THE BULTEMA'S = Kitten Proof

Kittens are fun and deserve homes just as much as any cat. But have you considered adopting an
older cat? Here are some things you should consider before adopting.

First and foremost. Kittens are only a kitten for a short period of time.
Older cats often adjust quickly and easily to new situations, walking in like "been there, done that".
Older cats don't use your curtains as a Jungle-Gym or run the Indy 500 at 2AM. (Also most adult cats
will not fit up the average Christmas tree).
Older cats are more affectionate - the older they get, often the more laptime they want.
Older cats have developed a good immune system. (Less trips to the vet. Read Thor's bio).
Older cats have a stronger stomach tolerance and don't get the upsets as easily as kittens. (Ever
stepped barefoot in cat vomit at 5AM? Speaking of "been there - done that"!)
Older cats do not require constant supervision - kittens do. (Speaking of stepping in things)
Older cats are TRULY appreciative that YOU have deemed them worhty of love - Kittens will love everyone.
Older cats know when the are in a temporary situation vs a permanent one. When they arrive in
your home and after the initial newness wears off and they know you are going to love, honor and
obey them, (don't forget the OBEY part), they will give you joy, companionship, and unconditional
love for the rest of their lives.

Kitten Proof Your Home!
1. Test bookcases, shelves, curtain rods, TV stands etc. to make sure they can withstand the weight of a flying three pound juvenile cat.
2. Remove any and all breakables unless it was something mother-in-law gave you and you don't mind hitting the floor.
3. Secure bookcases to the walls with brackets.
4. Check sofa bed and recliner CAREFULLY before closing - we have had more than one story where the kitten was caught under the
  recliner and no one knew.
5. Same thing goes for rocking chairs - be wary of kitten tails!
6. Watch out for ladderback, Windsor, or any chairs with slots - heads can get caught!
7. Screen off your fireplace so that there is no access. Warm ashes are tempting, and soot can look just like litter.
8. Cover all wastebaskets as kittens will inevitably turn them over and dig through them. Be aware of what you put in them.
9. Keep toilet seats closed, washer and dryer and dishwasher lids closed.
10. Check the fridge every time you shut it, it only takes a minute for a kitten to hop inside.
11. Be aware that toilet bowl disinfectants can be poisonous to your cat.
12. Don't allow the kitten near the bathtub unless the tub is empty. Hot water can easily overwhelm the cat, and once in it is close to
  impossible for them to hop out.
13. If you use electric heaters, don't leave any kind of flammable objects nearby (towels, toilet paper, clothes, etc) as kittens can easily
  drag them too close and inadvertently cause a fire.
14. If you have a balcony or deck, be aware that kittens' sense of distance and safety may not be completely molded yet, and a bird, or butterfly
  or bug may cause your kitten to leap beyond safe boundaries.
15. Windows with screens in can be dangerous as many cats will leap onto the screen and the screen may not hold the weight of the cat. Make
  sure there are no holes in the screens, even a tiny hole can be incentive for the kitten to reach through, creating an even bigger hole.
16. Shade cords and blind strings can easily become entangled around a kitten's neck and cause strangulation. Be sure to tie all cords
  up high away from temptation.
17. Wire cords and electrical outlets can also result in fatalities, best to put outlet covers on your electrical outlets. Dangling cords and wires
  from any electrical appliance can become a plaything, but can result in heavy objects falling from above.
18. Kittens are teething, just like young children, and may chew on cords which can result in electrocution if the cord is plugged in
  .
19. Stoves (water boiling, teakettles, etc) may pose threats, as kittens haven't learned that they shouldn't jump on top of this appliance.
20. Watch for sharp knives on the countertop, which can fall and injure a cat, or can cause a serious cut if the cat were to lick it. An open hot
  oven door can be tempting to a kitten that has no knowledge this may be dangerous.
21. Hot foods and beverages on countertops likewise can cause serious burns if they are knocked over.
22. If you use tablecloths, be aware that any cloth hanging down (from tables or curtain rods) is fair game, and leaping to that cloth may result
  in everything connected following the cloth to the floor.
23. Human medications, as well as cleaning products of all sorts, can be toxic to cats. Keep them behind closed cabinets as you would for a toddler.
24. Likewise, rat poison, mothballs, antifreeze, nicotine, chocolate, snow salt, and batteries can be toxic - all common household items, but very
  dangerous to cats.
25. Know which of your indoor plants are poisonous - cats are notorious for liking greenery.
  (See our page on Toxic House Plants )
26. Don't leave plastic bags lying around as they look and sound like great toys, but can be deadly.
27. Pieces of yarn, thread, string, and tinsel can all cause intestinal blockage that can be fatal.
We wish you every happiness with your new kitten - but please be aware you are adopting a young, inexperienced being that is very vulnerable
to the environment. Just as you would never leave a two-year-old human being unsupervised, please take the same safety
precautions with your new kitten.

Return to Previous Page