Cat-Proofing Your Home

Whether you’ve just adopted an adult cat or a kitten, cat-proofing your home is vitally important to keep your cat safe. We advise anyone bringing a new cat into their home to make sure it is cat-proof first, not JUST adopters of young kittens. Cats are curious and can get into all sorts of mischief, so taking steps to prevent accidents and protect your belongings is essential. Regularly evaluate your home for potential hazards and make adjustments to ensure a safe environment for your cat. Providing appropriate toys, scratching posts, and engaging activities will also help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated while reducing the likelihood of them engaging in destructive behaviors. Use this guide to help you get started on cat-proofing your home.

Prepare Your Space

Secure Hazardous Items

• Remove or secure chemicals, medications, and cleaning products out of your cat’s reach.
• Store hazardous items in cabinets with childproof latches or in areas inaccessible to your cat.

Electrical Cords and Outlets

• Use cord protectors or cover cords to prevent your cat from chewing on them.
• Cover electrical outlets with outlet covers to avoid shocks or burns.

Small Objects

• Keep small items such as rubber bands, hair ties, coins, and small toys in secure containers or out of reach to prevent choking hazards.

Household Items

• Keep fragile or valuable items, such as vases, figurines, and breakables, in safe, secure locations to prevent damage.

Furniture and Belongings

• Protect your furniture from scratching by using scratching posts, covers, or cat-safe deterrent sprays.
• Consider trimming your cat’s nails regularly to minimize damage to furniture.

Trash Cans

• Use trash cans with secure lids to prevent your cat from accessing garbage.

Climbing and Jumping Hazards

• Ensure shelves, bookcases, and other tall furniture are stable and won’t tip over if your cat jumps or climbs on them.

Windows and Balconies

• Secure windows and balconies to prevent falls or escapes. Use window screens and never leave any window open when not supervising your cat, even if the screen is in place. DO NOT crack a window open without a screen in place, even if it is a small crack. Cats can squeeze in small spaces you would not expect.

Toilet Bowls

• Keep toilet lids closed to prevent your cat from drinking or falling in.

Houseplants

• Remove toxic plants or place them out of reach. Some common toxic plants include lilies, philodendrons, and pothos.

String and Yarn

• Store sewing supplies and yarn out of reach to prevent ingestion and choking hazards.

Blind Cords

• Tie up or secure blind cords to prevent strangulation accidents.

Secure Cabinets and Appliances

• Use childproof latches to secure cabinets, especially in the kitchen or utility areas where your cat might explore.

Warm Spaces

• Cats enjoy warm places, so ensure they don’t have access to/ can’t get trapped in warm or tight spaces like dryers, heating vents, or appliances.

Supervision is Key!
Make sure to always supervise your cat, especially when they’re exploring new areas or when you’re introducing changes in the household. Cats can squeeze in spaces you might not expect and it may be difficult to get them back out.