Cat-proof your apartment

Author: Eugene Taylor
Date Of Creation: 10 August 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
Anonim
How to Cat-Proof Your Home!
Video: How to Cat-Proof Your Home!

Content

Even though cats and kittens are so cute, their sharp nails and curious nature can damage your clothes, your furniture and the fabrics in your apartment. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to make your apartment cat-proof so that your new kittens don't destroy all of your stuff. It is also necessary to remove all dangerous things so that your cat does not get hurt or killed.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Checking your apartment and changing your habits

  1. Test your screens. If you open your windows often, check that your screens do not yield easily when you push them. Some insect screens fall out of the window, allowing your cat to escape or even injure your cat if it falls from the second or third floor.
    • If your screens do fall out of the window, only open your windows ajar or have your screens replaced.
  2. Always check your dryer and dishwasher. Cats tend to sit in warm places. So make sure you close these devices after use so that your cat doesn't crawl into them and get trapped. Always look inside before switching on the devices.
  3. Close your waste bins. Some cats like to sort through the trash in your trash can, then pick out dirty trash that will make them sick or overturn the trash can. They can also cut themselves on the waste, such as can lids. An easy solution is to put down a trash can with a lid. By using a plastic one instead of a metal trash can, a cat can no longer cut itself on sharp edges.
  4. Close the toilet lid. Cats, especially when they are small, can drown in a small amount of water, including the water in your toilet bowl. Older cats may also want to drink from the not-so-clean water. It is therefore best to put the lid down when you are not using the toilet.
  5. Check your furniture. If you have furniture that you can recline or raise the foot section, always check the area underneath before repositioning the furniture. Cats love to crawl into small openings and of course you don't want your cat to be trapped.
  6. Do not leave candles unattended. Your cat's fur can catch fire if it passes the candle. Make sure you are always around when you light a candle.
  7. Tell the landlord about your cat. You may not want to do this because your landlord forbids keeping pets, but it's important to tell him or her anyway. In an emergency, the landlord may need to gain access to your apartment and the landlord should know that you have a cat so that he or she does not accidentally let the cat out.

Part 2 of 3: Remove dangerous items

  1. Check for poisonous plants. Many plants are poisonous to cats. Some plants are only slightly poisonous, but others can be deadly to cats. Check every plant in your home to make sure they are not toxic to your cat. It is best to dispose of poisonous plants, but if you want to keep them, it is best to place them in an area where your cat is not allowed to enter.
    • Some common poisonous plants include aloe vera, all types of lilies, many types of ferns (but not all ferns), plants of the genus caladium, and many plants of the genus hedera.
    • Some plants that are not poisonous to cats are plants of the genus saintpaulia, bamboo and feather palms.
  2. Keep toxic foods out of the reach of cats or store them. Don't let your cat eat or drink coffee, alcohol, chocolate, pigeons or raisins. Also, don't let your cat eat yeast dough, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, chives, or xylitol, as these foods can also cause problems. It's a widespread myth that cats like milk, but you shouldn't give them this as the lactose can cause stomach problems. Also, don't give your cat extra salt, as it may not be able to digest it properly.
    • This is not an exhaustive list. Always check that a particular food is safe to give to your cat by using good, trustworthy websites or asking your vet.
  3. Tie up hanging strings. Strings, such as those from blinds or blinds, can be very attractive to your cat. Your cat sees them as perfect toys. However, your cat may become entangled in it or strangle itself with it. Your cat may also be interested in electrical appliance cords, which of course is a clear risk if chewed on them. Hide them or tie them up so that they hang high, if possible.
    • Don't forget to hide strings such as floss or knitting thread. You can use them to play with your cat, but your cat can swallow them if you let him play with them unsupervised. This can cause your cat to develop stomach problems.
    • If you can't hide them from your cat, at least you can make them taste bad. Use a spray that is safe for cats, such as bitter apple spray.
  4. Hide chemicals. Cleaning products and other household chemicals are often toxic to cats, and your curious cat may try to open a bottle if he sees one. Therefore, make sure you put these items in cupboards that your cat cannot open.
  5. Hide medicines. Medicines, like chemicals, can be toxic to cats. Even if it is a medication that a cat is normally allowed to take, the dose will still be much higher than your cat needs. Containers of medicine may seem like toys to your cat, and your cat can play with them until the package opens. Put them away in a medicine cabinet or cat-resistant storage box, such as one with clips.
  6. Remove other poisonous items. Some commonly used household items are toxic to your cat, and these are items you would not expect. Mothballs and dryer sheets, for example, can be poisonous. Cigarettes and batteries can also cause problems. So make sure you keep them out of reach of your cat.

Part 3 of 3: Protecting your belongings and your apartment

  1. Make sure your cat has good places to scratch. If you have an apartment, you naturally want to protect it from your cat. Therefore, make sure your cat has a place to scratch, rather than scratching the carpet. You can buy scratching posts and scratching boards at any pet store. Some are even made of cardboard.
  2. Remove fragile items. If you have fragile items in your house, it's best to hide them, even if you think your cat can't get to them. Cats are curious creatures, and your cat will climb places you didn't expect and then knock over fragile items. Not only will you lose your belongings, but your cat could also injure itself from the broken glass.
  3. Trim your cat's nails. It is best to trim your cat's nails regularly. This helps to protect your furniture and is better for your cat.If your cat's nails are too long, it can be painful for your cat.
    • You don't need a special tool to trim your cat's nails, but you can buy one. You can buy a regular nail clipper, as long as it is sharp. Have cornstarch, styptic powder, or a bar of soap on hand to stop the bleeding (apply to the area that is bleeding). However, your cat's paws shouldn't bleed if you trim his nails properly. Grab your cat under your arm and gently grab one of its paws. Press the pad on its paw so that your cat sticks out its nails. Then cut the nails and avoid the bloodline or "life". This is the pink part where the nerve endings are located. Then trim the rest of the nails. You may not be able to cut the nails all at once.
    • Do not declaw your cat. Declawing is prohibited by law in our country. The stress and frustration it creates can cause behavioral problems in your cat. Moreover, the procedure is very painful and your cat will continue to suffer from chronic pain afterwards.
  4. Cover your furniture. A cat sheds. That's just the way it is. You can't keep your cat from shedding, but you can get covers for your furniture. These may not look very nice, but you can take them away when you get visitors. In addition, you can wash the covers from time to time.

Tips

  • In addition to following the steps outlined above, you can ask your veterinarian or a local pet store representative for advice on additional products to help cat-proof your apartment.