Cat Proofing Your Home, Simplified

How to Make Your Home Safe for Your Cat

Cats who live in the city or do not have ample property to safely play outdoors are sometimes kept as indoor-only cats. These pets, in particular, because they do not have the excitement of being outdoors away from dogs and cars can get bored inside, and are much more likely to be curious about their indoor environment. For this reason, owners of indoor cats need to take some time to "cat-proof" their homes. Not only will cat-proofing your home keep your cats safe and happy; it will also keep them from damaging your belongings, so it is well worth it to cat-proof your home.

Plastics

Houseplants

When cat-proofing your home, take special care to ensure various plastic materials are not where your cat can get to them. Items like holidays bows and ribbons, plastic shopping bags, garbage bags, shrinkwrap and thin plastics most retail items come packaged in are very interesting to most cats, especially kittens. Because these items move easily and make "crinkle" noises if your cat bats a paw at them, most cats will chase and ingest lastic items. This can lead to choking, problems in the intestines, and much more, so always keep plastic items away from your cats. Cats will also bite on the strings that hang from curtains, mini-blinds and other window treatments, causing them to fall off the window and break, so fold them over to shorten the length and hang out of reach.

Holiday Cat-Proofing

During the holidays cat-proofing can be especially challenging, such as Christmas time when cats may become fascinated with the twinkle and glisten of a Christmas tree, along with its many bulbs and lights. To keep cats away from such items; citrus fruits are a natural deterrent that can be used. Orange peel or the scent of similar fruits will ward off most cats, however as the smell dissipates they may continue bothering the tree and ornaments. If natural citrus fruit juices or hanging orange slices as scented-ornaments is unsuccessful, there are other non-toxic sprays available from pet stores and major retail chains that will not harm your cats, but will make them dislike the way the Christmas tree (or other areas) smell, and keep them away from it. Most of these, such as bitter-apple spray, will be barely noticeable and not bothersome to humans.

Sometimes it is necessary to place your Christmas tree atop a small table or stool to make it more inaccessible to cats. A tree skirt can easily hide the table underneath; and make your tree less inviting to cats. To further thwart the problem, look for non-breakable plastic bulbs and refrain from purchasing delicate glass bulbs that cats will break if they jump on the tree. Strings of Christmas lights of course are also dangerous, but cannot be protected with products like CritterCord. For this reason, always plug lights into a surge protector and use sprays or other deterrents to keep cats discouraged from "playing" with the Christmas tree. If there are cats in the home, garland is also a serious choking hazard, as, like other plastic items, cats will ingest it and choke. If you prefer to have a real tree, research various varieties and look for one with the softest needles possible. Cats will eat pine needles which can then pierce them internally causing serious and expensive injuries. For this reason, an artificial tree may be more practical. With an artificial tree there is also base through which you supply water to the tree, and this also makes it safer. The water dish base of a real Christmas tree is dangerous to cats because it can contain fertilizers used at tree farms; and when your cats attempt to drink from it they can be poisoned. Poinsettia plants are also extremely poisonous to cats; so place them on a high shelf or purchase artificial Poinsettia decor.

                               

Cats are very apt to chew on or even eat houseplants. Most all houseplants are very toxic or even deadly to cats, so be sure to keep such plants out of kitty's reach. Putting plants in hanging baskets that hang with hooks from the ceiling, on wall-mountable shelves that can be placed high on the wall to deny access to the plants are great ways to deny access to your houseplants. Fully enclosed terrariums of all sizes also make excellent cat-safe decorative houseplants such as to use for a table centerpiece or accent plant. To satisfy your cat's craving for greenery, you can also buy or grow many varieties of cat grass and oats. Cats will love chewing this healthy and safe grass, which not only cleans their teeth but is also great for their digestive system. Because the majority of houseplants are toxic to cats in some way, it is best to always keep them where your cat can't reach; and do your research to decorate your home with the least-toxic plants possible, just in case your cat is able to reach one.

Electrical Cords

Dangling electrical cords are also enticing to many cats, so be sure to properly bundle and protect cords so they are not a temptation. Protect your electronics from your cats and your cats from electrocution; do your best to conceal electrical cords and wires such as those that connect to lamps, televisions, video game systems, computers and other appliances around the house. If you have a rambunxious cat that seems especially interested in chewing on cords, which can be very dangerous and will also ruin your electronics, consider purchasing a product to protect and cover the cords. There are many different products on the market that serve as a hard and protective "sleeve" that slip over cords so cats and other pets cannot chew through them. If you can't find this type of product at your local electronics or pet store; try CritterCord. Available online, this brand is available in black or white, to blend with your home's colors and decor. Cord concealer strips, available at most home-improvement or hardware stores, can also help.
           

Miscellaneous

Other means of cat-proofing your home may need to include placing poisonous chocolates, candy dishes and other misc. items that interest your cats where they cannot reach them. If bitter apple and other sprays and cat deterrents are unsuccessful, there are various vinyl and rubber mats that can be used. These mats, such as those designed to lay on the floor under an on-wheels office chair, can be laid upside down so that the prickly underside of the mat is facing up. When your cat walks on the area the feeling of the vinyl nubs on their paws will be uncomfortable and will also help deterr them from the area.

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