Written by David A. Tremblay
of Timberkatz Cattery, Attleboro, MA
http://www.timberkatz.com
Whether or not this is your first kitten you've owned or your a seasoned cat fancier. There
are certain steps you can take around your home to make it safe for the newest member of your family.
Kittens are curious by nature and love to explore their
new surroundings. The kitten will get into just about any nook and
cranny
within their power. This can present some interesting problems
but here are a few things you can
do to protect your kitten.
In other words, if you were small and low to the ground, what could you possibly get into that you shouldn't?
Think about blocking off access to get underneath your entertainment center or making sure the kitten can't get behind that refrigerator or stove, etc. And remember, as your kitten gets older, it will have the ability to jump onto and get into areas that you may not want them to.
By practicing some of the points mentioned in this article and the use of a little common sense, you will go a long way into protecting that small cuddly member of your family.
A Tour Of Your Home
Since thinking like a kitten is only a start, we are going to take a trip through your home, room by room, identifying possible dangers that can effect your kitten.
The
Bathroom
There are many dangers in the bathroom which could make a
kitten very sick or get hurt. Here is a list of each
hazard and what you need to do to protect your kitten.
Maine Coon Cameo
Toilet Bowl
-
Some
breeds such as the Maine Coon actually like to play with water. Your
best bet is to keep the lid closed preventing
the kitten from drinking, playing with or falling into
the toilet bowl.
Bathroom
Cleaners,
Medications and Personal Hygiene Products - Most of these
products are considered toxic if not poisonous when swallowed by
a kitten. Please put these products away after you use them in a
safe place where
your kitten can't get at them. If needed, use a child proof
latch on your bathroom vanity and place products inside or place
products inside your medicine cabinet out of your kitten's
reach.
Bathroom Decor
- If you have anything such as candles, glass beads, figurines, etc.
that you don't want the kitten to get into, place items
away in a safe place.
Lotions, Perfumes and Medications - Keep products out of kitten's reach by removing them from the night stand or the top of bureau. Place these items in a draw or up on a shelf maybe
in a closet. The key is to remove the potential hazard out of the equation.
Laundry - Place your laundry in a hamper where a kitten can't get into your clothes. Kittens like to play and chew on pull strings, buttons and even the fabric of the clothes itself. By placing
Shoes - Shoelaces are very enticing to a young kitten since they just love to play with string. To remove this hazard, simply place shoes in the closet out of the reach of your kitten.
The Dining Room
A room that we humans frequent to eat and a place the kitten will visit time and time again because of the smell of food. Here are some of the potential dangers and ideas to make this room safer for your kitten.
Dining Room
Table and Chairs
- Push all of your dining room chairs against your
table
when not in use. This will make it much more difficult for your
kitten
to get onto the table by jumping on a chair and then up
onto the table.
The Living Room
The living room certainly has its share of potential dangers for a kitten to get into. Here are some ideas to make this room safer.
Curtains and
Blind
Cords
- Until your kitten has learned what the scratching post is used
for, tuck your curtains off to the side out of reach from your
kitten. In addition, take the pull strings from your blinds
and
tie them