Kitten Proofing Your Home

Just like human toddlers, young kittens are curious. They can get into all kinds of trouble, and they will chew on anything. It is very important that as a new owner of a Maine Coon kitten, you meticulously prepare your home to be the safest environment possible. Spending the time and effort to thoroughly examine your home and correct any hazards before you bring your new kitten home, will save you from the heartache of an injured kitten.

Household Hazards

Electrical cords/phone cords/computer cables Unattended burners on stoves Candles Glow Sticks Wall or space heaters Unattended dish or bath water Essential oils Tiny objects that can be swallowed - jewelry Human medications, especially NSAIDs Chocolate & other toxic foods Twist ties
Fans Open toilet seats Open oven doors Open refrigerator doors Open dishwasher doors Open trash compactors Ribbon/thread/string/yarn shoelaces Spaces behind washer, dryer etc... Liquid potpourri Christmas decorations, watch out for tinsel! Cleaning supplies & chemicals Toxic plants
Unsecured HVAC registers Open fireplaces Open drawers and cupboards Open windows and outside doors Loose or damaged window screens Automatic paper shredders Staples/needles/pins/ sewing items Sharp objects Rubber bands Small button batteries Plastic bags & bags with handles Dental floss

Cat Toys

Not all cat toys are safe. For example, the eyes on "fur mice" have a sharp prong on the backside. This attaches it to the mouse. They can easily be pulled out & when swallowed will perforate a kitten's stomach. Remove eyes & noses etc... along with any strings, legs (often made from wire) or tails attached to the toys. Cat toys made of Mylar, string, ribbon, or yarn are designed to be interactive toys only. Such long objects if ingested, tend to travel lengthwise along the intestines. They can cause the intestine to scrunch up accordion style, even turning in on itself like a sock. This is a life-threatening medical condition that requires immediate surgery to correct. Put these toys in a cupboard when you are done playing with your cat.

Accidents And Poisoning: How To Avoid Trips To The Vet

Permethrin poisoning from canine flea and tick products. Resulting in seizures, liver damage and is often fatal. Xylitol toxicity. It can be found in many food products, such as ice cream and yogurt, cereals, and peanut butter. It is used in the coating of human medication (OTC and prescription), enticing the kitten to eat them because of its sweet taste. It is found in gums, candies, toothpastes, and shampoo. It is also used by compounding pharmacies to flavor medication. Check carefully! D3 supplements. D3 poisoning can damage kidneys, heart, and lungs. NSAIDs, both OTC and prescription are extremely toxic for cats. Check under things and in areas where your vacuum doesn't fit for dangerous items, such as dropped human medications and small items that can be swallowed. Reclining chairs. Always check underneath and up inside the chair for your kitten before you push it back in. Be sure your kitten cannot get behind bookcases, appliances, or furniture that you cannot access. Cover electric and computer cords. Kittens think these are perfect for teething. Sitting or stepping on a kitten. Be sure to warn visitors to be watchful. Rolling a chair over a kitten. They tend to silently lie nearby their owners. Sleeping with a kitten and rolling over it. Walking to the bathroom at night. Kittens tend either run ahead of or follow their owners. Shutting the kitten in a closet, cupboard, or refrigerator. Kittens are always curious and watching what their owners are doing. Kitten unknowingly darting into the garage and getting run over or running outside when you pull the car out. Kittens will dart into clothes washers & dryers, dishwashers, and ovens. Always double check before turning them on. Cellophane from cigarette packs. When swallowed stomach acid changes these wrappers into a glass-like substance. The same thing will happen with Christmas tinsel and mylar cat toys. Glow sticks and glow jewelry poisoning. Teach children respect for animals. No rough handling. Do not use your hands as a cat toy. Securely cover heating & cooling vents with a screwed down grate. Leaving your new kitten unattended with other pets or young children.