Tips to cat-proof your apartment

As rewarding as it is to own a cat, it doesn’t come without its hazards to your other belongings. By taking some necessary precautions, you can create a safe and stimulating environment for your cat while keeping your apartment intact.

Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa warns tenants that it can be tricky to find a pet-friendly rental property.

“Because pet-friendly rentals are hard to come by, it’s best to establish yourself as a good tenant and to prevent any possible pet damages to the property,” he recommends.

To help tenants prepare their homes for their feline friends, RE/MAX of Southern Africa provides some tips on how to prevent damage and keep your cats safe from harm.

Secure electrical cords:
Use cord covers or double-sided tape to secure electrical cords and prevent chewing. Consider using cord organizers to keep cords tidy and less tempting.

Close off escape routes:
Install sturdy screens on windows to prevent your cat from escaping or falling. If you have a balcony, ensure that it is enclosed or has cat-safe netting. Before making any fixtures to the walls, make sure you have your landlord’s permission first. It can also be useful to introduce yourself to neighbours so that they can let you know if your cat ever gets out.

Secure furniture:
Anchor bookshelves, TVs, and other heavy items to the wall to prevent them from tipping over. Ensure that decorative items are stable and cannot be easily knocked over. To prevent stains on the carpets and flooring, try not to leave a vase or glass of red wine somewhere easily knocked over.

Regular cleaning:
Keeping a litterbox indoors can lead to some pungent odours, so be sure to clean this out daily. Stock up on lint rollers and rubber brooms to make sure you’re able to deal with the never-ending fluff problem.

“Cat-proofing your apartment is an essential step when renting. Regularly checking for potential hazards and securing heavy items will help prevent accidents and possible damages to the property,” says Goslett.

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