What do you recommend for a new kitten?

[Wannabeyorkshirelass]

We are going to be getting a new kitten in the next few weeks. We already have an 8 year old cat so have the things that she needs (and know all about how to handle introductions etc) but we want to get some new things ready for when the kitten comes.

Obviously food and water dishes and litter tray (plus food and litter, flea stuff, worm stuff).

Any particular scratching post or climbing/activity thing?

Any bed you recommend for kittens? Our cat sleeps in a radiator hammock, on the windowsillys and (all night) on my bed! She rejected a cosy basket and an igloo years ago and we no longer have them.

Any toys that are must haves for kittens?

Anything else?

Ps) I am SO excited! Haven't had a baby in the family for a while but it feels like the right time, and our cat is very chilled so hopefully introductions will be ok. No particular kitten in mind yet, just waiting for kitten season (and keeping an eye on local rescues - we're looking for a moggy not a breed).

We got a new kitten just before Christmas. We bought a scratching post from wilko for about £15 which has been excellent. Also a few toys..... one was a hedgehog teaser thing, a toy mouse and a ball with a bell. One of her favourite toys turned out to be the empty toilet roll and she also loves the fabric tape measure.
So don't go spending loads on toys, wait and see what type of thing they enjoy

Ps with regards to introductions we just left them to it and over 3 days they went from hissing to playing with the toys together. None of this separate room rubbish!!!

For a new kitten, maybe a cubby basket or something - basically something she can hide in but still see the room etc. Ours hid under the desk for ages, which was so sad because we couldn't see her etc. But then we got this bed that had a smallish opening so she felt protected and she loved that.

Oh and also a classic, cheap toy on a stick so you can play with her actively. Exciting!

Our kitten loved this bed when we first had him, though it doesn't fit over our radiators so it was just placed on a sofa. I think it probably gave him a sense of security as he was sharing with 2 old established cats. It is too tight a space for fully grown cats though, which was good for keeping the older ones out of it when the kitten was young, but of course meant that the kitten outgrew it eventually. Still, worth bearing in mind that they like somewhere relatively enclosed yet with easy access in and out when they are young.

Great tips, thank you!

I'm glad that you don't think we should buy too much to start with as that's kind of what I was inclined to think but didn't want to miss anything important.

I have had quite a few cats and kittens over the years now but I still can't really remember what it's like. I hope I haven't forgotten any serious downsides haha.

Somewhere to hide too - could even be a cardboard box on its side with some bedding (old towels / baby blanket) and entrance 'curtained' off; again just an old towel slung over the top and covering the entrance. I would place under a table / somewhere quiet and away from prying hands. Good luck!