Creating a Safe Environment
Keep small items out of your kitten's reach. Remove any small items that could be a choking hazard to your kitten. Even if you think your home is clean, there are likely still objects that your kitten could choke on. Remove any: Strings Twist ties Hair ties Rubber bands Small toy accessories Small board game pieces Ribbons
Spray cords with a pet deterrent spray. Energetic kittens may try to chew on electrical wires, which can be extremely dangerous. As a result, you should coat any accessible electric cords with a pet deterrent cream or spray. This will discourage your kitten from chewing on cords, as the deterrents taste bad. Before spraying the cords, unplug them for safety. Alternatively, you could purchase special cord protectors.
Pull up blinds and secure all cords. Kittens may also try and play with the cords that hang down from your blinds or window coverings. Try tying up these cords so that they are out of your kitten’s reach. Your kitten could strangle itself if it gets wrapped up in the cord. Alternatively, your kitten could choke on the plastic end of the cord after chewing it off.
Remove poisonous household plants. Kittens like to chew on plants and grasses and although this may not seem like a potential danger, some household plants are toxic and even poisonous to cats. For example, lilies, mistletoe, poinsettia, and philodendron are all toxic household plants.
Avoid giving a kitten free range of the house. There are certain, potentially dangerous areas in your home that should remain off limits to your kitten. For example, your kitten may fall into the toilet if the seat is left up. Alternatively, it may choke on a small bone while rustling through the garbage. As a result keep certain doors closed and secured so that your kitten can not enter. You should also prevent your cat from jumping up onto high surfaces such as counter tops or tables. Similarly, any cleaning products should be kept in a locked cupboard.
Providing Your Kitten with Appropriate Stimulations
Give your cat plenty of toys. Instead of allowing your energetic kitten to take part in potentially dangerous activities, provide your kitten with plenty of appropriate toys. There are a variety of cat toys available from pet supply stores. In many instances kittens will happily play with toys by themselves. Always supervise your kitten while it plays to keep it from ingesting any pieces that become loose.
Buy a cat tree for climbing and scratching. Kittens can also expend energy by climbing and playing on a cat tree. These can be purchased at your local pet supply store and provide kittens with an opportunity to jump up to different perches. They also include scratching posts for your kitten to play with. These are fun and safe objects for kittens.
Try a food puzzle toy. If your kitten is motivated by food, try giving it a food puzzle. Place a few of your kitten’s favourite treats inside the puzzle. Then, your kitten will spend time playing with the toy in order to access the treats. This is a safe way to occupy and tire out an energetic kitten.
Tiring Out Your Kitten Through Play
Try fetch. Throw a small ball, stuffed toy, or even a rolled up piece of aluminum foil. Your cat will chase the toy and expend energy. This is a great way to tire out your cat in a non-hazardous and controlled environment. By spending time playing with your kitten, it is less likely to be destructive or get injured.
Activate the prey drive with moving toys. You can tire out your kitten by playing with it in a safe manner. For example, you can activate the prey drive of your cat by using moving toys, such as wand toys. Typically, these toys will consist of a short pole with a stuffed toy or feather dangling from a string. Try slowly moving the toy across the floor in front of your kitten. The kitten will likely begin to stalk and chase the toy. A laser pointer is another fun way to incorporate movement when playing with your cat.
Avoid using your hands as a toy. When kittens are small and their claws and teeth don't really hurt, many people will use their hands as a toy. You should avoid doing this because it can actually cause your kitten to learn to attack hands. As your kitten grows this may develop into aggressive behaviour.
Train your kitten. You can also stimulate your kitten and even modify unwanted behaviour through training. Many people believe that kittens cannot be trained. That is actually a myth. Try clicker training your cat. Eventually you will be able to prevent your cat from going on unwanted surfaces which may be dangerous.
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