It’s important to remember that your kitten will be naturally inquisitive and will set about exploring every corner of his or her new home. Learning how to cope with potential dangers is indeed part of ‘growing-up’, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't protect them from silly mistakes. A household is full of dangers to a curious mind, so it will help to go through your home and look at everything from your kitten’s perspective.
Some things to consider:
Prevention is in order when your newly adopted kittens come home. Preventive care is the best measure to take and build a safe environment for your kitten. So arm yourself with some simple measures, and you can reduce the chance of having to visit the veterinary emergency.
Breakable ornaments should be put away in a cupboard.
All doors and windows should be kept shut. Even if your cat will eventually be allowed outside, she needs time to settle and get to know her home before she is given outdoor access.
Lit candles are asking for trouble - extinguish all naked flames when puss is around, and put a guard around any fires.
Aerosols should never be sprayed near your kitten’s food and water bowls.
Plastic bags must be kept safely out of reach.
Many cats are attracted to firelighters, which are toxic, so keep them in a secure cupboard out of harm's way.
Common sense should dictate what other items need to be kept away from your kitten - razors, needles, sharp objects, etc.
Place all houseplants out of the way, and get rid of any plants that are toxic to cats.
Hide all trailing electrical cables securely under carpets, or tape them to the floor or wall. A thick cable protector (available from hardware stores) can also be placed over the cables to make them chew-proof.
Bathroom Safety
In the bathrooms, keep any medicine in closed drawers and cabinets. The same goes for dental floss, as anything string-like can be very attractive for kittens to play with.
The toilet lid should always be kept down. Kittens cannot only drown if they fall in, but they can also be poisoned by drinking water that may contain cleaning chemicals.
If a cleaning chemical has been left in the bath, sink, or bathroom floor, your kitten should be kept out of the room.
Kitchen Safety
In the kitchen, kitchen counters are storage spaces for sharp objects and hot surfaces, such as burning hot trays, that can represent a risk for your kitten’s safety. The use of unscented aerosols will train your kitten to avoid jumping on the area, combined with removing all hazardous objects, will secure the area for your kitten. Some tips to be aware of in the kitchen:
Doors to the oven, fridge, microwave, and dishwasher should always be kept closed. Put notes on the doors to remind people to check inside before using them.
If a cleaning chemical has been left in the sink or on the kitchen floor, your kitten should be kept out of the room.
Food scraps must always be cleared away promptly. Chicken bones can be very dangerous, as they splinter when chewed, and the string that can be found on joints is also irresistible and potentially deadly.
Remove or shorten hanging tablecloths - many kittens are experts at clearing a fully-laid table!
Laundry Safety
Doors to the tumble-dryer and washing machine should always be kept closed.
Living Safety
The living room can become a fun and safe playground for your kitten if he/she realizes that there is more entertainment there. Walking ledges, shelves, or a cat condo where they could explore their territory without restrictions can represent safe ways to keep them away from other rooms of the house that can be more dangerous. In addition, praising your kitten with treats every time he/she is playing in the designated area will also train them to wander around these places.
