Page 19 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy
P. 19

Close off exit points above ground   and tools should be shut away in
        floor level. Cats can climb out of   a shed or garage—make sure you
        upper-floor windows, or over a   do not accidently shut your cat in
        high-rise balcony, with serious   too. The major concern for owners   Indoor checklist
        consequences if they fall.     is the road outside. High fencing    ■ Never leave heated kitchen
                                       is expensive, but could deter your   appliances, such as stoves and
        Hazards in the garden          cat from wandering and also keep   irons, unattended
        While cats rarely nibble anything   other cats out.              ■ Do not leave sharp utensils and
        but grass, it is wise to check your   Do not forget to protect your   breakables within the cat's reach
        garden for toxic plants. Ponds and   garden against the cat. Children's   ■ Shut the doors of cabinets and
                                                                         appliances such as washing
        paddling pools are possible hazards,   sandpits and soft earth make   machines and tumble dryers
        especially for kittens. Until a kitten   inviting litter trays, so cover the   ■ Keep your cat away from
        knows his way around, take him out   sand when not in use and scatter cat   wet paint or surfaces wet with
        in a harness on a leash. Chemicals   deterrents around precious plants.  cleaning chemicals
                                                                         ■ Protect open fires with a guard
                           DO...                                         ■ Ensure that your cat cannot
                  secure cabinet doors to
                     prevent access to                                   jump out of upper floor windows
                  household chemicals.                                   ■ Do not place toxic houseplants
            DON'T...                                                     where your cat could brush      17
           leave stove
          nobs or grills                                                 against them
          switched on
        and unattended.
                                                                               DON'T...
                                                                               leave washing-machine and
                                                                               tumble-dryer doors open.   Making your home safe

















                                                                                         DO...
                                                                                         place the litter tray
                                                                                         where it will not be
                                                                                         tripped over or present
                                                                                         a health hazard.
                                                                                    DO...
                      DO...                                                         place water and food bowls well
               check that outdoor                                                   apart to avoid food particles
               water bowls are not                                                  scattering into the water.
           contaminated with debris.
                                                                                    DO...
           DO...                                                                    read the labels to check
           keep your pet off flowerbeds by   DO...                                  for poisonous plants
           using special cat deterrents or   install a cat flap that                before buying.
           scattering woody plant clippings.  recognizes your cat's
                                 microchip, to prevent                              DO...
                               other cats from entering.                            erect a high fence to
                                                                                    discourage your cat from
                        DO...                                                       venturing onto a busy road.
                        use only weedkillers and slug
                        pellets that are nontoxic to pets.






   US_016-017_Making_your_home_safe.indd   17                                                        24/10/2013   14:58
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