KITTEN CARE

Try to look at your home through a cat's eyes. What could be tempting to a mischievous kitten? Electric wires are very tempting and very dangerous, instead try attaching them to a wall so they do not hang freely. Things that are attached firmly to something rather than dangling around are not so inviting to play with. Hanging curtains in particular equals an exciting vertical challenge for a cat. Ensure that all poles and brackets are properly attached to the wall, or switch to half-curtains that only cover the top part of the window.

Falling accidents are common, even if the cat is good at climbing and keeping its balance. If you have a home with more than one floor, it is a good idea to check out the stairs. Open staircases and banisters could be a danger for a playing cat. Windows and doors also need attention - ensure that windows and doors to balconies have good locking devices. Beware of windows that open partly at the top: cats can try to squeeze through the opening and get stuck, causing serious damage (blood circulation gets blocked) and potentially death.

A curious kitten might be inclined to taste everything it can. All chemicals and cleaning aids should be locked away but be aware that cats are experts in opening doors and drawers. 

A hot plate on a stove can burn the kitten badly. Make it a habit to always place a pot of cold water on the plate after having heated something on it.

Burning candles are cozy, but cat owners place them in lanterns.

Our plants also cause problems. Cats like to chew on "vegetables", but many of them are poisonous and therefore a deadly trap. 

Pieces of string or rubber bands should never be cat toys as they can cause severe problems if swallowed. The cat could also get stuck in hanging strings such as the cords from blinds - it could end really badly if they do not get released fast enough! 

Remember that glitter threads do contain threads, and these are also very tempting for a cat to play with. Something to consider at Christmas time!

Make sure that the toilet lid stays down. The cat could easily get an unwanted bath and if it can not get out from there, it could drown. For the same reason, never leave the bathtub filled with water, or leave hot baths unsupervised. Cats have been known to die of the scalding caused by falling into a too-hot bath.