Kitten Proofing

  

We have just brought home a new kitten. Bill and I got her at a shelter--The Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) They are very kind to the animals and tirelessly work to place the animals in caring homes. There is an interviewing process, contract to sign, vet staff on premise, trained, staff who care for the animals, etc. Follow the link to their web site. We have added them to our charitable donation list.

Update: It turned out that the kitten that we adopted had FIV, the paperwork provided to us by WARL was completely wrong. They did not return phone calls until weeks later nor did they did not keep prescheduled appointments to discuss the problems. Although we had a bad experience with them, I still am glad that the many volunteers that help the animals at the shelter, the vets, staff, etc. are doing a wonderful service to the animals. It is sad that our adoption was not a positive experience and that our kitten, Athena, was very sick.

The following is a list of some of the potentially dangerous items and situations. I am sure that we will think of more and add them to the list, but for now, this is a start. We have removed these perils from her space.

• Poisons
• Chemicals
• Sharp Objects
• Objects that can be knocked over or fall
• Glass
• Plastic such as plastic bags can kill! Remove all of them.
• Water filled areas such as bath tubs, sinks and buckets can cause a kitten to drown.
• Electrical: chords, wires and sockets. Kittens love to chew on electrical chords and wires. Make them unavailable to your kitten!
• Trash cans and other lidded objects should have the lids affixed.
• Curtains and wall hangings can serve as climbing delights--so can towels on racks in bathrooms.

We have contained our new kitten, Athena, in an area that my husband and I have kitten proofed. She feels comfortable there and considers it her sanctuary. Her space is full of fun objects and toys for her to play with, dry kitten food, water, her potty box, hiding places, soft blankets, etc. It is warm and cozy and has plenty of light. Her sanctuary abuts an adjoining room. It is our TV and lounging room on the third floor of our home. We open the door to her sanctuary and Athena has full run of this adjoining room when we are in it. Her sanctuary and the TV room have plenty of square footage so she is not in prison! As she gets older and out of her chewing, wild, always moving and exploring, naughty kitten stage, we will introduce her to the rest of the house which is four floors of space. She can follow the sun from the east side of the house to the west side of the house. There are many window sills, rugs, couches and chairs for her to snooze and enjoy the sun's rays. As I am writing this article Athena is tearing around the TV room at great speed. She is chasing a rolling toy with a bell in it. She has already associated her name and comes when I call. She also knows when I tell her she is being naughty. I can see the wheels in her brain turning!