Our cats are our best friends and we always want them to be happy, healthy, and safe, especially in our homes. You may be surprised to find out that your home may be filled with things that are putting your cat at risk. Learning how to see your home from your cat’s perspective will help you understand how to create a safer environment for your cat. Here are 8 common household dangers and some steps you can take towards safety.
#1 – Power Cords To a playful cat, an exposed power cord looks like a snake (or what she’d call “lunch”). A puncture by a tooth or claw could give your cat a shock. The best case scenario is that it startles your cat, but at worst it could kill her. Even if the device is unplugged when she bites or claws it, you could be in for a shock yourself when you plug it back in without noticing the damage. Make power cords inaccessible to her by running them behind or under furniture, or invest in cord covers.
#2 – Toxic Plants
It’s normal for cats to want to chew on plants, whether it’s because the extra fiber helps ease an upset stomach or because the leaves blowing in the wind look an awful lot like prey. Cats can develop a curiosity for your houseplants at any time, so you should never assume that keeping toxic plants in your home is safe.
Toxic plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even death. Give your toxic plants to friends who don’t have pets and replace them with cat-friendly ones. Let these references from the ASPCA guide you:
Related:
Does Your Cat Eat Houseplants? Here’s Why (Plus Safety Tips)
#3 – Cords hanging from window blinds Dangling cords will easily entice a playful and curious cat, but they can be dangerous. A hanging cord can result in choking or strangulation. You don’t have to get rid of your blinds to create a safe home for your cat. Simply tie up the cords so they’re out of reach and not on her radar.
#4 – Strings, floss, rubber bands
One of the most common reasons people bring their cats to the vet is to extract foreign objects from their stomachs or digestive tracts. You may not even know why your cat is feeling awful until you see the x-ray. Cats explore their environments through sniffing, nibbling, and pawing, so you can bet that anything small enough to eat will eventually find its way into your cat’s mouth. Keep stringy items like dental floss, rubber bands, yarn, and ponytail holders far away from your cat.
#5 – Open windows, unsecured screens Cats love to sit in windows because it’s a great way to experience all of the exciting sounds and smells of the great outdoors. Without proper safety precautions, however, the window can be a dangerous place. Make sure the screens are well secured to keep your kitty from escaping or falling. Related: 6 Ways To Add More Cat-Friendly Vertical Space To Your Home
#6 – Accessible trash
There are a lot of things that end up in your trash that could be dangerous to your cat (dental floss, spoiled food, broken glass, etc.). To keep your cat safe, make sure your trash can has a secure lid.
#7 – Pest repellants Whether we’re talking about insecticides or mouse traps, pest repellants are dangerous. Never spray poison or leave traps that are accessible to your cat. Also make sure to store excess insecticides, traps, or other repellants in a cat-safe way (put baby locks on cabinets or use a securely-locking bin).
#8 – Cleaners
Like insecticides, cleaners can be dangerous for your cat. When you’re choosing and using cleaners, keep in mind that your cat will be grooming chemicals off of her fur or paws if she walks through or lays down on a recently cleaned surface. Read labels to make sure you’re using pet-friendly products and store them responsibly.