Creating a safe and stimulating environment for your furry companion is essential for their well-being. Whether you’re welcoming a cat into your home for the first time or you’re moving house with your feline friend and want to make your new property pet-friendly, our guide takes you through the essentials of maintaining a safe and stimulating space.
Removing Dangers
Cats are naturally curious, which can sometimes lead them into hazardous situations. To ensure their safety, there are a few things you’ll need to consider:
- Secure hazardous substances: Store cleaning products, medications and chemicals out of reach in locked cabinets or on high shelves. Common household items like antifreeze and certain plants can be toxic to cats.
- Manage electrical cords: Cats may chew on wires, risking electric shocks. Use cord protectors or conceal them using cable ties to prevent accidents.
- Avoid toxic plants: Some houseplants, such as lilies and poinsettias, are harmful if consumed. Opt for cat-safe plants like spider plants or Boston ferns.
Furniture and Toys
Providing appropriate furniture and toys can keep your pet entertained and reduce the likelihood of them damaging household items:
- Scratching posts: These are essential for maintaining claw health and preventing furniture damage. Opt for scratching posts made from materials like sisal and carpet. Place them in areas your cat visits regularly.
- Cat trees and shelves: Vertical spaces such as cat trees cater to their climbing instincts. Cat walls, featuring mounted shelves and hammocks, are also great for providing exercise and entertainment.
- Interactive toys: Rotate toys regularly to keep your pet engaged. Puzzle feeders, feather wands and laser pointers can stimulate their natural hunting instincts.
Main Resources
Ensuring your cat has access to essential resources is crucial:
- Litter trays: Provide at least one per cat and place them in quiet, accessible locations. This offers privacy and is more effective at containing odours. Keep them clean to encourage use. Clumping litter can make this easier or you can invest in an automatic, self-cleaning litter box instead.
- Feeding stations: Position food and water bowls away from each other, as cats prefer separation between eating and drinking areas. Elevated stations can aid with digestion and reduce strain on the neck and joints.
- Resting areas: Offer comfortable beds in various locations, including elevated spots, to satisfy their preference for high vantage points. A cat cave provides a secure spot for relaxation, and combining it with cat trees also caters to their preference for climbing.
Cat Flaps
Allowing controlled outdoor access can enrich your cat’s life:
- Microchip cat flaps: These devices contain magnets or infrared technology that read your cat’s microchip. This ensures only your pet can enter, keeping out strays and other animals.
- Placement: Install cat flaps in secure areas leading to safe outdoor environments. Ensure your garden is free from hazards and that your cat is microchipped and vaccinated before allowing outdoor access.
Regardless of the size and layout of your home, addressing these points will help promote your cat’s health and happiness.
