Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Do these 4 things to kitten-proof your home

Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting time, but before your kitty arrives, it’s important to get your home ready. Kitten-proofing can be a challenge, but it’s an essential step to keep your new family member safe. It’s best to start kitten-proofing your home a few weeks ahead of your kitten’s arrival so you have plenty of time to identify risks and buy any supplies you might need to fix the issues you discover. Even if you have an older cat, it’s still important to get ready for your new kitten’s higher energy, love of exploring, and ability to get into smaller areas. These tips can help ensure you take the right steps to keep your new kitten safe.

Block off access to dangerous areas

Kittens have an impressive ability to find trouble anywhere and get into the smallest places that they shouldn’t. They also are often drawn to warm, cozy areas, which can lead to safety risks. It’s important to be able to identify these potential risky areas ahead of time, which can help keep your kitten safe.

Recommended Videos

Take a walk through your house and look for these potential problem areas. Block off access to areas like the fireplace and furnaces, and close doors to any areas you don’t want your kitten getting into. Kids’ rooms are often full of small items that kittens could ingest or choke on, so it’s a good idea to make these areas off-limits. You might also want to close dresser drawers and closets. Be sure to secure cabinets closed, especially when they contain materials like cleaning products.

Stocking up on plenty of pet gates can help with this process, but remember that kittens are good climbers, too, and a pet gate might deter them only for a little while. Blocking off entire rooms with a solid door is often the better way to go.

Tiger kitten sitting underneath a table
Iqbalnuril/Pixabay

Reinforce window screens

Your kitten may love lying on the windowsill and watching the outdoors, but windows can be a potential hazard, especially when kittens like to climb screens. Window screens aren’t always made to withstand a kitten’s weight, and they might pop out of the window, or the screen itself could pull out of the frame.

Check to make sure that all your screens are properly and firmly installed. If the frame doesn’t stay firmly in the window, consider reinforcing the frame with a few screws. You can also buy safety grates to reinforce your screen door.

If you have windows that you want to keep your kitten away from, consider redecorating. Move furniture away from those windows to make them less easy to access.

Remove risky items

You’ll need to go through your house and remove any items that could put your kitten’s health at risk. Tempting objects like power cords and string might attract kittens, but they could lead to injuries or death. Your kitten might also be intrigued by your houseplants. If you do have plants, verify that they’re nontoxic to cats. Keep any plants out of reach so your kitten doesn’t try to climb or knock them over.

Just before your kitten arrives, do a quick walk-through to make sure you haven’t missed anything, or that your kids haven’t brought out toys since you last cleaned up. Pay particular attention to little items, like rubber bands and string, that your kitten might try to chew.

Kitten pawing at a fish tank
Irina Kukuts/Pixabay

Stock up on essentials

Kittens are lively, playful, and have a way of getting into everything. Stocking up on items like scratching posts and toys can help. If your kitten scratches the furniture or tries to climb the drapes, you can use these items to redirect her attention. Having plenty of toys can also keep your kitten entertained, reducing the chances that she’ll get into trouble elsewhere.

When you put the extra effort into kitten-proofing your home ahead of time, you’ll be better able to enjoy your time with your new kitten. Since you’ve already addressed the potential risks around your home, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and get to know your new furry family member. It’s always important to continue to look out for risks in your house, and as your kitten grows, she might start to explore new areas that you hadn’t previously thought about. With vigilant kitten-proofing, though, you can help keep her safe as she grows, explores, and plays.

Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Bringing home a second dog: 8 strategies for a smooth introduction
Tips to help with this important process
Two small dogs outside together

If you're considering getting a second dog -- congratulations! Deciding when you're ready to add four new paws to the family is a big step, and you're not alone if you waited longer than you liked before getting your dog a friend. Some pet parents need to save up or move to a bigger home before they can adopt a dog, but this is a responsible thing to do in the long run. Even so, most of the work still lies ahead of you.
It can be another long process to find and adopt the right dog for you, but then you'll need to learn how to get dogs to get along. It's not exactly a straightforward or short process. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to introducing two dogs, either, but these tips will always come in handy, no matter what step of the process you're on. Take a deep breath (you've got this!) and keep reading to learn more.

1. Know what kind of dog you and your family are looking for

Read more
Why does my dog have the zoomies? Your pet’s crazy behavior, explained
The zoomies: Why dogs get them and if you should try to stop them
A Bassett Hound running in a sunny field

You’re just chilling in your home or backyard with your dog. Suddenly, they book it and start running around in circles. You would think they were trying out for the Kentucky Derby — that’s how fast they’re attempting to move — except they’re not a horse. The problem? You can’t figure out what’s going on or why they’re displaying this behavior. It can feel jolting and alarming for a first-time pet parent or one whose previous dogs never acted this way. It can look like nervous energy being let out, but what is this behavior, really?

Your dog may have a case of the zoomies. The word sounds silly, but it’s a real-deal dog behavior. Why do the dog zoomies happen? Should you be concerned? Here’s what to know about this often-seen and always beloved doggie phenomenon.
What are the zoomies, and what causes them?

Read more
300 cute cat names for your new pet
Adorable names for male and female cats
A striped tabby cat with green eyes lies on a blanket

You have every reason to be excited when bringing home a new cat. Not only do you have years of love and special memories to look forward to, but you also get to make lots of fun decisions, like what new cat toys to buy. Some choices are more practical, like choosing your cat's food, but others, like browsing cute cat names, can be so much fun.
But it's OK if you're feeling stuck, too. Naming a pet is a big decision, especially for training and identification purposes, so we compiled a list of adorable monikers for your furry feline friend to help you get started. Maybe one of these names will be your next cat's name!

Cute cat names for girls

Read more