Cat-Proofing Your Home So Your New Friend Stays Safe
If you have just decided you are going to bring home a cat as a pet, you will want to take the time to "cat-proof" your home so they do not encounter unnecessary illness or injury. Cats are known to be curious creatures, making it very important to make each room they will utilize, safe. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for a new cat.
Remove Any Plants
There are over 700 plant species known to be toxic to house pets. Cats enjoy chewing on greens by nature, making it mandatory to remove all poisonous plants from any room where you intend on having your cat frequent. Other plants, even those that are not poisonous, can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. If you plan on keeping your pet indoors, invest in a cat plant or cat nip plant to give them their own greenery to gnaw upon, but limit the amount you allow them to eat.
Minimize Electrical Cords
Many cats enjoy chewing wires, possibly leading to an electrical shock as a result. To minimize the risk, use a power strip so several cords can be plugged into one unit, allowing you to unplug it when the cat is in the room. There are also protective covers you can purchase to hide wires from your cat altogether.
Keep Doors Closed
Do not leave the door open on your washing machine or dryer, as cats are known to look for dark areas to hide. Instead, make it a rule to keep appliances shut at all times and check the interiors before using them. Keep your toilet lids down so a smaller cat does not fall inside.
Secure Window Screens
Before you bring your cat home, make sure all of your window screens, including those on sliding doors, are completely secure. Cats with claws may try to climb a screen, leading to an unfortunate demise if the screen were to fall out of an upper window or if it fell on top of a cat. Do not open your windows all the way, saving your cat from falling out of the enclosure if the screen is not totally secure. Check screens regularly as they can become dislodged if a cat does try climbing them.
Keep String Away
Cats will try to eat string, making it necessary to walk around your home looking for possible string hazards. If you have fringed blankets on any of your beds or chairs, put them away as they can easily cause choking if your cat decide to chew at them. If you have cords on your draperies or blinds, tie them in a knot so your cat does not try to eat them. Do not let the cords dangle down where a cat can see them, but instead tuck them along the top portion of your draperies or blinds until they are needed.
For more information and ideas, contact a local veterinary hospital.
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