractive in a pet shop or online store. The choice can be huge, but not everything is useful. Some items are helpful, some are unnecessary, some are unsuitable, and some can even be harmful.

In practice, many accessories can be chosen later, once you understand your kitten’s character and habits better. However, there are some things that should be prepared before arrival, because they will be needed from the first day.

Here is a complete guide to the supplies to have when bringing your kitten home, what can wait, and what to look for when choosing a carrier, litter tray, litter, bowls, food, resting places, grooming brush, scratching posts, toys, basic care items and home safety supplies.

Quick checklist before your kitten arrives

Before your kitten arrives, prepare the essentials first:

• a safe carrier
• a litter tray and the same litter your kitten already knows
• a litter mat, if you use an open litter tray
• ceramic food and water bowls
• food recommended by us
• fresh drinking water
• a bed or soft resting place
• a scratching post
• a cat tree or other safe vertical space
• safe toys
• nail trimmers
• a soft grooming brush for short-haired cats
• pet-safe cleaning supplies
• window protection, if needed
• balcony or terrace safety netting, if needed
• a safe room where your kitten can spend the first days

If you have already read our guide about preparing a safe room, part of these supplies should be placed there from the beginning. This helps your kitten quickly understand where the food, water, litter tray, resting place and safe hiding spot are.

1. Choosing the right carrier

A carrier is needed before your kitten comes home. You will need it when collecting the kitten from the breeder, for veterinary visits, and for any future travel. A good carrier should be safe, stable, well-ventilated and comfortable for the kitten. It is one of the most important items to buy before arrival.

If you prefer, you can also ask us to prepare a suitable carrier for your kitten. In that case, we can purchase the carrier in advance and hand it over together with the kitten. This can be useful if you are not sure which carrier to choose or if you want the kitten to travel home in a carrier we already know and consider suitable.

When choosing a carrier, pay attention to several points.

Size

The carrier should be large enough for the kitten to lie down, turn around and adjust body position. At the same time, it should not be too large. If there is too much empty space inside, the kitten may slide around during travel.

If you plan to travel by plane in the future, you should also check the in-cabin pet carrier rules of the airline you use most often. For example, Lufthansa currently lists a maximum carrier size of 55 × 40 × 23 cm for pets in the cabin, while KLM currently lists 46 × 28 × 24 cm. These airline requirements can change, so always check the current rules before booking or travelling. The SturdiBag Small and even the SturdiBag Medium recommended by us can fit these requirements in practice, taking into account that the bag can adapt in height.

Material

The best choice depends on the type of travel you expect.

Small soft carriers can be convenient for short trips, air travel and many everyday situations. They are often more comfortable for both kittens and adult cats, especially when they are well-designed and hold their shape.

Avoid choosing a carrier that is too open, with large mesh areas on the sides and top. In such a carrier, the kitten may feel less protected and experience more stress. Very open carriers can also be uncomfortable in cold or windy weather for Burmese cats, because they are heat-loving cats and have no undercoat. If you already have this type of carrier, it is better to cover it completely with a small blanket in such situations. Air will still enter through the carrier, but the kitten will feel more protected and less exposed.

One example of a good soft carrier is the SturdiBag™ Pro 3.0 by Sturdi Products.

We use these bags ourselves for travel. They are soft but stable, have a flexible height rod system, and can gently compress and adapt to different spaces, for example under some airline seats. They also have zippered mesh doors at the ends and on the top. In cold weather, the ventilation areas can be fully covered with a blanket, while enough air still reaches the cat. In warm weather, the mesh areas can be opened. SturdiBag carriers are also equipped with a Zipper Security Clip, which helps prevent a cat from opening the zipper.

Website:
https://sturdiproducts.com

There are models for one cat and for two cats. The bags are available from the official Sturdi Products website, which offers delivery to Europe, and they can also be found on Amazon and some European websites.

If you choose a different carrier, think carefully about how the zippers are secured during travel. Some Burmese cats are clever enough to figure out how to open zippers.

If you travel often and decide to order a Sturdi carrier, you may also consider the SturdiBox Portable Litter Box. It is a soft folding mini litter tray that fits inside the SturdiBag and can be useful during longer journeys, especially air travel.

Other carriers can also be suitable if they are stable, secure, well-ventilated, not too open, and have reliable zipper or door closures.

For longer car journeys, a larger and more spacious carrier may be better. These can be fabric carriers with a firm internal metal frame or larger plastic carriers. If you choose a plastic carrier, make sure it has strong locks.

