Protect Those Nine Lives: 4 Steps To Kitty-Proof Your Home

If you've recently added a furry kitten to your family, it's time to accident-proof your home. Kittens are about as accident-prone as human toddlers are. Kittens are naturally curious creatures, which means dangers can lurk around every corner of your home. While you don't need to child-proof your kitchen cabinets, or put a safety latch on your refrigerator, there are still some safety precautions you'll need to take to protect your kitten.  Here are four steps you'll need to take to protect your kitten against household accidents.

Keep the Dryer Closed

Kittens love to curl up in a warm spot to take a nap. That's what makes the dryer such an attractive location for kittens of all sizes. Once a kitten is asleep, it might not realize the danger that it's in. Unfortunately, that means you could toss your laundry in turn it on without realizing that your kitten is sound asleep inside. Now that you have a kitten, be sure to keep the dryer door closed at all times. It's also a good idea to check inside the dryer – and the washing machine – before you toss any laundry inside.

Avoid Balls of Yarn

Kittens can't resist a good ball of yarn, or piece of string. While it is fun to watch your kitten frolic with a ball of yarn, the result could be disastrous, especially if it's left unattended. First, if your kitten swallows the yarn – or string – it could get lodged in its intestines. Second, the string could get tangled around your kitten's neck, posing a threat of suffocation. To protect your kitten, keep yarn, string, and ribbon away from your kitten. If you can't resist the urge to dangle a piece of string in front of your kitten, be sure to put it away in a safe place once playtime is over.

Watch the Electrical Cords

If you have exposed electrical cords on the ground, you need to watch your kitten around them. Kittens love to chew on things. Unfortunately, if your kitten chews on an electrical cord, it could be electrocuted. Place a protective covering over your electrical cords, or keep them off the ground.

Make the Garage Off-Limits

Kittens love to explore the house. The garage is one room that kittens should never be allowed in. This is particularly true if you store automotive fluids or pesticides in your garage. For maximum protection, clean up spills as soon as they occur, and always tighten the lids on any poisons you might be storing in the garage.

Don't take chances with your new kitten. The tips provided here will help you accident-proof your home for your kitty. Talk to your vet about other ways to protect your kitten from household injuries.