How to Kitten Proof an Apartment

Puppies have a reputation for wreaking havoc on your home, but kittens can be just as bad. Claws, teeth and playfulness can combine forces to ruin your furniture, carpet, even your walls. Worse, kittens lack the sense to keep from hurting themselves, which makes kitten-proofing your apartment extremely important -- not only to protect your security deposit, but also your sweet, furry little friend.

Things You'll Need

  • Patience
  • Screwdriver
  • Scratching posts
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look around your apartment and remove all small objects that your kitten could swallow, as well as any strings they could get caught in or chew on.

    • 2

      Place all breakable objects out of reach of your kitten or in a room they aren't allowed to enter. Don't underestimate how high they can jump -- as they grow, kittens become excellent jumpers, remarkably fast.

    • 3

      Put knives and other sharp objects in drawers instead of on the kitchen counter. You may not think they jump up there -- but they do.

    • 4

      Put scratching posts around your apartment to discourage your kitten from scratching the furniture or carpet.

    • 5

      Screw stair guards onto the corners and door frames of your apartment if your kitten starts chewing on them.

    • 6

      Trim your kitten's toenails from an early age, which will help prevent scratches, both to you and your furniture. See "How to Trim a Cat's Toenails."