How to cat-proof your house: 9 safety tips for cat owners

Introduction to cat proofing

Welcoming a new feline friend into your home is an exciting experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your curious cat safe. Cat proofing is all about creating a secure environment where your cat can explore, play, and relax without getting into trouble.

If you are thinking about getting a kitten or an older cat, it is worth taking a few moments to consider how to prevent accidents for your new cat and keep your belongings safe.

When thinking about possible dangers for your cat, try and think at “cat level”.  Remember to be careful, as they are small, agile and have very sensitive noses meaning they will investigate all areas of the house, high and low.

1. Dryers and washing machines

Cats will use loaded washing machines and dryers as a bed, and sadly we see cases where the appliance has been started without owners realising the cat is inside, resulting in injuries that are often fatal. Always keep appliance doors closed, including the oven, fridge, and washing machine, to prevent your cat from getting trapped inside.

Even a few minutes in either the tumble drier or washing machine can lead to severe injuries including heat stroke, thermal burns, bruising, pulmonary contusions, aspiration pneumonia and head trauma. Check your appliance before every use.

2. Curtains and sofas

Great for climbing up and scratching, both of which are natural behaviours for cats. Consider using cat proof furniture and durable, scratch-resistant window treatments such as cat-proof blinds and curtains to protect your home.

3. Drapery, blind, and electrical cords

Your cat will think these are things to play with, but cords can easily wrap around a cat’s neck, posing a serious choking hazard. Unfortunately, cats occasionally get caught in cords and panic, causing damage to their limbs or even strangling themselves. To avoid choking hazards, always tie up or loop long blind or curtain cords off the floor, or consider investing in cordless options.

Electrical cords seem to be particularly attractive to cats and kittens, who may chew on them, risking electrocution. Cover electrical cords to prevent chewing and electric shock, and try to hide them under rugs or behind furniture.

4. Wool and sewing thread

Many cats play with wool, needles, and sewing thread, which can wrap around their tongue or be swallowed, creating a linear foreign body. This is dangerous as the thread can slice through the intestines like cheese wire.

5. Small household items

Rubber bands are a real favourite for cats to play with, but it’s important to keep small items off the floor to prevent your cat from accessing them. Other items, such as paper clips and drawing pins, can cause significant injury to your cat if swallowed, especially if they break into smaller pieces and become choking hazards.

Small items like beads, rubber bands, and paper clips can be mistaken for toys by cats and pose a choking hazard if swallowed, so try to keep them out of reach.

6. Household cleaners and other chemicals

Cleaning fluids, antifreeze, and other chemicals are all potential dangers for your cat. Pine-based cleaners and those containing phenol are particularly toxic to cats, causing serious liver damage. These should not be used on food bowls or in cat areas, sleeping quarters, or litter boxes.

Ethylene glycol is the compound in antifreeze. Unfortunately, it smells and tastes sweet so cats will drink it. The toxic dose is very small and even a few drops of ethylene glycol in a puddle will be enough to cause serious kidney damage and can be fatal.

The longer the delay between ingestion of anti-freeze and initiation of treatment, the less favourable the prognosis. Make sure all chemicals are kept locked securely away, and consider using childproof locks on cabinets to secure hazardous items such as cleaning products, pesticides, and medicines.

7. Plants

A cat chewing on your houseplants is annoying for you, but it can be dangerous or even fatal to your cat. When cat-proofing your house, inspect each room carefully for hazardous plants and other dangers, such as plastic bags, which should always be kept out of reach since they can be hazardous if chewed or played with.

Of these, lily poisoning is the most common we see and can result in kidney failure. Our guide provides a comprehensive list of plants toxic to cats, helping cat owners identify and remove dangerous plants from their homes.

8. Windows and balconies

Cats are agile and athletic, but they can still have accidents, especially falls from windows and balconies. While they are skilled at landing on their feet, significant falls can lead to a “5-point” landing, resulting in common injuries like jaw fractures, as well as limb, spinal, rib fractures, bruising, and internal injuries. Taking preventive measures around high places is essential for your cat’s safety.

9. Human medications

Assume all human medications are poisonous to your cat, unless instructed otherwise by your veterinary surgeon.  Some everyday, over-the-counter human medications, such as paracetamol, are highly toxic to cats and can lead to kidney or liver failure and death.

Final tips

Cat proofing is an ongoing process, and it’s important to regularly reassess your home as your cat grows and explores new areas. By following these safety tips and staying alert to new hazards, you can keep your kitty safe and give yourself peace of mind.

Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in creating a happy, healthy home for your feline friend.