How to Prepare Your Home for a Burmese Kitten: Practical Pre Arrival Checklist

You may have already prepared the essential things for your kitten according to our article Supplies to Have When Bringing Your Burmese Kitten Home: carrier, litter tray, litter, bowls, food, bed, scratching post, toys and other necessary supplies.

But preparing for a kitten is not only about buying things. Preparing the home itself is just as important. Even if you have had cats before, a new kitten will explore the space in its own way. It may climb into places an adult cat would ignore, play with objects that seem harmless, chew wires, cords, plants or small items, and look for hiding places in the most unexpected corners.

Burmese kittens are especially curious, active and people-oriented. They adapt quickly, love being close to their owner and often want to be involved in everything that goes on in the home. This makes them wonderful companions, but it also means the home should be prepared carefully before the kitten arrives.

This article is not about what to buy for your kitten. It is about how to prepare the home: what to remove, what to close, what to secure, which areas to check and which everyday household details deserve attention before the first day.

Here we give you a practical room-by-room checklist: living room, kitchen, bedroom, safe room, bathroom, laundry room, windows, balconies and doors. The goal is to help you create a clear, calm and safe environment where your kitten can adapt without unnecessary stress.

A more detailed explanation of hidden household dangers, including toxic plants, dangerous substances, small objects, household chemicals and other less obvious risks, is covered separately in our article Hidden Dangers at Home: How to Keep Your New Burmese Kitten Safe. You can also consult additional reliable sources, especially when it comes to plant toxicity, household chemicals or any product you are not sure about. In this guide, we focus on practical home preparation before your kitten arrives.

Before your kitten arrives, remember

• Burmese kittens are active, curious and people-oriented.
• Prepare the home for the most active scenario, not the calmest one.
• Wires, windows, washing machines, small objects and unstable furniture deserve special attention.
• A safe room helps the kitten adapt calmly during the first days.

Why home preparation is especially important for Burmese kittens

The Burmese cat belongs to the active, intelligent and curious cat breeds. People often choose a specific breed because they do not want a complete surprise. They want a beloved companion with certain main character traits that are known in advance and that fit their own personality, lifestyle and, of course, their tolerance for the little mischief a pet may bring. This article is primarily intended for future owners of Burmese cats, but it will also be useful for owners of other active breeds.

Although breed-typical traits can only be relied upon when a kitten comes from a reputable cattery, Burmese cats, like people, still have individual personalities. Some kittens are calmer and more cautious, while others behave like true explorers from the first days: they run fast, jump high, climb furniture, inspect cupboards, wires, curtains, bags, boxes and every new object.

Interestingly, this level of activity is not always directly connected with the kitten’s sex or even with the temperament of its parents. In one litter, there may be both calmer kittens and very active ones. That is why it is better to prepare the home not for “the calmest possible scenario”, but for an active, curious and clever kitten.

At Royal Esprit, our kittens grow up in specially prepared rooms without exposed wires, dangerous gaps, free access to household chemicals, windows, washing machines, curtains and other household risks. Therefore, they usually do not develop the habit of chewing wires or looking for dangerous places. This is good, because they do not come with already established bad habits, and you receive a kitten whose habits you can help shape yourself. After moving to a new home, the situation changes for the kitten: there is more furniture, equipment, smells, corners, doors, wires and objects that the kitten may want to investigate.

That is why it is important not to wait until the kitten finds a problem by itself, but to check the home in advance through the eyes of a kitten.

General checklist before your kitten arrives

Before your kitten arrives, it is advisable to walk through the home and check the main risk areas:

• hide or protect all accessible wires and cables
• check windows, balconies and terraces
• check your plants to see whether they are safe for cats and remove dangerous ones
• remove small objects that the kitten could swallow
• block access to household chemicals, medications and cleaning products
• keep toilet lids closed during the first period if the kitten will have access to the bathroom
• check the washing machine and dryer twice before every use
• remove plastic bags, ribbons, threads and packaging from accessible places
• secure tall unstable furniture if it could tip over
• choose in advance the room where the kitten will spend the first days

This checklist should not frighten you. Most of these points are very simple to solve if you deal with them in advance. The main goal is to remove obvious risks before the kitten is in the home.

Living room and common areas

The living room often becomes the main place where the kitten spends time with the family. This is usually where the kitten finds the most interesting objects: wires, chargers, curtains, blinds, plants, decorative items, furniture, shelves, remote controls, small things on tables and objects that are easy to move with a paw.

Wires and cables

During the first days after arrival, it is best to completely remove wires from the kitten’s reach wherever possible. This is especially important for extension cords, chargers, cables from lamps, the television, computer, router and household appliances.

