As cat owners, there are many things we need to do to keep our furry friends safe. There are, however, some essential rules for cat safety. Why? The saying "Curiosity killed the cat" isn't without merit.
Our feline friends, well-known for their inquisitive nature, sometimes find their curiosity leading them into hazardous situations.
This is particularly true for kittens, but don’t be fooled - even the most mature cats retain a playful sense of curiosity throughout their lives.
As a cat parent, it's your duty to ensure your furry companion's curiosity doesn't land them in peril. It's your responsibility to keep their surroundings as danger-free as possible.
Making your home cat safe involves a range of steps, some of which we'll discuss in this article. While we can't cover everything, we hope these guidelines will support you in keeping your cat secure.
So, let's dive into ten handy tips to help you transform your home into a safer haven for your curious cat. Remember, these are just a few tips and not an exhaustive cat safety manual.
But each piece of advice could make a significant difference in your pet's life.
Let's make our homes safer, one paw-step at a time.
1. Windows: Your Cat's Sky-high Adventure
Keep your windows screened at all times.
Never underestimate your cat's balancing abilities on a window sill. Even the nimblest feline may take a hazardous tumble from an unsecured ledge.
2. Tag 'em: A Cat's Ticket Home
Always keep your cat ID'd.
You never know when your indoors-only cat will somehow get outside unsupervised.
A cat collar with a clear ID tag that contains your name, phone number, and a request to call that number if the cat is ever found outdoors, can truly save your cat's life and bring her back to you.
3. The Cat Food Countdown: A Race Against Time
Refrigerate canned cat food within minutes of opening the can.
Cat food can go bad quickly when left outside on a hot day and cause food poisoning. Never leave moist food out for more than half an hour. Any leftovers should be removed and refrigerated.
Read more: For how long can you safely keep cat food out?
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4. Microwaved Morsels: Hot Spots and Hidden Dangers
Stir cat food that was heated in the microwave.
Microwave-heated food can have hot spots hidden inside and these could easily give your cat a nasty burn. Always make sure the food isn't too hot and has an even temperature throughout the portion.
5. Poison Patrol: Locking Away the Danger
Store poisons away from the cat's reach.
Make sure that poisons, such as detergents and medicine, are securely locked away behind latched doors.
Detergent bottles, even when tightly shut, can have drips of poisonous content over them. A cat rubbing against them could end up licking poison off her coat.
6. Appliance Ambush: Hide-and-Seek Hazards
Triple-check appliances where your cat may hide.
Stories of cats caught in a washing machine or a dryer aren't just urban legends. Don't allow these appliances to become playing or resting areas.
Keep their doors shut when not in use. And when you do use them, always triple-check before running them!
7. Sharp Matters: Keeping Kitty Away from Cutlery
Keep sharp utensils away from your cat's reach.
A sharp knife can cut a curious tongue or paw if left on the table or counter, still covered in tempting gravy.
8. Crafting Cautions: Keeping Your Hobbies from Harming Your Cat
Watch out for anything that your cat might ingest.
Hobbies that involve threads, needles, glue, and small pieces can turn your home into a kitty minefield.
Especially when dealing with active kittens, make sure that anything that might be ingested is out of reach. Make sure your crafting materials are safely stored out of Kitty's reach.
9. Toilet Troubles: Why Keeping the Lid Down Matters
Keep your toilet lid closed when not in use.
If you have a kitten in your home, you could be saving her from jumping in and drowning.
An older cat may be tempted to drink from the toilet water. Not only gross but a risk of ingesting some of the disinfectants used in toilets.
10. Toxic Greenery: The Hidden Danger of Houseplants
Remove poisonous plants from your home.
Checklists of plants that are toxic to cats and simply take those out of your home. While not all cats nibble on greenery, it's best to avoid the risk, especially when bringing home a new cat or kitten.
The most basic safety rule is to keep your eyes open and look around.
If you see anything that may endanger your cat, think of ways to eliminate the danger. Prevention is everything when it comes to safety.
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