How to Cat-Proof Your House

WAYS TO EFFECTIVELY CAT-PROOF YOUR HOUSE

Create a Cat-Proof Couch

Cats love to scratch! According to the Humane Society of the United States, scratching is an instinctive behavior in cats. They scratch to express stress & excitement, to remove dead parts of their claws, and to stretch. They also scratch so they can mark territories with their scent as cats have scent glands in their paws.

Your cat may begin inappropriate scratching on your furniture at home, causing damage. To avoid this, it’s a good idea put up a few different scratching posts in high-traffic areas in your house. In addition, place cat scratching posts near your cat’s favored sleeping areas as they love to scratch after waking up.

You should also cover your furniture with Pet Parents® Pawtect® Blankets. These Pawtect® Blankets are waterproof blankets for cats that are made with layered fabric for protection and comfort, great for a cat-proof couch. Available in chocolate and slate, these stylish blankets look great on furniture while providing a comfortable, protected spot for your cat.

Clear Your Home of Any Dangerous Items

Before your cat’s arrival, evaluate your home and store all dangerous items away. Stash all small items, like pieces of jewelry, needles, coins, and children's’ toys out of their reach. These small items may pose choking hazards and intestinal blockages. Keep all breakable items in a place where your cat won’t be able to jump to them to avoid breaks and injuries. And clear your house of any toxic plants and flowers, like aloe, mistletoe, hyacinths, and tulips, as these are fatal for your cat.

Secure Cabinets, Shelves & Other Risky Spaces

Your cat is curious about their new home environment and they will explore their surroundings as much as possible. Thats why it’s a good idea to purchase latches for shelves and cabinets when learning how to cat-proof your house. Place household cleaning products, human food, human medications, pesticides, and chemicals in latched cabinets. Ingesting these may cause harm to your cat so better secure these unsafe places for a cat-proof house before their arrival.

Prevent Accidents and Messes

Pee and poop accidents are common in cats who are still adjusting to their new environment. Cats who have not yet been potty-trained, who have behavior issues like spraying, or cats with certain medical conditions are also likely to cause some accidents. To protect your home while training, adjusting, or treating medical problems, have them wear Pet Parents® Washable Cat Diapers. Pet Parents® Cat Diapers are able to help contain both pee and poop mess to prevent accidents and messy cleanups. These diapers for cats are made with our soft non-abrasive WickQuick® proprietary fabric. These cat diapers are comfortable for your cat to wear and helps prevent diaper rash and urine burns as it absorbs any liquids and moisture fast.

There are also Pet Parents® Pawtect® Pads that you can place under litter boxes and food & water bowls to prevent spills, tracking, and leakages. Pawtect® Pads are premium pee pads that are washable and hold more liquid per square inch compared to other pads. Additionally, these pads are made with secure, triple-stitched bindings that keep you away from the worries of it being shredded to pieces by your cat or falling apart in the washing machine.

Protect Your Wires from Chewing

Kittens chew when they are teething and cats tend to explore things with their mouths. But sometimes chewing can become inappropriate and dangerous.

Wrap any electrical wires with casing or wire protectors to prevent your cat from chewing them which can lead to electrocution or burns. Keep dangling and exposed wires from appliances out of your cat’s reach.

Always Have Cat Wipes on Hand

Cats are generally excellent at cleaning themselves. But, they will at some point get themselves dirty. That could be dirt from a houseplant, dander from outside, or simply stepping in a spill. And because most cats hate baths, it is best to have cat wipes on hand.

Pet wipes for cats, like Pet WiPees™ Cat All Purpose are specifically formulated for sensitive cat skin. Made with gentle cleansers and no alcohols, sulfates, parabens, or harsh chemicals, these bio-based wipes are excellent for cleaning your cat without any battles for bath time. Plus, these pet wipes for cats can actually help remove pet dander and promote a healthy skin and coat.

Cover Stovetops, Trash Cans, and Toilet Bowls

One thing to keep in mind when learning how to cat-proof your house is that cats love to jump. This is why you should make sure to always cover your stovetops, trash cans, and toilet lids. Your cat may jump on a newly turned-off stove and get burned. They may jump on and rummage through trash cans and may develop serious digestive obstructions. Cats may also drink from the toilet bowl which can lead to issues from cleaners or even accidents such as drowning.

Cat Window Perches & Activities

Cat-proofing your house also includes preparing stimulating activities and spaces for your cat. Putting up cat window perches is a simple way to keep your home in order that your cat will love. Not only will a perch solve the problem of cat-proof blinds (because they will be rolled up), but they are great places for cats. Without a cat perch, your cat will just opt to climb on top of your shelves, tables, etc. Understand that cats love to climb. According to Pets WebMD, they climb to seek high places to act out their hunting instincts and to escape from predators. Putting up cat window perches and towers help keep them off of unsafe surfaces while keeping them happy while protecting your blinds.

Another way to how to cat-proof your house is to keep your cat entertained is with cat enrichment toys. By using interactive, mentally stimulating toys, your cat will feel fulfilled. When your cat is tired and happy, it is my less likely to cause destruction in your home. Use a Forager® Bowl to help your cat get more from their meal time. Place dry food throughout the bowl and let your cat use their senses in this snuffle bowl for cats to achieve their reward.

Provide a Safe Space for a Cat-Proof House

Many cats become anxious easily, even in a cat-proof house. Give your cat a safe space they can run to whenever they are feeling anxious. Your cat’s safe place must be a place where they feel protected and comfortable. According to Cat Friendly Homes, cats choose t0 climb to observe their surroundings especially when they are frightened. Choose a safe space for your cat that will be their area. Make the space comfortable to encourage use by placing a Pawtect® Blanket inside for them to curl up.