Preparing to bring home a new kitten is comparable to child-proofing. Kids and cats like to play and explore, but can easily get themselves into trouble. As pet parents, it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for our loved ones, and to help them grow up healthy and strong.
There are obvious dangers to a pet in the home, and others that might not be apparent. Adopting an animal is a happy, nurturing experience for most families, but it’s important to take precautions and be ready.
* Beware of poisonous plants: Cats love to chew on plants and grass, but some will make them sick, and others can be deadly. Common household plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and lilies can be toxic to pets. Even some nonpoisonous plants may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Position your plants in places the cat can’t reach, like hanging baskets, and learn which ones are cat-friendly.
A safe alternative is to buy or grow cat grass. Oat, wheat, barley or rye grasses are nutritious and delicious to cats, and the chlorophyll in them helps improve kitty breath. Grass is also a natural fiber, which helps get rid of hairballs.
For more information on plants that are harmful to cats, refer to the ASPCA toxic plant list.
* Lock up cleaning supplies: Household cleaners like detergents, bleaches and disinfectants can be poisonous, even if a cat walks on a treated floor or counter, then licks its paws. Store cleaning products safely out of the cat’s reach. For a greener, cat-friendly option, clean with vinegar and baking soda.
Also, beware of toxic car products. Thousands of pets die each year from drinking antifreeze and windshield fluid, which smells and tastes good to them. Lock it up.
* Put medicines away: Pill bottles look like toys to your cat. But child-proof lids are not necessarily cat-proof, and spilled pills could be mistaken for treats. Even ibuprofen and aspirin can cause serious stomach problems for pets, or worse, kidney or liver failure. About half of animal poisonings reported are due to accidents involving human medications, so keep them tucked away. Likewise batteries, mothballs, fabric softener sheets, coffee grounds, alcohol and chocolate.
* Check large appliances: Cat seek warm, cozy spots. Always look inside the dryer before you start it, and keep the door closed when it’s not in use. Kittens can also climb into refrigerators, cabinets and dresser drawers, so check those before closing them.
* Hide the cords: What cat doesn’t like to play with strings? Kittens have been known to get stuck in mini blinds and tangled in the cords. Make sure to tie up the cords and tuck them away, out of sight and reach of the cat. Unplug electrical cables when you’re not home or hide them under a rug, duct tape them to the floor or to the side of the appliance, or buy chew-proof cable protectors. You can also use a non-toxic spray on your electronics that tastes bad to cats.
* Be careful with candles: Untended candles could be disastrous. If your pet is freely roaming, don’t leave a room with candles burning. A playful kitten could walk by and singe its fur, burn its skin, or knock over a candle and set the house on fire.
* Put breakable treasures away: Cats love to climb and explore tables, countertops or bookshelves. At least while you have a kitten, remove fragile items from open spaces. Broken glass and china are sharp obstacles for little paws, and potentially lethal if chewed or swallowed.
* Search for choking hazards: Look around and make some changes. Cats go crazy over hair supplies, especially ribbons and hair ties. Store them in a drawer. Strings or threads of any kind can block intestines or get stuck in a cat’s throat. A cork can be fun to chew on, but little pieces break off and cause a cat to choke. Look out for cellophane, rubber bands and dental floss.
* Close the lid: Keep the toilet lid down, so the kitty doesn’t fall in. It’s a good idea to leave a note to remind guests to close it as well. A thirsty kitten could fall in the bowl and not to be able to climb out.
* Windows: Do you keep windows open? Are there sturdy screens to prevent a cat from sneaking out and getting lost, or falling off the ledge of an upper-story window? Talk to others who live with you. Encourage everyone in the house to get on the same page regarding the care of your new cat, to ensure its health and safety.
