Cat Behavior & Feline Safety

Out of all the domesticated pets you could choose cats are some of the easiest to care for.
However, like all domesticated animals cats require proper care and proper care requires you to understand your responsibilities as well as the needs of the animal and how best you can meet those needs.

Since the domestic cat is basically a small creature,their living areas pose not too much of a consideration but having said that your house should be big enough to allow the cat room to dwell.

If you live in a high rise apartment or on a very busy main road outside access for your cat will be difficult and therefore choosing a young kitten as your pet will be preferable to an adult cat already used to the outdoor life.

If you are out of the house for any length of time you must ensure that there is an available and clean cat litter box, adequate food and fresh water. Shut any doors where you prefer to deny access and make sure that there are no safety hazards.

Any domestic cat whether confined to the house or not should not be left alone for more than twenty four hours but if you have to go away for more than a day it is best to arrange for someone to call each day to feed your cat and provide a clean cat litter box.

It is well known that cats are inquisitive creatures, it is natural cat behaviour, but there is no doubt that this curiosity can lead to danger, we all know that age-old adage about curiosity killing the cat.

Cat behaviour is such that they will explore open windows, open lofts and cupboards, hot stoves, washers and dryers anywhere left open and forgotten the cat will lose no opportunity to explore.

Cats can meet danger in any home and so making your home safe or cat proofing your home is the first step in feline safety.

Electric cables and outlets are dangers, secure the outlet with a child -proof cover and hide away the cables. If you find that it is difficult to have the cables hidden coat them with hot pepper or some other non-toxic deterrent.

The house cat will sometimes find an attraction to a certain houseplant because it loves the aroma or texture or even its natural desire for a tasty vegetable extract. However, many indoor plants are toxic to domestic cats whilst it is preferable not to have living plants if they are a must then they should be kept in a raised position away from the cat's reach. Any fallen leaves must be disposed of quickly.

Any substance, cleaning materials for instance, that you see lying around that is easily accessible and you believe may well be a source of danger you should take the appropriate action to remove to a more secure area.

Cat-proofing your home is merely common sense and a cautionary approach.