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Cute, adorable, energetic kittens will eventually turn into cats. But until they do, they need special toys, foods, and shelters to keep them safe. We put together this list of thoughtful gifts for new kitten owners. It focuses on the needs of households that have just taken in a new kitten or two, with presents that you can give with confidence, knowing that they’ll be appreciated and used.
Gifts for New Kitten Owners
The first day or two with a new kitten is exciting! All sorts of household items—especially towels and dishes—get repurposed as the kitten decides what they like and the new cat parent figures out what the kitten needs.
Once things have settled down, it’s time to bring in some nice-looking basics for the rooms where the kitten is allowed to explore. We’ve included some top-of-the-line items in this gift list, which includes everything from cat trees to catnip toys. These splurges make great treats for the new cat parents.
Note: Before buying cat products, especially food or treats, it helps to check with the new kitten owners about any preferences they might have in terms of ingredients or safety. Looking for products branded specifically for kittens and consulting online authorities such as PetMD about what to avoid is a good place to start.
Pet Magasin Cat Tunnels
Kittens love to hide. Cat tunnels are a great place for them to do it because it’s much easier to check on a kitten that’s playing in a cat tunnel than a kitten that’s hiding under the dresser.
These top-rated cat tunnels (one 35 inches long, and the other 18 inches long) are collapsible, so they’re easy to transport or store. The bright colors may not be the most attractive, but they will reduce the chances that people will trip over them. The tunnels are made of a sturdy polyester fabric that stands up to kitten claws.
Buy on Amazon Buy on ChewyPetFusion Ultimate Scratcher
Cat behaviorists recommend that cats be trained to use a scratching post at an early age. Ideally, there should be a cat-scratching area in every room where the cat spends time. It can be a stand-alone post, a horizontal scratching surface on the floor, or a post that’s integrated into a cat tree or cat house.
We’re big fans of this extremely durable cat scratcher from PetFusion. Kittens love to clamber up the sides, scratch the ends or the top, and take naps on it. Pet parents like it because the lightweight PetFusion tucks neatly under a table or in a closet when guests come and you need clear floor space. Note: This scratcher may seem a bit large for a kitten, but kittens grow fast—and they just love a climbing challenge (plus some cool places to hide out).
Buy on AmazonMeowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed
If you are looking for cute, go no further. The luxurious Meowfia “cave-style” bed is the perfect choice for a gift for a new kitten parent. The Meowfia, made of 100% Merino wool, is a favorite because of its ultra-modern design that comes in an assortment of tasteful grays and browns. (It also comes in bright turquoise!) The Meowfia is hand washable in soap and water.
Buy on AmazonVeken Pet Fountain
Cats are instinctively drawn to running water, such as faucets and fountains. This is great because cats need fresh water! A good quality fountain will encourage kittens to drink.
This Veken fountain comes with an adapter, an ultra-quiet DC pump, three filters (so you have two replacements), a pre-filter sponge, and a silicone mat to handle spills. Maintenance is pretty easy: just clean the fountain weekly and change the filter every two to four weeks.
Buy on AmazonAmazon Basics Cat Activity Tree
This lightweight two-tier cat tree with perch, bed, and scratching posts is kitten-sized. The 16 x 16 inch base won’t take up much floor space, but it’s got what it takes to keep a kitten happy. The scratching-post pillars are wrapped with sturdy jute fiber that will stand up to an all-out kitten attack and still look great. It’s the new-kitten-owner gift that keeps on giving.
Buy on AmazonPetstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy
Gifts for new kitten owners don’t have to be fancy! Rest assured, they’ll be delighted by toys that keep the kitten occupied. This style of toy is popular, and the PetStages model gets top reviews for durability. The non-slip base is a plus, keeping the toy in place on flooring while the kitten is playing.
Find on AmazonPotaroma Plush Cat Chew Toys (6-pack)
Kittens don’t just like to scratch—they also bite and kick. Those sharp little teeth can be safely redirected by letting the kitten take out their aggression on “kicker toys”—nice, chewy stuffed animals. New kitten owners will appreciate this six-pack of durable toys that can stand up to plenty of chewing and kicking. The toys are filled with catnip (an herb that is appealing to the majority of cats).
Find on AmazonTiki Cat Soft & Chewy Tuna Flavor Treats
If your friends are open to trying out new treats for their kitten, these Tiki Cat nibbles make a nice gift. New kitten owners will appreciate the small size of the treats, plus the soft texture—both perfect for young cats.
Find on AmazonFrisco 20-Inch Faux Fur Cat Tree with Hammock
Up in the air about gifts for new kitten owners? “Hammock-style” cat beds are the latest thing. In our experience, kittens and agile young cats just love them. This snuggly faux-fur model, from Chewy’s Frisco cat furniture line, gets top ratings.
Find on ChewyCat Dancer Rainbow Cat Charmer
The Cat Dancer Rainbow Cat Charmer is a simple, durable, and safe interactive toy that can quickly become a kitten’s favorite plaything. (It’s much safer than toys with feathers, sequins, or other attachments that a kitten might swallow.) Cats love tracking the long strip of rainbow fabric. New kitten owners will quickly find that energetic sessions with the Cat Charmer are a great way to bond with a kitten.
Find on AmazonFurther Reading