Our kittens grow up without access to exposed wires, so they usually do not develop the habit of chewing them. But in a new home, curiosity can work differently. A wire may move, hang, smell like a new material or simply look like an interesting toy.

What you can do:

• raise wires out of reach
• hide them behind furniture
• use cable channels
• use spiral cable protectors
• do not leave phone and computer charger cables accessible
• do not leave extension cords on the floor

For accessible wires, you can use a pet-safe bitter spray, such as bitter apple or a similar product. It is better not just to spray it, but to apply it to a cloth and wipe the wire along its full length. The first unpleasant experience often discourages interest in chewing wires for a long time.

For 220 V wires, extension cords and appliance cables, it is better to use physical protection and not rely only on spray.

Blind and curtain cords

Blind and curtain cords should be removed from the kitten’s reach. They can be tied high or secured with special cord-safety clips.

This is not a decorative detail, but a real risk. A kitten may start playing with a hanging cord, get tangled, panic and injure itself. Loops are especially dangerous, because the neck or a paw can get caught in them.

Small objects

All small objects that can fit into a kitten’s mouth should be removed. This is especially important during the first weeks, when the kitten is actively exploring the new space.

Pay attention to:

• hair ties
• coins
• paper clips
• push pins
• buttons
• threads
• needles
• small toy parts
• earbuds
• pieces of plastic
• decorative stones
• small packaging parts

Burmese kittens are very curious and often inspect objects not only with their paws, but also with their mouths. If something is small, light, shiny or rolls easily, it can quickly become a “toy”.

Decorations and unstable objects

During the first weeks, it is better to remove fragile decorations from low shelves, coffee tables and places where the kitten may jump.

Check especially:

• glass objects
• candles
• vases
• decorative bowls
• figurines
• light table lamps
• unstable plant stands
• objects sitting near the edge of shelves

A Burmese kitten can move very quickly. Even if an object seems stable, active play or an unexpected jump can end with it falling.

Furniture with mechanisms

If you have sofa beds, recliner chairs, furniture with lifting sections or other mechanisms, always check where the kitten is before using them.

A kitten can hide inside furniture or underneath it, especially if the place is dark, soft and quiet. Before closing, folding or moving any mechanism, it is better to check again. Unfortunately, there are known cases of cats being seriously injured by the metal mechanisms of folding sofas.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms for a kitten. It contains hot surfaces, sharp objects, food waste, household chemicals, plastic packaging and many smells that may attract the kitten.

Hot surfaces

Do not allow the kitten near a hot stove, oven, pots, pans or recently used cooking surfaces. Even if the stove is already turned off, the surface may still be hot enough to burn paws.

Before opening the oven, placing a pot, pouring boiling water or carrying hot dishes, it is better to check where the kitten is. If you have a flat electric cooking hob, place some empty cookware on it after use. A kitten is unlikely to burn itself on the side of a pan once it is warm, but if it accidentally jumps onto a hot flat surface, the consequences for the paws can be serious.

Sharp objects

Do not leave knives, scissors, open cans, graters or other sharp kitchen tools on the countertop. A kitten may suddenly jump onto the surface and injure itself.

Objects lying near the edge of the table or close to an attractive food smell are especially dangerous.

Food on the table

Do not leave human food unattended. Even if a product is not toxic, it can cause digestive upset. Some foods are truly dangerous for cats.

These include, for example:

• chocolate
• onion
• garlic
• grapes
• avocado
• raisins
• alcohol
• coffee
• cooked bones
• heavily seasoned food
• fatty table leftovers

For detailed information about what cats should not eat, it is better to read our separate article about feeding. In this article, the main point is simple: during the first days after moving, the kitten should not have free access to human food.

Trash bin

The trash bin should be closed and stable. Trash may contain food waste, bones, plastic packaging, strings from meat packaging, spoiled food and other dangerous objects.

If the trash smells like food, the kitten may try to open it, knock it over or pull out the contents.

Household chemicals

Kitchen cleaners, dishwasher tablets, degreasers, oven cleaners and disinfectants should be stored in a closed cupboard that the kitten cannot access.

Do not leave such products under the sink if the door opens easily. Some kittens quickly learn to open light cabinet doors with a paw.

Bags and packaging

Plastic bags, cling film, food packaging and snack bags should be put away immediately. A kitten can climb inside, get tangled, chew plastic or swallow pieces of packaging.

Appliances and lower cupboards

Also check the dishwasher, refrigerator, oven and lower cupboards before closing them. A curious kitten can climb into an open appliance or cupboard very quickly, especially if there are interesting smells inside.