Top opening

Carriers with a top opening are usually more convenient, whether they are soft carriers with a flexible frame or plastic carriers. You can gently lower the kitten inside from above instead of trying to push the kitten through the front door. It is also easier to take the kitten out.

This is especially useful during the first days after the move, when the kitten may be quite cautious, and also during veterinary visits, when taking a kitten or adult cat out through the front door can be difficult.

Ventilation

As mentioned above, the carrier should have openings on at least two sides. This is important for normal airflow and to prevent overheating during travel. However, too much open mesh is also not ideal, because it can increase stress during travel and, in cold weather, may expose the kitten to cold drafts.

Inside the carrier, you can place a soft pad or a small towel. When we hand over a kitten, we give you a small blanket carrying the scent of the mother and littermates. Place this blanket in your carrier together with the kitten to reduce stress. You can also use the same blanket at home in the resting area during the first days.

2. Choosing the right litter tray

The litter tray must be ready before your kitten arrives. During the first hours after arriving in the new home, the kitten needs to understand quickly where the toilet is. It is advisable to show the kitten where it is, if they have not found it within the first hour or two. The clearer and simpler this is, the lower the risk of mistakes.

For a kitten, three things are especially important:

• easy access
• enough space
• a quiet location

The tray should be large enough for the kitten to enter, turn around, dig in the litter and squat comfortably.

We recommend a high semi-enclosed top-entry litter box. Our kittens are used to this type of litter tray by the time they leave us. The high walls help keep litter and liquids inside, while the top-entry design gives the kitten a more protected feeling when using the tray. The surface around the top entrance usually has holes, so when the kitten climbs out, remaining litter falls back into the tray instead of being carried around the room. This helps reduce litter tracking and keeps the area around the litter box cleaner. You can see an example in the photo.

This type of tray also reduces the need for a separate litter mat, which many new owners ask about. Because the kitten exits through the top platform and the remaining litter falls back through the holes, much less litter is carried around the room.

If you use an open litter tray because this model is not available, or because you already have another cat at home that is used to an open tray, do not worry. Our kittens are first introduced to an open tray and later start using the higher semi-enclosed tray when they are ready, usually by copying their mother. This means they can use both types, and it is not stressful for them if a high tray is not available.

In that case, a litter mat can be useful. We recommend a two-layer rubber litter mat, which is available in many pet shops and online pet stores.

The litter tray should be placed in a quiet area, away from food and water. Cats usually do not like to eat near their toilet. It is also important that the tray is always easily accessible.

Some owners place the litter tray in a bathroom or laundry room. This can work well, but there is one very important safety rule. If the kitten has access to a bathroom, laundry room or any space with a washing machine or tumble dryer, always check the inside of the machine twice before closing the door and switching it on. Cats, especially kittens, can quietly climb into the laundry drum, sometimes at the very last moment and without being noticed. The internet is full of tragic stories of accidents like this. This risk applies to cats of all breeds.

If later you decide to change the litter tray or move it to another place, do it gradually. Cats like stability, and sudden changes can confuse them.

Regarding electronic self-cleaning litter boxes, choose only reliable, well-known manufacturers and never buy cheap unknown models from platforms such as AliExpress. There have been cases of kittens being injured in cheap automatic litter boxes from unknown producers. Before buying an electronic self-cleaning litter box, always research reviews carefully.

You will also need a litter scoop. Choose a sturdy scoop, not a flimsy one. The openings should be neither too large nor too small, so that clean litter can fall through while waste is removed properly. Small waste bags for cat stool are also useful. They are available in most pet shops.

3. Choosing safe cat litter for the first weeks

At first, it is best to use the same litter the kitten is already used to at the breeder’s home. This helps reduce stress and lowers the risk that the kitten will be confused by a new smell or texture.

If you want to switch to another litter, it is better to do this later and gradually. For example, first add a small amount of the new litter to the old one, then slowly increase the proportion of the new litter. A sudden change of litter during the first days after moving is not recommended.

A good litter should:

• absorb moisture well
• control odour
• have no strong artificial fragrance
• produce very little dust
• not be too rough for the kitten’s paws
• be safe for kittens during normal use
• be clumping

Strongly scented litters can be unpleasant for cats. What seems like a nice fragrance to a person may be too strong and irritating for a kitten.

