Cats are curious creatures! Everyone has heard the term ‘curiosity killed the cat’, and that is certainly true when it comes to the average UK household. Cat proofing your home before a new kitten moves in makes a great deal of sense, but so does maintaining a safe environment when kitty grows up. Cats never lose their instinct to explore, regardless of whether they are 2 months, or 20 years old.

Below we have included some quick and easy top tips for keeping kitty safe in your home!

1) Lock away potential poisons

Many common household cleaners are hazardous and even lethal to cats if ingested, even in tiny doses. To be on the safe side install a lock on one of your kitchen cupboards and lock away all such products. It is also important to note that your cat’s feeding bowls should always be thoroughly rinsed after you wash them to avoid contaminating their food or water.

2) Remove any poisonous house plants

You may be surprised to know that many plants popular in UK homes are poisonous to cats. These include Amaryliss, Hydrangea, Rhododendrons and (the very festive favourite!) Poinsettia. Do some research on the plants you currently have in your house and give away any that are not safe. Next time you go plant shopping make sure that you know what you’re buying before bringing it into your home.

3) Cover electrical wires

Purchase some electrical wire covers from your local hardware shop and cover all trailing wires. For some reason cables are too much of temptation for cats to resist. Make sure that you purchase good quality, purpose-made covers as covering them with an inappropriate material could be a fire hazard.

4) Screen windows and doors

A new kitten should be kept indoors until it has had time to settle into its new surroundings, has had all relevant vaccinations and has been neutered. To avoid keeping your windows and doors closed all the time, which can be especially inconvenient in the summer, install our Pet Screens on your windows and doors for added peace of mind. This is especially important if you live in a flat as a fall from a window could be fatal for cats.

5) Keep the toilet seat down

Yes, I am talking mostly to the men here! Keep your toilet seat down at all times lest you find kitty drinking (or worse swimming in!) the loo water. Better yet, keep the bathroom door shut and make it a cat free zone.

6) Do not leave naked flames unattended

This one speaks for itself really. Naked flames and inquisitive cats do not mix. If you want to light candles, incense or an oil burner make sure you do not leave kitty unsupervised with it at any time.

7) Don’t leave small objects lying around

Keep all floors and table tops free from small objects like Lego bricks, earrings, rubber bands and sewing needles. Your cat could choke on anything small and hard, and needles stuck in paws or throats will mean an expensive and perhaps tragic trip to the vet.