Emergency 01620 822262
Haddington 01620 822262
Musselburgh 0131 6653343
Dunbar 01368 860461
North Berwick 01620 894471
Prestonpans 01875 814772

Kitten Proofing Your Home

Kitten Proofing Your Home

Kittens are born explorers and exploring their environment helps them establish a safe and secure territory.  However this can lead your kitten into potentially dangerous situations so it’s important to take precautions against any potential dangers.

  • Keep windows closed so your kitten can't fall out or escape. If you do need to open a window ensure that your kitten can't get out. For example, mesh screens are available to secure over open windows.
  • Keep kittens away from poisonous houseplants (including lilies, ivies, philodendrons and poinsettias) and poisonous garden plants ( including crocuses, dafodils, tulips, snowdrops, lily of the valley and aconite).
  • Don't leave food out  and ensure that kittens can't access boiling saucepans and kettles  or sharp knives.
  • It's not uncommon for kittens to swallow wool or threads.  These can become very difficult to remove and are epecially dangerous if attached to a needle.
  • Don't allow kittens onto a balcony.
  • Remove breakable ornaments.
  • Use a fireguard to protect kittens from open fires and chimneys.
  • Keep fish tanks and bird cages out of reach ot your kitten.
  • Keep detergents and chemicals out of reach, including metaldehyde - in slug/snail baits/pellets and ethylene glycol –the active ingredient in antifreeze.
  • Plastic bags, electrical equipment and cables all pose a risk to kittens.
  • Open washing machines, tumble driers and open toilets pose a risk for kittens.
  • Make sure that there are no gaps under garden fences that a kitten could get under and escape the safety of the garden.
  • Keep all medicines out of reach, including over the counter medicines such as paracetamol, and spot-on flea treatments for dogs – many contain Permethrin which is poisonous to cats
  • Decorating materials – e.g. paints, varnishes, preservatives, paint and glass cleaners can contain petroleum distillates; are harmful to cats.

For more information speak to one of our veterinary nurses.

Return to Kitten Advice