Bringing home a new kitten can be both exciting and scary at the same time. There are many factors you have to think about before picking a breed, even the breeder for that matter. Have you ever stopped to think about kitten proofing your home? I know it sounds silly, but animals (especially kittens) can get into just as much trouble as children. They have their ways of getting into things they are not supposed to, making messes, and just being mischievous. So in this article we will talk about how to kitten proof your home, to make sure your new addition to the family stays out of trouble.
A common household hazard for your new kitten is the washer and dryer. Leaving these doors open is just begging a kitten to jump in and get trapped. Have you ever heard the saying curiosity kills the cat? Many owners are surprised to hear how many cat fatalities there are due to hazards like this. Refrigerators are also another place kittens like to go into. Just be sure that your kitten is not in either places before you shut the door. Also, ovens and stoves are a danger due to the high heat, during and after use. Be sure to keep your kitten away from this area. Always, make sure you close the stove door after use, and cover hot plates.
Did you know raw meat can give your kitten food poisoning? Well, now you do. If you ever have to leave meat out to thaw or marinade, be sure to cover it. If your kitten jumps on the counter and gets a hold of the meat, it could make her really sick, or possibly kill her. Make sure you cover all trash cans in your house. You would be surprised the places kittens like to curl up and sleep, or find food. Many new cat owners find their cats just chilling in the trash can. Just make sure that anything your cat can get trapped in, or eat , is properly sealed. We do not want kitty to hurt herself now do we.
Another hazard is household plants. Many of these plants are poisonous to cats. Unless you know for sure if it is safe for your kitten, make sure it is out of their reach. Another trick to make them not go after your plants is to buy them cat grass. It is 100% safe for them to eat and helps aid their digestive tract. Another thing to watch out for is potpourri. Mainly the liquid kind because the oils used to scent the potpourri can kill your kitten. Also, watch out for lit candles. Never ever under any circumstances leave your kitten unattended with an open flame.
Bringing kitten home with a fully proofed house not only takes the stress off of you, but spares your kitten a few scoldings along the way. Just be sure to watch your new pet closely. They will find ways to make a mess or get in trouble, no matter how hard you work to make sure they do not. They are animals, it is what they do!
