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

Living Room

Both cats and kittens love to climb furniture and drapes. You might want to consider covering both leather and cloth furniture with a thick, sturdy blanket or bedspread and make sure you provide a suitable scratching post to satisfy their need to stretch their claws. This keeps the furniture safe and free from damage and also prevents the frustration owners have with inappropriate behaviors, which can lead to surrender at shelters or rescues.

Poisons

Many of us have experienced pest problems and will resort to using ant- or roach-baited traps to eliminate the problem. If you use these devices, be sure to remove any ant/roach traps from places where cats may find them. These types of devices are good at what they do, but they can deliver a dangerous dose to your cat. There are many ways to eradicate pests without the use of harsh, dangerous chemicals:

You can wash countertops, cabinets, and floor with equal parts vinegar and water to deter ant infestations.

Fleas:

• Vacuum, remove the vacuum bag, seal it, and dispose of it immediately outside your home.
• A ratio of 1-teaspoon vinegar to 1 quart (per 40 pounds of pet weight) in their drinking water helps keep your pets free of fleas and ticks.
• Rosemary, Cedar or Fennel: Spread leaves or shavings of these plants under and around the pet's bed.

• Make certain kitchen garbage bin stays tightly closed. Remove garbage to a bin outside your home at least daily.
• You can scratch the skin of an orange and leave it out – the citrus acts as a natural repellent.
• Hang clusters of cloves to repel flies.
• Mint planted around the home repels flies. A pot of basil set on the windowsill or table helps to repel flies. Keep basil well watered from the bottom so that it produces a stronger scent. Dried ground leaves left in small bowls or hung in muslin bags are also effective.

Prevent roaches from gaining access to your home by closing off all gaps around pipes and electric lines where they enter the house. You can use cement or screening. Caulk small cracks along baseboards, walls, and around pipes and bathtub fixtures. Seal any food left on countertops tightly. Rinse any dishes left overnight. Do not leave pet foods out overnight.

Safe Haven

It is a good idea to establish a room in your home that can act as a safe haven for your cats. You can use this room to confine them while you are using cleaning products or otherwise engaged in an activity that may pose a risk to your cats. Over the years, I have also found the Safe Haven room to be of great assistance when I am bringing in groceries or other items from the car and the door is not securely latched. You will want to stock this room with food, a litter box, toys, scratching post and a bed. Cats can be safely confined here until you are again ready to give them full access to your home.

With just a little common sense, your home and/or garden area can be made safe for your feline companions. The key is to get low to the floor or ground and do a thorough inspection. Think like a cat. Does something strike your interest? Then it may also spark the interest of your cat. If it is a dangerous item, then serious illness, accident or even death can be prevented if you think ahead, plan intelligently and periodically ensure your home or garden is safe.