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Cat Proof Your House

Before you bring any new member into the family you have to make certain that you make your home safe. You would never bring home a new baby before you childproofed your home. This same procedure applies to bringing a new cat home as well. You must make certain that you take all possible precautions to ensure that your home is as safe as possible for the cat. Read also: Brushing Your Cat.


Cat Proof Your House
Cat Proof Your House

Cats are notorious for being curious. Prior to the cat’s arrival you need to go through you entire home from a cat’s point of view. Cats will find ways to get into everything that catches their eye. They can leap, climb and crawl under almost anything in your house; this means you have to be especially crafty while searching your house for potentially harmful areas and items.


Cat Proof Your House

For some unknown reason many cats are attracted to electrical cords. Check every cord in the house. Try to tuck them under rugs and carpets. If they have to be out in the open you can try coating the cable with something that repels the cat. Bitter apple or Tabasco sauce can be effective an effective solution. However, you should make certain that any substance you use will not damage either the carpet or surrounding materials. Another alternative is to get a plastic conduit cover which can be purchased at almost any hardware store. Read also: Introducing Your New Cat.


It is imperative that you check and identify your house plants because many are toxic or poisonous to a cat. The best thing to do with any plant that might be dangerous is to get rid of it. If you have any doubts about a plant get it out of the house. Plants that you do intend to keep need to be protected. Hang them or move them to a location that a cat cannot access. You should make certain that there is no way the cat jump up to the plant or reach it. Another solution is to put large pebbles around the plant as this will prevent the cat from digging into the soil.


Hide all cleaning products in the house. You have to do more than just putting them in a cupboard. Get childproof locks for all of your cupboards where anything poisonous is stored.


Curtains and drapes can be real hazards. Keep all ties and cords out of reach and make certain that you keep the cords tied up. If possible, take down any drapes that the cat might want to climb or limit them to out-of-bounds rooms. You can also train the cat to stay away from drapes by using a squirt gun every time he approaches them. In most cases this method will be effective, but it will take time. Be aware that your curtains may be damaged during the learning period. Read also: Cat Adoption: What You Need To Know Before Adopting A Cat.


Walk around the house and look at all of your knickknacks and valuables. If you are in any doubt about their safety put them away or move them. Do not take chances. Even if a piece is not valuable the cat could be injured after an item is broken. The cat might choke or cut himself on the pieces.


If you have "lazy-boy" recliners you might think about getting rid of them. Cats can easily be hurt by climbing inside one of these chairs. It is important to keep the cat away from the chair or render it unusable to prevent inadvertent injury to your pet. Read also: The Basics Of Caring For Cats.


When it comes to cats you should always error on the side of caution. Cats can and will get into most everything. The old line "curiosity killed the cat" is correct in its supposition and if you do not want it to apply to your new friend, you have to make your home a safe home.


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