Cats are known for their curiosity.
Whether that means searching through open cupboards, squeezing behind furniture or getting tangled up in curtains, they will find a way to cause mischief!
Cats may have nine lives but they can damage your home or hurt themselves in the process.
It’s important to cat-proof your home to ensure it is a safe space for your cat and protect your belongings.
Table of Contents
- Tips For Cat-Proofing Your Home
- 1. Hide Fragile Objects
- 2. Protect Electric Cables
- 3. Check For Poisonous Plants
- 4. Secure Unstable Furniture
- 5. Lock Kitchen and Bathroom Cupboards
- 6. Secure Windows and Doors
- 7. Block Balconies or Gardens
- 8. Cover Waste Bins
- 9. Close Washers, Dryers and Dishwashers
- Bonus – Get a Scratch Post
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tips For Cat-Proofing Your Home
1. Hide Fragile Objects
That glass vase you picked up at a vintage market? A curious cat could easily knock it over.
It’s best to hide fragile objects away until you see how your cat behaves and what places in your home it can access.
Consider storing precious ornaments in cabinets or using museum putty to keep them in place.
2. Protect Electric Cables
Cats love to chew on strings and cables. To keep them safe and your TV working, ensure cables are tidy and hidden.
Protect any exposed cables with covers or fix them to surfaces to make them less appealing to your cat.
Read this article for more tips on cat-proofing your electric cables.
3. Check For Poisonous Plants
Many common house plants are toxic for cats. In particular Lilies, Tulips and Chrysanthemums, amongst many others.
Consider replacing real plants with plastic plants.
Before bringing a cat into your home you should check all plants and ensure they are not poisonous to cats as cats love to chew on plants.
4. Secure Unstable Furniture
Cats love to climb and jump on furniture.
Any unstable or top-heavy furniture could fall on top of a cat that attempts to climb it.
Think TVs, bookshelves, mirrors or anything else that isn’t secured.
5. Lock Kitchen and Bathroom Cupboards
Cleaning products and many food items are toxic for cats.
Keep these out of sight and smell of your cats by locking them in cupboards that a curious cat cannot easily open.
To keep your cat safe, stash cleaners, chemicals, and trash behind closed doors—and consider putting child-proof locks on your cupboards and pantry doors.
6. Secure Windows and Doors
If you have an indoor cat you will want to ensure they cannot escape through windows and doors left open to let fresh air in. These can be covered by screens that let air and light in but prevent your cat from getting out.
If you have an outdoor cat you may still want to cover your windows and doors so other cats or animals cannot get in.
7. Block Balconies or Gardens
Balconies can be dangerous for cats that could fall a long way and hurt themselves.
You may want your cat to be able to explore outside without going further than your garden and filling any gaps in fences can prevent them escaping.
If you have a pond in your garden you will want to keep your cat away from it – whether to protect any fish or keep your cat safe. Read our post here with tips for keeping cats away from ponds.
8. Cover Waste Bins
It can be dangerous for cats to get into bins and eat human food or other toxic items which may be thrown away.
Get one with a secure, fastening lid that cats can’t get into.
9. Close Washers, Dryers and Dishwashers
One of the most common household dangers for cats is being stuck in a washer or dryer.
Always double-check and ensure your cat is not using it as a resting place before loading and turning it on.
Bonus – Get a Scratch Post
A cat’s instinct is to scratch to sharpen their claws, mark with their scent and relieve stress.
If your cat doesn’t have something designed to scratch they will make their own from your furniture or walls.
Spending a small amount on a scratch post will prevent damage and be great for your cat’s wellbeing.
You could even make a DIY scratch post.
We hope you enjoyed reading these tips for cat-proofing your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
To stop your cat from ruining your house, provide appropriate scratching surfaces, keep valuable or fragile items out of reach, use deterrents on furniture, and provide enough mental and physical stimulation for your cat.
To cat-proof your living room, secure cords and cables, remove toxic plants, store hazardous materials safely, secure breakable items, provide vertical spaces for climbing, and keep small objects out of reach.
To cat-proof your bed, use a pet-friendly barrier or gate if desired, provide a comfortable alternative sleeping spot, trim your cat’s nails regularly, and use washable or protective covers on your bed.
To cat-proof your garden, create a cat-friendly area, ensure plants are non-toxic, install secure fencing or barriers, avoid toxic chemicals, and fix any gaps or holes in boundaries.
Ultrasonic deterrents, motion-activated sprinklers, scent deterrents, physical barriers, secure entrances, and noise distractions can deter cats.
Cats may cause some damage to your home, such as scratching furniture, knocking over objects, accidents outside the litter box, or occasional chewing. However, proper training, providing appropriate outlets for their behavior, and supervising their interactions can minimize significant damage.