Cat Proofing: How to Keep Cats Safe in Your Home

Welcoming a new feline friend is an exciting milestone that often comes with a few natural worries about how to keep them safe. While cats are famous for squeezing into the most unexpected spaces, identifying potential hazards early allows their curiosity to flourish without the risk. Follow these simple steps to create a secure environment and keep cats safe in your home! 

Key Takeaways 

• Learn how to cat proof your house with a few simple tips, like hiding electrical cords, wires, medication, and certain food items. 
  
  
• Place litter boxes on the ground in easy-to-access spots or on top of cat pads for extra protection.  
  
  
• Use a repellent spray or place aluminum foil on furniture or counters to deter your cat from jumping on them. 
  
  
• Create special spots for your new cat to encourage them to stay in the safe zones and away from off-limits places.  
  
  

7 Tips for Cat Proofing Your House 

Before your adventure with your new best friend begins, here is a breakdown of how to cat proof your home and help ease this transition. 

Tip #1: Place the Litter Box in a Safe Place 

Choosing the litter box location is an essential first step to a cat-friendly home! You'll want to pick a spot that is easy to access, low on the ground, and away from any dangerous objects. Consider placing cat pads under or around the litter box to help with tracking or misses, especially if you are training your cat how to use the litter box.  

Tip #2: Hide Exposed Electrical Cords and Wires  

It’s no secret cats love strings...and anything that looks like one! That’s why you’ll need to hide any electrical cords and wires in case your kitty mistakes them for their favorite toy. You can also get wire covers that prevent felines from chewing through. It’s especially important to know how to cat proof your home during the holidays when string lights are out. 

Tip #3: Prepare Your Furniture 

There are lots of questions when it comes to bringing home a new kitty, like “how will I keep my cat off the furniture?” Placing aluminum foil on couches or tabletops is an old trick to make these areas unappealing to your cat. You can also try a repellent spray on the furniture to deter your cat from jumping on it. 

Pro tip: always keep the toilet seats down in the bathroom and place the toilet paper roll out of reach so your kitty doesn't drink the toilet water or make a mess! 

Tip #4: Remove Harmful Houseplants 

Plants have unique scents and intriguing looks that can spark a kitty’s curiosity. However, many houseplants are toxic to cats if they chew on them. These include peace lilies, pothos, split-leaf philodendrons, lilies, and aloe vera. It’s safer to remove those plants from the home or opt for cat-safe houseplants like Christmas cacti, air plants, and echeveria. (Be sure to keep them in a spot your feline can’t knock over!) 

Tip #5: Store Food and Medications 

Although begging for food is a more common behavior in dogs, cats are still capable of stealing food from the plate, counter, or even the garbage can! There are many human foods cats can’t eat, including grapes, garlic, caffeinated drinks, milk, and any raw meat or fish. Be sure to keep these off the counter and dispose of leftovers in a covered garbage can. Also, lock medication or pills in a secure, cat-proof place. 

Tip #6: Introduce Other Pets and Kids 

Learning how to cat proof your house also includes safely introducing your new cat to your children or other furry friends! It’s important to teach kids about setting boundaries with a new kitty, how to properly hold a cat, and how to read a cat’s body language. It’s normal for this adjustment to take some time, so don’t force any unwanted interactions. If you have other furry friends, keep them separated for the first few days before introducing them in short, controlled increments.  

Tip #7: Establish Cat-Specific Rooms 

One of the simplest ways to keep cats safe in your home is to encourage them to stay in their “zones.” Create a special place filled with all of their favorite toys, pillows, and blankets to entice your cat to hang around. This will help discourage them from roaming into places they shouldn’t. Additionally, you should restrict access to potentially dangerous places like balconies or doors that lead outside. 

Unfortunately, accidents happen and cats can get out despite all the precautions. Consider giving your feline an identification collar with your most up-to-date contact information or talking to your vet about microchipping. 

🐾 Related: Do Cats Get Lonely? 7 Tips for a Happy Home-Alone Kitty

A Happy and Safe Start! 

With a well-secured environment and a little patience, your new best friend will feel confident enough to let their guard down. Soon, you can both relax and enjoy those sweet (and cuddly!) moments together.  

Now that you know how to keep cats safe in your home, discover tips for keeping your kitty healthy.