ASK DR. SCHELLING

Dear Dr. Schelling,

It’s official: My husband and I are expecting kittens—from the shelter, that is! Clancy and Calvin are two rambunctious six-month old kittens who are about to get spoiled! Our biggest concern: We know kittens can get into trouble because they're so small and agile and they let their curiosity get the best of them. We have a three-story townhouse; there must be a million safeguards we have to implement. Can you point us in the right direction?

Congratulations on your new family members! Yes, your energetic kitties will discover every nook and cranny of your home to which they have access. You're also right that homes tend to be filled with dangers and risks for cats. The kitchen has the stove, the utility room has the washer and dryer, the living room may have a fireplace, and so on. Being aware of potential danger spots and proactively blocking access to them and/or making them safer can make a big difference in your cats' security—as well as your peace of mind. This important new article covers the most common areas of concern in a typical home, specific cat-proofing measures, and general safety precautions you should take to create a cat-friendly environment.

Thank you for thinking about how best to make your acquaintance with cats, and for considering the cats' point of view. Here are two guidelines to always keep in mind:

• Ask the cat's human staff for recommendations.
• Respect the cat; let the cat set the pace.

The following article has advice on when and how to introduce yourself to cats, and even has some tips on greeting the familiar feline who runs your household...