Cats and kittens can be adorable, but with their inquisitive natures (and their claws) they are also a potential threat to clothing, furniture and bedding. If you live in an apartment, you can do several things to make it cat proof and prevent the newcomer from destroying everything you own. It is also important to remove anything that could endanger the health or life of the animal.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Check the Apartment and Change Habits
Step 1. Check your windows
Be careful when opening them, because the cat could come out and even be seriously injured if he falls from a second or third floor; if you have mosquito nets, make sure they do not collapse easily, particularly if they are the kind that can snap open.
Try to keep the windows only ajar or install secure mosquito nets
Step 2. Always check washer and dryer
Cats are attracted to warm places, so be sure to close these appliances when you're done using them so your cat doesn't get inside and become trapped. Also, always look inside before starting them.
Step 3. Cover the garbage cans
The cat may want to explore the trash, taking out unpleasant things that can hurt him or spilling the entire contents. It could also injure itself with sharp surfaces. It is best to always use a lid and opt for a plastic bin instead of a metal one, so that there are no sharp edges.
Step 4. Lower the toilet seat
Kittens can drown in even small amounts of water, including that from the toilet, while an older cat may want to drink it, which wouldn't be very healthy. So keep the seat down when you're not using the bathroom.
Step 5. Check the furniture
For example, if you have a recliner or chair with an adjustable footrest, always make sure your cat hasn't burrowed into it before maneuvering it. Cats love to sneak into very tight spaces, so be careful not to trap them!
Step 6. Do not leave candles unattended
Passing by, the cat could get burned; always stay nearby when you turn one on.
Step 7. Respect the rules on keeping pets and the condominium regulations
Carry out the necessary vaccinations, pay attention to hygiene and watch over the animal so that it does not cause damage, especially in common areas, both to protect the cat and to respect the neighbors. Also keep in mind that although a condominium cannot prohibit tenants from keeping pets, in the case of a lease the landlord may decide not to allow them into the house; if you have taken or are about to rent an apartment, make sure you know the rules regarding this point.
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Dangers
Step 1. Check if you have any poisonous plants in the house
Many plants are toxic to cats - some only mildly, others potentially lethal. Check that no plants in the apartment are dangerous for your pet. If any are, take them away or, if you really have to keep them, put them in a room where the cat cannot enter.
- Among the most common toxic plants are aloe, the entire lily family, several species of ferns, cyclamen and many types of ivy.
- Examples of plants that are not poisonous to cats are orchid, African violet and bamboo.
Step 2. Keep cat food out of her reach
You must never leave coffee, alcohol, chocolate, grapes or raisins in places that the cat can reach. Other things that can hurt him and that he shouldn't get the chance to taste are yeast, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, chives and xylitol. You also shouldn't feed him milk, despite a common belief that it is one of his favorite foods, because lactose can cause digestive problems. Finally, avoid giving them foods with too much salt, as they may not be able to metabolize them well.
Keep in mind that this list is not complete - always check if a food is safe for your cat by consulting reputable websites or asking your vet
Step 3. Tie or hide the threads
Cats are particularly attracted to cords, such as those used to open and close blinds; to them they are like toys. The problem is that the cat can get entangled or even choke. The wires from electronic devices also attract his attention and are obviously very dangerous if chewed. Hide or tie them up whenever possible.
- Don't forget to hide flosses, balls of yarn and other similar items as well. You can definitely use them to play with your cat, but you shouldn't leave them unsupervised, as they may swallow them and get sick to your stomach.
- If you can't keep the wires out of his reach, a workaround is to make them unattractive by applying a deterrent spray that tastes unpleasant to him.
Step 4. Hide the chemicals
Detergents and other household products are often toxic to cats, and your kitty's curiosity may prompt him to try to open some packaging if he comes across one. So be sure to store them in cabinets that are inaccessible to him.
Step 5. Hide the Medicines
Medicines are obviously other dangerous substances; even when it comes to cat-specific medicine, an overdose or unnecessary intake can cause serious side effects. Sometimes cats see packages as something to play with and risk opening them with paws. Keep them in a special locker or container with a cat-proof opening.
Step 6. Put away other toxic products
There are several commonly used items that are potentially dangerous for cats that you may not think of, such as mothballs, laundry softening wipes, cigarettes, and batteries. Make sure you keep all of these items out of the cat's reach.
Part 3 of 3: Protect Your Property and the Apartment
Step 1. Buy a scratching post
If you want to protect the furniture from your feline companion's nails, you need to provide the cat with something to scratch other than the new carpet. You can find cheap scratching posts at any pet store; some are made of plain cardboard.
Step 2. Protect fragile items
If you have knick-knacks that can break easily, it's best to hide them, even if they appear to be out of reach. Cats are very curious animals that manage to climb into the most unthinkable places, making everything fall. The risk is not only that of losing valuable items, but also that the cat gets hurt.
Step 3. Trim his nails regularly
This will protect both the furniture and the cat itself, as claws that are too long can cause them problems.
- It is not necessary to use a special tool - the classic nail clipper is a good option, as long as it is well sharpened; but if you prefer you can buy a specific one for cats. Have some cornstarch, anti-bleeding powder, or a bar of soap handy in case the paw does bleed (just apply them to the area). However, there is usually no bleeding if the procedure is done correctly. Hold the cat under one arm, gently grab a paw and press on the pads to pull out the nails. Cut only the tip, avoiding the pink part, which is a sensitive area with nerve endings. It may take several sessions to trim all the nails.
- Remember that you cannot have your claws removed surgically. The "deungulation" of the cat, that is the total and definitive removal of the nails, is a practice now prohibited in Italy and in many other countries. In addition to being very painful, such an operation can cause serious health and behavior problems.
Step 4. Cover the furniture
Cats shed hair - it's a fact. You won't be able to stop your cat from leaving hair around, but you can always cover the furniture with protective covers. They may not be the best from an aesthetic point of view, but you can take them off when you have guests and wash them periodically.
