How to Cat-Proof A Home: A Room-by-Room Guide

Did you know that a curious cat climbs a bookshelf faster than you can say “treat”? Cats are natural explorers, and while their antics are often adorable, their curiosity sometimes leads them into trouble. That’s where cat-proofing comes in!

Cat parents take a few simple precautions to create a safe and stimulating environment where a feline friend thrives. This guide walks through each room of a house, highlighting potential hazards and offering practical solutions to keep a cat safe and sound.

Cat-Proofing Living Room

The living room is often the central hub of activity in any home, where feline friends are likely to spend much of their time. But with comfy couches, intriguing knick-knacks, and tempting cords, they become a source of hidden dangers for a curious cat. Let’s explore some common living room hazards and how to address them:

Cords

Dangling blind cords or electrical wires are incredibly enticing to playful paws, but they also pose a serious strangulation or electrocution risk. Tie up loose cords high out of reach, consider switching to cordless blinds, or use cord protectors to keep those wires safely concealed.

Candles

While a flickering candle creates a cozy atmosphere, it’s a definite no-no for a curious cat. A playful swat leads to burns or even starts a fire. Opt for flameless candles instead – they provide the same ambiance without the danger.

Plants

Many common houseplants, like lilies, sago palms, and cyclamen, are toxic to cats and cause serious health problems if ingested. “Cat owners who were aware of lily toxicity were more likely to prevent cat exposures, but 5% of cats experienced renal failure and euthanasia due to lily exposure,” (Slater, M., & Gwaltney-Brant, S., 2011). Do research and remove any potentially harmful plants from a cat’s reach. The ASPCA website has a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants to help identify which ones to avoid.

Furniture

Cats are natural climbers, but top-heavy furniture is a recipe for disaster. Secure tall bookcases or shelves to the wall using brackets or anchors to prevent them from toppling over if a cat decides to scale the heights.

Bedroom & Home Office

A bedroom or home office is a peaceful retreat, but for a curious cat, it is a land of hidden dangers. From tempting pills to dangling cords, there are plenty of things that pique their interest and potentially cause harm. Here’s how to create a cat-friendly zone in these often-overlooked spaces:

Medications and Small Objects

Remember that cats are masters of getting into places they are not supposed to be! Store all medications, both for humans and pets, in secure cabinets out of reach. “Paracetamol can cause coma in cats, with symptoms including anorexia, haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, oedema of the head, and reddish urine,” (Rajesh, J., et al., 2017). Even small, seemingly harmless items like rubber bands, hair ties, or coins are choking hazards, so it’s best to keep them safely tucked away in drawers or containers.

Mothballs

Mothballs keep clothes safe from moths, but they’re toxic to cats if ingested or inhaled. “Mothballs consist of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, and their toxicities are different.,” (Siegel, E., & Wason, S., 1986). Store them in airtight containers in areas a cat can’t access, like high shelves or locked closets.

Paper Shredders

The whirring blades of a paper shredder are intriguing to a curious cat, but they pose a serious risk of injury. Unplug the shredder when not in use to prevent any accidental paw-shredding incidents.

Kitchen Catastrophes

The kitchen, with its enticing aromas and tempting treats, is a wonderland for humans, but it’s often a danger zone for feline friends. From sneaky snacks to sizzling stovetops, there are plenty of potential hazards lurking in this culinary hub. Here’s how to keep a cat safe while whipping up the next culinary masterpiece:

Cabinets

Cats are notorious for getting into places they are not supposed to be, and kitchen cabinets are no exception. Store cleaning supplies, chemicals, and even human food in cabinets secured with childproof latches. This prevents accidental ingestion and keeps curious paws away from potentially harmful substances.

Trash Cans

A tempting buffet of discarded delights or a dangerous den of hidden hazards? For a curious cat, the trash is both! Secure the trash and recycling bins with lids to prevent a cat from rummaging and potentially ingesting harmful items like bones, spoiled food, or string.

Stovetop

Cats love to explore high surfaces, and the stovetop, with its enticing warmth and delicious smells, is particularly alluring. But a hot burner causes serious burns. Use stove knob covers to prevent accidental activation and always be mindful of hot surfaces.

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags seem harmless, but they are a silent killer for cats. Store them safely out of reach, and always cut the handles off paper bags before discarding them. Cats easily suffocate if they get their heads stuck in these seemingly innocuous items.

Bathroom

While the bathroom does not seem like a prime play area for a cat, it’s still important to take precautions:

Toilet temptations: Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent a cat from falling in or drinking from the bowl. Toilet bowl cleaners are toxic, so it’s best to avoid automatic cleaners altogether.

Medication mishaps: As in the bedroom, store all medications and supplements in secure cabinets out of reach.

