Spend AED 100 more for Free Shipping!
15% off code “FIRSTORDER15” 
Kitten Starter Checklist: Food, Litter & Carrier
The complete kitten starter checklist for UAE homes — food, litter, carrier, health and kitten-proofing, plus everything you need ready before your kitten arrives.
The complete kitten starter checklist
Bringing home a kitten in the UAE is exciting — and much smoother when everything is ready before they arrive. Here is the essentials list at a glance, with the details in each section below:
- Food: quality kitten food, plus food and water bowls
- Litter: a low-sided litter box and kitten-safe litter
- Carrier: a secure carrier for vet trips (IATA-approved if you will fly)
- Comfort: a cosy bed and warm, quiet spot
- Play: a few toys and a scratching post
- Health: a first vet appointment for a check, vaccinations and microchip
- Home: a kitten-proofed, safe living space
Set up a calm, ready home before your kitten arrives — the first few days shape how confident and settled they become.
Food: feeding your new kitten
Kittens grow fast and need a complete kitten-specific diet that is higher in protein and calories than adult food. Feed the same food your kitten had at their previous home at first, then switch gradually over seven to ten days if you want to change.
- Under 4 months: three to four small meals a day
- 4–6 months: around three meals a day
- 6–12 months: two to three meals, staying on kitten food until about one year
A mix of wet and dry works well: kitten wet food supports hydration in the heat, while kitten dry food is convenient and good for teeth. Browse the full kitten food range and always keep fresh water available.
Hydration matters in the UAE
Kittens can be casual drinkers. Offering some wet food and a clean, always-full water bowl helps keep them hydrated in the warm climate.
Litter and litter box for kittens
Kittens usually learn the litter box quickly if it is easy to reach and easy to climb into. Choose a low-sided tray a small kitten can step into, and place it somewhere quiet and away from food.
- Use a soft, unscented, dust-free or non-clumping litter for young kittens — they explore with their mouths, so avoid clumping clay until around four months.
- Keep the box in the same easy-to-find spot while they settle in.
- Scoop daily and show your kitten the box after meals and naps.
Set up with a suitable litter box and kitten-safe cat litter from the start.
Carrier: safe travel from day one
A secure carrier is essential from the very first journey home and every vet visit after. Pick a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier that your kitten can stand and turn around in, and leave it open at home so they get used to it as a safe space.
- For everyday vet trips, a comfortable hard or soft cat carrier is ideal.
- If you plan to fly with your cat, choose an IATA-approved carrier that meets airline requirements.
- Add a soft liner and a familiar-smelling blanket to reduce stress.
Comfort, play and scratching
A kitten needs rest, stimulation and an outlet for natural scratching:
- Bed: a soft, warm bed in a quiet corner gives them a secure base.
- Toys: wand teasers, balls and small mice build confidence and burn energy — explore cat toys.
- Scratcher: a post or pad protects your furniture and keeps claws healthy — see cat scratchers.
Play prevents problems
Short, regular play sessions tire a kitten out, reduce night-time zoomies and discourage biting and furniture scratching.
Health basics: vet, vaccines and microchip
Book a first vet visit soon after your kitten arrives. Your vet will do a health check and set up a schedule for:
- Vaccinations: core kitten vaccines with boosters on your vet's timeline
- Deworming and parasite control: important year-round in the UAE
- Microchipping and registration: confirm the current requirements for your emirate
- Spay / neuter: discuss the right age with your vet
Kitten-proofing your home
Curious kittens get everywhere, so make your space safe before they explore:
- Secure loose wires, and tuck away small objects and hair ties they could swallow.
- Keep toxic plants, cleaning products and human medicines out of reach.
- Check balconies and windows — fit secure screens or netting, common and vital in UAE apartments.
- Set the AC to a comfortable temperature and give them a cosy, draught-free spot.
Balcony safety is essential
High-rise living is common in the UAE, and kittens can slip through railings. Never leave a kitten unsupervised on an open balcony — use secure netting or keep the door closed.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need before bringing a kitten home?
Have kitten food and bowls, a low litter box and kitten-safe litter, a secure carrier, a bed, a few toys and a scratcher ready, and book a first vet visit. Kitten-proof your home before they arrive so their first days are safe and calm.
What is the best food for a kitten?
A complete kitten-specific diet, higher in protein and calories than adult food, fed until about one year old. A mix of wet and dry food works well, and wet food helps with hydration in the UAE heat. Change foods gradually over seven to ten days.
What litter is safe for young kittens?
Use a soft, unscented, dust-free or non-clumping litter until around four months old, because kittens can swallow clumping clay while exploring. Pair it with a low-sided tray they can climb into easily.
When should a kitten first see a vet?
Book a check-up soon after your kitten comes home. The vet will assess their health and plan vaccinations, deworming, microchipping and, later, spaying or neutering on the right schedule.
🐱 Everything for Your New Kitten
Kitten food, litter, carriers, toys and more — with free delivery across the UAE.
Shop Kitten Essentials