Yes, and prevention is always better than dealing with a serious accident. Like human babies, kittens and
adult cats have little sense of danger and more driven by curiosity.  Some dangers and tips in keeping your
kitty/cat safe:


  • Keep electrical cords out of the way if your kitten or cat tends to chew on them.

  • Never give your kitten/cat any cow’s milk, only kitten milk or goat milk.

  • Never give any medications to your kitten/cat without a veterinarian's approval. Even if someone you
    know thinks it is okay.

  • Close the doors of the microwave, washing machine, dryer and oven in case a curious cat crawls
    inside. And, always check before you use appliances.

  • Remember most household plants are poisonous to cats, except cat grass and catnip, so remove
    them or find ones that you know for sure are not poisonous to cats.

  • Never allow anyone to flee dip your kitten/cat, they are allergic and some may die from this. Ask your
    vet about one of the once a month programs such as Advantage, they work and are safer to use.

  • Strings, yarns, rubber bands, pins, sewing thread, delicate ornaments and dental floss may be fatal to
    you kitten or cat. Cats can swallow small pieces, causing intestinal blockages. Keep them in closed
    cabinets and discard in closed trashcans.

  • Keep the toilet seat down; your kitten may climb in the bowl and drown.

  • Take care of leftovers immediately and out of reach of your kitten/cat. Chicken bones can shatter and
    choke your kitty.  Chocolate is poisonous to cats.   Best rule of thumb: feed only cat food to your kitty.
    Always keep your trash can covered and do not leave food in the sink or counters.

  • Keep all disinfectants and other chemicals such as antifreeze in a locked kitten/cat proof area.
    Antifreeze is one of the most toxic chemicals to cats and even a small amount is lethal.

  • Take care to use disinfectants that are not harmful to cats. They can absorb chemicals through their
    feet or lick them off their fur. In general, avoid those that turn milky in water. Dilute disinfectants to the
    correct concentration, rinse well and let the area dry before allowing your kitty/cat in that area.

  • Ventilate the kitchen if you are frying with oil. Fumes from burning oil can be toxic to your kitty.

  • Guard open fires, cats often sit too close and may burn their fur.

  • Leave burners covered with pans of water until they cool down and discourage your kitty from walking
    on the stove.

  • Cat-proof your home very carefully. A kitten can squeeze through a tiny space, or pull apart screens that
    have not been fastened properly. Ensure that windows and screens are kept shut and are truly
    secured.
copyright Ayla Anderson 2008