Cats And Hidden Dangers In The Home [How to Ensure Safety Indoors]

Cats are playful, curious creatures, but this playful nature can sometimes lead them into trouble. Within the comfort of your home, there may be hidden dangers that could pose threats to your whiskered friend.

What are these perils? How serious can they be? And most importantly, what can you do to keep your cat safe? In this article, we'll explore common household hazards, from small objects and appliances to unexpected places where your cat might find himself in danger.

Join us as we discuss the unseen risks and how to protect your loving companion.

Hidden Dangers in the Home

While many cat owners take comfort in knowing that keeping their cats indoors can contribute to a safer and healthier life, hidden dangers still lurk within the home. These unseen threats often lie in everyday objects that we might overlook.

One common but unexpected hazard is a cat's tendency to swallow objects that were never meant to be consumed. These instances are not as rare as you might think and can lead to serious health problems.

Dr. Patricia Hague, who runs the Cat Hospital of Las Colinas, has witnessed this behavior more times than she can count. Her experience with cats and their adventurous eating habits has given her a unique perspective on these dangers.

For example, she once treated a cat that had attempted to eat a balloon, starting with the ribbon. In another case, a cat had swallowed embroidery thread, with a needle attached to the other end. These instances were alarming, but thankfully, both cats survived.

These stories serve as a stark reminder that even within the safety of our homes, cats are exposed to risks.

Rubber Bands, Strings, and Tiny Objects

Sondra York, the former cat chairperson for the Animal Rescue League, in Denton County Texas, recommends keeping a close eye out for rubber bands and string which could be swallowed, and then, consequently either wrap around the cat’s intestines or cut through them like a saw.

Paper clips, pins, and needles can puncture the stomach or any organ in the digestive tract as well, so caution should be exercised at all times.

Be sure to pick up any tiny objects you find on the floor. Anything that could choke a baby could harm your cat. Remove loose buttons, string, yarn, or bells from cat toys.

If your cat pulls one of these items off, it could strangle him or lodge in his intestines.

Milkcap rings are fun for cats to play with, but be sure they aren't getting worn out; they tend to fray and break into pieces. The broken bits hold the same dangers as buttons. If they start tearing, throw them away.

Appliances and Fixtures

Sadly, whoever first coined the phrase, "Curiosity killed the cat," really knew cats. Many an inquisitive cat has lost his life by becoming curious about a common household appliance.

Washer and Dryer

"I was horrified," York recalled. "As I walked away from the (clothes) dryer, I heard this ka-thunk, ka-thunk. I opened the door and there was my Snowshoe cat Ling Ling. I dread to think what would have happened if I had ignored the noise."

Ling Ling, dazed and dizzy, staggered around for a few minutes, but she survived.

Jane and her cat were not as fortunate. Walking away, she also heard her cat, but by the time she could open the door, it was too late, he had already broken his back.

To prevent these types of tragedies, always visually inspect the washer and the dryer before using them. Test the wet clothes in the dryer with a few shakes of the clothes as added insurance.

Stove, Oven, and Dishwasher

For kitties, the kitchen is a maze of land mines. Cats have been known to jump on searing hot stove elements and suffer severe burns.

Never leave a hot stove unattended.

Also, don't forget to give the oven and broiler a quick glance before you close the door.

Never leave the oven door open any longer than is necessary to remove a baked item.

Open both oven and broiler doors and inspect the inside before you even turn on the oven.

A quick once-over will protect both you and your cat against a family member's carelessness or a neighbor's child's mischief.

The same approach is wise when operating the dishwasher. Cats have been known to sneak into the dishwasher and drown.

Toilet Bowl

It seems no room in the house is immune from cat danger. Mary lost her kitten when he fell into the open commode and drowned. Keeping the toilet lid closed could also prevent a crushing blow to a cat curious about water.

It is unwise to encourage your cat to drink from the toilet bowl. Besides the danger of drowning, there is also the possibility of bacterial infections from the water.

While some of the accidents with appliances are freak occurrences, a little precaution costs nothing and could ultimately save your cat's life.

Specific Preventive Measures

While it's crucial to recognize the hidden dangers in your home that could potentially harm your cat, understanding the specific measures you can take to prevent these dangers can make all the difference. Here are practical guidelines and recommendations for cat-proofing different areas of the home:

1. Secure Small Objects

Cats are often intrigued by small objects that can be batted around. Make sure to store items like rubber bands, paper clips, and pins in closed containers and keep them out of your cat's reach.

