Bringing home a new kitten is exciting, but before your furry friend arrives, it’s worth making sure your home is safe for their curious nature.
Cats explore with their noses, mouths, whiskers and paws, which means many everyday household items pose hidden dangers. Here’s how to cat-proof your home 24 to 48 hours before your new companion arrives.
Whole-house safety checklist
Hide strings and small items
Hair ties, dental floss, rubber bands, ribbon and tinsel are among the most common items veterinarians remove from cats during emergency surgery.
Swallowing string-like objects can cause serious internal injuries, so store them in sealed containers and out of reach.
Secure windows and balconies
If you live in an apartment or high-rise building, install secure screens or barriers to prevent falls.
Cats have a natural righting reflex, but falls from height can still cause severe injuries.
Check the washing machine and tumble dryer
Cats love warm, enclosed spaces.
Always keep appliance doors closed and check inside before starting a load.
Protect electrical cords
Use cord covers to prevent chewing and apply a pet-safe bitter apple spray if needed.
This helps reduce the risk of electric shock while keeping cables tidy.
Remove toxic houseplants
Many common indoor plants are poisonous to cats.
Check every plant in your home and remove any that are unsafe before your kitten arrives.
Make your kitchen cat-safe
Use bins with secure lids
Chicken bones, onion scraps, cling wrap and food packaging should never be accessible to curious cats.
Lock away cleaning products
Store bleach, dishwashing pods and household cleaners in cupboards fitted with child safety locks.
Avoid essential oil diffusers
Tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus and pine oils are toxic to cats when inhaled or absorbed through grooming.
Store food safely
Keep harmful foods well out of reach, including:
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Raw dough
• Alcohol
Living room and bedroom safety
Secure heavy furniture
Anchor bookshelves, televisions and tall cabinets to prevent climbing kittens from pulling them over.
Be careful with recliner chairs
Recliners can trap tails, paws and even heads inside their moving mechanisms.
If you own one, always check underneath before using it.
Check under the bed
Cats often climb into the underside of box-spring mattresses where they can tear fabric and become difficult to reach.
Remove choking hazards
Store away:
• LEGO
• Earrings
• Batteries, especially button batteries
• Foam earplugs
• Small toys
Bathroom hazards
Keep the toilet lid closed
Kittens sometimes climb into toilets to drink and risk falling in.
Closing the lid helps prevent accidents.
Lock away medication
Even a single tablet of common human medication can be fatal to cats.
Keep all medicine cabinets securely closed.
Store toiletries safely
Keep razors, cotton buds, cotton balls and dental floss out of reach.
Create a safe sanctuary room
When your kitten first arrives, set up a quiet room where they can settle in before exploring the rest of the house.
Include:
• An uncovered litter tray placed in a quiet corner away from food.
• Separate ceramic or stainless-steel food and water bowls.
• A safe hiding place such as a cardboard box or covered bed.
• A tall, sturdy sisal scratching post.
• A high perch or window bed where they can observe their surroundings.
Allow your kitten to spend two to three days in this room before gradually introducing the rest of your home. A slow introduction helps reduce stress, hiding and unwanted behaviours while giving your new pet time to build confidence.
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