Kitty Proofing Your Home

The spirit and boundless energy of a kitten can turn an ordinary situation into an unlikely adventure. Your new pet will love to explore and play. He will make everything he encounters his new toy. If you intend on keeping your sanity intact and avoid harming your kitten, kitty-proof your home.

First, think like a cat. Investigate your home from the floor up. What can he play with, chew, jump on, or destroy? Remember that your curious little feline can squeeze into the smallest of places. Although you will need to supervise playtime, kitty proofing will save you hassles and headaches.

Childproof latches will work on cabinets. Trashcans should be covered. Block any small spaces kitty could get stuck in. As you go about your day’s activities do lots of “double-checks”. Check the dryer, cabinets, even the fridge, before you close the door. Kittens are quick and sneaky. I think that is why bells on the collar are so common.

Put fragile items out of reach, at least for now. Put away sharp objects like knives and scissors. Don’t leave out anything small enough to choke on such as buttons, coins, or jewelry. Check under and behind furniture.

Wires can be tempting. Bundle your TV cables together if you can’t eliminate them. Check wires regularly for wear and evidence of chewing. Try covering cords with automotive vacuum hose or clear or colored neoprene fuel line. You could also try taping cords to the floor to deter your mischievous kitten.

Make sure houseplants are out of the way. Many plants can be poisonous if Whiskers were to eat them. Choose nontoxic plants such as jade or begonia. Try giving him a little squirt with a water bottle if he starts to nibble on vegetation. Some plants, if ingested, can kill your cat include. Azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter lily, and yew plant are just a few. If your cat ingests a poisonous plant, induce vomiting (unless he is having trouble breathing) and call your veterinarian immediately.
The risk of fire increases with a cat in the home. Flying sparks can burn your kitty as he lounges near the fireplace. A tipped over candle, could literally set the house on fire.
The image of the adorable kitty playing with a ball of yarn is a familiar one. If swallowed, strings can pleat and block kitty’s intestines, causing serious or fatal complications. Keep your sewing notions and crafting items inaccessible to little paws.

Keep the tackle box hidden on a high shelf. With its fishing line and hooks, your kitty risks lacerations or accidental strangulation. Similarly, tie up curtain cords.

Just as you would protect your toddler from accessing your medications, protect your kitten. What you and I take could be lethal to a cat. Even aspirin or ibuprofen could be deadly.

Check your garage for potential dangers. Keep fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, paints, and mousetraps on the highest shelves. Don’t neglect to clean up spills. One teaspoon of antifreeze is lethal for a cat.

The time you take to prepare the safest environment for your cat will be well worth the effort. You’re curious cat is still sure to have plenty of adventures.