Kittens need to be protected when they are young, and that means it’s time for kitten proofing your home.
After getting to a certain age, a kitten’s ‘cat reflexes’ will improve, but before that you must protect them while they discover what they can do, how to be safe, and what NOT to do.
You have to remember that these little furry creatures, now that they’ve been domesticated, aren’t expected to dwell in the wilderness.
Thus, they must be protected from clawing, nibbling, climbing, or scratching through things that could be harmful to them.
This is why kitten proofing your house for your new little fur baby is so important.
1. Remove Risky Items
This tiny creature can be very curious and adventurous, and unlike a human baby which cannot get around for at least six months, you cannot really restrict its movements.
Your kitten could easily get hurt with sharp items like knives, tempting power chords, and heavy items like vases which they might try to knock over.
These could be extremely hazardous for your kitten.
Thus, it is better to remove or safeguard these items before the kitten comes home.
2. Prevent Access To Dangerous Areas
You cannot prevent a kitten from going places it is determined to go.
As your kitty grows and gets stronger and more confident, he will start running and jumping.
You might be tempted to lock them in a kennel at times because they can be quite a handful to keep track of!
However, there is a way you can protect your kitten without caging them.
Yes, we are talking about cat enclosures in the backyard, also called “catios“, which are gaining popularity.
These resemble a large cage, but gives the kitten enough safe space to play around, soak in the sun, run, jump, and at the same time protect themselves from outdoor dangers like getting attacked by a bird, or a dog, or accidentally leaving the gate open and getting under or trapped inside a car.
Kitten proofing means to identify the dangerous areas that they shouldn’t have access to.
3. Windows Are Dangerous
Open windows are dangerous for a kitten because they have this innate tendency to climb on the screening or the curtains.
Although they have excellent balance from a very young age, accidents can happen, so, you should always take extra precautions when it comes to your windows.
You might want to consider cat proof fencing, enclosures, or railings to prevent your kittens from falling when they are climbing on – or out of – the windows.
4. Remove Poisonous Plants
Plants can be beautiful decorations in your house, but beware of them when it comes to kittens. There are some plants that can be poisonous to your kitten.
Even a little sniff of these plants could be dangerous and harm them. Some of these kitty “no no” plants are:
They could be inside living as house plants or outdoors growing in the garden.
While it’s best to avoid these plants, if you must have them, prevent access to these areas with a deterrent, like a cat-proof fence or barrier.
5. Beware of Small Spaces
Small places are kittens’ favorites.
They like to crawl into small boxes, cabinets, and drawers to take a nap.
However, these also mean refrigerators, ovens, and any other confined places they find access to.
So, always check these areas after using them.
In truth, when you are taking care of kittens, it is almost like a full time job, and you have to keep your eye on them often.
If you are unable to understand what your kittens really need, or what they are trying to tell or ask you, it’s a great idea to get help from a pet or cat whisperer who can help you connect with your furry babies better.
Protect Those Little Ones!
Now that you know the different methods of protecting your kitten, you need to start kitten-proofing your house before your little one arrives.
Here’s one last piece of advice:
Don’t let your kitten sleep in warm places for too long, like near a hearth or fireplace. Even though they love soaking up the warmth, they shouldn’t be there for too long because it’s easy for them to become overheated and then suffer heat stroke. Check them and the heat levels periodically, and then move them to a safer place.
Kitten proofing your house is a test of patience because you will need to be aware of each and every item in your house.
Wishing you and your kitten a long and healthy, happy life together!
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