Bedroom and safe room

The bedroom or a specially prepared safe room is often the best place for the kitten during the first days. This room should be calm, understandable and easy to supervise.

Places where the kitten can hide

Before the kitten arrives, check the space:

• under the bed
• behind wardrobes
• behind dressers
• under heavy furniture
• behind radiators
• in narrow gaps
• inside open lower shelves

Kittens need safe hiding places. But inaccessible places where you cannot calmly reach the kitten should be blocked in advance. If the kitten becomes frightened, it may hide very deeply.

Chargers and wires

Bedrooms often have chargers for phones, laptops, lamps, humidifiers or other devices. It is better to remove them from the kitten’s reach.

Even if the kitten has never shown interest in wires before, a new environment may trigger exploratory behaviour.

Bedding, blankets and clothes

Do not leave large piles of laundry on the floor. Kittens love soft places and may hide inside clothes, blankets or bedding.

Before closing a drawer, wardrobe or laundry basket, it is better to check that the kitten has not climbed inside.

Wardrobes and drawers

Keep wardrobes and drawers closed. If you open them, check before closing them again. A kitten can quietly climb inside and become trapped.

Human bed

Many Burmese cats like to sleep close to their owners. But during the first days, extra attention is needed. A small kitten can crawl under a blanket, under a pillow or settle in a place where it can easily be accidentally pressed.

If the kitten sleeps in your room, make sure it cannot be accidentally trapped under fabric or injured during the night.

Bathroom and laundry room

The bathroom and laundry room may look safe, but some of the most serious household risks are found there.

Toilet

The toilet lid should always be kept closed. A small kitten can fall inside, panic and be unable to get out.

Washing machine and dryer

If the kitten has access to the bathroom, laundry room or any space where there is a washing machine or dryer, always check the inside of the machine twice before closing the door and switching it on.

Cats, especially kittens, can silently climb into the drum. Sometimes this happens literally at the very last moment before the door is closed, while the person is distracted. This is one of the most tragic household risks, and it applies to cats of all breeds.

It is better to develop a rule:

• the washing machine and dryer doors are closed when the appliances are not in use
• the drum is carefully checked every time before switching the machine on
• if there is a separate laundry room, its door is kept closed

Cleaning chemicals

Bathroom, toilet, drain, laundry and disinfecting products must be inaccessible to the kitten.

Even one lick of a strong cleaning product can cause chemical burns to the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and oesophagus. This can lead to serious complications and expensive treatment.

Water in the bathtub, bucket or sink

Do not leave a bathtub, bucket or sink filled with water unattended. A kitten can slip, fall in and panic.

A wet floor can also be dangerous during active play, especially if the kitten runs and jumps quickly.

Windows, balconies and doors

Windows, balconies and doors are among the most important safety zones in a home with a kitten.

Windows

A regular mosquito screen is not proper protection for a cat. Many such screens are too weak. An active Burmese kitten can press against the screen, tear it or fall out together with it.

If you have tilting or tilt-and-turn windows, special side protection is needed. This is especially important if you are used to leaving the window in the tilted position.

A kitten can stretch from the windowsill, push its head into the wider upper part of the opening, and then slide downward under its body weight into the narrowing space. This can lead to the neck or body becoming trapped, suffocation, serious injury or death.

During the first weeks, it is better not to use the tilt function at all until reliable protection is installed.

Balcony and terrace

If you have a balcony or terrace and plan to allow the cat there during warm weather, the space must be secured in advance with a special cat safety net and reliable fixings.

A balcony should not be considered safe just because it is high or because the gaps seem small. A kitten can jump, climb, squeeze through or become frightened by an unexpected sound.

The best solution is a fully enclosed safe space or a strong net across the entire open area. A kitten should not be left on a balcony unsupervised, especially during the first months.

Doors

Be careful with the front door, balcony door and doors leading to stairs. Burmese kittens are very people-oriented and often follow their owner. They may try to slip through a door unnoticed.

During the first weeks, all family members should get used to opening and closing doors carefully and watching both the closing edge and the hinge side of the door. A kitten can put a paw into the narrow space between the door and the frame.

Stairs

If your home has stairs, supervise the kitten during the first days. Most kittens learn stairs quickly, but an energetic kitten can run too fast, misjudge a step or slip while playing.

Plants and other household risks

In this article, we do not discuss all toxic plants and dangerous substances in detail. Here, the goal is to give you the minimum practical steps to take before your kitten arrives.

