Safe as houses?

There are two things you really need to know about your kitten. He loves exploring and he’s liable to get himself into trouble the moment your back is turned. So here are a few suggestions for keeping your home safe for kittens.

A few home truths and the dangerous kitchen

A kitten’s curiosity knows no bounds. Don’t kid yourself into thinking "oh he’ll never find that". Before you bring him home, make a detailed sweep through the house and lock away anything that looks dangerous. And remember, no high shelf is ever high enough. He’ll find his way up there somehow, some day.

A house is designed for people and simple, everyday objects, such as a kitchen hob or an electric cable, can pose a real risk to any kitten bent on exploring his new surroundings.

Cover fires and make sure you move all house plants out of his way, as some can be poisonous. Sharp tools, such as scissors and knives, can all cause injuries.

The kitchen is probably the most dangerous place of all. Keep ovens, washing machines and tumble dryers closed. After all, kittens love to curl up somewhere warm. Kittens also find the smell of dishwater and detergent attractive, and fire and boiling water can be equally dangerous. The same goes for plastic bags and clothes lines.

Shutting the door on diseases

For his own protection, you mustn’t let your kitten out of the house until two weeks after he’s been vaccinated. So keep doors closed and make sure everybody else knows this rule. One open door and your kitten could be off in a flash.

And don’t forget the windows

Open windows, especially upstairs ones, can also pose risks. One excited leap or a shaky landing on a windowsill could end up as a nasty fall for a young kitten. So keep them closed for the first few weeks until he’s got his balance.

Clumsy kids and unfriendly pets

Kids love kittens, but they can be unintentionally clumsy and that can be dangerous for fragile little bones. So stay watchful when he’s around children and other pets as well. Dogs and cats can be jealous of new arrivals, and may even harm them if left alone together. Introduce him gradually to the rest of the household, and keep him away from other pets when you’re not around. It won’t take long for them to get used to each other.