Into the Cupboards

envy

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So, I just moved into a new apartment.  My cats seem pretty pleased with it so far; it's certainly much bigger than my last apartment. 

I recently discovered that one of my cupboards doesn't have a latch, and therefore there's no way to keep it closed.  I discovered this because my cats figured it out before me.  All my cupboards are connected, and the one they're sneaking into is my plate cupboard. 

At first I was like "Oh, this is annoying" but wasn't too concerned.  Then I realized that I was keeping their tripe in one of the cupboards that was connected.  I ended up moving it, and have been spraying my cats with a water bottle whenever they try to get in.  I ended up going out tonight, and coming home wih my apartment smelling very gingery/nutmegy.  Turns out, Doll had gotten into the cupboard, pushed another one open from the inside, and decided to knock all my spices all over my counter.  I forgot that I was keeping some free samples of food that my pet store gives me every time I buy food, and she had knocked two out (one of which got ripped open and devoured, the other I managed to save). 

I guess my question is, what can I do to make the cupboard unopenable?  I know there are nifty child-proofing devices some people can put on their cupboards, but I don't know of any (what they're called or where to get them).  Is there any homemade devices I could use to keep them out until I can buy something more built for that?   Decided to stick a wooden spoon between the handles so they can't open it.  Though, any suggestions would be welcome.
 
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otto

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I use small slats of wood between handles on the double door cupboards, and duct tape on the single door cupboards. :lol3:
 

farleyv

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I would try looking in the baby section of some stores.  Bet you could find something there.  Or call some cabinet makers or kitchen remodeling places.  They could probably tell you where to find child proof latches.
 

harleydiva

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I sooooooooo relate to this issue....lol.  My siamese boy can open every cabinet in the house.   It all started when I kept the treats in the cabinet and he figured out how to open the cabinet to get to them.  (Now they are in my underwear drawer....the only place in the house he can't get into...lol)  He was only 6 months old when he figured it out.  Even the drawers aren't safe...he goes into the cabinet under the drawer, and scoops things out from the back.  The solution for me has been to not put anything in the cabinets that he might want (treats, toys)....but he still occasionally explores just for fun.  Obviously nothing dangerous in there either....

 

cat person

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I had to use baby locks, to keep my F3 Savannah and pure African Serval out of my cupboards. The photo shown above, was, the only baby locks that worked for my situation.

To HarelyDiva,

I
that video. See, I blamed my cats, "crazy" nature on the exotic blood in them, in the case of the Savannah. Or, in the case, of, the Serval, all the exotic blood in him. Your domestics, show, all cats are individuals, plus, for the most part, a cat is a cat
. You know, regardless of species
.
 

catspaw66

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It is the cat's instinct to open doors and such. Where do mice hide? In burrows, under leaves, in holes in trees, inside walls and cabinets. Your cats are killing the indoor cats' natural prey - the food bag or box.
 
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envy

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HarleyDiva:  That video is hillarious.    And thanks everyone for your suggestions!  Just discovered another cupboard that doesn't latch closed, so I've got a wooden spoon in one and a chopstick in the other for now!  Maybe today I'll wander around and try to find someplace to buy locks! 
 
It is the cat's instinct to open doors and such. Where do mice hide? In burrows, under leaves, in holes in trees, inside walls and cabinets. Your cats are killing the indoor cats' natural prey - the food bag or box.
What fierce hunters I have.  
 

MoochNNoodles

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That video is hilarious!  

There are many types of child locks for all kinds of prices.  We use a kind we had to install on the cabinet itself; which might not work if you are a renter.  But depending on the handles there are different kinds.  Pretty much any mass retailer with a baby or hardware section should have them.  Different locks work for different handles too.  I think all of our locks are from Safety First.  I have this in my bathroom: http://safety1st.djgusa.com/en/djgusa/safety1st/locks-and-latches/cabinet-slide-lock, these in my kitchen: http://safety1st.djgusa.com/en/djgusa/safety1st/locks-and-latches/wide-grip-latches-7-pack, this on my craft cabinet: http://safety1st.djgusa.com/en/djgusa/safety1st/locks-and-latches/side-by-side-cabinet-locks-2-pack  (works but I'm glad I don't open that every day) and these on the bi'fold doors in the house: .  There are even magnetic ones you can get; but fortunately so far I'm good with these!
 
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