Keep your home safe for your feline

Your house is a source of many dangers to cats. Since cats crave warmth, you might find your furry feline snuggled in your sock drawer that you inadvertently left open. But what if you didn't notice your black shorthaired cat snoozing next to those socks of the same color and you shut the drawer?

Cats have fewer heat receptors on their bodies than humans. This allows them to detect the cozy and warm spots in your home even if they are only warmer than the rest of the house by a few degrees.

Remember to shut doors and drawers that might entice your furry friend to find a warm place. Too many tragedies have happened when a cat has curled up in warm clothes dryer to sleep. Keep the dryer closed when not in use.

Cats normally prefer high places, as they are carnivores and hunters. Instinctively they are drawn to them so they can observe their environment and find prey.

You may not normally see your cat surf the kitchen counter, but at one time or another, he will. Your floors, counters, and tables can become smorgasbords of tiny, tempting objects for cats to investigate and possibly swallow.

Many foods that are safe for humans to eat are unsafe for cats. Some include: avocado, chocolate, grapes, mushrooms, and onions. Keep foods that are poisonous to cats safely refrigerated.

Houseplants are another source of danger to cats. Buy safe, non-toxic plants for your home.

Cats enjoy investigating the bathroom. They love to perch up on the sink or toilet looking for running water (even though their water bowl is full) or anything else that looks good. Be safe and have things put away. Keep childproof locks on all cabinets.

If you own a two-story home, close your non-screened upstairs windows and balcony doors. Many owners don't believe their cat would jump from an open window. However, it is possible for a cat to become fixated on a bird or other object and leap without realizing or accidently slip and fall.

One way to keep your indoor cat busy and out of danger is to enrich their lives with toys and perches. Buying cat toys that your furry friend can chase and play with indoors will help keep him busy while allowing him to follow some of his natural stalking instincts. Some cat toys are filled with catnip, which further helps keep your cat busy.

Providing a perch for your kitty by buying or building a high, carpeted cat condo will contribute to hours of climbing and clawing fun without them ruining your drapes. Carpeted window perches are a good idea because they love to watch things happening in the outside world while relaxing in the warm sun.

You might want to consider keeping your cat indoors. This way, it will live a longer and healthier life. In fact, outdoor cats only have an average lifespan of about five years, while indoor cats live an average of 16 years. There are many good reasons to not permit your cat to roam outdoors. Dangers they face are cars, dogs, cat fights, and coyotes to name a few things that can hurt or kill your cat.

Cats may keep the rodent population under control by roaming outside, but it is estimated that domestic cats, whether they are loose pets, feral cats or strays, kill millions of wild birds each year.

An outdoor enclosure or a cat harness and leash are a safe compromise for your furry friend to be able to safely enjoy the great outdoors.

But what about if you've rescued a cat not suited for indoor living? Barn cats or outdoor cats are given the most freedom, since they will wander outside and hunt for food. Despite the fact that these cats are very independent, they still require the proper care and treatment like an indoor cat in order to live long, happy lives. Provide access to shelter, food, and water at all times.

Outdoor cats will sometimes seek shelter under the warm hood of a car, only to suffer injuries by the fan when the car is started up in the morning. Remember to honk your horn before starting your car.

One important thing to remember: all cats, indoors or outdoors, should be properly identified with a cat safety collar and ID tag and/or a microchip.

When taking in any cat, remember to always spay and neuter. Even if it's going to be indoors, cats can sneak out the door so fast you may not notice.