2. Appliance Safety

Always check appliances like washers, dryers, ovens, and dishwashers before use. Consider adding child locks to prevent your cat from opening them.

3. Cover Electrical Outlets

Cats may be drawn to electrical outlets, risking electric shock. Use outlet covers to keep them safe.

4. Safe Toys

Check your cat's toys regularly for wear and tear. Remove any small parts that may become detached and pose a choking hazard.

5. Protect Against Toxic Substances

Store cleaning products, medications, and other potentially toxic substances in locked cabinets or high shelves where your cat cannot access them.

6. Plant Safety

Many common household plants can be toxic to cats. Check the toxicity of your plants and keep harmful ones out of reach.

7. Water Safety

Keep toilet lids closed and monitor any water features to prevent the risk of drowning.

8. Window and Balcony Safety

If your cat enjoys watching the world from high places, make sure windows and balconies are securely screened or barred to prevent accidental falls.

9. Avoid Human Foods

Keep human foods, especially those that are toxic to cats (like chocolate and onions), securely stored away.

10. Regularly Inspect Cat Equipment

Regularly inspect and replace any frayed or worn equipment, such as collars, leashes, and scratching posts, to prevent unexpected accidents.

By taking these specific preventive measures, you'll create an environment where your whiskered friend can play, explore, and rest with minimal risk. Remember, your vigilance and attention to these details are the key to a safe and happy home for your cat.

Written Contributions and Personal Stories by Dusty Rainbolt

Dusty Rainbolt is an award-winning cat writer. In her spare time, Dusty writes product reviews for Catnip and Whole Cat journal so she can get cat bowls and other free stuff. She also co-authors a monthly column with Hobbes Egan for City & Country Pets.

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7 comments on “Cats And Hidden Dangers In The Home [How to Ensure Safety Indoors]”

Giancarlo May 12, 2023

Please be aware of the danger of Vasistas (tilt-up) windows. Cats may jump to go through and remain stuck by their throat or torso. Both scenarios are fatal. It is designed as a trap for cats, making it completely impossible for them to free themselves on their own. Unfortunately I lost my dear Cleo this way last year. She had never shown any interest in jumping through this window, so I never thought about the danger. Please do not underestimate it.

Danneq December 7, 2020

This is an old article, but I only just found it, and I wanted to add--keep the cords to your curtains/blinds out of reach! They tend, but cats love to play with them. An old friend of my brother's came home from work one day to find her cat hanging from her blinds. It was awful.

gina1968 August 24, 2015

my cat is a inside cat , but in the summer time he likes to go out in the garage and sleeps on a chair until night , when he comes in and sleeps behind the couch . I don't understand him not wanting to stay in a cool house .Sometimes I worry that he will get sick out there . Is this normal , He is 15 yrs old and still in pretty good health .

cstricker August 3, 2015

I came home one day after work and could not find one of my cats. They ALWAYS meet me at the door. I found my tabby in a terrible emotional state under my bed. She had urinated and messed all over the house. She had a habit of licking plastic bags (like you get at the grocery store). Without thinking, I left one out and she got her head stuck in the handle of one of those plastic bags and freaked out. She might have been wearing that bag most of the day. I recommend not leaving things out that could get the best of a curious cat, no matter how simple the item.

tournesol March 1, 2015

Interesting article. My cat loves to run into the refrigerator when I open it - and disappear into the dark depths. I have found it more productive to simply close the refrigerator door and set the timer for one minute. By then she's ready to come out on her own and I can warm her up. If I instead try to get her out immediately it becomes a losing game (for me!) of her going into the farthest corner in the back. :-)

lon1 May 28, 2013

One of my cats will hop in if you open ANYTHING, so you always have to be aware. There have been times he has spent an entire day in a coat closet when he has run in there and he has been shut in inadvertantly when I was on my way out of the house. Now I always leave the closet open a crack just in case. He just jumped in the refrigerator the other day when I was getting a few things out, and so fast he was in there before I could stop him...but fortunately I noticed him jump in so I could remove him before closing it. Remember that could be deadly too because refrigerators are air tight. With a cat like this, or really with any cat you have to be aware at all times and check any sort of item before closing it in case your cat is in there.

catfella December 30, 2012

This is a good article. I am going to share these safety tips with my daughter, so we can both work together to keep Cheddar and Colby safe. The only thing that surprised me was no the lack of mention of chemicals and cupboards. I figured that would be a main safety point, to use some sort of protective device to keep the cats out of the assortment of cleaners under sinks and in closets.

Cats And Hidden Dangers In The Home [How to Ensure Safety Indoors]