Kittens are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the new arrival.

• Kittens love to chew! Keep electrical wires covered and out of reach. Use clear packaging tape to flatten cords to the wall, or a pet-repellant spray to discourage chewing.
• Caution with common household agents! Cleaning agents, disinfectants, bleach, paint, gasoline, pesticides…can be lethal. Keep them out of reach and locked up.
• Store the antifreeze in a tightly sealed container way out of reach. Pets are attracted to its sweet odor and taste. Wipe up any spills on the garage floor. Window washer fluid also contains antifreeze!
• Take care to make sure that personal hygiene items and medications are out of reach (ie. Cosmetics, dental floss, lotions, hair care products, antihistamines, aspirin etc.)
• Warm dryers are very intriguing to cats! When doing the laundry be sure you know where your cat is before turning on the next cycle.
• Cats love to jump onto countertops. Watch out for hot curling irons, clothing, irons, coffee pots, space heaters, fireplaces, and stove tops.
• Killer house plants-there are many common houseplants that present potential dangers to your cat if eaten. (See Plants to Avoid)
• Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains a powerful stimulant called ‘Theobromide’ that is toxic to pets.
• Don’t leave plastic bags out. Curious cats love to crawl in them and could suffocate. If they are playing in a paper bag, cut the handles off so they cannot strangle themselves.
• Be aware of any hanging drapery cords.  They are best put up and out of reach so cats cannot get tangled up.
• Treats can be treats. Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones for a treat as they can easily splinter and cause serious injury.
• Keep covers on swimming pools, hot tubs and sump pump holes. Kittens can fall in and are not able to get out.
• Before closing the refrigerator door, double check that a curious kitten hasn't jumped inside!
• Choose toys wisely. If anything will fit in the mouth, consider it dangerous. Watch out for rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons, pantyhose and hair nets.
• Honk your horn! Remember that engine warmth promotes cat naps, so honk your hown before starting the engine to wake pets under the hood.
• If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep your pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully.
• Remember that collars and harnesses can rapidly outgrown, leading to serious wounds.
• Keep holly, mistletoe, and Christmas tinsel out of reach.