Cat Proofing Your Home in 11 Easy Steps

From trailing leads to irresistible, but toxic household plants, there is so much to be mindful of when welcoming a new cat. Find out how to make your home safe for your new feline friend.

Playful, curious and inquisitive, cats won’t wait long before taking over your entire house and everything that’s in it. So, before you welcome your little ball of fur, make sure you’ve got the basics covered by cat proofing your entire home. From dangling cords to abandoned shopping bags and the medications in your bathroom, here are some of the items that can be dangerous or toxic to your new kitten.

How to Cat Proof your home

With so many things to consider, cat-proofing your home requires a solid plan. Here is what to keep in mind for a friendly and safe space:

1. Windows and doors

When you first bring your new cat or kitten home, keep all windows and doors closed until they’re fully settled in, have had all their vaccinations and have been neutered. Having window locks can be a good way to make sure no one accidently forgets about the kitten in their haste to get some fresh air into the house.

3. Kitchen appliances

Remember to always close doors to the oven, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, tumble-dryer and washing machine. Add notes to the doors of these appliances to remind everyone in the family to check inside for exploring cats before using them. Small kittens can find a warm dryer or a shiny washing machine drum irresistible!

4. Toilet lids

Keep toilet lids down, so your kitten can't fall in or drink. You may need to leave a note to remind visitors or forgetful family members or housemates.

5. Trailing cables

Hide all trailing electrical cables behind furniture. You can buy thick cable protectors from most hardware stores which are placed over cables to make them totally chew-proof.

6. Balls of wool or string

The picture of a cat playing with a ball of wool or string is one that’s displayed in media time and time again, but wool or string balls can be dangerous. Although your cat may love to play with them, fibres may come off which can be harmful if ingested and could potentially cause choking.

7. Bins

Check that all your bins in your kitchen and bathroom have closable lids that are fully paw-proof and never leave bin bags where they can be raided!

8. Open fire sources

Lit candles, burning incense or oil burners are just asking for trouble – naked flames and fluffy cats do not mix. If you have an open fire, make sure that it has a cat proof guard in front of it

10. Home decorations

Put away any breakable ornaments, as they won’t last long with a curious kitten on the scene.

11. Kitchen countertops

Keep your kitchen countertops clear and clean up food scraps promptly. Chicken bones might be tempting to cats but can be very dangerous, as they may splinter when chewed. The binding string used on joints of meat is also irresistible as a snack and toy but can cause serious health problems if swallowed.

Dangerous substances to cats to avoid

Unfortunately, quite a lot of common household objects are highly toxic to cats even in low quantities. To keep your cat safe, avoid using the following or keep them in a secure cupboard away from prying claws:

• Cleaning and hygiene products, such as bleach, and products containing phenols (e.g. disinfectants that turn water cloudy).
• Human medicines (such as paracetamol and ibuprofen).
• Car-related products such as anti-freeze.
• Beauty or decorating products like hair dyes, white spirit and nail polish remover.
• Rat/mouse poisons – these should never be used at all, as your cat or neighbouring cats (and other animals and birds) could get seriously ill/die if they eat the poison or any poisoned vermin.
• Slug pellets (pet-friendly versions are available).
• Mothballs (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene).
• Potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, dishwasher detergents (all contain cationic detergents which cause corrosive lesions).
• Batteries (they contain acids or alkali which cause corrosive lesions).
• Homemade play dough (due to a high level of salt).
• Hand or foot warmers (they contain high levels of iron).
• Cigarettes, leftover coffee grounds, alcohol.
• Toxic Human Foods: While you've probably heard about chocolate being bad, this is more of an issue for dogs, but the theobromine in chocolate is also toxic to cats. Many other common human foods can be highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts. For a comprehensive list and more details on what your cat should never eat, read our guide on Harmful Foods for Cats.
• All forms of lilies (the leaves, flowers etc.) found in bouquets or as houseplants.
• Some dog-flea products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats, so make sure they’re kept out of reach and dogs are separated from cats when treated.

10 houseplants that are toxic to cats

Just as you’re helping your cat grow and thrive, you’re possibly doing the same for your favourite houseplants. However, caring for both cats and plants under the same roof can be a recipe for disaster. Certain plants are toxic for cats which pose a danger for those felines always looking for new textures to nibble or chew. So, if you’re welcoming a kitten into the house, make sure you find a new home for these plants first. Here are some of the most popular houseplants that are also toxic to cats:

1. Aloe vera
2. Lilies
3. Daffodil
4. Jade
5. Azakea
6. Hydrangea
7. Tomato plant
8. Tulip
9. English Ivy
10. Poinsettia

If your cat has chewed on one of the houseplants that are considered toxic, make sure you call the vet immediately. The quicker your cat gets help, the better. A good tip is to also take a picture of the plant to help identify it and its potential for making your pet ill.

Don’t forget that cats love to climb too. So, if you want to protect the furniture while making your home a cat friendly space, a cat tree ideally one that includes a high platform where they can hide or sleep without being disturbed will give them an alternative to scaling the sofa. Also make sure they have scratching posts and opportunities for a good clawdicure in the house – including vertical ones where they will have to stretch. This will prevent them using chair or table legs or soft furnishings.

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