Getting a new cat or kitten is very exciting, but it's important to make sure you are prepared for your new family member before the day you bring them home. This makes for a far less stressful transition for the cat or kitten and your family as well.
First, you need to consider what area in the house you will have your new cat or kitten spend their first few days. It's usually a good idea to keep them in a single room to begin with so they have time to adjust to the new surroundings (especially if you have other animals). The best room for this is a bathroom, as it is small and does not provide many places for them to hide should they feel afraid at the beginning. I recommend the kitten stay in the bathroom for at least 3 days before opening the door and allowing them to explore the rest of the house.
You will need a litter pan, food bowl, and water bowl, scratching post, a kitty condo, and some toys for the new cat.
The food and water bowls
Ideally should be ceramic, as this is a non-porous material that is easy to clean and doesn't allow for bacterial growth. The water bowl should be dumped and wiped with a paper towel each day (or more often if soiled). Refill each day with clean water. The food bowl should only have about a half cup of food in it at any given time. If you notice that the food bowl is full of crumbs, dump those out and refill with fresh food. The food bowl should be washed about once a week.
Scratching Post
make sure you have one that once your little one grows up that he/she will be able to stretch completely on it so one that is at least 24 inches tall, and is sturdy.
Cat Condo
make sure its sturdy and that he/she will be able to jump up on it with out it wobbling. There are tons out there.
Food
Go here for food I use