Apartment Cat-Proofing 101: Essential Tips To Ensure Your Feline Friend’s Safety

Welcoming a furry friend into your apartment can bring joy and companionship to your life. However, before you open your doors to your new whiskered roommate, it’s essential you create a safe environment for your cat to roam freely without encountering any hazards.

Cat-proofing your apartment may seem like a daunting task at the start, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. The friendly experts at HILLS Properties are here to help you transform your home into a cat-friendly apartment. From sealing windows to choosing pet-friendly furniture, here are some essential apartment safety tips for cats to prevent accidents and ensure your feline friend’s safety.

Seal Windows, Doors, and Other Openings

Cats are curious creatures known for their agility and knack for climbing. As any cat owner knows, they like to disappear for sometimes hours, sneaking around to explore and inspect things around their living environment. While there are ways to train your cat for apartment life, they’ll always have that adventurous spirit in their DNA.

To prevent any mishaps, ensure all windows, doors, and other openings in your apartment are securely sealed. Install sturdy screens on windows to prevent your cat from sneaking or falling out, and be mindful of any small gaps or crevices where your cat could get stuck or escape. Consider using cat-proofing locks on cabinets and doors to restrict access to certain areas, such as storage spaces or balconies.

Secure Your Furniture

Cats love to climb and perch themselves on high surfaces to observe their surroundings. However, unsecured furniture poses a significant risk of potential injuries or broken items. Securing tall bookcases, shelves, and other furniture to the wall helps with preventing accidents if your cat decides to scale them. It’s also wise to invest in stable cat trees or scratching posts to satisfy your cat’s natural desire to climb without risking their safety.

Put Away Breakable or Fragile Items

Cats are notorious for their curiosity, which comes with a tendency to knock things over. To avoid potential accidents, store breakable or fragile items safely out of your cat’s reach. This includes delicate decorations, vases, and electronic devices that could be damaged if knocked off a shelf or table. You should also minimize the amount of wires and cords you have exposed, as cats love to chew on those when you’re not looking!

Remove Poisonous Plants and Chemicals

There’s a solid chance you have things in your home that can be toxic to cats if ingested. Before bringing your cat home, carefully inspect your living space for any potentially harmful chemicals, substances, or other items to make your home a cat-friendly apartment.

Remove or relocate toxic plants such as lilies, philodendrons, and aloe vera to prevent accidental poisoning. Essential oils and candles can also be hazardous, so part of cat-proofing is keeping them out of reach. Additionally, store household cleaners, pesticides, and other chemicals in secure cabinets or high shelves inaccessible to your cat. In general, you should consider using pet-friendly alternatives whenever possible to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful toxins.

Provide Space To Play and Sleep

Creating a stimulating environment for your cat is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Set up designated areas where your cat can play, climb, and scratch as much as they please, and provide them with a rotation of toys, puzzle feeders, and scratching posts to keep your cat entertained and engaged. You should also create dedicated cozy sleeping spots and comfortable bedding where your cat can retreat on their own for a nap or relaxation.

Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment With HILLS

When searching for a new home, it’s important to find a place that accommodates the needs of your cat. HILLS Properties is proud to offer cat-friendly apartments that allow you to live in harmony with your feline friend. With several spacious floor plan options and amenities like an on-site pet spa available at certain communities, you and your cat will love life with us. Contact your local HILLS Properties apartment community today to get started!