How to Keep Your Cat Safe at Home

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By StacyP
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Whadaya mean, no more playing hide-and-seek with plastic bags?

A cat is a curious creature. Because of this characteristic, keeping your cat safe at home is never 100 percent foolproof. However, there are steps you can take that will increase your cat's safety at home. Don't let your feline become part of the curiosity-killed-the-cat crowd.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Store toxic materials out of reach.

Keep harmful substances like antifreeze, disinfectants, fertilizer, and bleach out of your cat's prying paws. When figuring out a place to store toxic materials, keep in mind that cats are able to open cabinets and doors. If it's not possible to keep these harmful substances behind a locked cabinet or door, at least keep these toxic materials secured closed to keep your cat safe.
Step 2

Get rid of poisonous house plants.

Placing poisonous house plants in hanging baskets is another option to keep your cat safe. Make sure the plants poisonous to cats are completely out of your cat's reach. Plants poisonous to cats include morning glory, daffodil, mistletoe, poinsettia, and most types of ivy. Contact your veterinarian or a nearby university agricultural extension for a complete list of poisonous plants.
Step 3

Keep the toilet lid down.

Cats are playful, and toilet water is just another plaything to them. But if your cat plays in the toilet, the lid could close and trap your cat. Also, your cat is at risk of swallowing toilet bowl cleanser that may be lingering.
Step 4

Be careful with the plastic!

No, you don't have to fear kitty going hog wild with your credit card. I'm talking about plastic bags. Your cat is at risk of suffocation with plastic bags lying around. Also, you don't want your cat to chew and swallow the plastic. Keep your cat safe by storing plastic bags in a safe place where your cat won't be able to get inside them.
Step 5

Avoid having long electrical cords on the floor.

Electrical cords lying around can look like chewing toys to your cat. To keep your cat safe, tack long electrical cords against a baseboard (or use some other means to conceal them from your cat).
Step 6

Clean up after yourself.

Whether you're doing a sewing project or a home repair project, don't leave out small objects. Keep your cat safe by putting away small items like screws, nails, and sewing needles.