In this article
What is kitten-proofing?
Kitten-proofing means turning your home into a safe place for your kitten to explore – removing or blocking anything a curious little furball could squeeze into, climb onto, chew on, knock over, or bonk themselves against during their adorable adventures.
Start off by allowing your kitten into one specific “kitten room” so they can get used to their new home. After about a week, you can allow them to explore the rest of your (kitten-proofed) house.
FAQ about kitten-proofing your home
Should I allow my kitten onto the stairs?
Stairs can be dangerous for kittens because their balance and coordination are still developing, making falls more likely. A tumble down the steps can lead to serious injuries, so better don’t allow your kitten on the stairs until they are about 6 months old. To keep your little kitten safe, block access to the stairs with a gate or supervise them.
Which household appliances pose the biggest risk to kittens?
Always be super careful around (dish)washers and dryers. Kittens love to explore their surroundings, and large box-like spaces filled with soft, warm clothes or delicious-smelling dishes are especially enticing. So, never allow your kitten inside the laundry room, as they could easily sneak into the washer or dryer, and be extremely careful when loading the dishwasher.
Which items should I secure so they can’t fall?
Loose or heavy items on tables or shelves, like books, vases, or even backpacks, can be risky for kittens, who may knock them down while climbing or playing. Falling objects can lead to injuries such as cuts, bruises, or more serious harm. To keep your kitten safe, secure heavy items on stable surfaces or the floor, or keep them completely out of reach.
Why can the bathroom be dangerous for a kitten?
Kittens are naturally curious and may want to peek inside the toilet or bathtub. If the little one slips on the edge and falls in, they’ll likely be soaking wet and may be unable to climb out. To keep them safe, always close the toilet lid, empty the bathtub after use, and supervise your kitten in the bathroom.
Should I block off any narrow spaces?
Kittens are curious little potatoes who will absolutely squeeze into gaps you didn’t even think possible. Blocking off narrow spaces keeps them safe from getting trapped or injured. Also, be especially careful with recliners and sofa beds as these have a mechanism that can squeeze your kitten if they hide inside.
Which trinkets can be dangerous for kittens?
Kittens naturally like to play with small objects that can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal damage if swallowed. Be sure to keep items such as rubber bands, hair ties, string, and jewelry out of reach of your feline friend. Also keep pens and pencils out of reach, as kittens may chew them to pieces, leaving behind sharp edges and splinters.
Do flowers pose a health risk to my kitten?
While flowers add a pop of color to your home, many of them are toxic to cats. Lilies are especially dangerous as even a single flower contains enough pollen to cause acute kidney failure and potentially death. For more information on which flowers to avoid, be sure to read our dedicated article.
Should I keep plants out of reach of my kitten?
Houseplants are pretty, but just like flowers, they can be dangerous to your kitten. In addition to many plants themselves being toxic, fertilizer and anti-fungal sprays are often used, which aren’t healthy for cats either. Therefore, make sure to move plants to a safe spot where your kitten can’t reach, and check out our article on cat-safe plants.
Why should you always secure blind cords when you have a kitten?
While dangling blind cords look like fun toys to any cat, kittens can become tangled even more easily. If a cord wraps around their neck or body, it can cause serious injury or even suffocation, and swallowing pieces of cord can lead to dangerous intestinal blockages. To keep your kitten safe, tie cords up out of reach or choose cordless, pet-safe blinds.
Will my kitten try to chew electrical cords?
Kittens love to chew everything they can get their paws on, and with electrical cords, this can lead to electric shocks or burns. Swallowing pieces of damaged cord can also cause serious internal injuries. To keep your kitten safe, cover cords, secure them out of reach, or use protective cable covers.
Should I use pet-safe cleaning products when I have a kitten?
Like toddlers, kittens explore their surroundings by putting everything into their mouth. Many cleaning products are toxic to cats, and some can irritate the nose and lungs, so be sure to do your research before you buy. Also store any cleaning products away from your feline friend.
Can I feed my kitten human foods?
Some human foods are toxic to kittens and can make them seriously ill, even in small amounts. Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and alcohol can damage their organs or affect the nervous system. To keep your kitten safe, only feed food made for cats and keep human snacks well out of reach. For more information, check our article on dangerous human foods.
Can I still light candles when I have a kitten?
Kittens and candles are a terrible combination. Not only could they knock over the candle, but your little feline friend could accidentally set their own coat on fire. If you really love the ambiance that candles bring, go with LED candles. They’re much safer and look almost just as good.
Can kittens climb tables?
Kittens are excellent climbers who love to scale fabric and even wooden table legs. However, when a kitten hooks onto a tablecloth, this can cause heavy objects like plates, glasses, or candles to fall and potentially injure them. To prevent accidents, remove table coverings while your kitten is exploring.
