A) Cables

Max sleeping with Cat 5 by ClicknMiken

Cats like to play with cables or chew on them. They also like to crawl into tight spaces where cables might wrap around them. This could strangle your cat or electrocute it when the cable is being chewed. That’s why I recommend securing all your cables with cable wrappers. That prevents the cat from chewing on them as well as from getting tangled up in them.

B) Plastic Bags

Lemonjello & Oranjello by General Disarray (ClintJCL)

Cats are fascinated by plastic bags and like to crawl into them. Be sure to not have any bags laying around your home because your cat might suffocate by crawling into them.

C) Stoves

TotShield Stove Guard

A cat might jump onto a hot stove and burn itself. That’s why I recommend getting a stove guard so that the cat doesn’t get any idea of jumping onto a hot surface. There is the TotShield Stove Guard for Electric Stoves and the TotShield Stove Guard for Gas Stoves.

D) Cans

Open cans can be a hazard to cats because the cats might try to eat out of them and cut their tongue on the sharp edges of the lids and/or the cans. So make sure to put away all opened cans.

E) Plants

Kathrine eats plant by ryujo

Cats love to chew on plants, that’s why you have to be careful which plants you keep around your cat because some might be poisonous to cats. A list of dangerous plants to cats can be found here.

F) Balconies and Window Ledges

Protective Cat Net

Cats love to walk on railings and sit on window ledges. It is not a problem when your home is low to the ground but if you are higher up your cat could fall off the balcony or window ledge. That’s why I recommend a Protective Cat Net.

G) Composters

When you have a composter a cat might try to eat some of the scrapes that is being put in it. That is why I recommend not adding any chemicals to the composter to accelarate the process of biodegradation. Your cat might ingest the chemicals and suffer from poisening.

H) Washing Machines & Dryers

Stitch in Washing Machine by minxlj

Cats love to climb into Washing Machines & Dryers and they also like piles of clothes. This combination can put them at risk. My recommendation is to always make a “cat count” before starting any devices dangerous to cats.

I) Candles

Candles can be dangerous in many ways. Cats could try to sniff them, cats could try to jump up where the burning candle stands and accidentally knock it over (especially when the candle is brought out only for the occasion and is normally not at this place), cats could walk by and get their tail burned, etc. As the candle manufacturer is already giving the advice of not leaving a burning candle unwatched, I say, be double cautious and don’t let the candle or the cat be unmonitored.

J) Insecticides and other Poison

I recommend not using any chemicals in the house or garden , especially when you have a cat or other animals that are living with you. Cats can eat poisoned animals or plants that have been chemically treated. In any case it could be fatal.

In case of an emergency contact your vet or your local emergency clinic. In the U.S. you can also contact the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

I would also recommend to keep these telephone numbers handy, e.g. on the fridge along with information about your pet, e.g. name, age, weight, etc. which can also be useful for people who need to call that are not as familiar with your pet.

K) Collars

Aspen Pet Reflective Safety Cat Collar in Gold

Collars that do not have a safety release can lead to bad injuries. Cats can accidentally get the collar in their mouth or get a leg caught in it. They can also get caught on bushes and similar things and strangle themselves. I strongly recommend a collar like the Aspen Pet Reflective Safety Cat Collar in Gold or the Aspen Pet Reflective Safety Cat Collar in Black that come with a safety release and also a reflective material on them so that the cat can be easily seen in the dark.

Aspen Pet Reflective Safety Cat Collar in Blac

I also recommend not using a flea collar that can result in the same bad injuries. I know of a little abandoned cat that had its leg caught in it and where the collar had eaten its way already in the flesh. Flea collars can also lead to hair loss and allergic reactions. Instead I recommend the Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control for Cats and Kittens that comes in a 3 or 6-dose supply. I advise against cheaper products because they can also lead to allergic reactions.

L) (Sliding Glass) Doors

Out of experience I advise everybody that lives with cats and other animals to always look down when closing doors as well as watching your step. Cats might want to run outside while you are closing the door. This might lead to bad injuries or worse. I would also recommend not forcefully shutting doors or pushing them shut, because you might need to stop the door at the last second. I have had scary moments when the cat suddenly was in the middle of the doorway.

A) Cat TV

One of my cats had to be confined for several weeks because of a knee injury I wanted to make it as easy for him as possible. So I went and bought the biggest dog cage I found to be able to put all his things in there that he needs and I also bought a bird feeder to give him the best nature program that is out there – nature itself. Since then my cats love their extra entertainment. And if I see the birds first just a word from me is enough to get them running to the window to watch their favorite show. :-)

B) Singing

Believe it or not but cats love when you make up songs and you sing to them with their names mentioned in the song. This might even help them remember their given name. ;-)

C) Naming Your Cat

Do not give a name that is too complicated. The names should always be simple, two syllables long containing two vowels, preferable ending on an “ee” sound, like Bailey, Lucy, Zoey, etc.

The website Cat Lovers Only provides further information about naming your cat.

I still use their name every time I talk to them and when I address them.

D) Sleeping and Nightmares

Cats sleep a lot and I would recommend to never interrupt a cats sleep or disturb their rest unless it is an emergency. So you make sure that your cat is less stressed.
Cats can have nightmares, I experience this especially with abandoned cats that have been rescued. My advice is to gently pet them and talk to them or even sing a lullaby containing their name to let them know that they are safe now. :-)

Please check in later for updates.