CARRIER- Using a hard-sided pet carrier with side and top door options is a great idea. They are easy to clean and provide security.
KITTY SET UP- It is best to set your new kitten(s) up in ONE room with all of the things they will need. Soft bed/blankets, kitten-safe toys, litterbox (low-sided so they can easily climb in *or* set a thick book (or something like it) next to the litterbox to help them climb in), food/water bowls, scratching post. An ideal room would be where the kittens cannot get under furniture or beds. A spare bathroom or home office works well.
The door to this starter-room should be closed or have a baby-gate so the kittens cannot have access to the rest of your home....just yet. This will allow you to get to know them and allow them to get to know, love and trust you. This will also create a ‘home base’ for them...a safe place where they have everything they need. You can also have a pet playpen set up if you wanted them to be in a larger communal living space with the rest of the family. You will also want to have a litterbox set up in the playpen.
When they eventually have access to romp and play in living room areas of your home, if you have reclining couches or chairs, you will want to make sure the kittens are nowhere near when you close them back up to avoid injury. You will also want to frequently do a kitty roll-call to be able to keep track of their location. From the very beginning of your relationship, you can establish a recall with them. You can use a high value food like plain meat babyfood (Gerber turkey or chicken) to make a connection to the recall sound. As they begin to eat the treat/food, you can ring a little bell (like clicker training). This will create an association with the yummy food and the bell sound and eventually, you can ring the bell and the kittens will come running to you.
COLLAR AND ID TAG- We suggest breakaway collars and ID tags for cats and older kittens, even if they will be indoors-only.
For younger kittens, we’ve found the collars may be dangerous. If they were to get their lower jaw caught in their collar (even the break-away kind), they may not be strong enough to break the collar off and can suffer serious injuries or even death. Kittens 5 months or older should be strong enough to handle a collar that has an easy break away buckle. If *you* have a difficult time pulling it apart with your hands, it isn’t the right one for your cat. We also recommend fitting the collar snuggly and then loosening it as the kitten grows. Check the collar weekly, to make sure it is not too tight.
Kitten-Proofing Your Home (yes, this list is long, but worth the read)
Kitten-proofing your home helps ensure your kitten's safety as well as your own. Kittens are lively and curious, which can lead them into serious trouble unless you take preventative measures. Also, remember that a kitten has a lower vantage point than yours — like a baby who has begun to crawl — and may be attracted to things you do not see when you are standing. It's practically impossible to absolutely kitten-proof your home against all accidents, but for your kitten's safety... here are some suggestions.