Cats are curious, agile and endlessly inventive about getting into places you would not expect. A short cat-proofing sweep before your new cat arrives removes the real hazards and lets you relax once they are exploring.
The real dangers
- Toxic plants: lilies are deadly to cats even in tiny amounts; also remove or relocate aloe, pothos and other common houseplants.
- Strings and small objects: thread, hair ties, rubber bands and ribbon can cause fatal intestinal blockages if swallowed.
- Open windows and balconies: cats fall from heights more often than people think — secure windows and balcony gaps.
- Cords and chargers: tuck away anything chewable.
Secure the escape routes
New cats bolt when frightened. Check that window screens are intact, doors close fully, and household members know to watch the door for the first few weeks. Gaps behind appliances and into ducting should be blocked — a scared cat will wedge itself somewhere alarming.
Give them better options
Cats climb and scratch whatever you leave available, so redirect the behaviour: provide a sturdy scratching post and some vertical space like a shelf or cat tree. A cat with its own outlets is far less likely to target your furniture.
A final room-by-room walkthrough
Right before the cat arrives, do one last pass at floor level in each room — sewing kits left open, medication on a low shelf, and small decorative items within batting distance are easy to miss from standing height but obvious once you look from where the cat will actually be.