Litter that produces a lot of dust can also create problems, including eye irritation. The package should clearly state that the litter is dust-free or low-dust.

Our kittens are already used to clumping litter before they leave us, so we recommend continuing with the same type at first.

Avoid pellet type litter for young kittens. Pellets can be too rough for a kitten’s delicate paws.

We recommend Ever Clean litter. This brand is available in many pet shops across Europe.

Website:
https://www.ever-clean.co.uk

Other litters can also be suitable if they are clumping, low-dust, not strongly scented, comfortable for the paws and safe for kittens during normal use.

4. Food and water bowls

Bowls must be purchased before your kitten arrives. The best choice is ceramic. Stainless steel is also a good and safe option, but we prefer ceramic bowls for several reasons. Ceramic is heavier and much more stable, so an active Burmese kitten cannot easily tip it over or push it around. It does not make loud metallic clinking sounds that can startle sensitive cats, and it keeps water cooler for longer. Ceramic bowls also look more elegant and cosy in the home.

Plastic bowls are cheaper, but we do not consider them the best option. Plastic can become scratched, hold smells and retain contamination. A slimy biofilm can quickly form on plastic bowls, caused by microbes from the cat’s saliva. In some cats, plastic bowls may also contribute to chin irritation or feline chin acne.

For your kitten, it is best to prepare:

• a separate bowl for dry food, preferably with walls slightly angled outward
• a flatter bowl for wet food
• a separate water bowl with vertical sides, ideally at least 400 to 500 ml

The water bowl should be stable, wide enough and large enough so that the water does not run out during the day. It is better to choose a bowl with a light-coloured interior, because it makes it easier to see whether the water is clean. Suitable water bowls are often easier to find in the dog section of a pet shop, because many bowls sold for cats are too small and not practical enough. However, avoid bowls on raised stands. Fresh water must always be available. Water should be changed and the water bowl washed daily.

Food and water should not be placed directly next to each other. It is better to leave at least about 0.5 metres between them. If the bowls are too close, food particles may get into the water and make it dirty more quickly.

As mentioned above, bowls should also not be placed near the litter tray.

5. Food for the first weeks

Food should be purchased according to our recommendation. During the first weeks after moving, you should not change your kitten’s diet. Even if you have already chosen another good quality food that is easier for you to buy, it is better to wait until the kitten has calmly adapted to the new home.

Moving itself is already stressful for the body. If the home, people, smells, routine and food all change at the same time, this can cause digestive problems.

Important points:

• do not change the food immediately after arrival
• do not mix many different products
• do not add treats unnecessarily
• many treats contain flavour enhancers, and the kitten may start refusing normal food
• monitor your kitten’s appetite and stool

We also recommend reading our article What You Should Not Feed a Burmese Cat:
It explains in detail which foods are unsuitable for cats, why reading the composition of cat food is important, which ingredients should be avoided, and how to choose better quality wet food.

6. Water and hydration

Fresh water must be available at all times.

Cats that eat mainly dry food are constantly in a state of mild dehydration, because dry food contains very little moisture compared with wet food or a natural prey-based diet. This mild dehydration is one of the reasons why we recommend wet food as the main part of the diet, while keeping fresh water available at all times.

The water should be of the same quality as the water you drink yourself.

Some owners also use a water fountain, especially if the cat prefers running water. If you use a fountain, choose a model that is easy to clean. Ceramic or stainless steel models are preferable.

A fountain must be washed at least every three days, and the filters must be replaced on time. Otherwise, bacteria can build up inside, including inside the pump, and this can cause digestive problems in the cat. A dirty fountain is much worse than a simple clean bowl.

7. Bed and resting places

Many cats can fall asleep almost anywhere, but a kitten still needs a calm resting place of its own, even though Burmese cats often like to sleep in bed with their owners at night.

A bed should be:

• soft
• warm
• cosy enough
• not too large
• placed in a quiet area

A soft round bed made from natural materials can be a good choice, especially for a kitten that likes to curl up. You can also use a blanket, a cat house, a soft basket or a closed hideaway.

8. Nail trimmers

Nail trimmers are worth buying in advance, but they should be used carefully. It is useful to accustom a kitten to having the paws handled and the claws trimmed from an early age. This helps avoid stress later.

Your kitten will come to you with trimmed claws. Before that, we trim the claws only when needed, because the kittens are still small and their claws are very delicate. After some time in the new home, the claws will need trimming again.

