How to Cat-Proof Your Home: Windows, Plants, Cables and More

Cats are curious, agile and able to squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Most household accidents are preventable with a few changes made before your cat arrives. Work through this list room by room — and get down to cat height to spot hazards you'd otherwise miss.

Windows and balconies

Falls from height are one of the most common feline emergencies. Cats get distracted by birds or insects and misjudge a jump, and they don't always land on their feet.

• Fit secure, sturdy screens or cat nets on any window that opens. Standard insect screens can be pushed out — check they're firmly fixed.
• Don't leave windows tilted open: tilt-and-turn windows can trap a cat that tries to squeeze through the gap, causing serious injuries.
• Net balconies completely, or keep the door closed. See harness training and balcony safety.

Toxic plants and flowers

Other common houseplants that can be harmful include sago palm, dieffenbachia, pothos, philodendron, aloe vera, peace lily, azalea, oleander and tulip or daffodil bulbs. Check every plant against a reliable toxic-plant database such as the ASPCA's before bringing it home. See the full list in toxic foods and plants.

Cables, cords and strings

• Tidy electrical cables into cable covers or behind furniture, especially for kittens who like to chew.
• Tie up blind and curtain cords — they're a strangulation risk.
• String, thread, yarn, ribbon, tinsel, dental floss and hair ties are extremely dangerous if swallowed ("linear foreign bodies") and may require surgery. Never let a cat play with string unsupervised, and put wand toys away after play.

Medications and chemicals

• Human medications are a major cause of poisoning. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is highly toxic to cats even in small doses; ibuprofen, aspirin, antidepressants and ADHD medications are also dangerous. Store all medicines in closed cupboards.
• Never give your cat any human or dog medication without your vet's instructions.
• Dog flea treatments containing permethrin can cause severe, sometimes fatal poisoning in cats. Use only products labeled for cats.
• Store cleaning products, antifreeze (ethylene glycol is deadly), pesticides, slug pellets and rodent poisons out of reach.
• Some essential oils — especially tea tree — and liquid potpourri can be toxic. Avoid oil diffusers in rooms the cat uses.

Kitchen

• Keep counters clear of food and hot hobs covered or supervised. Train counter-free habits early.
• Store onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes and raisins, alcohol, and xylitol-containing products securely — see toxic foods.
• Keep bins closed; bones and food wrappers are common causes of blockages.
• Close the dishwasher, oven, washing machine and tumble dryer — and check inside before switching them on. Cats love warm, dark spaces.

Bathroom

• Keep toilet lids down (kittens can fall in).
• Store razors, cotton buds, hair ties and medications away.

Living room and bedrooms

• Secure or remove unstable ornaments on shelves.
• Check recliner chairs and sofa beds before closing them.
• Block gaps behind appliances and inside furniture where a kitten could get stuck.
• Keep small objects — buttons, coins, rubber bands, children's toy parts — off the floor.

Doors and escape routes

• Teach everyone in the household to check for the cat before opening outside doors.
• Consider a baby gate or "airlock" arrangement if your door opens straight outside.
• Make sure your cat is microchipped with up-to-date details. See microchipping.

Holidays and parties

Christmas trees (tinsel, ornaments, tree water), candles, gift ribbon and party food are all seasonal hazards. During fireworks or big gatherings, give your cat a quiet closed room with litter, water and a hiding place.