Thank you to our guest writer, Nomi Berger!
A cat-proofed home is a cat-safe home whether your new pet is a newborn kitten or a fully- grown cat. Before that first front paw crosses your threshold for the first time, your home must be a health zone, not a hazard zone. Be especially attentive to the sensibilities of former “outside” cats, who may never have walked on wooden floors, carpets or tiles, or been exposed to so many unfamiliar sights before.
Begin the process of cat-proofing by walking through your home, room by room, searching for things a kitten or cat might climb, knock over or pull down, and either secure, remove or store them. Keep all trashcans behind closed and latched doors and wastebaskets (covered if possible) out of sight. Ensure that all heating/air vents have covers. Snap specially designed plastic caps over electrical outlets. Tie electrical cords together and tuck them out of reach.
Once your home is safe for your curious feline, it’s also wise to ensure your electrical setup is equally secure. Loose cords, exposed outlets, or outdated wiring can pose hazards not just to pets, but to everyone in the household. Engaging a qualified electrical contractor in cambridgeshire can help inspect your home, secure vulnerable points, and upgrade any outdated systems. With the right professional handling the details, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing both your kitten and your home’s electrical infrastructure are well-protected.
Electrical safety extends beyond visible cords and outlets, encompassing the hidden systems that power your lights, appliances, and devices every day. Regular maintenance and periodic inspections can prevent potential hazards such as overloaded circuits or faulty connections that often go unnoticed until they cause serious problems. NS Electric exemplifies the level of care and precision needed to maintain a safe and efficient electrical environment, offering expertise that ensures every component of your system functions seamlessly. By addressing minor issues before they escalate and ensuring installations meet current safety standards, homeowners can create an environment that supports both comfort and security. Thoughtful attention to electrical details not only protects loved ones but also enhances the overall reliability and performance of your home.
Install childproof latches to keep inquisitive paws from prying open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms, and ALWAYS keep toilet lids down. In bedrooms, keep all medications, lotions and cosmetics off accessible surfaces such as bedside tables. Store collections – from buttons and coins to marbles and potpourri – on high shelves, and keep breakables on low surfaces to a minimum.
Beds with under-storage drawers can double as a great way to eliminate hiding spots that collect fur or dust, keeping the room cleaner and more organized. To enhance both style and functionality, consider furniture that complements your safety efforts without compromising aesthetics. A sicotas nightstand offers the perfect example of how modern furniture can align with the needs of pet owners. With clean lines, sturdy construction, and sleek drawers, this piece provides a stable surface for bedside essentials while offering concealed storage to keep small, tempting objects out of reach from playful paws.
The drawers are ideal for tucking away reading glasses, journals, or any items that might otherwise sit loose and attract feline curiosity. The overall effect is a bedroom that feels both cozy and orderly, offering a welcoming space for you and a secure one for your cat. By investing in intentional pieces like this, your home remains both beautiful and thoughtfully prepared for life with your pet.
Most chemicals are hazardous to kittens and cats and should be replaced if possible with non-toxic products. A partial list includes: antifreeze, bleach, drain cleaner, household cleaners and detergents, glue, nail polish and polish remover, paint, varnish and sealants, pesticides and rat poison.
Many indoor plants, however pretty, can prove poisonous to kittens and cats that are, by nature, explorers, climbers and lickers. A partial list of these plants includes: amaryllis, azaleas and rhododendrons, chrysanthemum, cyclamen, kalanchoe, lilies, oleander, peace lily, pothos, Sago palm, tulip and narcissus bulbs, and yew.
Seemingly harmless “people” food can often be lethal for kittens and cats. These include alcoholic beverages, bones from fish or poultry, canned “people” tuna, chocolate, grapes and raisins, liver (in large amounts), macadamia nuts, milk, mushrooms, onions and garlic, potato, rhubarb and tomato leaves and stems, raw eggs and fish, and yeast dough.
Although prevention is the key to your new pet’s wellbeing, accidents can and do happen. The truly protective pet parents are prepared pet parents and know to keep a list of vital numbers handy:
- Veterinarian
- 24-hour veterinary emergency clinic
- ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435
- Pet Poison Help Line: 800-213-6680
Hopefully, these are numbers you’ll never use. And as long as you remain vigilant, both you and your new, best furry friend can rest, assured.