Choose a good quality nail clipper made specifically for cats. A poor quality clipper can crush or fray the claw instead of making a clean cut. Some suitable options include Mr. Pen Cat Nail Clipper, Shiny Pet Nail Clippers, Pet Republique Cat Nail Clipper, and Pet Boussa Cat Nail Clipper.

At first, it is enough to calmly touch the paws, gently press the paw pads, show the nail trimmers and build a calm association with the procedure. Use gentle praise and, if appropriate, a small reward after calm handling. The goal is not only to cut the claws, but to teach the kitten that paw handling is a positive and predictable experience.

When you start trimming the claws, cut only the transparent tip and avoid the living part of the claw. In the living part, you can see the pink blood vessel. Before trimming, we recommend watching one of the many clear tutorials and examples available on YouTube.

Regular claw care helps reduce the risk of accidental scratches during play, but it does not replace a scratching post. A cat still needs a proper place where it can scratch naturally.

9. Grooming brush

Although Burmese cats have no undercoat and usually shed very little, they still naturally lose old dead hair. For this reason, it is useful to buy a soft grooming brush for short-haired breeds.

A silicone or rubber brush is ideal. Avoid metal brushes, as they are unnecessary for a Burmese coat and can be too harsh for the skin.

Brushing once every 10 days is usually enough. It removes loose dead hair, keeps the coat smooth, and also helps the kitten get used to gentle handling and regular care. Brushing also strengthens the bond between you and your kitten.

10. Scratching post

A scratching post is essential. Cats do not scratch because they want to destroy furniture. It is normal natural behaviour. In fact, they are not really “sharpening” their claws in the literal sense.

A scratching post is a vertical, horizontal or angled surface designed to let a cat satisfy the natural need to scratch, mark territory, stretch muscles and remove old claw sheaths.

Cats scratch surfaces in order to:

• leave scent from glands located near the claws and mark their territory
• remove old claw sheaths
• stretch the muscles and front legs
• release tension and excitement

If your kitten does not have a suitable scratching post, or if it is placed in the wrong location, your furniture, carpet or sofa may become the scratching post instead.

A good scratching post must be stable. If it shakes or falls, the kitten may become frightened and stop using it. It should also be tall enough for the kitten to stretch properly.

It is best to offer different surfaces:

• a vertical scratching post
• a horizontal scratching surface
• possibly an angled scratching surface

Materials can vary: sisal, cardboard, wood or carpet covering. Many cats like sisal, while others prefer cardboard. Sometimes it is useful to offer several options.

For a Burmese kitten, it is best to place the scratching post in an area where the kitten feels safe, but also where it can observe and “control” what is happening around it.

Do not forcefully take the kitten’s paws and show it how to scratch. This can create unpleasant associations.

11. Cat tree and vertical space

Burmese kittens are active and curious, and they love being close to people. Vertical space helps them feel more confident, observe what is happening and use their energy.

A cat tree is very useful, but it must be stable. A tall structure that shakes or can fall is dangerous. Choose a model with a wide, heavy base, especially for taller designs.

A good cat tree may include:

• platforms
• beds
• houses
• scratching posts
• observation spots

If space is limited, you can use special wall shelves, but they must be securely fixed.

We recommend cat trees with wider sisal-wrapped posts, and with cushions and beds that can be removed and washed. In many models sold in pet shops, the beds are made from cheap synthetic fabric that creates static electricity in the coat and is usually not removable. Quite quickly, these surfaces can start to shed, lose their attractive appearance and create mess in the home. If the bedding cannot be washed, it can also develop an unpleasant smell over time that is difficult to remove.

We recommend Rufi cat trees, made in Poland . We use them ourselves. They offer many models, materials and colours, and delivery is available throughout Europe. In our experience, the quality is very high, the design is attractive, and these cat trees last for many years.

Website:
https://cat-tree-rufi.com

Other cat trees can also be suitable if they are stable, washable, well-built and large enough for an active Burmese kitten.

You can also consider models from RaJenPets.cz in the Czech Republic and kratzbaeume.de in Germany.

Websites:
https://www.rajenpets.cz
https://www.kratzbaeume.de

12. Safe toys

Toys are necessary, but you do not need to buy too many immediately. During the first days, it is better to choose a few safe and simple toys.

