Kitten Proofing Your Home

Potential Hazards

 

Electrical cords/phone cords/computer cables Unattended flames on stoves Candles Hot liquid in potpourri bowls Hot stove burners Wall or space heaters Unattended dish water or bath water Cleaning supplies & other chemicals Tiny objects Sharp objects Fans Open toilet seats Open oven doors Open refrigerator doors Open dishwasher doors Open trash compactors Open clothes washers & dryers

Open fireplaces Open drawers and cupboards Open windows and outside doors Loose or damaged window screens Automatic paper shredders Staples/needles/pins Twist ties Rubber bands Ribbon/thread/string/yarn/shoe laces Spaces behind washer, dryer etc... Christmas decorations, watch out for tinsel! Cheap essential oils- whether diffused or used topically, are toxic to you and your cat. They are often adulterated with chemicals. Use a brand such as Young Living Essential Oils.

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 kittens 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.

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 to follow their owners

Shutting a door or cupboard on a kitten--

Kittens are always curious and watching what their owners are doing.

Cellophane from cigarette packs--

When swallowed stomach acid changes these wrappers into a glass-like substance. The same thing will happen with Christmas tinsel.

Teach children respect for animals--

No rough handling. Do not use your hands as a cat toy.

Securely cover heating & cooling vents with a grate

Check areas where your vacuum doesn't fit for dangerous items

Leaving your new kitten unattended with other pets or young children