Preparing For Your Kitten

Are you planning to welcome a new feline friend into your home? Kittens are always super cute and lots of fun. Little Fluffy will probably waste absolutely no time in wrapping your entire household around those tiny little paws. She’ll also keep you all on your toes. Baby cats are tiny, meowing bundles of mischief and chaos, and they have no idea how vulnerable they are. A local vet offers some kittenproofing tips in this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your local Cypress, TX pet hospital.

Basic Safety

Our feline pals are hunters, and they are born with an innate drive to run, jump, and pounce. As little Fluffy leans into her natural predatory instincts, she will probably try to practice on anything and everything within reach. (Kittens like to use their humans for murder practice, but that’s another topic.) Be diligent about keeping small, sharp, and fragile items in spots your tiny furball can’t reach. That includes things like craft kit pieces, safety pins, beads, buttons, small toys, and jewelry, as well as anything ropy or stringy, such as wires, string, thread, and drape cords.

Appliances

Most people don’t have to worry too too much about their adult cats falling into the toilet. However, this is a very real—and dangerous—possibility for a kitten. Keep toilet lids down. You’ll also need to pay close attention to your furry pal’s whereabouts when using washers and dryers: it’s much too easy for a curious baby cat to hop into a dryer when your back is turned.

Toxins

Poisonings are one of the top reasons for emergency veterinary visits. Kittens are especially vulnerable, as they’re so small and fragile. Things like medicine, household cleaners, automotive products, paint, drain cloggers, lawn and garden products, and pesticides can be deadly to these little furballs. Keep these in secure cabinets. You’ll also want to make sure you only have pet-safe plants out. Check the ASPCA site here for more info.

Shopping

A trip to the pet store is in order. Many of the things you’ll need to get little Fluffy, such as toys, bowls, and a carrier, can be chosen simply according to personal preference. However, you’ll want to avoid clay and clumping litters for now, as kittens can accidentally ingest them. It’s also best to skip kitten-sized cat furniture pieces, because your furry friend will outgrow them so quickly.

Please contact us at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cypress, TX pet hospital, for your kitten’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!