How to Cat-Proof Your Home
Remove Hazards
Some common household items can be harmful, or even deadly, for your cat. Candles are pretty and set the mood, but it is a good idea to either remove them or vow to never light them when a cat is in the house. Curious cats might be compelled to play with dancing candle flames, and waving tails can easily get too close and get burned.
Many common houseplants, such as English ivy and snake plants, are poisonous to cats. Cats love to chew the leaves of plants and munch on grass. Most cats will avoid chewing on toxic plants, but some will not detect the hazard. It is best to remove the hazardous plants from your home. Replace them with beautiful silk plants. Lists of toxic and non-toxic plants can be easily found on the Internet.
Make sure cabinets and closets that contain toxic chemicals, such as cleaning supplies, are not accessible by a cat. Something as simple as a cat rubbing against a bottle and then later bathing himself and ingesting the chemicals can make your cat very ill. Cat paws can easily slide into small gaps and open doors. If necessary, purchase inexpensive child safety cabinet latches to protect your new cat from potentially dangerous items.
Provide Proper Scratching Areas
All cats scratch. If you do not provide them with a spot that is made for scratching, they will scratch your walls or furniture. Purchase a scratching post, or make one yourself by wrapping carpet or twine around a post. Show the scratching post to the new cat frequently and the cat will soon catch on. If the cat begins scratching in an inappropriate spot, show him it is not acceptable by creating a sudden noise (e.g., clapping) or squirting once with a water bottle.
Think Vertically
Cats love to climb and often seek out the high spot in a room. Walk through your home and spot climbing paths that the cat might discover. Rearrange breakable items so they are not in the climbing path. If a path seems dangerous, or if you simply want to keep your cat out of an area, block the path. A good way to make a shelf inaccessible is to fill it with a silk plant.
Monitor and Revise
When your new cat enters your home, monitor his behavior and adjust accordingly. Chances are you did not think of everything. You may have thought your cat could never access a ledge that displays your prized possessions, only to discover that it is the first place he explores. Before long, you will have your home arranged appropriately and you and your new cat will live together nicely.
