How to Kitten-Proof your House

Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting and memorable time — there’s so much for them to explore and get to know! But before you allow your new furry friend to start roaming, you want to make sure your environment is safe. But if you’ve never had a kitten in the family before, you might not know the benefits of keeping your home cat-friendly. This is why it's important for every new feline owner to learn how to kitten-proof a home.

Don't panic if you're not sure where to start. In this comprehensive guide made just for kitty owners, we'll discuss what exactly kitten-proofing is along with why it's so important for you and your pet. We'll also provide a list of useful kitten-proofing tips every new cat owner should know, thanks to Trupanion veterinarian Dr. Caroline Wilde (scroll on past the next couple of sections if you'd like to skip straight ahead to that).

Ready to keep your cat accident-free in their early life at home? Let's go!

No worries, dog parents — we've got you covered as well with these puppy-proofing tips.

What is kitten-proofing?

You have a new kitten, so now what? You want your kitten to get to know their new home and become just as comfortable in it as you are, but you also want to make sure they are safe.

“Kitten proofing is getting all items that a kitten might want to scratch, eat, or destroy out of reach,” says Wilde. "It's ensuring that their home environment is a safe place."

You don't need to completely change your lifestyle or your home to effectively kitten-proof, but you will need to properly assess your and make adjustments wherever needed. If you have a lot of devices, for example, you'll need to ensure that all cords are safely secured. If you have houseplants, you'll likely need to find new places to store them out of reach of your cat and possibly set up deterrents (or consider fake plant options). If you enjoy keeping your windows open, you'll likewise need to ensure that screens are completely secure, or you may need to find alternatives.

We'll cover all of these measures and more in just a little bit, but take a moment now to look around you for anything you don't want your cat to get into. If it's loose, chewable, or potentially hazardous to your kitten's health in any way, it should go on your kitten-proofing list.

Benefits of kitten-proofing

Kitten-proofing is beneficial to both you and your feline because it helps keep them safe and decreases the likelihood of unplanned veterinary visits. And while not the most important thing, a well kitten-proofed home also helps prevent your personal possessions from getting destroyed by claws and teeth.

"Beyond physical safety, creating a secure environment allows your kitten to express their natural behaviors freely," Wilde says. "Investing in pet-friendly furniture and providing designated safe spaces and toys not only protects your belongings but also enriches the kitten's life, fostering mental and physical stimulation."

In other words, kitten-proofing also establishes a harmonious living space, preventing unnecessary stress for human and pet alike. To ensure you're set up for all the benefits of kitten-proofing, it's a good idea to do it before you even bring your cat home. That way, they'll be becoming into a space that's fully ready for them, and you can enjoy bonding with your pet rather than worrying about what they might get into.

12 tips for kitten-proofing your home

Kitten proofing may take time, with some trial and error along the way. You may think a room is totally secure, only to find your pet has discovered something you forgot. But you've just brought your kitten home for the first time or are planning to do so soon, start small and follow these essential cat-proofing tips from Wilde:

1. Cat-proof by room

It's a good idea to not let kittens roam the whole home right away. Not only can small cats easily get lost in their exploring, but they may feel a bit scared and overwhelmed if they have sudden access to a whole house or apartment. Instead, you'll want to keep your new pet confined to smaller area that's free of hazards.

Start by kitten-proofing this designated space, ensuring that the only loose items in there are actual cat toys (make sure there's a cozy bed, clean litter box, and fresh water in there too!) Secure anything you don't want them jumping on, chewing on, clawing up, or otherwise interacting with in a safe, inaccessible place. 

Depending on what kind of home you have, there may be various pet hazards all over the place. Go room by room to assess the different dangers to cats that may be within each. Ensuring each room is secure one at a time (read through the following tips) will help you avoid missing anything. 

2. Think like a cat

Your pet sees and experiences the world differently than you do. As silly as it may sound, you'll need to think like a cat in order to spot the various dangers to pets that may be lurking around your home.

“Kittens are very curious. They will play, chew, or swallow almost anything that can fit in their mouth," Wilde explains. "You want to make sure that everything is contained and put away."

