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10 Tips For Cat-Proofing Your Home

10 Tips For Cat-Proofing Your Home

If you are a cat owner, you know how curious and mischievous these furry friends can be. While their playful nature is certainly endearing, it can also lead them to explore and get into places they shouldn’t.

Cat-proofing your home is essential to ensure your cat’s safety and also to protect your belongings from any accidental damage. From securing windows to choosing the right plants for your home, there are several steps you can take to create a safe and cat-friendly environment in your house.

In this guide, I will discuss some of the most important tips and tricks for cat-proofing your home and keeping your feline companion happy.

1. Secure windows and screens

Secure windows and window screens

Cats are natural climbers and jumpers, and they may be tempted to climb out of open windows or screens. To prevent your cat from escaping or falling out of a window, make sure to secure all windows and screens. You can install window guards or screens that are specifically designed for cats to prevent them from getting out.

2. Choose the right plants

Speaking of plants, it’s essential to choose the right ones for your home. Many plants are toxic to cats, including lilies, azaleas, and poinsettias (catnip isn’t). Before bringing any new plants into your home, make sure to research whether they are safe for cats.

3. Have cat-friendly furniture in the house

Cat friendly furniture for your house

Cats love to scratch, so it’s important to provide them with appropriate scratching surfaces. Invest in a sturdy scratching post or cat trees to prevent your cat from scratching your furniture. You can also choose furniture with washable covers to make cleaning up after your cat easier.

4. Provide your cat with a lot of toys and plenty of entertainment

Cat playing with rope toy

Cats need mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy. Provide your cat with plenty of toys and entertainment, such as interactive toys and puzzle feeders, to keep them engaged and entertained.

5. Provide hiding spots

Cats love to hide and feel safe, so it’s essential to provide them with plenty of hiding spots. You can provide hiding spots by adding cat beds, cat caves, boxes, or tunnels to your house.

Hiding spot for a cat

6. Keep toxic substances out of your cat’s reach

Cats are curious and may be tempted to chew or swallow anything they find interesting, including plants, cleaning products, and medications. To keep your cat safe, make sure to keep all toxic substances out of reach. Store medications and cleaning products in cabinets that your cat cannot open, and make sure to keep any potentially harmful plants out of reach.

Toxic substances danger sign

7. Secure all the electrical cords in your house

Cats may be tempted (they are) to chew on electrical cords, which can be dangerous for both your cat, your cables, and your house if there is live current running through those wires. To prevent your cat from chewing on cords, make sure to secure them with cord covers or place them out of reach.

I’ve personally had problems with my cat chewing on my headphone, earphone, and phone charging cables and I’ve learned to keep them in places my cat can’t reach. Trust me, if you are an audiophile like me, you wouldn’t want your cat destroying your very expensive headphones or IEMs by chewing its cable.

Secure All the electric cords

8. Keep food where your cat cannot reach it

Cats love to eat, and they may be tempted to get into your food if it’s left out. To prevent your cat from getting into your food, make sure to keep it out of reach. Store food in cabinets or on high shelves that your cat cannot reach.

9. Secure all the trash cans in your home

secure trash cans

Cats are curious and may be tempted to dig through your trash. To prevent your cat from making a mess and potentially getting into something harmful, make sure to secure your trash cans with a lid or keep them out of reach and away from your cat.

10. Always remember to keep the doors closed

It’s important to keep doors closed to prevent your cat from getting into rooms or areas that are off-limits. Make sure to keep doors to rooms with toxic substances or hazards closed at all times.

Cat-proofing your home is essential to ensure your cat’s safety and to protect your belongings from any unanticipated event. By following these ten tips, you can create an environment that will keep your Cat happy and healthy AND your precious belongings safe and intact.

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