How To Kitten-Proof Your Home: 6 Essential Tips

#1 Keep Cords And Cables Safely Out Of Reach

Chewing is a very common thing that kittens do, either due to teething, curiosity, or just youthful playfulness. However, chewing can also be very dangerous when it comes to cords and cables.

Kittens can easily get tangled and potentially strangle themselves while playing with blind cords, and chewing on electrical cables, whether plugged in or not, can also be extremely dangerous for them.

So, make sure that electrical cords are covered or unplugged when not in use, and that blind cords are out of their reach.

This is especially important when it comes to cables that often lay on the floor, such as for phone chargers, computers, lamps, space heaters, and paper shredders. We humans may not always notice these cables, but curious kittens will usually find them!

#2 Pay Attention To Windows And Curtains

Because of their playfulness and curiosity, kittens love to climb on just about anything that they can sink their claws into. As good as it is for them to get some exercise and use up some of that youthful energy, windows, window screens, curtains, and blinds need to be closely monitored to avoid any injuries to them, as well as avoiding any potential damage to your home.

It’s best if you can keep your windows closed whenever possible. But, if you must open your windows, make sure that they have secured screens to prevent your kittens from escaping or accidentally falling out.

And, never leave a kitten unattended with an open window, whether or not you have a secured screen in place. As for curtains and blinds, try to keep your blinds raised whenever possible, and drape curtains over their curtain rods to keep them out of your kitten’s reach.

#3 Check Your Plants, Flowers, And Other Inedible Items

As mentioned, kittens love to chew on just about anything, whether or not it’s actual food. It’s a natural and common habit for kittens (and many adult cats) to eat plants and flowers – sometimes for the added fiber, sometimes for the taste, and sometimes just out of boredom.

So, before bringing home a kitten, check any types of plants and flowers you may have to make sure that they are not potentially poisonous if ingested. It’s a good idea to simply place them out of their reach just to be safe.

As for other inedible and potentially dangerous items around your home, you should definitely make sure that medications, toiletry items, and cleaning supplies are all securely stored in places where curious kittens can’t find them. Also, make sure that wastebaskets and garbage cans are put away and not left out in the open, and be sure that your toilet seats are closed.

#4 Keep Your Kittens Indoors At All Times

It’s very tempting to let your kittens outside so that they can play, do some additional exploring and enjoy a little fresh air. However, letting them outside can be a potentially dangerous idea.

Kittens can be prone to getting various infections and diseases while their immune systems are developing during the early stage of their lives. Also, kittens can often be defenseless against predators, and female kittens can become impregnated when they are as young as four months old.

So, resist the urge to let your kittens roam outside and keep them indoors, especially if they have not yet been spayed, neutered, or received their vaccinations. Also, keeping your kittens indoors during this early stage of their lives can help to reduce their urges for potentially running away if they are accidentally let outside.

#5 Make Sure That Your Kittens Are Quarantined

As previously mentioned, kittens need time to develop their immune systems while they are growing, and kittens need to reach a certain age before they can begin receiving their appropriate vaccinations. Also, vaccinations can require multiple veterinarian visits and booster shots to ensure that your kitten’s immune system can resist any potential diseases or infections.

If you have other cats that already live in your home, be sure to keep your newly adopted kittens quarantined until after they have been fixed and have received all of their necessary vaccinations to be sure that they won’t contract any potential diseases or infections.

Give your kittens their own food and water bowls, their own litter box, and keep your kittens temporarily isolated from your other cats during this period.

#6 Monitor Your Kitten’s Food And Water

Besides making sure that your kittens have the right food, ensure that your kittens are kept away from other pets’ food and water bowls.

Cat food, whether it is wet or dry, comes in several different varieties that are specifically made depending on a cat’s age and nutritional needs. Kittens and adult cats all have different food requirements, so you must feed a newly adopted kitten a healthy and balanced diet to help them develop into healthy, adult cats.

Read More: Top 7 Best Kitten Foods

However, kittens (as well as other animals) tend to explore food and water bowls that are not designated for them because of their new aromas and flavors.

So, it’s extremely important to keep your kitten’s food and water bowls separate from other animals in your home to prevent the spread of any potential diseases or infections. Also, be sure to disinfect your kitten’s food and water bowls daily.