Top 10 Home Prepping Tips for Cats
Top 10 Home Prepping Tips for Cats
Written by Nathalie Mireles
July 5th, 2019
Welcome to the first in a series of posts researched and written by one of our most experienced Fosters, Nathalie Mireles. Nathalie has fostered dozens of cats and kittens and specializes in nursing mom’s and infant kittens.
One of the most asked questions by our new fosters and new adopters is, “How do I prepare my home for the new kitten?“
Top 10 Home Prepping Tips
10. A Cat’s Eye View
Get down on all fours and look at the world from your pet’s point of view. You may notice things you hadn’t thought of. Are there tantalizing tassels hanging from the table runner?
9. Ask Your Cat’s Foster
Check with your cat’s foster for any tendencies you should know about. Is the cat a cabinet climber, a cord chewer, a plant seeker?
8. Check For Cords
Check for cords your cat could chew on. Hide them or cover them. Chewing on cords can lead to electrocution. I personally like to use these covers as they are inexpensive and easy to use. I have even installed a GFI outlet for my Christmas tree for added protection!
7. Look High
Watch out for vases Or other fragile decor on top of cabinets. Your cat may be a climber and knock the vase down, sending glass flying everywhere. Put the vases away, or use Quake Hold, to secure them to the top of cabinet. Same goes for cups or glasses laying around. Don’t be surprised to find them on the floor. My kitty is very concerned about gravity and constantly tests to make sure that gravity still works!
6. Check Your Windows
Make sure all of your windows have screens and that the screens are securely attached. Some cats like to scratch or climb up screens which can create holes. I recommend to supervise them when the windows are open. I also recommend Pet Screens, which are thicker and more resistant to cat claws. After going through several standard screens, I am a firm believer in pet screens exclusively. I sleep better knowing my windows are secure and my kitty is safe.
5. Look For Cat Traps
Be sure trash cans are inaccessible and hampers can’t be fallen into.
4. Don’t Miss the Details
Be careful with small items which can be choking hazards such as batteries and jewelry. For example, my cat loves to chew (and swallow) hair bands.
3. Don’t Wash Your Cat
If your cat loves to curl up in snug places, make it a point of checking your washer and dryer before starting them. Better yet, keep the lids closed.
2. JUMP! JUMP!
Cats will jump on and explore anything within their reach, so it’s best to keep valuable or breakable items in a place the cat will not be able to jump or climb on. The average cat can jump approximately six feet! And that is just the average cat. The taller the cat, the higher they can jump. 7 feet is not out of the question.
1. Curiosity…
You know the old saying, curiosity killed the cat. They will often want to run out of open doors, so make sure to be aware of where your cat is when you enter/exit the house and try to avoid leaving external doors open for a long period of time when the cat is around.
Have a great day!
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