How to Cat-Proof Your Home in 5 Easy Steps

Move Breakables Out of Reach

Cats are furry, fearless acrobats. Equipped with an insatiable curiosity and the ability to jump high, this combination can pose risks to your feline friend and fragile items in your home.

“Make sure to put away treasured breakables, such as glassware, ceramics, framed photos, and any other decorative accents if you’re welcoming a cat into your home,” Patricia Collins, DVM, veterinary advisory board member at Pumpkin Pet Insurance says.“Remember, your cat can—and likely will—hop onto high surfaces in your home, so even the top shelf of your bookcase is fair game.”

“While it's ideal to keep breakables out of reach at all times, it's especially crucial when your cat is alone,” Collins says. We know that our fun-loving—and sometimes, mischievous—felines can be unpredictable at times. Even when supervising your cat closely at home, accidents can still happen.

Cover Electrical Cords and Sockets

As masters of self-entertainment, cats can turn just about anything into a toy—electrical cords and sockets included. Collins notes the dangers of electrical cords and sockets, including:

• Electrocution: Chewing on cords may result in severe injury or death.
• Burns: Exposed wires or hot plugs can burn cats.
• Fires: Chewed cords may also spark a fire.
• Foreign body ingestion: Swallowing pieces of a cord may lead to an intestinal blockage that requires emergency surgery.

“By covering electrical cords and sockets, you create a barrier that prevents your cat from accessing them,” she says. “This significantly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.”

Collins shares these effective methods to cover electrical cords and sockets and keep your kitty companion safe:

• Use cord covers to deter cats from chewing.
• Bundle cords together with cable ties or clips and keep them out of reach.
• Use socket covers to prevent your cat from inserting objects into the sockets.
• Arrange furniture to hide cords, making them less accessible to your cat.
  

Secure Your Windows

If your cat is an escape artist, leaving the windows in your home cracked or open can present a stressful dilemma.

“Keeping windows completely closed can be uncomfortable, especially during warmer months,” Collins says. She recommends the following to let a fresh breeze in and keep your cat safe:

• Window guards: These metal or plastic barriers prevent cats from climbing through windows.
• Pet screens: These reinforced screens are more resistant to cat claws than standard screens.
• Window film: This transparent film can be applied to windows to deter cats from jumping and escaping.

You can also try these alternatives:

• Open windows from the top to allow for ventilation and minimize the risk of your cat climbing out.
• Use fans or air conditioning to circulate air and keep your home cool without opening windows.

When it comes to your cat’s safety, Collins says prevention is key. Taking these precautions can help create a safer environment for your furry friend and a more comfortable home for you.

Keep Cleaning Products Locked Away

Cleaning products are among some of the most common toxins to cats. These could include products, such as:

• Dish soap
• Dishwasher detergent
• Laundry detergent
• Window/glass cleaners
• Floor cleaners
• All-purpose cleaners
• Bathroom cleaners

Sara de Wet, DVM, associate veterinarian at Scott's Addition Animal Hospital, recommends keeping all cleaning products away from pets, even pet-safe options.

In addition to cleaning products, several household items can be extremely harmful to cats if ingested. Other potentially hazardous items include:

• Human foods (e.g. onions, grapes, nuts, bones, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, treats with xylitol, etc.)
• Children’s toys
• Medications and toiletries
• Sewing kits and art supplies
• Sharp tools and utensils
• Toxic flowers and plants (e.g. azaleas, lilies, tulips, poinsettias, aloe vera, mistletoe, holly, etc.)
• Holiday decorations

de Wet says the easiest way to keep hazardous items out of reach is in a cabinet secured with a child-proof latch. You could also store them in an area of your home that your cat doesn’t have access to or place them up high in a secured area.

Anchor Heavy Furniture to Walls

Anchoring heavy furniture is a must to prevent it from tipping over. Not only can this help secure furniture items if your cat decides to jump up and down on them, but also in case of natural disasters like earthquakes or tornados.

“Anything with shelves is the biggest risk since cats love to jump on shelves,” de Wet says.

Examples of furniture items to consider anchoring to walls include:

• Cat trees (yes, really)
• Cabinets
• Dressers
• Closet shelves
• Bookshelves
• Mirrors

You can anchor furniture by using furniture straps, drilling into the wall, or weighing down the base of your furniture. de Wet recommends checking out YouTube tutorials for ideas or hiring a professional.