We are 4 days away from Ava's arrival! So today was epic cleaning day, using non-toxic cleaning products -vinegar, water, and bicarb soda for the most part. In addition to getting all the dust bunnies from every nook and cranny, and washing all the cat beds, blankets and soft toys, I took the opportunity to kitten proof as I went along.
Use containers or drawers for small personal effects
I think I bought this 'tea box' at a $2 shop.
Hair elastics and bobby pins are irresistible to cats, let alone kittens! I keep mine in a jewellery gift box. It has a nice firm hinge that will not spring open in spite of clever paws, and has even held shut when pushed off my table.
I keep my make-up and brushes in a box originally purposed for tea. I like the clear glass so I can see everything, and the fact that it opens with a hinge - a bonus that the lid stands up when open, rather than flopping all the way to the other side. These measures have worked brilliantly for Kato...I just had to neaten up. And now with a kitten about again, I can't slack off.
I keep my make-up and brushes in a box originally purposed for tea. I like the clear glass so I can see everything, and the fact that it opens with a hinge - a bonus that the lid stands up when open, rather than flopping all the way to the other side. These measures have worked brilliantly for Kato...I just had to neaten up. And now with a kitten about again, I can't slack off.
Fix potential kitten trouble spots
Some sharp scissors fixed these threads
In a relatively new apartment, I have very little to worry about in terms of gaps in the walls or floor. What I do need to fix are those repair jobs that, in their current state, scream out to a kitten that they are a big big toy.
I found some loose threads. As you can see, this dining chair has worms to catch! A quick snip with sharp scissors returned the chair to a very boring state.
I found some loose threads. As you can see, this dining chair has worms to catch! A quick snip with sharp scissors returned the chair to a very boring state.
Duct tape to the rescue
This dining chair has things to rip. Kittens are extremely curious...there could be all sorts of things hiding under that loose fabric. Besides which, it just feels good to grab and tear things with teeth - particularly when teething or as a form of stress relief. Kato actually rips up cardboard boxes to relieve his tensions (and we happily provide them). So this chair got a dose of duct tape that fixed everything nicely.
Re-home your THINGS (not the cat) and...
Train yourself to use doors, lids and drawers!
ANYTHING that might be too much temptation for kitten curiosity or their boisterous energy needs a safe home. And then you have to remember to be neat and use those doors, lids and drawers!
I had two very sad days in Kato's kittenhood. On the first, he chewed the arms of my spectacles so that I could not wear them. Fortunately, I could get the arms replaced. But it was my fault - I'd left them lying on my dressing table while I had a shower. Now I always pop them in a drawer AND CLOSE THE DRAWER. The drawer is stiff and heavy and not something he can open.
The other sad day was when I bought a lovely woollen coat and sparkly clutch for a wedding. I had put both away. But the wardrobe door was open just a crack. Little paws and claws clutched as the sleeve of my coat, and lo-and-behold...threads sprung up to be chased! Fortunately I arrived on the scene, and am handy with a needle and thread - best darning job I've ever had to do (don't look too closely). And yes, just to learn me, I'd ALSO left the drawer open just a bit. Sparkly things are irresistible, and again, a thread was snagged and had pulled all the way along. I had to remodel that clutch - it became rather more extravagant as I glued rhinestones on it.
I couldn't be angry or 'discipline' Kato - I don't believe loud/harsh discipline is beneficial for the kitten, or beneficial in changing behaviour. As Pamela Merritt says, you just appear to have gone mad and become a scary monster. Here's some measures that do work for kitten training (please note I do not agree with using essential oils as these are very toxic to cats). I also believe a cat we have put time and love into, will love and respect us - and so be sensitive to things that upset us. This is why I choose to be sad - and just get on with removing the temptation and fixing the damage.
So, I have to retrain myself to be very very vigilant with my neatness. An adult cat is far more forgiving if you get a bit slack! Neat freak, here I come!
Oh, and while I'm thinking about this stuff, I must remember that toilet rolls now belong on the top of the bathroom cabinet!
I had two very sad days in Kato's kittenhood. On the first, he chewed the arms of my spectacles so that I could not wear them. Fortunately, I could get the arms replaced. But it was my fault - I'd left them lying on my dressing table while I had a shower. Now I always pop them in a drawer AND CLOSE THE DRAWER. The drawer is stiff and heavy and not something he can open.
The other sad day was when I bought a lovely woollen coat and sparkly clutch for a wedding. I had put both away. But the wardrobe door was open just a crack. Little paws and claws clutched as the sleeve of my coat, and lo-and-behold...threads sprung up to be chased! Fortunately I arrived on the scene, and am handy with a needle and thread - best darning job I've ever had to do (don't look too closely). And yes, just to learn me, I'd ALSO left the drawer open just a bit. Sparkly things are irresistible, and again, a thread was snagged and had pulled all the way along. I had to remodel that clutch - it became rather more extravagant as I glued rhinestones on it.
I couldn't be angry or 'discipline' Kato - I don't believe loud/harsh discipline is beneficial for the kitten, or beneficial in changing behaviour. As Pamela Merritt says, you just appear to have gone mad and become a scary monster. Here's some measures that do work for kitten training (please note I do not agree with using essential oils as these are very toxic to cats). I also believe a cat we have put time and love into, will love and respect us - and so be sensitive to things that upset us. This is why I choose to be sad - and just get on with removing the temptation and fixing the damage.
So, I have to retrain myself to be very very vigilant with my neatness. An adult cat is far more forgiving if you get a bit slack! Neat freak, here I come!
Oh, and while I'm thinking about this stuff, I must remember that toilet rolls now belong on the top of the bathroom cabinet!