A Cat's Environment - Making Your Home and Garden Safe

As responsible and conscientious pet owners, we all try to do whatever we can in order to keep our companions safe and free from harm. We see the debate of whether a cat should be kept strictly indoors at all times versus letting a cat roam the garden or yard area outside occurring frequently in the Forums at TCS. There are differences among cultures, but the best way to determine what is best for you and your cat is to identify potential threats or dangers in both your home and your yard and then make an educated decision on what you should allow.

If your home is located nearby a busy road or if your neighbors have dogs allowed to roam at large, these are clearly dangers to outdoor cats. It is easy to identify the obvious risks outside, but there are serious threats to indoor-only cats as well and it is best to periodically make an inspection of your home to identify and eradicate these dangers. Let’s explore a few of the more common areas of risk:

Garage

Garages and garden sheds are usually storages places for common household/lawn/garden chemicals that pose a serious threat to pets, so unless you’ve converted your garage to a living area, then it is probably best to designate it as a 'Cat-Free Zone'. Anti-freeze is particularly deadly and is doubly dangerous because of its sweet taste. It is best not to allow access to any areas used to contain dangerous poisons or chemicals, but if you must, then be absolutely certain to immediately clean up any spilled anti-freeze or other chemical and the keep floor thoroughly clean and free from hazardous substances.

Home Appliances and Electronics

As we become more and more dependant upon convenience appliances, we introduce more electrical cords to our homes. Cords of any type are a hazard to cats, because their curious nature causes them to investigate, chew and play with them. There are many ways to minimize the risk; consider buying cord management systems or tape cords together with electrical tape and then fasten them out of reach. Don’t forget about the phone cords.

Windows

All windows should have a sturdy mesh insect screen that can lock into place. Hardware-mesh screen is preferable, as cats have been known to claw through the smaller, more fragile screening materials.

Cats enjoy batting around cords from hanging blinds. The danger is that they can get tangled up and choke. Be sure to either anchor the cords or tie them up out of reach.

Curtains and drapes that hang to the floor are a particular enticement for cats. They may try to climb to the top and unless the curtain or drapery rods are secure, this could lead to a nasty fall and potentially serious injury.

Home/Office

Many common household or even home office-type supplies pose a serious risk to cats. Items such as rubber bands, paper clips, thumbtacks and pushpins should be closed away in containers that are then placed inside a drawer or cabinet. If you also have children, items such as balloons, small toys or parts of games should be kept well away and out of reach of the furry kids. During the Holidays, most of us like to make our homes beautiful with decorations, but tree tinsel and other small decorative articles are irresistible to cats. A good rule to follow is to put away anything you wouldn’t want a toddler to find – this will keep your cats safe as well.

Kitchen / Bathroom

Kitchen cabinets are another danger zone. You can secure them by placing child-safety bands or other security devices on cabinets where you keep bleach, detergent, cleaning supplies or other such dangerous household chemicals. In the bathroom, make certain that all personal hygiene products including dental floss are secured. Remember to wrap used floss in a tissue and discard into a bin with a tight cover to prevent accidental ingestion. Cats love a warm, comfortable environment and cabinets provide that to them. By using a little common sense and thinking like a cat, you can rest assured that your little sweeties won’t be into anything they shouldn’t be playing with.

Decorations / Jewelry

Do not leave fragile items such as vases, candleholders, anything made of glass, or jewelry, especially small earring or necklaces sitting around on tables or counters accessible to cats. Glass items can be knocked over and broken, thus resulting in a potential deep wound. Most cats are very curious by nature and if they find an interesting, shiny earring or necklace, they will chew on such things, often swallowing them and causing major problems.

Laundry Room

Laundry appliances are especially dangerous for cats & kittens. Cat love to snuggle up in warm places. Because of that, be sure to always close your clothes washer and dryer doors so as to keep your furry friends out and to be certain that no one has escaped your vigilant notice, do a head-count before turning on your laundry appliances. Always unplug your steam iron and make certain the ironing board is secured to avoid an accident.