How to pet proof homes for cats and dogs, against household dangers with animal safe tips to protect kittens from harm too.
Pet Proof  Your Homes
 

 Household Dangers for Cats and Dogs
 Pets will investigate the world they find themselves in. This cannot be and should not be discouraged, but it can lead any pet into danger. Before acquiring a new cat-dog or puppy-kitten, it is worth considering what hazards it will face around your home, and what precautions may be taken. Such ordinary household items as pans of boiling water or hot fat, live cables (TV, lamps, radio or any wire they can reach), toxic cleaners such as bleach, laundry tablets, glass cleaners etc., are potential deathtraps and, as such, must be kept well out of reach.
  A particular danger area is the garden, so before your pet is allowed to run free outside, you should check the garden for possible hazards and either remove them or put them behind secure fencing. Cats, even if they will eventually be let out any time, should not be allowed out for at least one or two months, and then only supervised (on a leash if you can) to get to know its new environment, and the smell of home. Kittens should not be allowed out until after all initial shots are completed, and only then supervised, at least until they are six months of age, so they may learn their home area, about the outdoors, and be able to protect themselves or run to safety without getting lost.


 GATES must close securely and should be constructed that a puppy cannot wiggle through or under them. Plastic garden fencing stapled to the gate framework makes a good barrier which can be removed when the puppy is too large to get through. Cats can get around or over all fencing, so can kittens, unless your cat or kitten is to be an outdoors pet, make sure they are leashed even in your yard else they may escape if something startles them. Make sure that children understand the importance of locking and or closing the gate securely and that they impress this on their friends. One way of preventing the gate being left opened is locking it with a small padlock, making only entry to the backyard through your home.

 Check FENCES AND HEDGES to see that they are pet-proof. Remember that some pets may dig under fences and/or chew their way through. Check your yard on a daily basis if possible to ensure that the fencing or gate is as it should be. Plastic garden fencing or bricks, even cement blocks may be used to fill gaps, make sure that your fencing refinements reach below the grass level of your lawn by at least six inches to one foot - depending on the determination of your pet.

  REMOVE LADDERS or stacked crates/boxes or other fixtures which give access to flat roofs or balconies.

  Never move your CAR until you know where your pet is, open the hood of the car before getting in and honk the horn before starting the engine to frighten away any cats or squirrels which may be hiding in or under your car. Dogs and puppies are sometimes excited by car movements, and may give chase or attempt to capture a tire. It is best to restrain them until trained, or continue to keep them leashed or away from cars or street.  Always check your GARAGE to make sure you do not lock your pet inside / also never leave it open overnight as along with attracting thieves, raccoons and cats are often unknowingly locked in garages.

  Confine your pets to the house or dog run when MOWING LAWNS, using SNOWBLOWERS, TRIMMING HEDGES, or using any other type of lawn equipment, even rakes can poke out an eye (plastic snow shovels may be an exception). Many pets are frightened by the noise of the motors, as well some are even sensitive to the high revs of a small engine. A cat or kitten and even some dogs and puppies may run away trying to escape the loud noise which is scaring them. Some dogs and cats have been known to attack from fright, best to not take any chances.
** The same goes for any type of fireworks, Keep you pet inside!

  Ensure that PESTICIDES and other GARDEN CHEMICALS are stored out of reach, and that they are kept out of the pets way when in use. Before using any such product, read the labels, and if possible only use products that are pet safe (if it cant hurt your pets it wont hurt you or your children either). If in doubt, check with your vet.  
  We received a tip from one visitor, to try double sided sticky tape, or sticky putty on cupboard doors to hold them closed from prying paws. Of course, if your pet is very determined and you need something stronger, try some of the safety products for babies. If these don't work, you'd better hide your wallet. Your pet may be smart enough to use your credit cards.

GARDEN PONDS or fountains should be temporarily fenced off while your pet is young.


 

-Here is where you'll learn to be.
-A better owner to your pet.
-Read these tips and then you'll see.
-Much less of your local vet.

You'll never guess
what's coming next

Feline Philosophy

A cat is a lion
in a jungle
of small bushes.

Canine Quotes

Bulldogs are adorable, with faces like toads that have been sat on.


I chew furniture and tried to escape.

I love little pussy,
her coat is so warm,
and if I don't hurt her, she'll do me no harm.
So I'll not pull her tail, nor drive her away, but pussy and I, very gently will play.


Pet proof your homes against us.