The Cat’s Meow Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Nancy Bean   Dr. Susan Head
(817) 263-5287

HOW TO KITTEN PROOF YOUR HOUSE

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.

That's shocking -Young animals love to chew when they're teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach, or use a pet-repellent spray.

Treats can be threats - Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury.

Common household killers -Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up.

Check the antifreeze - Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly sealed, wiping up any spills on the garage floor. Window-washing solution also contains antifreeze. Remember, engine warmth promotes catnaps, so honk your horn or hit the hood to wake pets before starting the car.

Killer houseplants - Poisonous plants include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem Cherry and plant bulbs.

Keep off the grass - If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away. Read and follow label directions carefully.

Take care of personal care items and medications - Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can all be lethal to pets.

The heat is on - Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and space heaters. Kittens will quickly be able to jump to new heights. Even potpourri (solid or liquid) can be toxic.

A dip tip - Keep covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Kittens can fall in and not be able to get out.

'Tis the season - Keep holly, mistletoe and especially Christmas tree tinsel out of reach.

Cozy up - Always use a fireplace screen.

Yummy - If any or all of something will fit in a mouth, it's dangerous. Youngsters are notorious for eating any and everything, so please keep small objects put away.  Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, coins, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons, and even pantyhose.   What goes in must come out, often via surgery.