Bringing home a new, furry addition to your family is a fun time, but there are also many responsibilities that go along with owning a kitten. You have a very tiny life in your hands, and there are many dangers to small kittens in just about any home. So, we have compiled the following list of tips that you can use to prepare your home for your new fur baby.
1. Stock Up on the Essentials
Before you bring a new kitten into your home, make sure that you have everything it needs to be healthy and happy. Stock up on things like quality kitten food, fresh water, an uncovered litter box with low sides that is easy for a small kitten to climb into, unscented scoopable cat litter, litter scoop, food and water bowls, etc.
2. Set up a Safe Place
When you are not at home, your kitten needs to be in a safe place where he can’t hurt himself, or cause any damage in your home. We suggest setting up a bed in a quiet room with a door that can be closed with a litter box, food, water, and toys to keep him occupied while you are not at home.
3. Learn about Kitten Care
Even if you have had cats before, it is always a good idea to read up on kitten and cat care. There are often new ideas to try, and you may even want to find recipes for home-made kitten and cat food. Some websites where you can get loads of information include:
4. Put Fragile Items Away
Next, if you have any fragile items that are within a kitten’s reach, put them up higher, or even put them away for the time being. Cats are curious creatures, and will jump on surfaces to check things out, and then knock things over and break them.
5. Close the Toilet
Your kitten may see the toilet as a giant water bowl, and try to get a drink. Then, he may fall in, and will not be able to get out. Keep the lid closed to be safe, or keep the bathroom door closed at all times if possible.
6. Get Rid of Poisonous Plants
There are many houseplants that are toxic to cats, and because they will try to chew on most plants, you will need to get rid of any that you may have. If you like to have plants, there are plants that are ideal to have for cats. Try growing your own cat grass, which they love to chew on and aids in their digestion.
7. Secure Door and Window Screens
It is important to ensure that all screen doors and windows are secure, and have latches that a cat can’t open. You may even want to invest in screening that is virtually cat-proof.
8. Put Medications Away
Just like children, kittens can get into medications, and they can end up becoming very sick if they ingest medications. Make sure that any medications in your home are well out of reach of a kitten, such as in a cabinet that they can’t get into.
9. Eliminate Escape Opportunities
Make sure that all windows and doors securely latch to make sure that your kitten doesn’t get outdoors. Ignore the people who tell you that cats need to be outside. They are much safer and healthier when kept indoors. In fact, studies show that indoor cats live as much as 5-10 years longer than cats that go outside.
10. Put Cleaning Supplies Away
Put child-proof locks on cabinets to make sure that your new kitten is not able to get into any poisonous cleaning supplies. You can put latches on all cabinets while you are training your cat to stay out of them.
Featured photo credit: Burak Kebapci via pexels.com
Read full content
Source: Life Hack
