I never really thought that there was a need for kitten proofing a home when a friend of mine gave me a kitten as a gift after I lost my cat, Tommy, in high school. I was so used to having “cats” that a kitten was something new and I was too young at the time to remember everything my parents went through when raising my cat as a kitten.

But kittens will pretty much get into everything dangerous, anything that will tangle them up, anything that might hurt them when chewed on… anything!

Which is why it is so important to kitten proof your home before bringing one of their cute little faces home. Though I am sure there are things you will forget about that your new kitten will bring to your attention once home.

Some tips and things to think about when kitten proofing:

• Toxic plants are a no-no, get them out
• If you like your files, homework, paperwork, stitch work, sewing tools or scrapbooking tools organized… put them in a container that you kitten can’t open
• Tie up loose ends (hanging cords of any sort)
• Keep toilet lids shut and washer/dryer lids closed so kitty doesn’t find its way into them
• Watch your floors for rubber bands or stray parts that your kitten might find interesting to eat
• If you don’t want your drapes climbed, tie them up high away from your kitten
• Close drawers and cupboards, or expect your kitten to go inside and make a mess of things (my cat STILL does this, but she waits for them to come open for a split second before diving in)
• Remove breakables, no height is too high for your cat to jump or figure out how to get up to
• Keep harmful cleaners out of areas your kitten might go
• Remember antifreeze can be deadly