Home and Pet Lovers Articles and Tips

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Thursday, March 09, 2006

How to Cat-Proof Your Home

If you are planning on bringing home a new kitten it is in your best interest, as well as the interest of the cat, to make a few modifications to your home. Cats are, simply by nature, incredibly curious. However, with a little bit of caution you can keep your home safe for your curious cat.

Plants If you are unable to remove your plants, or unable to place them in a room away from the cat, dust the leaves with cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce. It is also a good idea to place gravel or aluminum foil over the soil to prevent the cat from digging. Eating some plants can be fatal for cats—so check to make sure your plant is non-toxic. If your cat is persistent, try hanging your plants safely out of reach. Stopping your cat from chewing on your plant keeps both the cat and the plant safe.

Breakables Leaving breakables within your cat’s reach can be dangerous for your cat and will most likely result in the destruction of your valuables. Before you bring your cat home, confirm that breakable items are out of the cat’s reach. Jumping onto high surfaces is common cat behavior—and if your cat knocks something over during the process it could easily cut its paw on the sharp fragments.

Hanging Blind Cords Hanging blind cords are tremendously tempting for cats of all ages and can look like a great opportunity for entertainment. However, keep in mind that cats can easily become tangled in the cord and the entanglement can have disastrous results. It is best to keep blind cords up and inaccessible.

Electrical Cords Just as electrical cords can be dangerous for a teething infant, they can be a serious hazard for your cat. To your cat, electrical cords are just another source of amusement. Do your best to keep cords away from your cat by taping them together and fastening them out of your cat’s reach.

Clothes Dryer Cats are drawn to clothes dryers—and it can be easy to forget to check before turning it on. Make certain that you keep the clothes dryer door closed at all times to prevent any accidents.

Windows and Screens Check all of your windows and screens. Screens should be sturdy and in good condition, otherwise the cat could push them out or tear it off.

Bathtubs and Toilets As you know, cats are extremely curious creatures. Your new cat may feel the need to explore, and it is easy for a cat to fall into a toilet or a partially-filled bathtub. Even if your cat could swim, it is possible that they might not be able to climb out. To prevent your cat from injuring itself, or drowning, keep the toilet lid closed and the bathroom door shut while the tub is full.

Reclining Chairs Reclining chairs can seem like the perfect hiding place to a cat, but reclining chairs can trap and seriously injure a cat so make sure you check for your cat’s presence before returning to an upright position.

Candles A burning flame is an enticing site for a playful cat. To prevent your cat from unknowingly burning itself, ensure that your candles are placed safely out of your cats range.

By following these tips, as well as implementing your own knowledge and common sense, you can help guarantee your cat’s safety.

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