How to protect your cat from household risks

As we all know, a cat’s curiosity can lead to many dangerous situations. As a pet parent, it is essential to prioritize the safety of your cat or dog and ensure they have a non-hostile or dangerous environment. The measures we will talk about in today’s article have two objectives: protect the well-being of your cat AND protect your home from damage. To make the process smoother, it’s best to start looking for potential dangers before bringing a cat home. Cats are capable of climbing on furniture and crawling into tight spaces you didn’t think they could reach. Having a curious cat can lead to injuries and accidents, so it’s best to start cat-proofing your home as soon as possible.

To protect your cat and keep him safe, here are some ways you can help him.

● Hide all medications and household cleaning products
Human medications and household cleaners such as ibuprofen, bleach, and laundry detergent contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to your cat’s health (regardless of his condition). Some household cleaners contain phenols which can be deadly to cats and are known to cause cancer. Make sure all these items have an airtight seal and place them in a hard-to-reach cabinet with childproof locks. Research products used in your home and try to incorporate pet-friendly items into your family life. Be sure to follow the product instructions carefully. If the label says to keep pets away until the product dries, make sure this is always done.

● Avoid bringing toxic plants home
Flowers are a beautiful addition to a room, home or condo. Unfortunately, many common plants are poisonous to cats and are often overlooked. If your cat were to chew on such a plant, it could transmit toxins. Poisonous plants include lilies, aloe, mistletoe, poinsettia, and eucalyptus, to name a few. Ingesting these plants can lead to numerous diseases, including heart problems, severe liver damage and kidney failure. Before bringing a plant into your home, be sure to do your research on the Internet: Can it affect your cat’s health? If you’re not sure what type of plants you have, photograph them and ask for help on a specialized Facebook group or ask knowledgeable people.

● Keep electrical cords out of reach
Electrical cables are found everywhere in the house. Cats have sharp teeth and are often tempted to chew on cords, cutting the protective covering. If your cat chews on a plugged-in cord, it could be electrocuted or severely burned. An electric shock would require emergency veterinary care, as the cat’s heart or lungs could suffer life-threatening damage. One way to provide protection is to place plastic covers over exposed cables, providing a protective barrier. A foul-tasting, non-toxic spray is also a great option if you can’t completely cover the wires. Tie and loosen ropes to prevent them from being used as toys.

● Keep the doors closed
Having an open door to a space you don’t want your cat to enter can lead to serious problems. If you go out to get a package from the courier and leave the door open, your cat could wander away. Other doors or windows that can cause injury include the refrigerator, oven, freezer and garage door. To avoid problems, be sure to close the doors immediately after use so that the cat cannot find the opportunity to enter. When entering and exiting the garage, make it a habit to check that your cat is not locked out or coming into contact with dangerous chemicals (thinners, paints, antifreeze, alcohol, lime, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.). When doing laundry, it’s best to check the washing machine to make sure your cat’s curiosity hasn’t led him inside.

● Make sure you have a safety plan
As a cat owner, you should always be prepared for any injury or change in your pet’s health at home. You can’t predict your cat’s future, so many pet owners take advantage of pet insurance to cover care without having to worry too much about the costs. Accident-related injuries and emergencies are covered, along with accident-related services such as x-rays, medications and surgeries. Most often, this can be done for dogs and cats between the ages of 8 weeks and 13 years.

● Firecrackers, fireworks and loud noises
As owners of pets (especially dogs and cats), in the period leading up to the winter holidays and even after, we find ourselves facing situations that are not very pleasant – both for us and for our pets. Due to firecrackers, firecrackers, fireworks, especially in the month of December, our furry friends are subjected to greater stress. Even if they happen outside the home, the noises travel through the walls of the house or apartment.
Find here some tips on how to deal with this period with as little stress as possible for cats.

● More hidden traps. Keep your kitchen table or counter clean, organized, and free of sharp utensils that your cat might touch. Also, keep the toilet lid down, the washer door closed, and the trash cans covered. Other dangerous objects in the house that could signal danger to your cat: sewing accessories, paper clips, erasers, paper clips, coins, pieces of children’s or board games.

Are you a new cat owner? Here’s expert advice if you’ve brought home a cat for the first time
Getting a new cat can be exciting, but also stressful. As a new cat owner, you want only the best for your kitty, but you may worry about neglecting or forgetting something your furry friend needs.

What can you do to keep your new cat happy, safe and healthy in your home? Here are some tricks for this preparation:

How to prepare for a new cat
First, you will need to have a few things ready before you bring your cat home. Here is a simple list of must-haves for new cat owners:
– Food bowls. Purchase several food bowls for the new cat so you can replace used bowls with clean ones every day. More information on this topic and tips for proper nutrition on the Petmax.ro blog.
-More bowls of water. Cats drink a lot of water, so it’s important to have several sources of clean water available for your new cat. Remember to keep food and water bowls away from each other.
– Healthy cat food. As a new cat owner, it’s important to research what type of food is the healthiest for your kitten. This may depend on the age, breed and health problems of your new furry friend. Keep in mind that cats can get bored with food, so it’s not uncommon to have to change the type of food your cat is eating at any given time.
Order wet cat food from the most famous brands here!
– Avoid offering human food. Just as there are many human foods that your cat can safely eat, there are others that your furry friend should avoid altogether. Not all human food is safe for your cat. Here are some foods that can be harmful or poisonous to your kitten.

1. Lactate
2. Chocolate
3. Grapes and raisins
4. Root vegetables
5. Avocado
6. Alcohol

You should always avoid leaving open containers, products, bags or jars uncovered overnight in places where the cat can reach. These substances (foods) are dangerous, toxic or even lethal for cats.
– More waste containers. A box like this can work well for the new cat if you clean it twice a day. However, if you have space, place two litter boxes for your little feline. Not sure what the best way to clean your cat’s litter box is and which type to use? Here are some tips in this article!
– A cat play set. Our furry friends love high places, so it is necessary to provide vertical spaces where the cat can climb.
– Scratching post. Unless you absolutely want your cat to scratch your furniture, make sure you provide enough scratching posts for heavy use.
-Cat toys. It’s good to know that not all cat toys are the same or perform the same roles. Beware of lasers for people (they can harm cats’ eyes), plastic birds or mice (they have small parts that can be swallowed), strings/strings/wires, soft plastic balls (they are easy to chew and can break into small pieces that can drown), hair ties (clips), bows, plastic bags, etc. Check out our recommendations for safe cat toys here
– Cat beds. Cats sleep a lot, so make sure your furry friend has plenty of comfortable places to sleep. As a new cat owner, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive beds – just make sure you give them a quiet, safe place to sleep.
– Cat transport. Of course, you’ll need something to bring your cat home! Make sure the stand is large enough for the cat to stand on. Before placing your new cat in the carrier, don’t forget to place a soft blanket over him so that he is comfortable.

What to do if something bad happened and you realized it too late? Seek veterinary care for the cat immediately. Don’t feel like you have to groom your cat at home or that you have done something shameful or unacceptable. Poisoning can only be treated in a veterinary clinic – hurry to do it as soon as possible. Some poisonings can be fatal if not treated quickly, so it is essential that your cat receives veterinary care immediately.

In short
Having a cat means enjoying a wonderful companion, alone or with all your loved ones. Just like any other family member, you want to make sure they are safe at all times. Taking steps to create a risk-free environment can help you achieve peace knowing that your cat is safe and happy.