Consider your pet's varying abilities to navigate their space over time too. While your kitten may seem a bit clumsy now, they'll develop more agility and finesse with age. A shelf that was out-of-reach during kittenhood may be perfectly acceptable to an older, more experienced cat.

3. Keep all plants out of reach

Houseplants are pretty, but they can be dangerous to your kitten. Many popular houseplants are highly toxic to cats, though your pet may want to chew on them due to their enticing shapes and scents. Fertilizers and anti-fungal sprays can also contain chemicals that are dangerous for pets. 

As Wilde says, "The potential toxicity of plants can range from stomach upset, ulcers, irritation of the mouth, and kidney failure."

There are some houseplants that are safe for cats, but it's a good idea to keep these out of reach as well — especially with curious kittens. Though the chemical makeup of the plant itself may be nontoxic, ingesting leaves or stems in general can still lead to gastrointestinal upset or obstruction. A lot of cats also like digging in dirt, which can be full of small rocks that can become stuck in paws. All in all, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cats and houseplants.

4. Store loose items

Kittens have a natural tendency to play with small objects, which can be a choking hazard or cause internal damage if swallowed. In cases where the object cannot be passed safely on its own, surgery may be required.

According to Wilde, list here is expansive, and the loose items cats may be exposed to in each home will vary. However, here is a list of loose items commonly found in homes that cats make try to chew on or swallow:

• Children's toys
• Broken objects
• Hair ties
• Rubber bands
• Receipts and other pieces of paper
• String (including dental floss)
• Bottle caps
• Wine corks
• Thumbtacks / pushpins

When in doubt, keep it out of reach. Clearing clutter and creating a tidy living space can go a long way in preventing accidents. Ensuring there are plenty of safe cat toys around for your pet to play with will also help in keeping them occupied.

5. Clean up after yourself

When living without pets, it can be easy to delay cleanup of cooking, arts and crafts, and other activities simply because there's no real urgency. But with a kitten in the picture, that can't be the case. No matter what the project is, always clean up right away (especially with cooking, it's a good idea to clean as you go) to prevent pets from getting their paws on something that could be harmful. It's also important to be mindful if you drop things on the floor and try to pick up before your kitten discovers it.

"A lot of accidents can be avoided just by pet owners practicing greater caution," Wilde says.

If you're working on something that is ongoing, like an art project, you may want to consider keeping it in a room where you can keep the door shut. Don't give your pet access to the space until you're all done and everything is cleaned up safely.

6. Kitten-proof staircases

If you have stairs in your home, they can pose a hazard to young pets. While cats are known for being natural acrobats, kittens are still learning how to navigate their terrain and may not be able to recognize risky jumps and movements.

To kitten-proof your stairs, use a pet gate (baby gates often work just as well) on the side you want to keep your cat on while they are young. Keep in mind that you can always carry them up and down if you need to. The gate will stop being effective as your kitten gets older and more able to climb, so consider putting down some carpeted steps for better grip as they learn the navigate the steps. Even if you already have carpet on your stairs, avoid throwing pet toys on them and keep them free of clutter in general to help prevent accidents for both you and your cat. 

7. Invest in cat-friendly furniture

Cats of all ages have the inherent need to scratch! But you don't want it taking a toll on your furniture. Kitten claws can likewise become easily stuck in many upholstered fabrics, and any loose threads can be harmful if ingested.

To avoid disaster (and frustration at having your furniture destroyed), invest in furniture and materials that are safe for kittens to scratch and climb. Cat trees and scratching posts provide an outlet for their natural instincts while protecting your furniture. Consider cat-friendly fabrics and designs that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

When your kitten does try to claw something they shouldn't, gently pick them up and place them on something that is okay for scratching. Be patient with your pet, as it will likely take repeated attempts before they learn what furniture is and isn't for them.

8. Use non-toxic household cleaners

If you're like most people, you're already aware that many household cleaners can be toxic to humans and pets alike. But unlike you, your cat doesn't know what they should and shouldn't touch. In fact, household cleaning products make up one of the top poisoning risks for cats.

