Keeping Your Cat Safe
Our houses and gardens are full of potential danger for a playful and curious kitten, even adult cats can get into trouble sometimes. Without being over protective, you still must be aware of the possible dangers, just as you would with a child. Taking some measures of precaution can avoid serious accidents.
Dangers on the Inside
- Check the washing machine and drier before you turn it on. Cats are attracted by these warm and dark "caves" and may easily get trapped with no one to warn them.
- Check the cupboards, closets, drawers, ovens, microwave ovens, fridge and freezers before closing them.
- Never give your cat medicines for humans.
- Avoid using disinfectants, that contain phenols or creosols, in the house because they are toxic for cats.
- If you live in an apartment, place protectors on the windows and balconies so that your cat can safely enjoy the fresh air. Young cats can fall out when chasing birds or insects. An enthusiastic person that likes to "do it him/herself", can make one with wood or wire or you can also buy a protection for balconies.
- Do not leave needles or thread thrown around. Cats like to swallow them and the effect can be catastrophic if the thread gets caught in the intestines or the if needle pinches the stomach.
- Keep electric wires away from cats so that they won't chew on them. Unplug electrical appliances when they are not being used.
- Get rid of poisonous plants in your home, like the poinsettia, ivy and azaleas. The majority of adult cats will ignore them, but kittens are more prone to bite on anything.
- Keep cats out of the kitchen when you are cooking. A very common accident is caused when a person who is busy cooking and is carrying something hot, trips on a small animal that is sprawled out on the floor. Make sure that the handles of the pots are not on the border of the stove
- Be aware of bath times; a cat may fall in a hot bathtub or be pushed in by a small child.
- Make a habit of looking back before backing up, sitting down or closing a door. Kittens are so fast and small that it is easy to accidentally step on them.
