How to kitten proof your home

Kittens are very curious and are capable of jumping onto high surfaces or squeezing into the smallest of spaces. To protect your kitten in its new environment and to safeguard your belongings, it makes sense to kitten-proof your house.

Kitchens/bathrooms

1. Use childproof latches to keep little paws from prying open cabinets
2. Keep medications, cleaners, chemicals, and laundry supplies on high shelves. Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet
3. 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.
4. Keep foods out of reach (even if the food isn't harmful, the wrapper could be)

Living/family room

1. Place dangling wires from lamps, VCRs, televisions, stereos, and phones out of reach.
2. Keep kids' toys put away.
3. Put away knick-knacks until your kitten has the coordination not to knock them over
4. Check all those places where your vacuum cleaner doesn't fit but your kitten does, for dangerous items, like string
5. Move houseplants -- which can be poisonous -- out of reach, including hanging plants that can be jumped onto from other nearby surfaces
6. Be careful that you don't close your kitten in closets or dresser drawers
7. Make sure all heating/air vents have a cover
8. Put away all sewing and craft notions, especially thread

Garage

1. Move all chemicals to high shelves or behind secure doors
2. Clean up all antifreeze from the floor and driveway, as one taste can be lethal to a kitten
3. Bang on your car hood to ensure that your kitten (or any neighbor cats) has not hidden in the engine for warmth

Bedrooms

1. Keep laundry and shoes behind closed doors (drawstrings and buttons can cause major problems)
2. Keep any medications, lotions, or cosmetics off accessible surfaces (like the bedside table)
3. Move electrical and phone wires out of reach of chewing