Glossary

Cat-proofing

Checking a home for hazards a curious cat could chew, swallow, climb, squeeze into or fall from, and removing or blocking them.

Also called: cat proofing, kitten-proofing, making a home cat-safe

Cat-proofing means looking at your home the way a cat does and removing what could hurt it. Cats explore with their mouths and paws, they climb, and they fit through small gaps, so the risks are broader than most new owners expect.

Common checks cover several areas. Keep cords and blind pulls out of reach, because chewed cables can shock and looped strings can strangle. Store string, thread, hair ties, tinsel and ribbon, which can cause serious blockages if swallowed. Remove toxic houseplants, with lilies being especially dangerous to cats, and keep human medicines, cleaning products and antifreeze locked away. Close washing machine and dryer doors, secure recliners and cupboards, and keep the toilet lid down.

Fit screens on windows and balcony doors, since falls and escapes are common. Make sure a window perch or cat tree is stable, and offer safe things to chew and scratch. A breakaway collar and a registered microchip help if a cat does get out. If your cat swallows anything unsafe, call a vet or a poison helpline straight away and do not wait for signs, and do not try to make it vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Catio A fully enclosed outdoor space, from a window box to a garden room, where a cat can enjoy fresh air without roaming free. Window perch A shelf, hammock or bed that attaches to a window so an indoor cat can sit and watch the outside world. Breakaway collar A cat collar with a clasp designed to pop open under strain so the cat can free itself if the collar snags. Cat tree A multi-level piece of furniture with platforms, perches, hideaways and scratching surfaces that lets an indoor cat climb and survey the room. Cat harness A set of straps or a vest that fits around a cat's chest and back so it can be clipped to a lead for supervised outdoor time.

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