Cats have an insatiable curiosity. Everything must be investigated, hunted, and played with; this can sometimes have dire consequences.
When cat proofing your home and garden you need to get a cat’s prospective on things. Get down on your hands and knees and see things at a cats eyelevel. From this “cats eye view” you should have little trouble spotting hazards to your cat.
Cats Love to Climb.
Cats love to jump up on things and climb. Make sure none of your breakable prized possessions are in areas your cat is liable to jump up on, it is very simple for them to be knocked off and broken unintentionally.
Another hazard is leaving sharp objects such as knives, scissors, and kitchen cutters where your cat may accidentally jump up onto them and injure themselves.
Curtains are favourite furnishings to practise climbing skills on. To protect your curtains tie them back out of the way so they do not present such an easy area to scale.
Cords from curtains and blinds present a fun target for your cat. A dangling cord is a natural temptation that could easily entangle your cat resulting in injury. Be sure to secure any tempting cords out of your cat’s reach.
Curiosity Can Kill the Cat.
Telephone and electrical cords additionally present a problem. Always try to secure cords out of the way; playing with these could result in the electrocution of your cat.
Candles present another potential hazard, the flickering flame is a tempting target and until burnt your cat will not realise the danger it is putting itself in. There is further the possibility your cat may accidentally knock the candle over starting a fire. Avoid candles if you can; if you must have candles ensure there is always someone present to keep an eye on them and your cat.
The same applies to open fires. Cats love warmth and sparks from open fires cause severe burns to hundreds of cats every year. Investing in a fire screen and ensuring it is in place when the fire is alight is a very wise precaution. The same applies to gas heaters, it is easy for your cat to get too close and ignite its fur resulting in a severe burn.
Dishwashers, washing machines and dryers can be a lethal death trap for your pet. These appliances are warm and provide an ideal place for your cat to nap without you noticing. Always check before closing the door on these appliances and switching them on. Many cats end their lives being accidentally shut inside and the appliance started up without realising the cat is in there.
Cats also like playing with pieces of string and thread, if swallowed these can cause digestive upsets. If there is a needle attached to the thread, the consequences can be disastrous.
Food scraps can be a worry as cats do scavenge. Avoid your cat getting hold of bones that shatter, particularly chicken bones. The sharp pieces from these can lodge in the animal’s throat or pierce your cats’ intestines.
Chemical poisoning is a great risk to cats. If cleaners are used in localities your cat frequents, and they are licked off the cat’s paws, your cat can ingest the toxins. The same applies to sprayed areas of your lawn and garden.
Outdoor Explorations.
Cats often dig to perform the necessaries and fertilisers placed on the garden can cause toxic problems for your cat. Try to use organic, animal friendly products in your garden and home that will not be toxic to your pet.
Slug and snail bait pose a danger and are responsible for hundreds of pet deaths every year. Use pet safe baits or beer traps.
Antifreeze is a danger in winter. It has an attractive smell and a sweet taste but is extremely poisonous. Use one of the creature friendly alternatives now on the market.
Large numbers of poisonous plants that we keep in our homes and gardens can cause the untimely death of your companion. Dieffenbachia, azalea, English ivy, and Daphne are just a few. Search the Internet to find out which are harmful and rid your home and garden of them. A swinging leaf is seen by your cat as a wonderful plaything but could also be lethal. Use artificial plants as a replacement or some of the many less harmful varieties available.
Another danger particularly during winter is your cat climbing into the engine housing of your vehicle to keep warm. Many cats meet their end in this manner during the cold winter weather. Always bang the bonnet of your vehicle to ensure that there are no cats sleeping underneath.
Just taking a few precautions can ensure your cat remains safe and secure within its home and garden. A little forethought can save your pet from many dangers and guarantee a lengthy and enjoyable life for your cat.