But before the kitten arrives, it is important to do the minimum:

• remove plants if you are not sure they are safe
• do not leave the kitten access to soil in plant pots
• put medications away
• remove essential oils and aromatic products from accessible areas
• do not leave small objects on the floor or low surfaces

Many popular houseplants can be toxic to cats. Some are dangerous if the leaves are eaten, some through contact with their sap, and some, such as lilies, can be dangerous even because of pollen.

Common examples include lilies, pothos, dieffenbachia, philodendron and sago palm, but this is not a complete list.

If you are not sure whether a plant is safe, it is better to remove it from the kitten’s access until you have checked.

Vertical space and furniture

Burmese kittens love climbing and watching what is happening from above. This is a normal part of their behaviour. Therefore, it is important not simply to forbid the kitten from climbing on furniture, but to offer a safe alternative.

Before the kitten arrives, it is advisable to prepare:

• a stable cat tree
• safe shelves, if they are used
• an observation place
• a stable scratching post
• a clear path to permitted climbing places

Tall furniture that could tip over should be fixed to the wall. This is especially important for bookcases, narrow shelving units, dressers and light tall structures.

Safe vertical space helps the kitten use energy and reduces the likelihood that it will climb curtains, unstable shelves or dangerous furniture.

Final checklist before your kitten arrives

Before your kitten arrives, check that:

• all accessible wires are hidden or protected
• windows are checked and secured
• balcony or terrace is covered with a net if the kitten will have access to it
• toxic or unknown plants are removed from the kitten’s reach
• small objects are removed
• household chemicals and medications are closed away
• the toilet lid is closed
• the washing machine and dryer are checked before every use
• the trash bin closes properly
• plastic bags and packaging are removed
• wardrobes, drawers and household appliances are checked before closing
• tall furniture is secured if there is a risk of tipping over
• a safe room is prepared for the first days
• safe vertical space is prepared

By preparing the home in advance, you significantly reduce the risk of unpleasant situations and make the first weeks calmer both for yourself and for the kitten.

This article helps you prepare the home itself before your kitten arrives. A more detailed discussion of hidden household dangers, toxic plants, dangerous substances and less obvious risks is covered in our article Hidden Dangers at Home: How to Keep Your New Burmese Kitten Safe.

FAQ

How do I make tilt-and-turn windows safe for my Burmese kitten?

Tilt-and-turn windows are one of the most common causes of serious accidents in cats. A regular mosquito screen is not enough. The safest solution is to install special side window protection, which is available from Zooplus and many pet shops, before the kitten arrives. During the first weeks, it is safer not to use the tilt function at all until proper protection is installed.

Is it really necessary to check the washing machine and dryer every single time?

Yes. This is one of the most frequent tragic accidents involving kittens and cats of all breeds. Burmese kittens are especially curious and fast. Always check the drum twice before closing the door and starting the machine. This should become a permanent habit, not only a rule for the first weeks. Many owners also keep the laundry room door closed during the first months.

How can I protect electrical wires and cables from my curious kitten?

Burmese kittens often find wires very interesting. Raise wires out of reach, use cable channels or spiral cable protectors, and apply a pet-safe bitter spray such as bitter apple where needed. For important 220 V cables, extension cords and household appliances, it is better to use physical protection rather than relying only on spray.

Do I need a cat safety net for my balcony or terrace?

If you plan to let the kitten onto the balcony or terrace at all, yes. A regular railing is not safe. Burmese kittens are very active and can climb, jump or squeeze through gaps that may look too small. Install a strong cat safety net before the kitten arrives and check regularly that it remains securely fixed.

What small objects should I remove before my kitten arrives?

Remove anything that can fit into a kitten’s mouth: hair ties, coins, earbuds, buttons, paper clips, small toy parts, threads, needles, decorative stones, plastic packaging pieces and similar items. Burmese kittens explore not only with their paws, but also with their mouths.

Should I keep the toilet lid closed with a new kitten in the house?

Yes, always. A small kitten can fall into the toilet, panic and be unable to get out. Keeping the toilet lid closed is one of the simplest but most important safety rules when a kitten has access to the bathroom.

How do I prevent my kitten from hiding in drawers, wardrobes or sofa mechanisms?

Before closing drawers, wardrobes, sofa beds or appliances such as the fridge, oven or dishwasher, always check that the kitten is not inside or behind them. Develop this habit from the very first day. Kittens love dark, quiet and soft hiding places, and they can climb in silently.

Final thoughts

If you have any questions about preparing your home specifically for a Royal Esprit Burmese kitten, contact us. We are always happy to help you create a safe, calm and loving environment for your new family member.