Re: Advice on kitty proofing house..
Subject did tend to drift...
As far as kitty-proofing, probably very similar to small children.
Nothing dangly hanging from curtains, off a table, countertop, etc. They'll play with it, eventually pulling it down. One of my cats actually swallowed a needle, thread and all. I was fixing a the hem on some jeans, had a needle with about six inches of thread hanging off, he grabbed it and down it went. Vet said to watch carefully, said it would probably pass through with no problems, and surprisingly it did.
My cats all loved to drink out of the toilet, so lid always stays down.
Lots of debate about declawing, but if you get it done when they're very young, usually the same time as spay/neuter around six months, they barely notice and recover in about a day. Much older cats, I wouldn't recommend it. Many vets won't even declaw after a certain age.
Lots of safe, cheap toys to keep them occupied. But avoid things with feathers or fur, mine would just pull it of, eating most of it and later barfing it right back up. Just a wadded up window envelope or empty cigarette package will keep them busy for days, they love the crinkle of the plastic.
A squirtable water bottle or even a little squirt gun works great for discipline for most cats. After few times, all you have to do is just reach for the bottle and they know to behave.
Cats adapt pretty quickly to things. Once they realize they're now in a stable home, they'll relax and make it their own.