11 easy steps to a cat-friendly home

From cables lying around to irresistible but dangerous food scraps, there are so many things you need to think about when adopting a new cat. Here's how to make your home cat-proof.

Playful, curious, and mischief cats won't wait long to take over your house and everything in it. So before you take in your little furry friend, you should make sure that your home is cat-proof. From hanging cords to shopping bags lying around to cosmetics on the bedside table - here is a list of items that can be dangerous for cats.

Making your home safe for kittens and cats

With so many things to consider, it's best to make a plan to make your home cat-proof. Here are some points you can follow to create a friendly and safe home for your feline friend:

1. Windows and doors

When you bring your new cat or kitten home, keep all windows and doors closed until they are fully settled, have received all vaccinations, and are neutered. Tilted windows are especially dangerous, because your kitten can get trapped or even hang when trying to climb in or out.

2. Plastic bags

3. Electrical appliances

Don't forget to always close the doors of the stove, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, tumble dryer and washing machine. Put notes on the doors of these devices to remind other people to check if your cat is hiding in them before using them. Little kittens may find a warm tumble dryer or a shiny washing machine drum irresistible!

4. Toilet lid

Always fold down the toilet lid so that your kitten does not fall in, drink from the toilet or play with the toilet block attached to the edge. You may need to leave a note to remind visitors or forgetful roommates.

5. Cables lying around

Hide all electrical cables lying around behind furniture. You can buy thick cord protectors at most hardware stores that slip over the cables to make them completely chew-proof.

6. Balls of wool or strings

The image of a cat playing with a ball of wool or string is seen all the time in the media, but balls of yarn or strings can actually be quite dangerous. Even if the cat likes to play with it, fibers can come loose, which are harmful to health if swallowed, can lead to severe gastrointestinal discomfort or even suffocation.

7. Trash Can

Make sure that all trash cans in the kitchen and bathroom have lockable lids that are completely paw-proof, and never leave trash bags lying around in the open where they can be looted! 

8. Open fire sources

Incense sticks and scent plugs are problematic because their ingredients may be toxic to cats and can lead to watery eyes and breathing difficulties. Open flames and the fur of fluffy cats also don't go together. So if you have burning candles or an open fire, make sure the cat can't get to them.

9. Blinds and curtains

Shorten hanging blind and curtain cords and secure them so that they are out of reach of cat's paws.

10. Decoration

Clear away any fragile decorations, as they won't survive long if there's a curious kitten around.

11. Kitchen countertops

Keep kitchen countertops clean and remove food residue immediately. Chicken bones are tempting for cats, but they are also dangerous because they can splinter when chewed. The string used to tie some pieces of meat together is also irresistible as a snack and toy, but can cause serious health problems if swallowed.

However, it's not just food that your cat might think is a tasty snack. If you're furnishing a cat-friendly home, check out the list of hazardous substances below to make sure they're all kept safe and out of reach. Attach child locks to kitchen cabinets close to the floor, as curious kittens can easily open the doors.

Substances that are dangerous for cats and should be avoided

Unfortunately, many everyday household items are highly toxic to cats, even in small quantities. To ensure your cat's safety, you should avoid the following substances or store them in a secure closet that is inaccessible to prying claws:

• Cleaning and hygiene products such as bleach and products that contain phenols (e.g. disinfectants that cloud the water).
• All medicines for humans.
• Car products such as antifreeze.
• Beauty or decorative products such as hair dyes, thinners and nail polish removers.
• Rat and mouse poisons - these should ideally not be used at all, as your cat can become seriously ill if it eats poisoned prey. If you need to use them, place them in a place your cat can't reach.
• Slug pellets (there are pet-friendly versions).
• Mothballs (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene).
• Potpourri oils, fabric softeners, dishwashing detergents (all contain cationic surfactants that cause chemical burns).
• Batteries (contain acids or alkalis that cause chemical burns).
• Homemade play dough (because of the high salt content).
• Hand or foot warmers (they contain large amounts of iron).
• Cigarettes, coffee grounds, alcohol.
• Chocolate (this is more of a problem for dogs, but the theobromine contained in chocolate is also toxic to cats).
• Some anti-flea remedies contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats; they should therefore be kept out of the reach of cats and dogs. If your cat has fleas, you should have a veterinarian prescribe a suitable remedy.

10 houseplants that are poisonous to cats

Just as you help your pet grow and thrive, you probably do the same for your favorite plants in the room. However, keeping cats and plants under one roof can lead to disaster. Some plants are poisonous to cats, which is a danger for cats who are always looking for new chewing bones. So if you're bringing a kitten into the house, you should remove those plants first. Here are some of the most popular houseplants and cut flowers that are also toxic to cats:

1. Aloe vera
2. Lilies
3. Daffodils
4. Jade
5. Azaleas
6. Hydrangeas
7. Tomato
8. Tulip
9. Ivy
10. Poinsettia

If your cat has chewed on a poisonous plant, call your veterinarian or veterinary clinic immediately. The sooner your cat gets help, the better. A little tip: take a photo of the plant so that the toxic substance that is making your cat sick can be identified more quickly.

Also remember that cats like to climb. So, if you want to protect your furniture while transforming your home into a cat-friendly home, scratching posts can be very useful. Ideally, they have a high platform where the cats can hide or sleep without being disturbed. Here are even more tips on how to stop your cat from scratching your furniture.

source : Cat-proof your home | Purina