Have you recently adopted a kitten? Bringing little Fluffy home is basically welcoming a tiny, furry bundle of chaos into your home. One thing that is very important is kittenproofing. It only takes a moment for a baby cat to seriously injure herself or swallow something unsafe! A Bellaire, TX vet offers some tips on kittenproofing in this article.

Small Items

Anything small and/or sharp is a serious choking risk, and also presents a hazard of gastrointestinal obstructions if swallowed. (Of course, it doesn’t help that kittens are often drawn to exactly the things that are most dangerous to them.) Keep things like craft kit pieces, jewelry, beads, buttons, coins, paperclips, tacks, sewing kits, and other potential hazards in spots your tiny ball of mischief can’t get to.

Toxins

You may be surprised to realize how many things in the average household are toxic to our feline pals. That list includes chemicals, medication, pesticides, fungicides, drain cloggers … basically, anything that isn’t safe for us to eat or ingest. Your furry friend doesn’t need to eat or drink these toxins to ingest them. She can get some on her paws simply by walking through a spill, and may then swallow it while cleaning herself.  

Ropes/Cords

Kitties love to bat at things with ropes, strings, or cords. Unfortunately, these things present serious choking and strangulation risks. Some things to be careful of include drape cords, threads, ribbons, electrical wires, and string lights. Around the holidays, tinsel and fake grasses, such as those in Easter baskets, are also problems. 

Plastics

Many of our feline buddies love the taste and texture of plastic, which is definitely not something you want your little buddy eating. Plastic wrappers, bags, and ties should be kept out of reach of those little paws.

Holes

Kittens can fit into some really tiny spaces. Block off openings behind and beneath your furniture and cabinets. We also recommend keeping major appliances, such as toilets, closed.

Beds 

Our feline friends get sleepier and sleepier every year, likely as they are resting up after all of those kitten shenanigans. A full grown cat will make a sizable lump under a blanket, but a baby one may be hard to spot. Always check beneath blankets, cushions, and recliners before sitting down. 

As your Bellaire, TX animal hospital, we are dedicated to offering top-notch veterinary care. Please contact us anytime!