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Educational support information

Kittens are curious creatures capable of jumping onto high surfaces or squeezing into the smallest of spaces.

To protect your kitten in his new environment, and to safeguard your belongings, kitten-proof your house.

Kitchens/bathrooms

Use childproof latches to keep little paws from prying open cabinets

Keep medications, cleaners, chemicals, and laundry supplies on high shelves. Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet

Check for and block any small spaces, nooks, or holes inside cabinetry or behind washer/dryer units. Make sure your kitten hasn't jumped into the dryer before you turn it on.

Keep foods out of reach (even if the food isn't harmful, the wrapper could be)

Living/family room

Place dangling wires from lamps, VCRs, televisions, stereos, and phones out of reach.

Keep kids' toys put away.

Put away knick-knacks until your kitten has the coordination not to knock them over

Check all those places where your vacuum cleaner doesn't fit but your kitten does, for dangerous items, like string

Move houseplants -- which can be poisonous -- out of reach, including hanging plants that can be jumped onto from other nearby surfaces

Be careful that you don't close your kitten in closets or dresser drawers

Make sure all heating/air vents have a cover

Put away all sewing and craft notions, especially thread

Garage

Move all chemicals to high shelves or behind secure doors

Clean up all antifreeze from the floor and driveway, as one taste can be lethal to a kitten

Bang on your car hood to ensure that your kitten (or any neighbor cats) has not hidden in the engine for warmth

Bedrooms

Keep laundry and shoes behind closed doors (drawstrings and buttons can cause major problems)

Keep any medications, lotions, or cosmetics off accessible surfaces (like the bedside table)