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Advice on Kitten-Proofing

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

Kitten-proofing should not replace training or supervised control of kittens activities.

But until they grow up and learn how to get around the house without breaking things, kitten-proofing insures their safety.

Here are some first and foremost things to do before you have a kitten in your house:

Look around your house first, at high shelves and low cupboards and hidden nooks. Do you see things that kitty might break, or harmful substances she might ingest?
If you're into needlework, keep your supplies in a closed container. Needles and thread might appear to be fine playthings, but can be fatal if your kitten swallows them.
Fold and secure your window blinds cord with a rubber band, out of kitty's reach. If she gets tangled up in it, she could strangle.
If you don't want to find your floors littered with garbage, invest in covered wastebaskets and kitchen garbage containers.
Always keep the door to your clothes dryer closed, and double-check inside before using it. Cats like to find dark, warm places to sleep, and the results could be tragic.
Keep the floor clean of stray rubber bands, ribbon and twine. All are hazardous when ingested by a kitten.
Keep cupboard doors and dresser drawers securely closed. Cats can find all kinds of mischief inside, and can be injured if you close a drawer and the kitten is behind it.
Cloth drapes are better left out of reach of your furry "curtain-climber". Tie them up securely until your kitten is trained to a scratching post.
Keep your toilet lid down at all times. Better yet, keep your bathroom off-limits to your kitten unless you absolutely have to keep her litterbox there.
Do not keep your kitten in the garage, and always keep the doors closed. Anti-freeze is very tasty to animals, and is just one of the common poisonous substances found in garages.
Do not keep your kitten in the garage, and always keep the doors closed. Anti-freeze is very tasty to animals, and is just one of the common poisonous substances found in garages.
There are a number of household plants poisonous to cats.

Plant Common Name Effects/Symptoms
Amaryllis Stomach and intestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
Azalea Incoordination, trembling, collapse
Cactus Punctures skin, infection
Caladium Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking head, difficulty breathing
Creeping Charlie Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps
Easter Lily All parts can cause kidney failure
Dieffenbachia Affects central nervous system
Ivy Vomiting, diarrhea, excitable behavior
Mistletoe Ingesting berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, blistering in the mouth, difficulty breathing
Philodendron Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking head, difficulty breathing
Poinsettia Ingesting berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, blistering in the mouth, difficulty breathing

Remove all breakable valuables from high shelves and store them in a cabinet with a door.
Cover electric cords, such as the tangle from your computer, with covers sold for that purpose. Caution: wrapping electric cords could be a fire hazard.

Take Care About Every Room You Have:

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.
Make sure you have medications, cleaners, chemicals, and laundry supplies on high shelves.
Keep trashcans covered or inside a latched cabinet.
Check the dryer while loading laundry. Sneaking kittens sometimes jump inside.

Living/family room/bedrooms

Bundle dangling wires from VCR's, televisions, and stereos as well as phone cords with twist ties or rubber bands.

Keep toys out of reach.

Put knick-knacks away until your cat is older and won't knock them over or chew them.

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 them in closets or dresser drawers.

Have your parents make sure all heating/air ducts have a vent over the opening.

Keep sewing notions, especially thread, put away.

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

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.

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).

Move electrical and phone wires out of reach of chewing.

Garage

Make sure your have things like fertilizers, pesticides, paints, and thinners on high shelves.

Be sure rakes and shovels are put away well so they can't be knocked over.

Clean up any and all antifreeze their cars may have leaked onto the garage floor. One lick can be lethal to a kitten.

Move all chemicals to high shelves or behind secure doors.

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