Tips and Ideas on How to Cat-Proof Your Home

Cats make excellent companions and may truly make a house into a home. They can be affectionate, playful, and cuddly. They may, however, be mischievous and get themselves into apparently unending trouble and tricky circumstances. It is your obligation as a loving cat parent to ensure that your cats are free to play and have a good life while keeping them safe.

1. Get Them a Cat Scratching Post

Scratching is a natural instinct in cats. They do it to sharpen and maintain their claws, to leave their smell on their territory, and to alleviate stress and anxiety. If you do not supply them with a cat scratching post, they will create their own scratching post. They will scratch furniture, wooden legs, and even walls, so investing in this cat supply is beneficial not just to your cat’s physical and mental well-being, but also to the well-being of your furniture and your wallet.

2. Invest in Some Cat Toys

Cats, in addition to having a scratching impulse, are natural predators, and domestic cats retain a high hunting drive. They love chasing and hunting. Toys, in addition to appealing to their natural behaviour and satisfying their drive to hunt, are another good way to protect the objects in your home and give them a way to use up their energy. Get a good variety of toys and cats scratch posts, but be prepared for a picky cat to completely ignore anything that doesn’t appeal to it. Rotate toys in and out of circulation. After a few weeks of being out of sight, your feline buddy will regard an old toy as something new and fascinating.

3. Keep Cleaning Supplies Stored Out of Reach

Toxins are all around us in the house. Household cleaners, bleach, and even some soaps can be quite dangerous to your animal friend if they eat or drink them. Some can cause serious harm if they get on your cat’s skin or into its eyes. Make sure that medication cabinets are closed and that cleansers and other hazardous liquids are stored in proper places.

4. Avoid Poisonous Plants

Some common house plants, such as lilies and even aloe vera, can be toxic to cats if consumed. Replace any harmful plants with cat-friendly alternatives. Furthermore, bear in mind that, just like humans, different cats react differently to plants, so try your best to keep your new plant out of the cat’s reach. It is crucial to be aware that any plant might cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.

It’s preferable to keep the plant out of reach of the cat. Kittens and young cats, in particular, enjoy chewing on things they aren’t supposed to. Remember that just because your plant is safe for your dog doesn’t mean it’s also safe for cats.

5. Move Breakables Away

Cats enjoy exploring. They will perch dangerously on windowsills and walk along fireplaces and shelves to watch the world go by. If you have ornaments, photos, or collectibles on these ledges, your cat is likely to knock them over, either by accident or out of curiosity. Make sure that any fragile ornaments are hidden behind a glass door or stored, and that anything on the show is not easily shattered. A broken vase may be dangerous if your cat walks on the broken pieces.

6. Always Close the Washer and Dryer

Curiosity might be your cat’s enemy in some situations. This is especially true for washing machines and dryers. After filling the washer, close the door and always look inside before turning it on. The tumble dryer is not just a restricted environment that cats enjoy, but it is also warm and pleasant. Again, make sure the door is fully closed and take a brief peek inside before using it.

7. Keep Cords and Wires Hidden

Your feline pal will enjoy pursuing anything that moves or can be made to move. This includes wires and cords, as well as wand toys, dressing gown cords, and even unsecured shoelaces. There is a risk that your cat will become entangled in them or, worse, will cut or bite into an electrical line. Use cable covers or tidy cables out of the way to avoid this.

8. Keep Your Food in Cupboards

Some human foods are toxic to cats. This is especially true for foods including chocolate, onions, garlic, and alcohol. Put food away when not in use, and clear half-empty dinner dishes so your cat doesn’t examine and test your cooking skills.

Some foods may not be poisonous to your cat, but they might still cause difficulties. Most cats are lactose intolerant, and giving them cheese or cow’s milk might cause gastric problems. Sweet foods and those high in sugar may also cause health issues for your cat, so keep them in a treat tin with a secure lid.

9. Ensure That Your Garbage Is Also Secure

The trash can also provide tidbits for an attentive cat. If you go to the trouble of clearing away food as soon as you’ve finished but do not firmly close the bin lid, your cat may eat food it shouldn’t. And it’s not simply food that’s a source of concern. Utilize bins with a secure, fastening lid, and make sure you use the lid after scraping the remnants away. 

10. Maintain Control of the Environment

Houses are always changing. We constantly add fresh plants and decorations, as well as new food and other goods. Keep up with your cat proofing and keep cats in mind at all times and get them a new toy or new cat scratchers when needed so they don’t start looking for entertainment elsewhere. This is particularly true during the various holiday seasons. Halloween and Christmas decorations can be just as dangerous as ornaments, especially if they are made of glass or include edible chocolate delicacies.