Kitten Proof Your House

Kittens are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the new arrival.

• Kittens love to chew! Keep electrical wires covered and out of reach. Use clear packaging tape to flatten cords to the wall, or a pet-repellant spray to discourage c hewing.
• Caution with common household agents! Cleaning agents, disinfectants, bleach, paint, gasoline, pesticides…can be lethal. Keep them out of reach and locked up.
• Store the antifreeze in a tightly sealed container way out of reach. Pets are attracted to its sweet odor and taste. Wipe up any spills on the garage floor. Window washer fluid also contains antifreeze!
• Take care to make sure that personal hygiene items and medications are out of reach (ie. Cosmetics, dental floss, lotions, hair care products, antihistamines, aspirin etc.)
• Warm dryers are very intriguing to cats! When doing the laundry be sure you know where your cat is before turning on the next cycle.
• Cats love to jump onto countertops. Watch out for hot curling irons, clothing, irons, coffee pots, space heaters, fireplaces, and stove tops.
• Killer house plants-there are many common houseplants that present potential dangers to your cat if eaten. (See Plants to Avoid)
• Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains a powerful stimulant called 'Theobromide' that is toxic to pets.
• Don't leave plastic bags out. Curious cats love to crawl in them and could suffocate. If they are playing in a paper bag, cut the handles off so they cannot strangle themselves.
• Be aware of any hanging drapery cords.  They are best put up and out of reach so cats cannot get tangled up.
• Treats can be treats. Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones for a treat as they can easily splinter and cause serious injury.
• Keep covers on swimming pools, hot tubs and sump pump holes. Kittens can fall in and are not able to get out.
• Before closing the refrigerator door, double check that a curious kitten hasn't jumped inside!
• Choose toys wisely. If anything will fit in the mouth, consider it dangerous. Watch out for rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons, pantyhose and hair nets.
• Honk your horn! Remember that engine warmth promotes cat naps, so honk your hown before starting the engine to wake pets under the hood.
• If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep your pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully.
• Remember that collars and harnesses can rapidly outgrown, leading to serious wounds.
• Keep holly, mistletoe, and Christmas tinsel out of reach.