Because they are adventurous, playful, and inquisitive, cats, and particularly kittens, are inclined to get into all sorts of things. Common hazards include toxic substances, appliances, loose items, and outdoor dangers.
Toxic Substances
There are a number of substances toxic to cats that should be kept in sealed containers and out of the cat’s reach:
- Human medications
- Onions (fresh, dried, or powdered)
- Cocoa
- House cleaning products and drain decloggers
- Antifreeze
- Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides
- Fuels
- Wood preservatives
- Certain houseplants, particularly lilies
Cats should not be allowed near plants treated with pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for at least 48 hours.
Appliances
Cats may climb into washers and dryers if the doors are left open. They may also get into freezers and refrigerators, so closing doors when not in use is a good idea. Cats can be remarkably quick at getting inside things if you open the door for even a minute, so keep a close watch. Some cats also develop the bad habit of chewing on electrical cords, so it’s important to unplug electrical appliances or turn off power bars when not using them.
Loose Items
Like very young children, some cats are inclined to chew on small items they find lying around the house. Many veterinary visits are the result of cats swallowing thread with needles attached or elastic bands. You can save your cat pain and yourself unnecessary medical expenses by putting such items away when not in use. Cat toys should also be free of small buttons and other hard pieces that could come off and be swallowed.
Outdoor Dangers
An outdoor lifestyle presents many dangers for cats, including predators, cars, poisoning by antifreeze or pesticides, and exposure to viruses as a result of interacting with other animals. If you adopt a kitten and plan to let her outdoors, wait at least two weeks and have your veterinarian provide all the required vaccinations before letting her out. If you want to let your cat outside but are concerned about the risks, a good compromise is leash training so that you and your cat can spend safe time outdoors together.
Other Hazards
Kittens may go into small holes in skirting boards, floors, etc. Any holes should be plugged or blocked off before bringing a new kitten home. Many cats are injured jumping out of windows as well, so windows that are left open should have a mesh screen to prevent accidents.
Further Reading
Information for this article was derived from The Perfect Kitten: How to Raise a Problem-Free Cat by Peter Neville and Claire Bessant. This useful resource covers choosing a kitten, kitten development, kitten training, and many other topics.
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