As cat parents we’re responsible for our cats’ welfare and wellbeing, and this can take many shapes and forms. Recently we introduced you to the SHINE framework, designed to help us better understand our cats’ emotional needs and help them live happy lives. And there are other, more practical, things that we have to consider: like making sure our homes are safe for our cats and free from potential dangers.
In the past we’ve looked at how to cat proof your home, and this week we’re taking another look at the measures we can take to keep our cats as safe as possible in our homes. Whether you have an indoor cat or a cat who is free to roam, these tips will ensure they’re kept as safe as possible within your cosy four walls.
Wires & Cables
Wires and cables are an unavoidable part of modern homes, but they can also pose a risk to our feline friends who might mistake them for toys. Their teeth and claws can easily cut into wires, posing a real danger.
To help keep cats safe, keep cables and wires out of your cats’ reach wherever possible, and try cable tidies or other solutions to keep them safe.
Toxic Houseplants & Flowers
We all love to add a splash of green to our homes with some houseplants, but not everyone is a fan: some plants and flowers can be toxic to our cats, so it’s vital to double (and triple!) check that the plants you bring into your home are safe for cats to avoid any potential risk.
We’ve previously covered which houseplants are poisonous to cats here on the blog. Popular houseplants such as aloe vera, monstera, snake plants, poinsettias and cycads are toxic to cats, as well as some flowers—particularly lilies, which are especially toxic to cats.
Cats Protection provides some helpful resources on cats and houseplants and cats and cut flowers, to help you check whether they’re safe for a home with cats.
String & String Toys
Many cats love to play with string toys, but it’s important that this play is always supervised and any string toys are tidied away after playing. If left alone with string or string toys, cats may eat the string, which can cause serious health complications. Keep any string toys in a safe place when not being used, and be aware of any other items that may be around your home.
Windows
If you have a mini escape artist at home, an open window high above the ground may be a little too tempting. Make sure that open windows aren’t wide enough for your cats to squeeze out of.
Some Human Foods
Some cats might show a lot of interest in what we’re eating, but human foods can be dangerous for our cats. Certain foods, such as chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion and garlic, and alcohol, are toxic to cats and can make them seriously unwell. To avoid any risks, keep your food safely away from your cats and don’t share your dinner with them—no matter how much they might try!
Washing Machines & Dryers
With the doors left open, our washing machines or tumble dryers might seem like an excellent hiding place for our cats. Try to keep the doors closed at all times to prevent any unwanted visitors, and always check inside the machine before use.
This list is by no means exhaustive, and you know your cats best: if they’re showing interest in something that may pose a risk to them, make sure you take steps to keep them safe. Many products we use everyday in our homes can be a danger to our cats if stored incorrectly, like household cleaners and medicines, so it’s best to keep any potential dangers safely stored out of the way of those four little paws!
13/10/2022 by NatuTeam