| Cats are certainly very inquisitive creatures by nature | | | | friend, as some of them are poisonous. Some cats |
| and, very much like young children, will see many | | | | appear to be able to sense when a plant is poisonous |
| everyday items in the home as exciting new toys to | | | | but to be on the safe side, it is best to check the |
| play with. Unfortunately, the average house is full of | | | | safety of any plants you already have in the house |
| potential hazards; so it is important to check your | | | | as well as any you purchase. |
| home thoroughly to ensure the safety and well-being | | | | Other living areas of the house may contain hidden |
| of your cat. | | | | dangers too, such as telephone leads, computer |
| It is probably best to check round your house room | | | | cables and any other type of electrical cables. Cats |
| by room and then move into the garden area and | | | | will adore these and will again see them as something |
| have a thorough check round there. Bathrooms and | | | | exciting to play with - apart from potentially pulling |
| kitchens are two of the worst areas in the house. | | | | equipment down on themselves, they may chew |
| Both are areas where you will probably spend a | | | | through cables and electrocute themselves. If |
| reasonable amount of time everyday and that means | | | | possible, computer equipment is best kept in a room |
| your cat will want to be there too. | | | | on its own with the door shut. Any loose and |
| Think carefully about kitchen appliances - do they | | | | dangling leads should be placed behind things out of |
| need to be out on the work surface? If you have | | | | the way, or contained in a piece of conduit. This |
| been using the sink, do not leave it full of water, as a | | | | should help to protect them from feline attention. |
| kitten could easily drown in it. Never leave pans, grills, | | | | Open fires should be protected with a fireguard and |
| toasters, etc, unattended when in use - interesting | | | | any other small items around the home such as |
| and tempting cooking smells could lure your cat into a | | | | needlework equipment, drawing pins, rubber bands, |
| very dangerous situation. Empty hobs, which have | | | | paper clips, etc, should be kept in an appropriate box |
| just been in use, will stay hot for some time and | | | | and put away after use. |
| could badly scald your cat if walked on, so keep your | | | | If you live in a flat or an apartment, open windows |
| cat away. | | | | could also be a hazard, as your cat will soon learn |
| It may be a good idea to try and discourage your | | | | how to get through them and may not appreciate |
| cat from jumping up onto the work surfaces. | | | | that there is a long drop below. You may have to |
| Washers and dryers hold some kind of immense | | | | attach a piece of mesh to the opening. Balconies can |
| fascination for cats and a recently used and warm | | | | also pose a threat; so a mesh framework covered |
| dryer, could make a tempting bed for a while. Always | | | | with climbing plants may act as a deterrent. |
| check your machines before putting any washing or | | | | Moving into the garden area, even more dangers |
| drying in - it may even be a good idea to keep the | | | | may be lurking, particularly in sheds, garages and |
| machine doors closed at all times. Cats also seem to | | | | other out buildings. Tools and chemicals are often |
| have an affinity for dirty washing, so your laundry | | | | stored in these areas, so always check that your cat |
| basket may also be a suitable place for sleeping - | | | | hasn't slipped in anywhere whilst you have been |
| always check where your cat is when loading up | | | | working outside - keep them locked up when not in |
| your washing machine. | | | | use |
| As we know, cats spend plenty of time cleaning | | | | If your cat is free to roam around outside, it may |
| themselves and licking their paws. Unfortunately, they | | | | come across all kinds of dangers in other gardens, |
| can absorb all kinds of poisons through their pads. | | | | but you can at least ensure that yours is as safe as |
| Consider cleaning agents carefully before purchasing | | | | possible. Think again about poisonous plants, |
| them, ensuring that they are safe for animals. Always | | | | insecticides, slug pellets, etc. All these items can be |
| store them in a cupboard out of the way and lock | | | | lethal to your cat. |
| the door if possible. | | | | As a cat owner, you must provide your feline |
| Bathrooms, like kitchens, are also areas where plenty | | | | companion with the best possible care and attention. |
| of water is used, which can sometimes be scalding | | | | Keeping him/her safe in your home will hopefully |
| hot. Never leave baths or basins full of water | | | | avoid any unnecessary dangers and help to ensure a |
| unattended and always keep the toilet seat down. | | | | long and happy life. |
| Houseplants can also pose a threat to your feline | | | | |