This is why Wilde advises keeping cats away from cleaning areas until everything is dry and safe to touch. She also recommends making special considerations for the types of cleaners used.

"Look specifically for household cleaners that are rated for pets," Wilde says. "Many common cleaners are toxic if ingested or absorbed through your pet's skin or paw pads. Simple, more natural cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda work well for a variety of cleaning purposes and are non-harmful to pets."

9. Choose the right litter box spot

By the time they are ready to head to their new homes, many kittens are already pros at using a litter box. However, that doesn't mean you can just set one up anywhere and be done with it. To prevent accidents, show your kitten where the litter box is soon after you bring them home. It should always be easily acceptable and in a quiet, non-disruptive spot that won't intimidate them away from using it as needed.

It's also worth noting that you should be cleaning the litter box daily. Doing so is vital for the health of your young cat, and it will keep encouraging them to use it. Some kittens can nevertheless show signs of stress or even show territorial aggression when seeing their litter box cleaned, so it's a good idea to keep it somewhere where you can close a door to hide your actions from view. 

10. Secure wires and cables

Electrical wires and cables can look like fun toys to your kitten, but chewing on them can result in tragic accidents. Even if a cord is not plugged in, ingesting any part of it can cause damage to your pet's gastrointestinal tract or even intestinal blockage.

Some useful ways to keep electrical cords safe from pets include:

• Ties that bundle loose cords tightly together
• Cable cord boxes
• Running loose cables under carpets or secure mats
• Cable fasteners that keep cords along walls
• Avoiding long cables whenever possible
• Never leaving anything dangling
• Unplugging devices when not in use

11. Consult with your veterinarian

Unsure of any potential home hazards to cats and how you can protect your pet? Wilde says to give your veterinary office a call. They'll be able to tell you what is and isn't safe and may be able to offer guidance more specific to your home and your kitten.

While you're thinking about steps to kitten-proof your home, it's also important to establish a veterinary schedule for vaccinations, deworming, and preventive care. Routine veterinary visits are essential for your kitten's health and well-being. Regular checkups help detect any potential health issues early, ensuring a long and healthy life for your furry friend.

12. Get the whole family following kitten-proofing tips

Once you've decided to kitten-proof your home, get the whole household (including any family members or roommates) together to go over the ground rules. Maintaining a safe home for your cat only works if everyone is practicing the same rules, such as cleaning up after oneself and picking up any loose objects. To help everyone feel involved, consider writing down a list together (feel free to use this article as inspiration) and hanging it up somewhere convenient where everyone can see. This may be particularly useful with children, as they may need extra reminders of what to do and what not to do with a kitten in the home.

Safe homes aren't just for kittens

It's not just kittens who need safety measures in place — grown adult cats need them too. While adult cats may be better at discerning potential dangers, they still see things differently than humans. A plant may look fun to chew on or claw up at any age, for example. 

This is why it's important to keep kitten-proofing tactics in place well beyond your cat's first year or two of life. The reality is that these are tips you should be following for the rest of your feline's life. We use the term "kitten-proofing," but it's really cat-proofing that just starts when your pet is still young.

Everyone in the family should be able to enjoy the comforts of your home, and that includes your best friend. By taking your time, checking each room, and consulting with your veterinarian, you can kitten-proof your home in no time at all.

Protect your pet's health in the home and out

In addition to kitten-proofing your home, you'll want to protect your pet's health in whatever ways you can. This includes prioritizing veterinary care and signing up for cat insurance if you haven't done so already. After all, even the safest homes can't guarantee that surprise accidents or illnesses will never occur. Having a good pet health insurance policies enables you to get your cat the veterinary care they need in these situations without having to worry about financial barriers.

You'll also want to ensure your cat is properly microchipped. Even though many cats are indoor-only for safety reasons, accidents do happen. 

Make sure you've got everything you need for your new pet with our essential new kitten supplies checklist.

*Trupanion does not receive compensation for any products that are mentioned in this article. Linked products are for informative purposes only.