When you adopt a new pet, you may find yourself anxiously envisioning all the things around the house that could harm them. Since you can’t keep a new cat or dog in a safety bubble, the best you can do is prepare your home for their arrival. Learn a few ways to create a safer home for your new pet by reading ahead.
Use High Ground to Your Advantage
Humans have at least two advantages over cats and dogs: we’re taller than them and we have opposable thumbs. You must use both advantages to protect your most precious or hazardous belongings from little claws and teeth. Store anything that’s toxic to animals or fragile in your uppermost cabinets. Remember, cats can climb to areas you may not expect. Don’t underestimate the jumping ability of your precious kitty, no matter how small they are.
Consider Your Furniture and Décor Carefully
You’ll want plenty of sturdy furniture to handle rough treatment from pets, whether they’re laying down or bumping into it. You should consider whether they’re likely to scratch or damage any of your furniture items.
Your choice of flooring will impact your pet’s safety. Dogs and cats will have difficulty gaining traction on many hard flooring materials, and their claws can catch on some styles of carpet. Keep their claws in mind as you pick a new floor. Consider buying a pet-friendly rug for your home to prevent them from slipping around and falling.
Keep Your Cords Organized
Puppies and kittens love to chew on any cords laying around. And this means they can damage your most important wires, like computer power cords and headset cords.
Keep them from chewing on cords by placing them out of reach. However, they may adamantly continue to find ways to chomp on any electrically charged string toys, which may require you to find a different way to create a safer home for your new pet. You can use a bad-tasting spray or cord covers. Keep their little mouths far away from your wires to protect them against eating plastic and experiencing a shocking punishment.