Whether welcoming a new cat, updating safety in the house, or moving to a new home, there’s much to consider when making your home safe for felines. Cats can wiggle themselves into disaster in a hurry, but you can head off problems by simply having a look around the house, searching out potential problems. You know your kitty better than anyone, so you also know what trouble they’ll most likely seek.
Secure Cords of All Kinds
Cats have an odd attraction to cords in general, but specifically electrical cords and window covering cords.
Electrical Cords: Cats need to be kept away from power cords of all kinds as a punctured or broken cord can result in electrical shocks. Hide cords under furniture or purchase cord protectors to keep them away from felines. Also, unplug any items not in use and wrap up the cords to keep your cat from playing chase with what they view as a toy.
Window Covering Cords: These dangly strings can be enticing, but seriously dangerous. A cat that becomes entangles in a window blinds cord risks strangulation. Keep cats safe by adjusting cords to lengths your cat can’t reach.
Lock Your Cabinets
You may think toxic substances, like medications and cleaning supplies, are safe from cats when kept in cabinets, but kitty paws are curious and dexterous. A combination that can lead to disaster as chemicals, even in trace amounts licked from a paw, can make cats severely ill. Secure cabinets from digging paws with child-safety cabinet locks.
Stow The Breakables in Safe Spots
If you have family heirlooms or cute knick-knacks you don’t want broken, put them in spots you know your cat can’t access. Display cases or high shelves blocked off from cat advances will do fine in protecting your cat and your valuables.
Secure Windows
Before opening windows, be sure there’s a screen in place and latched tightly. Windows and screens can be reinforced to prevent escape or accidents. Metal screening and grids can be installed across windows to add a sturdy barrier between cat and screen. There are also specially made guards for keeping cats and dogs safely inside windows.
Cover Trashcans and Assure They’re Tip Proof
Filled with household trash like razor-sharp can lids and foods that can be toxic to felines, garbage cans should be equipped with snug lids that keep cats out. Sneaky kitties also know tipping the can will allow access to the treasures inside. Bearing this in mind, choose a trashcan that cats can’t knock over.
Store Toxic Food Away
Cats may seem like they can eat anything, but there are actually quite a few foods humans eat which are capable of causing a cat serious harm. Further cat-proof your home by keeping toxic foods stored in the refrigerator or pantry and off the counter.