If you’re adopting a kitten, it’s wise to kitten-proof your house beforehand. Kittens are very active and curious, and can easily get into trouble where they’re not supposed to. To prevent messes, protect your furniture and ensure the safety of your new furry friend, take the following steps to prepare your living space.
Kitten-proof your furniture
Kittens love to climb anything they can, which means every piece of furniture in your home is a potential plaything. They also love to scratch to stretch their muscles and strengthen their claws, which can definitely pose problems for more delicate surfaces.
Some things you can do to protect your furniture from kitten damage include:
- Providing plenty of alternative structures to climb and claw, such as a cat tree or scratching post.
- Block off potential jumping surfaces with heavy objects like books.
- Trim your kitten’s claws regularly to keep them blunt.
Clean floors & surfaces
To a kitten, practically everything is a potential toy or potential snack. This means it’s crucial to deep clean your home before bringing home a feline friend. Pay special attention to keeping floors clear of tiny objects, pieces of trash, food scraps and environmental debris that could make your kitten sick if ingested.
Check small spaces
As much as kittens love to jump, run and climb, they also like to wiggle into small spaces. Unfortunately, this can often result in them getting stuck in places where they shouldn’t be. Block off any nooks and crannies you notice, especially those with loose electrical cords.
Create a kitten safe room
When introducing a new kitten into your home, it’s important to establish a safe, quiet space for them to become acclimated to the new environment. Typically, this means keeping the kitty confined to a single room where they have all the necessary amenities: food, water, litter box and things to play with.
Continue to socialize with your kitten in the safe room before gradually allowing them access to the rest of the home. If you have other pets, this step will help them become familiar with the new kitten at a slow pace.
Are you ready to start kitten-proofing your home? These basic tips will help your new pet have a smooth transition into your new home, while also preventing common mishaps.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
