Setting up your environment to live with a cat, whether you’ve just moved into a new home or are welcoming a cat for the first time, goes far beyond simply adding furniture and accessories to meet their needs. It also means preventing potential risks and accidents.
Just like we baby-proof our homes when a child arrives, it’s just as important to do the same for our pets.
In this article, we’ll go over five often overlooked aspects that can have a major impact on your cat’s safety.
1-Limit access to all types of cords
It’s no secret: cats love cords. No matter their texture, length, or purpose, they’re incredibly tempting to chase… and chew.
However, cords and cables in your home can pose serious health risks. What may seem like harmless play can quickly lead to an emergency visit to the vet. Here are a few simple ways to reduce the risks:
- Electrical cords that need to stay plugged in can be covered with a protective sleeve to limit access.
- Cords used occasionally should be kept out of reach during use and stored away immediately afterward.
- Fabric cords, like hoodie strings or shoelaces, are also very appealing to cats. Keeping clothing and shoes in a closed space, like a closet, is a good habit.
Finally, string toys may seem harmless since they’re designed for cats, but they should never be left out unsupervised. These are interactive toys that should be put away as soon as playtime is over.
(Suggested image: wand toy)
2-Sort through your houseplants
Cats love nibbling on greenery. It’s a normal behavior and can even be beneficial in some cases. However, many decorative plants are toxic and can represent a real risk.
Some of the most common ones include: pothos, monstera deliciosa, aloe vera, philodendron, sansevieria (snake plant), dracaena, dieffenbachia, as well as flowers like lilies, tulips, azaleas, and chrysanthemums.
(Suggested images: plants and flowers listed)
- Remove toxic plants from your environment
- Place the remaining ones out of reach
- Check each plant to avoid unpleasant surprises
If your cat keeps showing interest, a great alternative is to provide cat-friendly grass like catnip, oat, barley, or rye, which better meets their needs.
3-Declutter kitchen counters and surfaces
Keeping surfaces clear helps in two ways.
First, it reduces the risk of your cat ingesting harmful foods such as grapes, onions, garlic, raw bones or meat, chocolate, and coffee.
Second, a clean and uncluttered space reduces their urge to climb or knock things over to get attention.
- Put food away immediately after meal preparation
- Return items to their place right away
- Keep surfaces as clear as possible every day
4-Stabilize high-up areas
Cats naturally seek height. They love to observe, play, rest, and feel safe above the ground.
It’s only natural that they’ll explore different elevated spaces in your home.
That’s why it’s essential to make sure these areas are stable and secure. An unstable piece of furniture or cat tree can cause injuries and discourage your cat from using it.
They may then look for alternatives in less desirable places, like kitchen counters.
Ensuring that structures are solid, well-secured, and suited to your cat’s weight is a key step in combining safety and comfort.
5-Properly meet their needs
A cat whose needs are not properly met will find their own solutions… and they’re not always ideal from a human perspective.
For example, a litter box that is too small or not cleaned often enough may lead your cat to use other places like rugs or bathtubs. Providing the right size litter box and cleaning it regularly helps prevent these behaviors.
Similarly, a scratching post that is too small or unstable will quickly be abandoned in favor of your sofa. A sturdy, properly sized, and well-placed model is essential.
Finally, a cat that lacks stimulation will easily find ways to entertain themselves, sometimes by attacking your feet under the covers. Offering safe toys and planning daily play sessions helps channel their energy.
Providing an environment that truly meets your cat’s needs isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Yes, it requires a few adjustments. But in the end, it’s what helps keep your cat healthy, comfortable in their environment, and much less likely to get into trouble.