- As a new pet parent, you'll soon find out
there are lots of great products that can
enrich your cat's life.
But it's important you have the essentials.
These are a high quality cat food, food and water bowls,
a sleeping area or pet bed, a litter box and litter,
some toys, a scratching post, and finally,
even if he's micro-chipped, you'll want to have
an ID tag and collar, which should be worn
at all times, in case he accidentally gets out.
We recommend a breakaway collar, which will
come off easily and prevent choking
if it gets snagged on anything.
Now, let's show you how to make your home
safe and cat friendly.
^Make sure all window screens are secure
^and screen doors are locked, so your cat
^can't venture outside without you.
Next, be aware of electrical dangers.
To avoid serious injury or even death by electrical shock,
use outlet covers and tuck away electrical cords
as best you can.
Cord containers are also available at most
home improvement and baby stores.
No matter how nice of an environment they
create for you, fireplaces and candles can be
very dangerous to your cat and your family.
So, be sure there's proper screening in front
of your fireplace and keep lit candles
well out of your cat's reach.
Finally, cats love to hide out in recliners
and couch cushions, so be careful when you
sit down on your couch, and always check
beneath you before putting a leg rest up or down
on your recliner.
Cats love to jump up on counters,
so you need to clear them of any dangerous objects,
like knives and delicate glass.
Also, cover your garbage disposal switch,
so your cat won't accidentally turn it on
when he walks by.
And make sure you use a drain cover.
Next, close off any space that will allow your cat
to climb behind the refrigerator.
Keep in mind that dishwashers are also tempting hideouts,
so always check them before shutting the door.
Use child safety locks on all cabinets
in your home which contain harmful items.
It's also important to use covered trash cans,
or place them in areas your cat can't access.
Make sure the toilet bowl lid always stays down.
Some cats will try to drink from the toilet
and bowl cleaners can be extremely dangerous.
Also, if you have a kitten and he accidentally
falls into an open toilet, he could drown.
If you have a cloth shower curtain,
consider flipping it up and over the rod
when not in use.
This will help prevent your kitty from
climbing it just for fun.
Keep in mind, cats love secure, warm places.
So, you'll want to keep your washer and dryer doors closed,
and always check inside before starting them.
Better yet, make the laundry room off limits
to your cat by keeping the door closed.
Finally, attics, basements, garages, and open balconies
are simply not safe, and should be off limits to your cat.