News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Valley Life

May 13, 2012

PAW PRINTS: Kitten-proof the home before bringing pet home

TERRE HAUTE — It’s kitten season at the Terre Haute Humane Society. Come and take a look at all the many colors currently living at the shelter. Fall in love with the adorable babies, and take advantage of the sibling discount and adopt two. Kittens are so much fun. They’re inquisitive, playful and loving.

But before you bring home your youngster, be sure to kitten-proof your home, much like you would if you had a toddler. Kittens are small enough to fit into the smallest of places and they can get into almost everything. Their curiosity can get the best of them.

It’s important to keep your kitten inside. Your kitten can be at great risk outdoors for injury, fleas, ticks and infectious diseases; statistics indicate that indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats. Your cat could also be stolen or lost. Also, it’s very important to have the kitten examined by a veterinarian.

Common hazards for small kittens are poisonous plants and electrical cords. Some plants to avoid are: Boston fern, oleander, philodendron and poinsettia. If you are unsure about a specific plant, ask your veterinarian. To keep the kitten away from electrical cords, spray them with Bitter Apple, which can be found at pet supply stores. Recliners and rockers can pose a threat to kittens. Also, be aware of string, yarn, dental floss and thread. These are toys to kittens, but they can be a dangerous choking hazards or cause intestinal blockage.

The most dangerous area for kittens is the kitchen. The heat from stoves, the many small crevices to get into or behind, and toxic products used for cleaning can be hazardous or deadly for young kittens. There have been incidents of kittens left in refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, which were accidentally turned on. Also, garbage should not be accessible to the kitten.

Another area of concern is the bathroom. Be aware of a full bathtub; kittens can fall in and drown. In addition, a basement and garage can pose a dangerous threat to kittens. Antifreeze and chemicals are especially toxic to cats (and dogs) and can cause death. A kitten can also climb under the hood of a car without your knowledge. It’s a good idea to keep the kitten confined to one room with litter box, food, water, bed, and toys when you’re not home to help insure their safety.

If you have other pets in the household, remember to introduce them slowly so that they may get to know each other. This will help to prevent aggressive or fearful behavior from developing. Be patient; this process could take from a few days to a few weeks.



• Mama Kitty

Mama Kitty is one of two of our lucky sponsored kitties. Her adoption fees have been paid for by generous and caring persons. She is free to an approved applicant (requires a veterinarian reference). Mama Kitty is approximately 4 years old, and she is already spayed and anxious to go home. She is sweet, loving, and likes other cats. You can meet Mama Kitty (and Elsa) in the front cat room at the Terre Haute Humane Shelter. Visit and get to know them. They love attention and would be happy to meet you.

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