Keeping kittens safe

We all know kittens love exploring. And we all know they can get themselves into trouble the moment our backs are turned. So what to do? Follow this simple checklist and your kitten’s first steps on the road to adulthood will be just that little bit safer.

The hazardous home

A kitten’s curiosity knows no bounds. And his strong little legs mean there aren’t too many places he can’t get to when he wants to satisfy it. The solution? Make a detailed sweep through your home and lock away anything that looks dangerous. Watch out for poisonous plants and cleaning agents. Cover fires. Keep ovens, washing machines and tumble dryers closed. And remember that a high shelf is not a good enough hideaway – they’ll probably be up there sooner or later.

Disease and doors

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 as well, or your kitten could be out through an open door in a flash.

Open windows

Open doors you know about. Open windows can be dangerous too, especially upstairs. One shaky landing on a windowsill, and your kitten could easily fall out. So keep them closed for those first few weeks until he’s got his balance.

Clumsy kids and unfriendly pets

Kids love kittens, but they can be unintentionally clumsy with them, which can be dangerous for fragile little bones. Be watchful when your kitten is with your other pets. Dogs and cats can be jealous of new arrivals, and could cause them harm if they’re left in a room together. The best solution? Introduce your kitten gradually to everybody in the household, and keep him away from your other pets when you’re not around. It won’t take long for them to get used to each other.