When choosing toys, consider the following:

• a wand toy is excellent for playing together
• the safest wand toy can be as simple as a long cord or a long soft strip of filled fabric attached to a stick
• avoid wand toys with metal parts, such as metal connectors, because a kitten can damage teeth on hard metal parts
• avoid bells and other small detachable parts, because they can be dangerous if swallowed
• choose balls made from natural materials without small detachable pieces
• choose soft toys of a suitable size
• a tunnel can also be a good option

Be careful with toys on strings, ribbons or elastic cords. These toys should be used only under supervision and put away after play. A kitten should not be left alone with long threads, cords or small parts that can be swallowed.

The popular laser pointer is not the best toy. The kitten tries to catch something, but never succeeds in physically catching prey. This can cause frustration. A wand toy is a better choice because the kitten can physically catch it at the end of the play sequence.

Play is important not only for entertainment. It helps the kitten use energy, develop coordination, strengthen the bond with the owner and adapt more easily to the new home.

13. Cleaning supplies

Although your kitten has been trained to use the litter tray from an early age, small accidents can still happen during the first days. It is better to have pet-safe cleaning supplies ready in advance.

Useful items include:

• wet wipes intended for animals, available in pet shops
• pet-safe cleaning products, also available in pet shops

Avoid using strong-smelling household cleaning products near the kitten. Strong smells can irritate the kitten and interfere with adaptation.

Important: never leave aggressive cleaning chemicals for toilets or bathrooms accessible to cats. Even one lick of such a product can cause chemical burns to the mucous membranes, including the mouth, throat and oesophagus, and may lead to serious complications and expensive veterinary treatment.

14. Window, balcony and terrace safety

Before your kitten comes home, check your windows, balcony and terrace carefully.

Tilt-and-turn windows

If you have tilt-and-turn windows, you should buy side protection for them before the kitten arrives. These windows can be very dangerous for cats.

A cat, especially a kitten, can stretch from the windowsill and put its head through the wider upper opening. Then, under the weight of its body, it may slide downward into the narrowing gap of the tilted window. The neck or body can become trapped in the narrowing space, which can lead to suffocation, severe injury or death.

Unfortunately, there are many such accidents among cats of all breeds. If your windows can be tilted open, side protection is not optional. It is a necessary safety measure.

Balcony and terrace safety

If you have a balcony or terrace and plan to allow your cat outside during warm weather, you need to secure the space with a special cat safety net and suitable fixings. These products are available in pet shops and online pet stores.

There are many options on Zooplus, which is available in many European countries. Choose a strong net, install it properly, and check regularly that it remains securely fixed.

Website:
https://www.zooplus.com

A balcony or terrace should never be considered safe for a kitten without proper protection.

15. What not to buy

Collars

Do not buy collars for kittens.

Some owners see advertisements, find collars beautiful and buy collars with charms or pendants for kittens. This can be dangerous. Active Burmese kittens can catch a collar on furniture or another element of the interior during play or jumping. This can lead to panic, injury, or even choking and strangulation.

For this reason, we strongly advise against collars for cats and kittens.

16. What can wait

Not everything needs to be bought in advance. Some things are better chosen later, once you know your kitten’s preferences.

You can postpone buying:

• large numbers of toys
• additional beds
• complicated interactive devices
• automatic feeders
• a water fountain, if a normal bowl works well
• additional houses and tunnels

A water fountain often looks useful, but many cats are perfectly happy with a simple clean bowl. Wait to see whether your kitten actually prefers running water before buying one.

Prepare the basics first. Later, you can buy what your kitten actually needs.

Final checklist before your kitten arrives

Before your kitten arrives, make sure you have:

• a reliable carrier
• a litter tray
• the litter your kitten is already used to
• a litter mat, if using an open litter tray
• a litter scoop and waste bags
• ceramic bowls
• food according to our recommendation
• fresh water
• a bed or soft resting place
• nail trimmers
• a silicone or rubber grooming brush for short-haired cats
• a scratching post or cat tree
• a few safe toys
• pet-safe cleaning supplies
• window side protection, if you have tilt-and-turn windows
• balcony or terrace safety netting, if needed
• a prepared safe room

FAQ

What supplies do I need before bringing my Burmese kitten home?

The most important supplies are a safe carrier, litter tray, familiar litter, ceramic bowls, food recommended by us, fresh water, a bed or resting place, nail trimmers, a soft grooming brush, a scratching post, a cat tree, safe toys, pet-safe cleaning products and, where needed, window or balcony protection.

Should I change my kitten’s food after arrival?

