Cats, although adorable, can sometimes cause a lot of chaos in the house. Climbing on furniture, scratching couches, knocking over objects – these are just some of their antics. Fortunately, there are many ways to effectively protect your home from cat mischief while ensuring your cat is safe and has a chance to release energy. Here are five practical tips.
1. Install scratching posts and cat shelves
Cats have a natural need to scratch, climb and explore. To avoid damaging furniture and walls, it is worth investing in sturdy scratching posts and shelves on the walls that cats can climb. A scratching post placed in places where cats like to spend time will help direct their attention from furniture to dedicated areas. You can also create a "cat highway" for your cat out of shelves, which will allow them to release energy in an appropriate way.
2. Secure cables and wires
Cats love to play with wires, which can be dangerous for both them and your home appliances. To prevent this, it is worth protecting the cables with special covers or hiding them behind furniture. There are also repellent scent sprays on the market that can discourage cats from chewing on cables. Alternatively, you can hide the cables in plastic channels, which are safe and harder for the cat to get to.
3. Use sealed food containers
Cats are known for their love of food and can easily get to open packages of food or leftovers on countertops. To avoid food being strewn around the kitchen, it’s a good idea to store food in tightly sealed containers. You can also use kitchen cabinet locks to prevent your cat from accessing them.
4. Close windows and secure balconies
Cats are extremely curious about the world and may try to jump out of an open window or go out onto a balcony. To prevent dangerous situations, it is worth installing special nets on windows and balconies. Thanks to them, your cat will be able to enjoy fresh air, and you will be sure that it is safe. There are also special tilting window systems that prevent a cat from accidentally falling out.
5. Protect your houseplants
Some plants are poisonous to cats, so it is important to keep them out of their reach. You can place plants on higher shelves or install special hanging planters. It is also worth choosing plants that are safe for cats, such as cat grass, which is not only safe but also a healthy addition to your cat's diet. Avoid plants such as aloe, lilies, or philodendron, which can be dangerous to your pet's health.
