Cats are similar to toddlers: they are naturally curious. In order to keep your cat safe from household dangers, you need to cat proof your home.
Before welcoming a new cat or kitten into your home, you need to do some basic cat proofing to ensure the safety of your new family member. Here are some ways to make sure that harmful items are kept out of the reach of curious kitties, and what to do should your feline accidentally get his paws into something toxic.
Be a Knowledgeable Pet Owner. Do your research before bringing your new pet home. Familiarize yourself with foods, plants and chemicals that are toxic to cats. Some common household items that can be harmful for your cat include cigarettes, alcohol, pennies, fabric softener sheets, coffee grounds and dish detergent. Common sense dictates that you should read product labels carefully before leaving questionable items where your curious cat could get into them.
Think Like a Cat. Cats are more likely to ingest things that they can easily reach. Therefore, it is important to take some time to view your home from a cat's vantage point. Will your cat have access to the garage? If so, you should either restrict his/her access or keep dangerous chemicals such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluid in a closet or cabinet. Same goes for medications. If your used to leaving your medication out on the counter, you will have to relocate all your prescriptions and over the counter pills to a medicine cabinet.
Invest in Childproof Cabinet Locks. The kitchen is the most likely spot for your kitty to get into trouble. Common household cleaners, such as Drano, Ajax and anything with pine oil, can be poisonous to your pet. The best way to prevent inquiring cats from prying is to install childproof locks onto the cabinets where you store any chemical products.
Curtain Caution. Hanging cords on curtains and blinds can be naturally alluring to your cat, after all they are string! They can also be an accident waiting to happen. Keep all cords tied to avoid catching your cat's interest.
Breakables Beware. Any breakable items should be stored safely out of your cat's reach. Remember that your cat can and will jump, so your best bet is to keep fragile items in a china cabinet or some other kitty proof area.
Every precaution should be made to ensure the well being of your cat. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen, and you should be prepared for those as well. Having an emergency action plan can be a lifesaving measure for your cat. Here's what you need to know to be prepared for any unforeseen accidents:
- Keep a list of emergency numbers close to the phone. These numbers should include those of your veterinarian, poison control office and emergency 24/7 pet hospital.
- If you think your cat has gotten into something harmful, call your vet immediately. If possible, locate the product that your cat got into so that you can inform your vet of the ingredients.
- Exercise common sense. Do not allow your cat to play with things that are not intended for them.
Keeping your cat safe can be easy once you know the basics. Remember, part of being a good pet parent is being able to provide your cat with a safe and secure environment. This will ensure a long and loving relationship with your cat.