No. Do not change your kitten’s food immediately after arrival. Use the food recommended by the breeder during the first weeks. Once the kitten has adapted to the new home, any food change should be made gradually.

What type of carrier is best for a Burmese kitten?

A good carrier should be stable, secure, well-ventilated and not too open. A top opening is very useful because it makes it easier to place the kitten inside and take it out calmly. For air travel, a well-designed soft carrier can be very practical.

What litter should I use for the first weeks?

Use the same clumping litter your kitten already knows from the breeder’s home. This reduces stress and helps the kitten understand the litter tray immediately. Avoid strongly scented, dusty or rough litter.

Do I need a litter mat?

If you use the high semi-enclosed litter tray with a top-exit platform that we recommend, a separate litter mat is usually not necessary. This type of tray already helps reduce litter tracking. If you use an open litter tray, a two-layer rubber litter mat can be useful.

Do I need a calming pheromone diffuser such as Feliway?

Usually, no. Our kittens normally adapt quickly when the safe room is prepared correctly and the first days are handled calmly.

A calming pheromone diffuser or spray can sometimes be useful if your kitten is moving into a home where another cat already lives. In that situation, it is often more helpful for the resident cat than for the kitten.

Before using such products, we recommend reading our guides Bringing Home Your Burmese Kitten: A Thoughtful Approach for the First Week and Creating the Perfect Safe Room: How to Set Up a Stress-Free Base Camp Before Your Burmese Kitten Arrives.

Should I buy cat grass for my kitten?

Cat grass is optional. Many cats like it, but it can sometimes cause vomiting. If you grow cat grass, let it grow and root properly before offering it, otherwise a kitten may pull it out together with the soil.

The soil should be clean and safe, without contamination or parasites. We do not recommend leaving cat grass freely available all the time. It is better to grow it separately and occasionally offer a few blades by hand.

If you have houseplants, remember that some common indoor plants are toxic to cats and can cause serious illness or even death. Please read our guide Hidden Dangers at Home: How to Keep Your New Burmese Kitten Safe for a list of dangerous plants and other household risks.

Do I need an enzyme cleaner?

It is not a necessary purchase in most cases. Our kittens are litter trained from an early age and normally use the litter tray reliably.

Enzyme cleaners are mainly useful when there is a persistent urine smell, or in cases involving unneutered cats that mark during sexual maturity. For a young kitten moving into a prepared safe room, a normal pet-safe cleaning product is usually enough.

Do I need a kitchen scale to weigh my kitten?

A kitchen scale can be useful, but it is not essential. Some owners like to weigh their kitten once a week during the first months, especially if they want to monitor growth more closely.

In most cases, you can also see whether a kitten is developing well by its appetite, energy, stool, body condition and coat quality. The coat of an unwell cat often becomes dull, dry or brittle quite quickly. If you notice weight loss, poor appetite, diarrhoea, low energy or a sudden change in coat quality, contact us and your veterinarian.

Do Burmese kittens need brushing?

Yes, but not intensive grooming. Burmese cats have no undercoat and usually shed very little, but they still lose old dead hair. A soft silicone or rubber brush for short-haired breeds is usually enough. Brushing once every 10 days is a good routine.

Are collars safe for kittens?

No. We strongly advise against collars for cats and kittens. Active kittens can catch a collar on furniture or other objects during play or jumping, which can lead to injury, choking or strangulation.

How can I make windows and balconies safe for a kitten?

Tilt-and-turn windows need side protection. Balconies and terraces should be secured with a proper cat safety net and suitable fixings before the cat is allowed outside. Never assume that an open window, balcony or terrace is safe without protection.

What items are not necessary before bringing a kitten home?

You do not need to buy everything in advance. Large numbers of toys, extra beds, automatic feeders, complicated interactive devices, water fountains and additional tunnels can usually wait. It is better to prepare the essentials first and choose the rest later, once you understand your kitten’s habits and preferences.

Final thoughts

Preparing for your kitten’s arrival should not become a chaotic shopping process. It is much more important to prepare the essential items that will genuinely help your kitten feel calm and safe.

A carrier, litter tray, familiar litter, proper bowls, food recommended by the breeder, a resting place, scratching post, cat tree, safe toys, basic grooming items and safety supplies create the foundation for the first days at home.

The rest can be chosen later, once you know your kitten’s character, habits and favourite places better. During the first days, what matters most is not the number of things you buy, but a calm, safe and understandable environment.