A cat’s curiosity can lead to numerous dangerous situations. As a pet parent, it’s crucial to prioritize your pet’s safety and ensure they have an environment that’s free from harm. With cat-proofing your home comes two goals: protecting your cat’s well-being and protecting your home from damage. To make the process more seamless, it’s best to start searching for potential dangers before getting your cat. Cats are capable of climbing high on furniture and crawling into tight spaces you didn’t think they could reach. Having a curious cat can lead to injury, so it’s best to start sooner rather than later cat-proofing your home.

Ensure You Have a Plan in Place 

As a cat owner, you want to always be prepared for any injury or change in your pet’s health that may occur. It’s not possible to predict your cat’s future, so many pet owners take advantage of pet insurance to help cover care without having to worry too much about the cost. Injuries and emergencies related to accidents are covered, along with services related to accidents like X-rays, medications, and surgery. 

To help protect your cat and maintain its safety, here are some ways you can help. 

Hide All Medications and Household Cleaners

Human medications and household cleaners like Tylenol, ibuprofen, bleach, and laundry detergent contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to your cat’s health. Some household cleaners contain phenols which can be deadly to cats and are known to be cancer-causing. Ensure all items have a tight seal and secure them in a hard-to-reach cabinet with childproof latches. Do your research on the products being used in your house and look into incorporating pet-friendly products into your life. Make sure to follow your product’s instructions carefully. If the label says to keep pets away until dry, make sure this is done. 

Avoid Bringing Home Toxic Plants

Flowers are a beautiful addition to a room. Unfortunately, many common plants are poisonous to cats and are often overlooked. If your cat were to chew on a plant, it can inject toxins. Poisonous plants include lilies, aloe, poinsettia, and eucalyptus, to name a few. Ingesting these plants can lead to a range of illnesses, including heart problems, severe liver damage, and kidney failure. Before bringing a plant into your home, be sure to do your research and if it will impact your cat’s health. If you’re not sure what type of plants you have, take a picture of them and ask your local gardening center for assistance.

Keep Electrical Cords Out of Reach

Electrical cords can be found all around your home. Cats have sharp teeth and often are tempted to chew on cords, cutting through the protective lining. If your cat were to chew through a cord that’s plugged in, it could be electrocuted or severely burned. An electrical shock would require emergency veterinary care, as your cat’s heart or lungs could experience life-threatening damage. One way to provide protection is to place plastic cord covers over exposed cords, providing a protective barrier. A non-toxic spray that tastes unpleasant is also a great option if fully covering the cords isn’t an option. Tie up and loose cords toavoid them being used as a toy.

Keep Doors Closed

Having a door open to a space you don’t want your cat to enter can lead to serious issues. If you step outside to get your groceries and leave the door open, your cat can wander out. Other doors or windows that can lead to harm include your dryer, refrigerator, oven, freezer, and garage door. To avoid issues, be sure to close doors immediately after use so your cat can’t find an opportunity to enter. When going in and out of the garage, make it a habit to check for your cat can ensure they don’t get trapped outside and get into chemicals they shouldn’t be around. When doing laundry, the best practice is to check your dryer to ensure your cat’s curiosity didn’t lead them inside. 

Having a cat is a great companion to have. Just like any other family member, you want to ensure they are safe at all times. Taking the steps to create a hazard-free environment will help with your overall peace of mind knowing your cat is safe and happy.