Ignite FB Tracking PixelHow to kitten-proof your house: The basics of bringing home a new pet - Ryan Arnt
Keller Williams Realty Swm
Ryan Arnt, Keller Williams Realty SwmPhone: (269) 470-6666
Email: [email protected]

How to kitten-proof your house: The basics of bringing home a new pet

by Ryan Arnt 01/29/2023

kitten running in house

If you’re adopting a kitten, it’s wise to kitten-proof your house beforehand. Kittens are very active and curious, and can easily get into trouble where they’re not supposed to. To prevent messes, protect your furniture and ensure the safety of your new furry friend, take the following steps to prepare your living space.

Kitten-proof your furniture

Kittens love to climb anything they can, which means every piece of furniture in your home is a potential plaything. They also love to scratch to stretch their muscles and strengthen their claws, which can definitely pose problems for more delicate surfaces.

Some things you can do to protect your furniture from kitten damage include:

  • Providing plenty of alternative structures to climb and claw, such as a cat tree or scratching post.
  • Block off potential jumping surfaces with heavy objects like books.
  • Trim your kitten’s claws regularly to keep them blunt.

Clean floors & surfaces

To a kitten, practically everything is a potential toy or potential snack. This means it’s crucial to deep clean your home before bringing home a feline friend. Pay special attention to keeping floors clear of tiny objects, pieces of trash, food scraps and environmental debris that could make your kitten sick if ingested.

Check small spaces

As much as kittens love to jump, run and climb, they also like to wiggle into small spaces. Unfortunately, this can often result in them getting stuck in places where they shouldn’t be. Block off any nooks and crannies you notice, especially those with loose electrical cords. 

Create a kitten safe room

When introducing a new kitten into your home, it’s important to establish a safe, quiet space for them to become acclimated to the new environment. Typically, this means keeping the kitty confined to a single room where they have all the necessary amenities: food, water, litter box and things to play with.

Continue to socialize with your kitten in the safe room before gradually allowing them access to the rest of the home. If you have other pets, this step will help them become familiar with the new kitten at a slow pace.

Are you ready to start kitten-proofing your home? These basic tips will help your new pet have a smooth transition into your new home, while also preventing common mishaps.

About the Author
Author

Ryan Arnt

 Having provided award-winning service to my clients for the past 26 years, few other REALTORS are trusted like I am. My clients trust my advice, and they know that I will always look out for their best long-term interests. You can expect, and you will receive, personal service that is second to none. When you hire me as your Agent, you will work exclusively with me. I will personally answer your calls and respond to your messages. My promise to you is that I will not hand you off to another member of my team.

I have called Southwest Michigan home for 40 years. My mother's family ran a local locksmith service, and my father served as the Chief Investigator for the County's Prosecutor and Director of Security for the Whirlpool Corporation office for many years. I love all that this area offers, and I enjoy serving the buyers and sellers who are moving in or out of
Southwest Michigan.

My wife and I have two children, and we would not want to raise them anywhere else. Between the award-winning schools and the plethora of youth activities available in Southwest Michigan, it's a great place to call home. We enjoy spending time with friends at the beach, boating, golfing, hunting, skiing in the North, and fishing.

I give back to the community that has been so good to us. Currently, I serve on the Lakeshore Public Schools Foundation Board (LEF), as Past President of the St. Joe Kickers Sports Club, and as a Rotarian in the Stevensville-Lakeshore Rotary
Club. We donate throughout the year to various local organizations, schools, Fine Arts Programs, and youth sports groups.

I want to leverage my experience and knowledge to benefit you. I have sold over 700 properties and earned the respect of my fellow REALTORS, who have voted me "REALTOR of the Year." I am confident I can earn your trust as well.

Looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate? Allow me to serve you, and I promise you will not be disappointed.