How to Pet-Proof Your Home for Cats & Dogs
Protect your furry friends.
Cats and dogs are more than just pets, they’re members of the family. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned pro with a new space, creating a safe environment for your four-legged friends is a priority. Learn how to pet-proof your home for cats and dogs with this comprehensive guide.
Tip!
If you’re a new pet parent, make sure you have the essentials with our New Kitten Checklist and our New Puppy Checklist.
1. Identify Potential Dangers
- Toxic Plants: Many common household plants are toxic to pets and can cause symptoms from nausea and vomiting to potential life threatening complications. Be sure to research each new houseplant you add to your home to find out if it is a hazard to your cat or dog. If you do decide to keep houseplants, be sure to keep them out of reach by placing them on a raised plant stand, in a hanging planter, or displayed on a high shelf that your cat can’t get to. To be on the safe side, choose faux plants or check out our guide to find out What Plants Are Safe for Pets.
- Sharp Objects & String: Sharp objects like needles and thumbtacks are a common foreign object that pets swallow and that can create dangerous complications. String-like objects like thread, yarn, or floss are another commonly ingested hazard, especially among cats. Be sure to store these items away properly to avoid a hefty vet bill. Make use of storage containers with lids or craft supply storage carts.
- Pest Control: Be extremely cautious if you use any kind of pest control for rodents or insects in your home since these are very dangerous if ingested by pets. These chemicals should not be put out in any part of the house your pet could potentially access. Safely store them when not in use somewhere your pet can’t get to them like on a shelving unit or in a garage storage cabinet.
- Electrical Wires: Keep all electrical wires neat and tucked away so teething puppies and curious cats can’t nibble on them. Invest in a tv stand with media storage to keep wires out of reach. If you can’t keep wires out of sight, block off the entire room or area when you are not able to supervise your pet.
Kitchens can contain several hazards for your precious pets. Pet-proofing your kitchen is a key step in creating a safer (and less accident-prone) home.
- Secure Your Trash: Most inappropriate ingestions happen when pets knock over or get into the kitchen trash. When this happens, they risk eating human foods that are toxic to them or non-food, non-disgestible items that can cause a potential bowel obstruction or make them sick. Invest in a pet-proof trash can that locks or is stored under the kitchen counter so your pets can’t rummage through it – step-on trash cans and touch-top trash cans are both great options.
- Keep Cleaning Supplies Locked Away: The chemicals in cleaning supplies are another potential hazard your pet can encounter in the kitchen. Most are poisonous or just generally should not be ingested by your pet. Keep them organized and stored under the sink, or in a closet where pets can’t get to them and get sick as a result.
- Discourage Counter-Surfing: Pets love food! Having human food out in the open on your counter will encourage them to jump up to look for tasty treats. Use food storage jars and containers, or a bread box to secure food so your pet can’t get ahold of it.
Create a safe space where you and your pet can spend quality time together. Keep cuddle time stress-free by designing a space where your pet is safe and your furniture is protected from pet messes as well.
- Cover Your Sofa and Bed: Invest in a waterproof and chew-proof sofa and chair covers to protect your favorite furniture from pet hair and messes. If your pet sleeps in bed with you, make sure to invest in a waterproof mattress cover. Get a good carpet or upholstery spot-cleaning machine, so if messes do happen, it’s easy to clean.
- Give Them Their Own Spot: If your pets aren’t allowed on the couch or bed, make sure they have somewhere comfy to lie down. Get your cat or dog a pet sofa bed, a memory foam pillow bed, or a cave bed so they can snuggle up while you watch movies together. Give them their own stain- and chew-resistant dog blanket for extra comfort and warmth.
Tip!
Check out everything you need to know about pet beds with our helpful guides:
Cat Beds Buying Guide
Types of Dog Beds
How to Choose the Right Size Dog Bed
- Invest in Washable Rugs: Washable area rugs are great for spaces that see heavy pet traffic. They can simply be thrown in the wash in case of any accidents or when pet hair starts to build up. Washable area rugs are also great for hallways and mudrooms or anywhere your pet needs some extra traction on slippery floors. They are a must-have for homes with puppies or elderly pets.
- Prevent Scratching: Keep your cat happy and active while preventing unwanted furniture scratching by providing them with scratchers or a cat tree. These cat essentials help keep their nails healthy and give them what they need to climb, play, and lounge. You can also install cat perches on your wall to give them extra spaces to lounge and climb. Consider what cat tree features your kitty might enjoy and choose the perfect setup with help from our Cat Tree Buying Guide.
Having a fully pet-proofed area where you can keep your pet in an emergency, or even when you just have to run out for errands is a must. Make sure this space has no toxic plants, no exposed wires, or glass objects that could be knocked over. By blocking off a safe area with an extended gate or standard doorway gate, you’ll be able to pop out for a few hours at a time without having to worry about your pet getting into a dangerous situation. Another option is keeping your pet in a comfortable crate or playpen when you have to leave the house.
Tip!
Check out these Dog Room Ideas to get inspired on creating the perfect safe space for your furry friends!
5. Allow Safe Access to Outdoor Spaces
Pets love the outdoors, but there can be potential dangers if they are left unsupervised. Give your pet a safe space to enjoy the great outdoors with these tips.
- Give Your Cat a Catio: A catio is an enclosed outdoor structure that offers space for your cat to climb and lounge while enjoying fresh air and a great view of your yard. These structures protect them from predators and keep them contained so they don’t find themselves in danger. Some catios are freestanding in your yard, while most catios connect directly to the outside of your house so your cat can enter through a window or pet door as they please.
- Set Up an Outdoor Kennel: Outdoor dog kennels and pens are basically the dog version of a catio. They are an enclosed structure, typically made of metal fencing, and most include a roof or covering to offer shelter from the weather. These are great for yards without a fence, as they give your dog a safe space to enjoy being off-leash outdoors. Be sure to supervise your pet while they are outdoors in their kennel and never leave them unattended when it is too hot or cold outside.
- Install a Pet Door: If you do have a safe space for your pet to enjoy outside, like a fenced-in yard or patio, give them a pet door. It allows your pet to visit their outdoor space as they please and allows them to get back inside for protection against weather, temperatures, and potential predators.
Tip!
Learn how to choose the right pet door and how to install it with our guides:
Dog Door Installation: A How-to Guide
Your Guide to Types of Dog Doors
Your Guide to Dog Door Sizes
