What Is a Good Place to Keep a Kitten When You're Not Home?

Kittens love to climb, jump, run, leap and pounce. They are by nature curious, hence the expression "curiosity killed the cat." For these reasons, leaving a kitten alone requires careful planning so the kitten doesn't hurt itself. A kitten should only be left in a "kitten-proofed" room with access to fresh water.

  1. Room Hazards

    • Kitten owners must consider the hazards of different rooms before choosing where to leave a kitten when they are not at home. For example, a bathroom is not a good choice because a curious kitten may pry open a toilet lid, fall in and drown. Further, the cleaning products used on toilets leave a residue harmful to kittens. The kitchen also poses some hazards. Kittens like to crawl into small spaces, such as cupboards, and could get stuck.

    Hazards Within Rooms

    • High book shelves, certain plants, unsecured cupboards, drapery cords, fireplaces, swivel chairs, potpourri and small objects all present hazards for a kitten and need to be removed. If a kitten is left in a room with any of these hazards, precautions are necessary. For example, drapery cords should be tied up and away from the kitten's reach. Secure cupboards with child proof latches and close and block off fireplace doors.

    Temperature and Comfort

    • Kittens must be kept warm or risk becoming ill. When not at home, owners should, therefore, leave a kitten in a warm room. Kittens also need a comfortable place to sleep, such as a cat bed. Kittens love to play so they should be kept in a room with toys, a scratch post and a climbing tree when the owner is not home.

    Food, Water, Litter

    • Kittens need regular access to fresh water. When an owner leaves a kitten alone, he should put a shallow dish of water out for the kitten. A kitten might drown in a large bucket of water. The owner may need to leave food out as well, depending on the kitten's age and eating schedule. When left alone, the kitten also needs access to a litter box.