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When I adopted a feral kitten, I genuinely assumed it would be so much easier than getting a dog.
He was so small. All he needed was a litter box and a scratching post. Right? So easy.
That tiny fuzzy monster went absolutely nuts in my apartment.
Carpet, shredded. Cords, chewed. Sun-baked, rickety window screens? Climbed. High cupboards? Inexplicably opened, their contents spilled to the floor.
Simply put, kitten proofing is a topic I wish I'd Googled before I got a kitten. And I was lucky he didn't get into any meds or toxic foods, because I definitely didn't know cats weren't allowed to eat things like oranges.
What are the biggest risks for indoor cats and kittens?
We've talked about outdoor cats and the risks that face them at length. What about our indoor fuzzies?
One study breaks it down into three key categories of dangers:
Toxic substances: Cleaning products, plants, flowers, medications, toxic foods.
Electrocution
Injuries or bites from other animals, including other cats
Hmm, no mention of falling out of windows, which I was sure my kitten would eventually do. Thankfully, that didn't happen.
OK, so let's get into the basics of kitten-proofing before the little fuzzy one toddles adorably through your door.
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Get rid of toxic plants
Houseplant poisoning among indoor pets is, sadly, pretty common. Just ask your vet.
Most of us aren't vets or botanists and don't actually know which plants are toxic and which are safe.
Even worse, the signs and symptoms of plant poisoning can be acute or slowly build over time and might go unnoticed until it's too late. Here are a few that might be lurking at your place.
Yes, I used their proper Latin names. Get ready to be surprised when you see their photos.
Monstera deliciosa
Philodendron selloum
Anthurium andreanum
Spatiphyllum wallissii
Epipremnum aureum
Euphorbia leuconera
Sansevieria trifasciata
To be 100% honest, I'm just now learning that pretty much every single house plant I own is toxic. RIP, plant mum life.
But seriously, if you're getting a kitten, or have any pets at home, give these toxic plants away and look for some cat-safe plants like...grass.
Hide your chemicals
This is pretty obvious. Generally, cats shouldn't have unlimited access to bleach or toilet bowl cleaner.
But you might underestimate how sneaky your kitty can be. Some talented kittens have been known to figure out how to open cupboards where you think your chemicals are safely stowed.
Try to buy kid- and pet-friendly cleaning supplies whenever possible, and make sure to use baby locks on your cabinets where anything toxic is stored.
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Know your foods - and secure them
You may know not to give your cat raisins. But what about avocados? Or nuts?
If you like to give your cat titbits of what you're eating, you should definitely educate yourself on foods that are safe for cats, and that aren't safe. We actually built a database with lots of safe and unsafe foods listed. It's a pretty helpful resource.
But always check with your vet first. While we wish we knew each and every one of your kittens individually, the truth is, we don't.
Oh, and make sure that rubbish is secured and that toxic foods aren't left on countertops, particularly during the holidays. It turns out that kittens are actually pretty curious.
Block off unsafe areas or other people and animals
Gates are especially handy when you want your new kitten to be separated from other pets and even kids when they first come home.
If you have an older, more adventurous kitten, they could probably scale a gate or playpen. But it's nice for your kitten to have the option to retreat safely from an overly curious dog.
We've written at length about child and pet safety at home, by the way. If you have kids at home and you're hoping to introduce them to a new kitten, give it a read.
Use anti-tip straps
This is something we did for our climbing toddler recently, but it applies to kittens, too.
If you have any furniture that can be knocked over, secure it. You can find furniture-securing straps online, on sites such as Amazon. And they can save your curious kitten's life.
A handy shopping list for kitten-proofing
So we wrote a whole post on your new kitten shopping checklist, but here are some specific items that may help keep your kitten safe:
Stair gates or playpen, to keep young kittens in or curious pets or kids out
Kid and pet-safe house cleaners and supplies, to replace unsafe chemicals
Cupboard child-proof locks
Fake plants (sob) or safe cat grass
If this looks like a baby registry, well, it kind of is. Feel free to send it to your family and friends.
And while you're at it, consider buying kitten insurance for your new bundle of joy. It can help cover the cost of unexpected accidents or illnesses.
From the bottom of my heart, congratulations on the addition to your fur family.
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