Dog and cats (especially kittens) can be very curious. Here’s how to keep your companion animal safe in your home:

KITCHENS/BATHROOMS

• Use childproof latches to keep little paws from prying open cabinets
• Place medications, cleaners, chemicals and laundry supplies on high shelves
• Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet
• Check for and block any small spaces, nooks or holes inside cabinets or behind washer/dryer units
• Make sure your kitten hasn’t jumped into the dryer before you turn it on
• Keep foods out of reach (even if the food isn’t harmful, the wrapper could be)
• Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent drowning or drinking of harmful cleaning chemicals

LIVING/FAMILY ROOM

• Place dangling wires from lamps, DVD players, televisions, stereos and telephones out of reach
• Put away children’s toys and games
• Put away knick-knacks until your kitten has the coordination not to knock them over
• Check all those places where your vacuum cleaner doesn’t fit, but your puppy or kitten does, for dangerous items, like string
• Move common house plants that may be poisonous out of reach. Don’t forget hanging plants that can be jumped onto from nearby surfaces
• Make sure all heating/air vents have covers
• Put away all sewing and craft notions, especially thread

GARAGE

• Move all chemicals to high shelves or behind secure doors
• Clean all antifreeze from the floor and driveway, as one taste can be lethal to animals
• Bang on your car hood to ensure that your kitten (or any neighborhood cat) has not hidden in the engine compartment for warmth
• Keep all sharp objects and tools out of reach

BEDROOMS

• Keep laundry and shoes behind closed doors (drawstrings and buttons can cause major problems if swallowed)
• Keep any medications, lotions or cosmetics off accessible surfaces (like the bedside table)
• Move electrical and phone wires out of reach of chewing
• Be careful that you don’t close your kitten in closets or dresser drawers

And look out for paws, noses and tails when you shut doors behind you or scoot chairs.