Preparing Your Home for a Kitten
Kittens are curious, playful, and determined to explore everything around them. Unfortunately, that curiosity can sometimes get them into trouble. Before bringing a kitten home, taking a little time to identify and remove potential dangers can help keep a new family member safe.
Get Down to Kitten Level
One of the best ways to kitten-proof a home is to look at it from a kitten’s perspective. Get down on the floor and look for small spaces to squeeze into, dangling cords, objects that could be swallowed, and anything that could be knocked over.
Kittens can fit into surprisingly small spaces, climb higher than expected, and find things that adults would never notice.
Secure Electrical Cords and Strings
Electrical cords can be tempting for a kitten to chew and can cause serious injury. Keep cords out of reach or cover them with protective cord covers.
String, ribbon, yarn, rubber bands, hair ties, and similar small objects can be especially dangerous if swallowed. Keep these items securely stored and only allow play with toys designed for kittens when someone is supervising.
Check Windows, Doors, and Screens
Kittens can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Make sure window screens are secure and never assume an open window is safe simply because it is several feet above the ground.
Keep exterior doors closed and be especially careful when entering or leaving the house. A curious kitten can dart through an open door in seconds.
Remove Toxic Plants and Substances
Many common household and garden plants can be harmful or even deadly to cats. Lilies are particularly dangerous and should never be kept in a home with cats.
Keep medications, cleaning products, pesticides, antifreeze, and other chemicals securely stored where a kitten cannot reach them. Never assume that a container is safe simply because it has a child-resistant cap.
Watch for Small Objects
Anything small enough for a kitten to swallow can become a potential choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.
Keep coins, small toys, jewelry, batteries, sewing supplies, and other small objects off the floor and out of reach. Kittens are experts at turning ordinary household objects into toys.
Secure Cabinets and Appliances
Kittens can crawl into cabinets, closets, drawers, washers, dryers, and other unexpected places. Keep cabinets containing chemicals securely closed and always check washing machines and dryers before using them.
Toilet lids should also be kept closed, particularly with very young kittens.
Give the Kitten Safe Alternatives
Kitten-proofing isn’t about keeping a kitten from exploring—it’s about giving that curiosity safe places to go.
Provide scratching posts, kitten-safe toys, climbing opportunities, cozy sleeping areas, and places to hide. A designated kitten-safe room can be especially helpful during the first few days while the kitten becomes comfortable in its new home.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Kittens don’t know which things are dangerous. It is up to their people to create an environment where they can safely play, climb, explore, and learn.
Taking the time to kitten-proof the home before bringing a kitten through the door can prevent accidents and help ensure a happy, healthy start to life together.
Prepare the home. Remove the hazards. Let the kitten explore safely.
Because kittens have a lot of growing—and mischief—to do!
