Kitten Proofing Your Home with 10 Easy-to-Follow Tips

5. Cat Proof Furniture

Cats and kittens love to scratch, but they won't know what's not worthy of their claws until you teach them. An easy target for your kitten's claws are heavy furniture items such as couches or tables. Rugs and carpeted stairs are also a favorite.

When you're trying to cat proof furniture in your home, don't just think about what your kitten might scratch; think about items she can climb on: curtains, long tablecloths, or bookshelves. Offset these tendencies with a scratching post or cat tree, so she knows exactly which items belong to her.

6. Secure What She Can't Have

Cats are inherently curious, so closing a cabinet doesn't mean your feline friend will stay out. Consider purchasing childproof locks for any cabinets that hold cleaning supplies or medicine. You might keep these items on the top shelf of a closet to be sure they're inaccessible. Just remember that your cat can climb, so the closet door itself should also be closed.

If there is a special room your kitten should stay out of, keep this door closed at all times. Child or dog gates won't keep a cat who can jump five times her own height according to Mother Nature Network out the same way. Any mementos that are especially important to you and your family should be locked or secured away. Did a late relative give you a special family vase? Wrap it safely and keep it stowed until your pets are mature enough to navigate these items.

7. Check Small Spaces

Cats love to snuggle away in warm, small places. Before closing the dryer door, for example, be sure your kitten didn't sneak in for an afternoon snooze. The same goes for other quiet places such as dresser drawers, baskets in closets, refrigerators, and freezers.

8. Lock All Window Screens

Every patch of sunshine has your kitten's name on it, and she'll snuggle on your windowpanes to get the most of this natural warmth. When kitten proofing your home, check all the screens on your windows and doors, even if it's in the winter. You don't want to forget to do this in the spring or summer when your cat is already accustomed to her surroundings. If a screen isn't properly locked, your cat can end up in a dangerous situation. To be even safer, purchase cat-proof window screens as well as cat proof blinds. Not only are the cat-proof screens safer, but they also last longer than regular window screens, because they don't get torn up as easily.

9. Stock Up on Her Favorite Toys

The busier your pet is, the less likely she'll get in trouble. Kittens love to play, so invest in some toys she can play with when she's finished with her nap. As you can imagine, she'll love fake mice and jingly balls, which make just enough noise for you to know where she is at various times during the day. Expect your kitten to alternate between playing with you and napping on your lap.

10. Be Patient When Kitten Proofing Your Home

Whether your new cat is young or old and wise, it's tough for her to learn all the house rules at once. A kitten might avoid all the wires or loose objects on your floor, but be highly interested in climbing curtains or jumping up shelves. She may scoff at her water bowl and sip from the sink. Make the transition to her new home easier by keeping her contained in a small cat-friendly room temporarily while she is learning, then slowly allow her access to more and more of the house as she becomes accustomed to the rules. When letting her roam around and explore her new settings, make sure to keep a watchful eye on her at all times.

If she gravitates to an area that you notice might be unfit or dangerous for her take the necessary precautions to keep her safe. It's important to redirect your kitten while addressing any safety issues in a calm, loving manner.

Finally, it is never a good idea to punish a kitten or cat for misbehaving. She is still learning the rules of your house and might not know better. Punishing a cat can actually make the situation worse causing her to become stressed and reclusive. Proper training and rewarding her for good behaviors will help her learn what is acceptable. If you notice she is being a little ornery, just direct her back to her toys or her scratch pad. Your pet is learning and is looking to you for direction. Have the same patience you would with a young child learning to take in the world for the first time and your bond will go stronger and stronger.