Cats are popular pets in the US. They are often seen as cute and cuddly, and many people enjoy having them around. So naturally, this translates to the number of households that have them. About 45 million households in the United States have cats, making them one of the most lovable pets in the country. However, there have also been some controversies surrounding cats in recent years.
Some cat owners have insisted that their pets be allowed indoors, while others claim that cats should only be outdoors when supervised by their owners. This has led to heated debates between cat lovers and other community members, but it remains unclear who is right or wrong on this matter. But despite all of these controversies about how cats should be raised, there is one thing that all cat-owners agree on, and that is cat-proofing their homes.
There are many ways to cat-proof your home, but the seven most popular and effective ones are here.
Get a scratching post
Scratching is typical behavior for cats. They do it for various reasons, from stretching their muscles to marking territory and attracting mates. Many cat owners choose to declaw their cats because they do not want them destroying their furniture or carpets. But this isn’t very ethical. Cats need their claws for balance and other essential things, so it’s best to provide them with a scratching post instead of forcing them to go without their claws.
Scratching posts are great because they can keep your cat’s claws pared down so they can’t damage furniture or rugs. They are also less expensive than getting them declawed, as it is a surgical procedure that costs hundreds of dollars. Moreover, it can help you avoid cat scratch disease. Scratch disease can be transmitted from cats to humans when a cat bites or scratches a person, so it’s essential to prevent this by providing your kitty with an outlet for their scratching needs.
Get a litter box
Cats are also very particular about the cleanliness of their space. This is why it’s essential to get them litter boxes that they can use whenever they want. You don’t have to change the litter every day (though you can if you want), but you do need to keep it clean enough so that your cat will continue using it. Clean out any old litter or feces before putting in new stuff, and always pour in freshwater after doing so. Cats prefer unscented litter and ones that are soft and easy to dig in. Avoid using clumping litter, as this can be harmful if ingested.
There are a variety of litter boxes on the market, so find one that best suits your cat’s needs. Some even come with lids to help keep the area clean and free of odors.
Use baby gates
Baby gates are often used to keep children safe, but they can also be used to keep cats contained in certain areas. Baby gates are handy if you have a cat that likes to roam around the house and get into things they’re not supposed to. By using baby gates, you can block off areas that you don’t want your cat to go into without having to keep an eye on them all the time. Put the baby gate up and let your cat explore their new surroundings.
You can also use baby gates to create a safe space for your cat if there is construction in your home or if there are other pets in the house that your kitty doesn’t get along with. Just make sure that the baby gate is tall enough so that your cat can’t jump over it and that it’s made of sturdy material so they can’t push it over.
Use double-sided tape
Double-sided tape is a popular way to deter cats from scratching furniture or other surfaces in your home. The sticky surface of the tape will make them uncomfortable, and they will eventually learn to avoid it. Just be sure to use it on surfaces that your cat can’t reach, as they may try and lick the tape off if they manage to bite at it.
There are also other types of sticky deterrents available for cats that won’t harm them. There are sprays and gels that you can put on furniture and plants to keep them away. If you’re worried about your kitty ingesting these substances, however, go with double-sided tape instead.
Hire a Contractor
If you don’t want to do all of these things yourself, you can always hire a contractor to do it for you. There are companies that specialize in making homes cat-proof, so all you have to do is give them a call, and they’ll take care of everything. A contractor is especially useful if you’re not sure how to go about cat-proofing your home or if you don’t have the time to do it yourself.
However, ensure that the contractor you hire has an environmental management certification. This can tell you that their practices are safe for the environment and are certainly safe for your fur babies.
By following these seven steps, you can make your home more cat-friendly and prevent your feline friend from causing any damage. You’ll also be able to save money in the long run by not having to replace scratched-up furniture or pay for expensive surgeries. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!