A kitten explores with its mouth and paws, climbs everything and squeezes into tiny gaps. Most homes are fine for adult cats and still hide a few real dangers for a kitten. The good news: a short walk round each room, at kitten height, fixes nearly all of them before your kitten arrives.
0 of 0 checked
Everything on the list is worth doing, but a few hazards are truly urgent because they can be fatal or need emergency treatment.
Get down on your hands and knees and walk each room at kitten height. If you can reach it, chew it or squeeze behind it, so can they.
Kittens that have plenty to do get into less trouble. Give your kitten a scratching post, a few cardboard boxes to hide in and short play sessions with a wand toy that you put away afterwards. Reward calm, sensible behaviour with a treat and a cuddle. Never shout at or punish a kitten for exploring: it only teaches the kitten to be scared of you.
If you think your kitten has swallowed something harmful, or you see vomiting, drooling, sleepiness or wobbliness, call a vet straight away. Don't wait to see what happens, and don't try home remedies. If you can, take the packaging or a photo of the plant with you. This guide can't diagnose a problem, so a vet should always make that call.
Finish the checklist for every room your kitten can reach, then close the doors to the rest. Start the kitten in one small, safe room with a bed, litter tray, water and a hiding place, and widen its territory a room at a time as it grows in confidence. If you are still choosing a kitten, ask your local shelter or rescue first: many have healthy kittens that need a home.