Keeping Your Kitten Safe

Kittens follow one rule: if it moves, play with it; if it doesn't move, climb up it or in it. Their curiosity puts them at more risk than most people realize. Many kittens die in accidents that leave families heart- broken. 

Katie's Place kittens only go to indoor homes. This protects them from the obvious risks of traffic and predators. However, kittens have been killed by ordinary items from dental floss to recliners. Before bringing a fur-baby home, you need to prepare.

Preparing your home

• Look at your home from a kitten's perspective. If they can go somewhere, they will. 

• Put screens on windows or open them no more than an inch. 

• Cover holes, vents, or ducts. 

• Screen off the fireplace. 

• Block access to underneath your bed with boxes or boards. Otherwise a kitten will find a way inside the bedsprings. 

• If you use baby gates, make sure the mesh or slats are not large enough for the kitten to get stuck.

• Electrical cords and phone cords should be tucked away or covered to prevent burns or shock. Young animals chew when they're teething. 

• Keep houseplants out of reach. Many are poisonous to animals. Check this list from the ASPCA.

• Use garbage containers with lids or put the container in a cupboard.

• Fix drapery cords out of reach so kittens can't get tangled and strangle. Anything with loops is a strangling hazard. Dangling cords beg to be played with.

• Put away breakable ornaments or secure them with special anchoring clay.

Now you're ready to turn your little monster loose at home!

Watch what he climbs

Once he has the run of the house, check where he is before adjusting your recliner or foldout bed. Kittens have been crushed when someone adjusted the position while they were inside. Check before turning on the dryer or washing machine. Keep the dryer, washer, dishwasher, oven and fridge doors closed. Keep the lid closed on the toilet so he can't fall in and drown.

Watch what he plays with

Securing furniture and appliances takes care of the "if it doesn't move, climb it" part of the rule. Now consider the "if it moves, play with it" part. Put away string, thread, yarn.... They can swallow several yards which require surgery to remove.

Anything small enough to swallow is a choking hazard or can cause intestinal blockage. This includes hair bands, cotton balls, jewelry, coins, buttons, rubber bands, small game pieces and toys with parts that could come off.

Sharp items such as thumb tacks, staples, paperclips, twist ties or tooth picks can perforate intestines. Gather them up, and also look for them where the vacuum cleaner doesn't reach. Keep your sewing box or tackle box closed. Be vigilant with Christmas decorations.

Watch what he eats

Poisoning is another hazard. Secure cleansers, cosmetics, pills, pest control products, air fresh- eners, automotive and garden products. Anti- freeze has a sweet taste and is a potent poi- son. Even if they don't intentionally ingest some- thing, they can swallow it in play or lick it off their paws

Several foods are toxic to animals, such as chocolate and onions. Poultry or rib bones can splinter and perforate intestines. Pets are better off sticking to good quality pet food.

Pet Products

Some pet products should not be used for kittens. Collars and harnesses can get tangled around him if adjusted too loose. If too tight, they soon constrict painfully since kittens grow rapidly. Strays have come to shelters with collars embedded in their necks. Clumping clay litter is not for kittens. It clogs their insides if swallowed. Pellets of newspaper or sawdust are the best litter for babies.

Your other babies

Lastly, if you have babies of different species, supervise them when they're together. Kittens have been killed by the family dog in an unguarded split second. One Katie's Place kitten was accidentally smothered by a toddler. Young children don't understand how fragile kittens are and need to learn how to play safely with them.

Monitor all your babies and they'll stay healthy and happy into adulthood.

We hope you enjoy your new family member and have many happy years together!