Kitten-Proofing Your Home

Kitten-proofing your home is very similar to child-proofing — curious, fast, and completely unaware of danger! Before your kitten arrives, take some time to look at your home from their point of view.
 

Start With a Safety Check

Go room by room and look for potential hazards, including:

• Electrical and telephone cords (conceal or secure them)

• Plastic bags, pins, rubber bands, hair ties, and other small objects

• Blind and curtain cords — these should be safely tied up to prevent entanglement

Kittens are playful and adventurous, but these everyday items can quickly become dangerous.
 

Curious Minds, Unexpected Risks

Kittens love warmth and small spaces. To keep them safe:

• Always keep toilet lids down

• Secure washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher doors

• Ensure rubbish bins have secure lids

• Block access to vents, ducts, or drains

What seems harmless to us can be very risky for a tiny, inquisitive kitten.
 

Furniture & High Places

Kittens and cats love to curl up in cosy spots — including recliner chairs. Always check before extending or closing reclining furniture.

Cats are also natural climbers, so:

• Secure items on wardrobes and bookshelves

• Remove anything breakable or sharp from high places

• Ensure shelves and furniture are stable
   

Chemicals, Foods & Plants

Just as you would with toddlers, keep all potentially harmful substances out of reach, including:

• Household cleaners and chemicals

• Medications (especially aspirin and paracetamol, which are toxic to cats)

• Antifreeze (extremely dangerous, even in small amounts)

• Human foods like onions and chocolate

Cats may chew on plants to aid digestion, but many common plants are toxic. Be aware that African violets and aloe vera are poisonous to cats.
Safe alternatives include catnip and catmint, which make excellent, kitten-friendly plants.
 

Clean & Safe Environments

At Ingrid’s Haven, we recommend using F10 veterinary disinfectant for cleaning litter trays, floors, and surfaces. F10 is:

• Highly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites

• Widely used in animal care environments

• Safe when used as directed around pets and families

A clean environment supports both safety and good health as your kitten settles in.
 

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Kittens are endlessly curious, and that’s part of their charm. With a little preparation and awareness, you can create a safe, secure home where your kitten can explore, play, and grow with confidence.