Wastebasket woes: Cover the wastebaskets to prevent the cat from accessing string-like objects like dental floss, which causes serious digestive issues if swallowed.

Laundry Room & Garage

These areas often contain a variety of chemicals and potential hazards. Here’s how to keep your cat safe:

Dryer dangers: Always check inside the dryer before closing the door and starting it. Cats love to curl up in warm, cozy places, and a running dryer is fatal.

Chemical chaos: Store all chemicals, including automotive fluids, cleaning products, and gardening supplies, in secure cabinets or on high shelves out of reach.

Ice melt incidents: Many salt-based ice melt products irritate the cat’s paws or cause stomach upset if ingested. Opt for pet-safe alternatives.

Kitten-Proofing Essentials

Kittens, with their boundless energy and smaller size, require some extra precautions:

Toilet troubles: Kittens are especially vulnerable to falling into the toilet. Keep the lid closed at all times.

Curtain calamities: Tie up or remove floor-length curtains to prevent climbing accidents.

Six-pack snares: Cut apart plastic six-pack rings before discarding them, as they can be a choking hazard for kittens.

Small space scares: Block access to small spaces where kittens potentially get stuck, such as behind appliances or under furniture.

Choosing the Right Litter Box and Litter

The litter box might is not the most glamorous part of a home, but it’s an essential part of a cat’s world. A comfortable and safe litter box experience makes all the difference in keeping a cat happy and preventing accidents. Here’s how to create a litter box setup that a feline friend loves.

Location

Just like humans, cats appreciate a bit of privacy when nature calls. Place the litter box in a quiet, accessible location away from high-traffic areas and noisy appliances. Avoid placing it near their food and water bowls, as cats prefer to keep their dining and bathroom areas separate.

Safety

Make sure the litter box is in a secure location where nothing falls on the cat while they’re doing their business. Avoid placing it on unstable shelves or under heavy objects that could potentially topple over.

Litter Choice

Not all litters are created equal! Choose a cat-friendly litter that controls odor effectively and minimizes dust, which irritates the cat’s respiratory system.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Cat Seems Determined to Climb My Curtains. What To Do?

Tie back the curtains with decorative ties or hooks to keep them out of reach. Offer enticing climbing alternatives like cat trees or shelves near windows. If the cat is caught in the act, distract them with a toy or a game. Try placing double-sided tape on the curtains to deter climbing as cats hate sticky paws.

My Cat Loves to Chew on Cords. Is There a Safe Alternative to Give Them?

Many pet stores sell chew toys specifically designed for cats. Look for toys made from durable, non-toxic materials like rubber or sisal. Try offering catnip toys or puzzle feeders to keep the cat entertained and away from cords.

What’s The Best Way to Keep My Cat Off the Kitchen Counters?

Place double-sided tape or aluminum foil on the edges of the counters. Cats hate the sticky or crinkly sensation. Offer a cat tree or perch near the counter so the cat still enjoys the view. Use a firm “no” and gently remove the cat from the counter each time they jump up.

How Can I Make My Cat’s Litter Box More Appealing?

Scoop the litter box daily and change the litter regularly. Experiment with different types of litter to find one the cat prefers.

My Cat Keeps Getting Stuck in Small Spaces. What Should I Do?

Block access to areas where the cat gets stuck, such as behind appliances or under furniture. Use baby gates, cardboard boxes, or even pillows to block off these areas.

I’m Going on Vacation. How Can I Make Sure My Cat Is Safe While I’m Away?

Ask a trusted friend, neighbor, or professional pet sitter to check on the cat daily. Make sure they have access to food, water, and a clean litter box. Leave out some toys and enrichment activities to keep the cat entertained. If cat owners are gone for an extended period, consider boarding the cat at a reputable facility.

Conclusion

Cat-proofing a home seems like a daunting task, but it’s an important step in ensuring a feline friend’s safety and well-being. By taking these precautions and remaining mindful of potential hazards, cat parents create a happy and healthy environment where their cat thrives. So, go ahead and embrace the cat’s playful spirit, knowing everything’s done to keep them safe from harm!

References

• Rajesh, J., Mahendran, K., Bhanuprakash, A., Lekshmanan, A., Choudhary, S., & Dixit, S. (2017). Paracetamol Toxicity in a Cat. International Journal of Livestock Research, 7, 212-214. https://doi.org/10.5455/ijlr.20170201053555.
• Siegel, E., & Wason, S. (1986). Mothball toxicity. Pediatric clinics of North America, 33 2, 369-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0031-3955(16)35007-6.
• Slater, M., & Gwaltney-Brant, S. (2011). Exposure circumstances and outcomes of 48 households with 57 cats exposed to toxic lily species. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 47 6, 386-90. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-5629.