Cat Proofing Your Home

You’ve heard of child-proofing to keep children safe at home, but many of the same rules come into play to keep your cats safe too.  Here are some tips for cat proofing your home:

• Store foods and beverages in closed containers, cabinets or the refrigerator.  Keeping food on the counter works as a deterrent for dogs, but not cats.  I’ve known several cats that like bread and will gorge themselves on it, then get very ill.  Best to store it in the pantry or at minimum a breadbox.
• If your cat has figured out how to open cabinet doors, install childproof latches to keep your cat from raiding the pantry.
• Don’t leave soapy pots and pans soaking in the sink.  Your cat may think it’s a good idea to get a drink and end up extremely ill as a result.
• Keep medications out of reach of your cat.  Ingestion of human medications is one of the highest poisoning calls made to the Poison Control Center.  Store medications in a latched cabinet your cat can’t access.
• If you hand wash clothing in the bathroom and leave the items to soak,  close the door to keep your cat out.
• When choosing home decor items, steer clear of items with cords, beads, fringes or other trim that may be attractive to your cat to eat.
• With winter just around the corner, it’s tempting to use electric blankets to stay warm.  Avoid using electric heating pads or blankets that have inner wires that might shock cat’s claws.
• Use all-natural lawn products and pest preventatives.
• Washers and dryers can be favorite hiding places for cats.  Keep lids on washers and dryers to deter your cat from hiding there.  Be sure to check that your cat isn’t inside the washer or dryer before turning either of them on.
• Put away hair accessories like ribbons or elastics that may otherwise fall on the floor and be eaten by your cat.