Cats tend to get into a lot of trouble when left to their own devices. You turn your back, and half your home is in ruins! Cat-proofing your apartment can help reduce the amount of destruction your cat gets into when you’re away at work.
Here are 15 ways you can cat-proof your apartment.
How to Cat-Proof Your Apartment
1. Tie Up Blind Cords
Blind cords can pose a considerable risk to cats. Cats may injure or even kill themselves if they get stuck in the blind cords.
If you can install cordless blinds, this eliminates this risk entirely. If you cannot install or afford to replace your current blinds, tying up the blind cords will help keep them safely out of your cat’s reach.
2. Cover Electrical Wires
Chewing isn’t just a pastime for dogs; cats engage in this as well! The rubber sleeve of electrical wires can be attractive to cats looking for something to chew on. So, keeping those wires covered can keep your cat from chewing on them unchecked.
Leaving electrical cables out in the open can deliver more than just a passing shock to your cat; it can be fatal in some circumstances. So, covering up your electrical cables is a good practice when you have animals in the household.
3. Keep Candles Out of Reach
Candles are another dangerous thing, but they’re not just hazardous to your cat; they’re dangerous to you too! If your cat knocks over a lit candle, this could quickly spiral into a house fire.
Cats are curious and may knock your candles down while trying to play with them if you leave them out. Flameless or electric candles are a good compromise for pet parents who want ambient mood lighting but don’t have a strong feeling towards the fire itself.
4. Only Use Safe Essential Oils
While they may smell great, many essential oils are toxic when ingested by cats. Whether you use them on their own or in a potpourri, make sure they’re kept at a safe distance from your cat. You don’t want them to ingest it.
5. Get Cat-Safe Plants and Flowers
Many plants are toxic for cats to ingest, and unfortunately, cats are curious creatures that will take a quick nibble of just about anything.
The ASPCA has a non-exhaustive list of plants that are toxic or mildly toxic to cats. This list also includes a section for explicitly safe plants for cats to consume. So, if your cat has gotten into your houseplants, this is a great source to start with when planning your next steps!
6. Keep Mothballs Out of Reach
Mothballs are toxic for cats whether they ingest them or just sniff them. So, you want to keep these out of reach for cats as best as possible.
7. Keep Nightstands Clear
People often keep benign things to humans but are hazardous to cats on their nightstands. Items like medications, glasses, and phone cables can cause a risk to your cat as they explore their home. So, try to keep that surface clear since you’re unlikely to have a nightstand tall enough to keep them off it.
8. Power Down Paper Shredders
Fur and tails can get caught in paper shredders, and these can seriously harm your cat if left unattended.
Don’t leave your shredder in standby mode. Shredders on standby can pull tails in if the fur triggers the shredding action. Power the shredder down completely when it isn’t in use.
9. Consider Child-Proof Locks
Child-proof locks are a great way to keep cats out of cabinets they shouldn’t have access to. Cats don’t like to be told no and will usually do their best to get access to just about every cupboard in the house.
However, not every cupboard will be safe for cats, so it’s essential to make sure your cat only has access to suitable spaces. Child-proof locks are great because even some adults have trouble with them. So, cats aren’t getting through them any time soon.
10. Child-Proof Caps for Stove Dials
We’ve come home to find that our cats have kicked a stove dial and turned on the gas. This can be dangerous to everyone in the house. So, a child-proof cap that prevents the stove dials from turning can help keep everyone safe!
11. Properly Store Medications and Supplements
Medications, even over-the-counter ones, can be dangerous to your cats. Even medicines given to both humans and cats are given in different dosages. Store your medication in secure containers that are kept out of reach of curious paws.
12. Get Stovetop Covers
Your cat could get burned if they stop on a stovetop that is still hot or even catch fire if the stovetop is still on. Stovetop covers can help keep your cat’s feet from getting burned if they walk over the stove.
13. Keep Garage Chemicals and Cleaning Solutions Out of Reach
No one should be eating garage chemicals or cleaning solutions. Keep these substances on high shelves that your cats can’t reach to help keep them safe.
14. Keep the Clothes Dryer Closed (and Check Before Using It!)
Cats may be attracted to the warm, enclosed space your clothes dryer provides, especially right after a cycle. However, you don’t want your cat to get stuck in there while the dryer is on; that could be fatal. Check the dryer before you load it and before you turn it on. Remove any ornery cats who have made it their new home.
15. Keep Toilet Seat Lids Down
Cats may find themselves enthralled with watching the water of your toilet move; cats love running water, after all. However, they can fall in, and this can be especially dangerous for small cats or kittens. Keeping the toilet seat lid down will help keep them safe.
Final Thoughts
Owning a cat can be daunting since they’re curious and always get into trouble. Luckily, keeping your home safe for your cats is an attainable dream that doesn’t require changing your lifestyle. A few extra add-ons to your house can turn it into a feline haven where you and your cats can relax, knowing that everyone is safe!
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Featured Image Credit: Paul Hanaoka, Unsplash
Contents
- How to Cat-Proof Your Apartment
- 1. Tie Up Blind Cords
- 2. Cover Electrical Wires
- 3. Keep Candles Out of Reach
- 4. Only Use Safe Essential Oils
- 5. Get Cat-Safe Plants and Flowers
- 6. Keep Mothballs Out of Reach
- 7. Keep Nightstands Clear
- 8. Power Down Paper Shredders
- 9. Consider Child-Proof Locks
- 10. Child-Proof Caps for Stove Dials
- 11. Properly Store Medications and Supplements
- 12. Get Stovetop Covers
- 13. Keep Garage Chemicals and Cleaning Solutions Out of Reach
- 14. Keep the Clothes Dryer Closed (and Check Before Using It!)
- 15. Keep Toilet Seat Lids Down
- Final Thoughts