Before bringing home your new feline friend, make sure your home is prepared for your new cat’s curiosity.
Keep toxic foods and other items that may be harmful to your cat’s health in cabinets or other areas your cat cannot get into. For more information about foods and plants that are toxic to your pet, please see our Toxic Food and Plants articles.
Unplug electrical cords. Many cats like to chew on cords and can be shocked if the wire is plugged in. If a cord must be plugged in, make sure to use a cord protector.
Tie up all drape and blind strings to prevent your cat misinterpreting them as toys and injuring themselves or damaging your drapes in the process. Also make sure to keep all ribbon, yarn, hair ties, and other things of the sort up and out of your cat’s reach. Ingesting these items can be harmful to your cat’s health.
Put scratching posts in front of furniture. This will divert your cat’s scratching needs to the post rather than your nice furniture.
Use caution when lighting candles. Cats are often attracted to the light and smoke and approach lit candles. To help keep your cat from the flame, try placing hurricanes or candle toppers on your candles. Always blow out a lit candle before leaving the room.
Pick up clothes and damp towels. Cats often instinctively eliminate on soft and damp surfaces, especially when they are getting used to a new environment.
If you have allergies, make sure your home is equipped with air purifiers, vacuums with air filters, and other methods to keep you home allergen-free.
Check all the nooks and crannies of a room before closing it off. Many cats prefer to sleep in tight, nooky places. Before closing a door to any room, make sure to check and make sure your cat isn’t tucked away in a corner.
Secure window screens. Cats love to perch on a window sill and look out. To prevent your cat from escaping out the window, make sure all of the screens are securely installed.