Bringing a new kitten into the family is an exciting experience for everybody in the house. However, cats (especially kittens!) are extremely mischievous and so their escapades around your home may not be as safe as you think!
Kitten-proofing your home is very similar to child-proofing it, but there are extra steps that you need to consider to avoid any harm coming to your pet.
From the kitchen to the bedroom, here’s how to kitten-proof every room in the house and ensure that your new cat has a safe introduction:
1. Clear the Clutter
Kittens like to learn and develop through play time. Not only can they practice and perfect their hunting skills for when they’re ready to roam outside, but it also provides them with stimulation throughout the day.
Strings, hair ties, elastic bands and small children’s toys are no exception and your cat will pounce on whatever they set their heart on. However, this can cause harm to your pet if they swallow the item, so checking that the house is free of clutter is the best way to keep your new kitten safe.
2. Check the Dryer and Washing Machines
We all know how much cats love to roam – no matter which area of the home they’re exploring. However, when they’re ready for a cat-nap, they may settle for a warm, cosy spot wherever they can find one.
For this reason, it’s important to check any appliances before you use them. It’s not uncommon for a kitten to curl up in a warm blanket inside the tumble dryer, so take time to ensure that there aren’t any little paws hiding inside before using the machine.
3. Keep the Lid Down!
Despite being notorious for their lack of thirst, cats of all ages will go on the hunt to find water. One spot that many kittens opt for is the toilet.
Be sure to keep the toilet lid closed if there’s a kitten roaming around your house. Not only can drinking toilet water be bad for their health, but they also have the chance of falling in and not being able to climb out.
4. Beware of Poisonous Plants
Whether your house is full of plants or you just add fresh flowers to the kitchen table from time to time, you should be aware that there are a handful of items that can be poisonous to your kitten.
An example of this is the Lily flower, and this plants leaves are made from a highly toxic substance that can cause renal failure if ingested by your cat. Mistletoe, philodendron and daffodils can also cause harm.
5. Hide Chemicals and Medicines
If your cat is exposed to chemicals and medicines, their inquisitive nature may prompt them to have a nibble on them.
Even medicines that may seem harmless can cause health issues for your kitten, for example if they ingest paracetamol they may be at risk of kidney or liver failure. Therefore, it is essential to keep all chemicals and medicines locked away in a cupboard and safely out of their reach.
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to kitten-proof your home to ensure that your new pet has a safe and happy introduction to your family home.
