Cats are lovely creatures. If you are thinking of bringing a new cat/kitten into your home, keep this concept in mind. Every cat owner wishes to see his/her cat enjoying good health and protected from all mishaps. As all of you know that, cats are small, sensitive, and curious creatures. They love to explore new places and roam here and there in the entire house. This is why cat owners must understand the concept of cat proofing the house to avoid the worst accidents in their lovely furry friend.
Here, we will discuss all essential strategies to cat-proof the house in detail.
Cat proofing the home is essential for your cat’s safety
- Poisonous Plants
Several toxic plants can put your cat’s life in danger. A cat can chew these poisonous plants. Being a responsible owner,this is your duty to keep away your cat from these plants. Some important harmful plants have been enlisted below:
- Oleander
- Narcissus and tulip
- Yew
- Cyclamen
- Oleander
- Castor bean
- Peace lily
- English ivy
- Marijuana and lilies
- Pathos and sago palm
This has been observed that lily poisoning is very much common in cats. This can lead to kidney failure in cats.
- Human and veterinary medications
All medications can cause poisoning in cats unless directed by a registered veterinary practitioner. For instance, paracetamol causes kidney poisoning in cats. Similarly, veterinary medicines attract the attention of cats. Due to overdosing on veterinary medication, your cat can die of toxicity. This is why it is always recommended to keep all medicines away from the reach of your cats.
- The laundry rooms
Detergents and other washing chemicals can become fatal for your cat. Make sure that all detergents are away from the reach of your cat—place detergents in cat-proof containers or tightly closed bottles. Additionally, don’t forget to close the washing machine and dryer after their use. Always check them before use. Remember, a dryer is a comfortable place for cats to sleep. It can be dangerous if you turn it on out without knowing that your cat is inside.
Cats really love and appreciate convenience and comfort. As ThePets.net guide shows that a good comfortable place like a bed for a cat is essential. It is one of the most crucial things in a cat’s life, and it is important to remember when organizing a pet’s comfort zone.
- Cat proofing the garage
A cat can accidentally ingest automobile chemicals, antifreeze, windshield fluids, or other car fluids. Remember, even a few licks of these chemicals can cause sudden death in your furry friend. It is strictly recommended to keep all these chemicals away from the access of your cat. Keep them all in a cupboard or any other secure place where your cat can’t reach.
- Cat proofing the kitchen
Your cat can injure itself by jumping on the burning stove or recently turned off the stove. This is advisable to cover the stovetop with a cover. Keep dishwashers, trash, chemicals, human and pet food in secure cabinets. It is also recommended to put the childproof locks on the accessible cabinets to restrict cats’ access. Remember, ingestion of human nutrition in large amounts can also cause poisoning in cats. Keep wastebaskets, trash, and food bags appropriately covered.
- Cat proofing the bedroom
Keep your nightstand clear. It is recommended to keep rubber bands, glass cups, and needle and thread away from your cat’s access. These dangerous things can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction in your cat that can even lead to death.
Never keep sharp blades and other pointing objects openly. Always keep your paper shredded off or unplugged when not in use. Don’t leave it on standby or auto mode.
Keep mothballs hidden in drawers or off the floors. As mothballs are perceived as new toys for your cat and accidentally ingesting them can lead to worse health complications in your cat.
Cover all electrical cords to avoid electrical shocks in cats as most homes have numerous electrical lines all over the ground. Secure all these cords or preferably unplug the unnecessary cables. You can also use electrical cord protectors to protect your cat from electric shocks.
- Wool and sewing threads
Usually, cats like to play with wool and sewing threads. These things can be quite dangerous for your cat if she ingests them accidentally. It is better to keep them away from the reach of your cat in a secure place.
- Household cleaners
Household cleaners and other disinfectants are potentially harmful to your cat. They can put your cat’s life in danger. Always keep the cleaning agents away from your cat.
- Secure windows and balconies
Cats can get fractured if they fall from a significantly high height. Especially new kittens are at increased risk of getting fractures. Make sure that your windows and balconies are appropriately secured.
- Cat proofing the toilet
As you know, cats are curious creatures. Cats are fascinated by toilet pan. It is an excellent idea to keep the lid closed. Your cat becomes ill if she drinks from the toilet bowl as it is full of germs and residue of cleaning agents, which can put your cat’s life in danger.
- Basement and attic
Make it a no-go area for your cat. These areas contain water storage tanks, insulation wires, boilers, fuse boxes. So, don’t let your cat enter these areas and hang out there.
- Yard and outside space
If you plan to let your cat in the yard or outside space, make sure it is safe. Install tall fences to keep your cat secure on your property. Check the yard properly and remove all hazardous material from it.
SUMMARY:
- Keep all medications and toxic chemicals away from the reach of your cat.
- Keep your cat away from electrical appliances and cords. Protect electrical cords with protectors.
- Keep your cat away from toxic plants.
- Ensure the safety of your cat when they are outside or in the yard.
- Ensure that your cat is not inside the washing machine or dryer before turning it on.
- Restrict the movement of your cat to the basement or attic area.
- Properly secure the windows and balconies to protect your furry friend from falling and getting fractured.
- Cover the stovetop adequately and keep all sharp items in the locked cabinets.
- Keep automobiles chemicals, antifreeze in well-designed cabinets away from the access of your cat.
- Keep an eye on your cat.
CONCLUSION:
There are several things which you can use to cat-proof your home. Being a responsible owner,this is your duty to keep an eye on your cat. Monitor what she is eating and doing. Make your home a safe place for a new cat to settle in. Secure all the oversized items such as bookshelves, vases, and other decorations properly. Remember, these things can suddenly fall on your cat and illicit severe injuries. Train your cat to use scratch posts properly so that they should not damage your valuable furniture. Be patient and stay in touch with your veterinarian.