The following danger lurk in typical households. Always check wheather there are additional ones in your home. The most important decision you need to make from the outset is whether or not the kitten is to be given outdoor liberty.
HOW MUCH FREEDOM?
More than at any time in the past, the question of how much freedom a cat should be given is the subject of heated debate. It is a very subjective matter. Here the more pertinent points are given so you can relate these to your home location. This, to a very large degree, should influence your decision.
Cats living in or close to an urban area are at the highest safety risk. The amount of traffic is such that death from road accidents is a major concern. In such environments there are high dog populations, some of which are feral. Injury or death from dog attacks is therefore another major source of danger to a feline.
Urban cat populations are also extremely high. Far too many cats are living a virtually feral existence. These are tough, street-wise cats that often carry fleas and other parasite that are vectors of disease. Some will carries of, or infected with, feline leukaemia and other deadly diseases.
The typical feline family pet can be deadly injured if it becomes engaged in fights with these roaming bullies. Furthemore, their very presence in and around a gentle's cat garden can cause the pet severe stress. This can make it fearful of stepping outside its home. in some instances, it may cause the pet to actually leave its home.
Sadly, if these risks are not enough, there is no shortage of people who will steal a pedigreed cat, the more so if it is friendly.
Add to this number of abusive people who do not like cat roaming into their garden, and the scenario is not good. Finally, free-roaming cats also take a heavy toll on local bird and wildlife populations.
Taking these various facts into account, the urban cat is best kept indoors. It can enjoy the benefit of the outdoors if supplied with a roomy aviary type exercise pen.
Some cats can be trained to walk on a lead. This allows outdoor enjoyment, even if this is restricted to the garden. When walking your cat in public places, use only a harness. This is much safer than a collar.
In contrast to urban situations, the cat living in a rural environments is far safer, the more so if there is no immediate neighbours or busy roads. Even so, it is wise to restrict the cat's outdoor freedom to daylight hours.
During the night it is more likely to get run over or to threaten local wildlife.
Those living between the extremes of isolated areas and busy urban environments should consider the local risk factor.
Generally, its best to keep the cat indoors but to provide an outdoor exercise pen.
HOUSEHOLD DANGERS
Within its home, a kitten is best viewed as an accident waiting to happen. The most dangerous room is the kitchen. Hot electric hobs, naked flames from gas rings, boiling pans of food or water and sink full with water are obvious hazards. An iron left on its board with cable trailing to the floor is an invitation to a kitten to jump up- with potentially fatal consequences. Washing machine with warn clothes in them, with the door open are inviting place to nap. Always check that kitty isnt inside if the door has been left open. Cupboards containing poisonous or other dangerous substances should always be kept securely closed.
Toilet can be fatal to an over curious kitten. The same is true of bath containing water. Balconies should be safeguarded to remove the potential for the kitten to slip and fall.
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