Your furry family deserves to be happy, healthy, and safe from common household hazards.

But animals, especially younger ones, are naturally curious, which can lead to danger if you’re not around to keep them away from harm.

While some hazards are obvious, others may require you to change your ways or rethink the way you use your space. Don’t let curiosity kill your cat! Take these simple steps to keep your pets out of danger when inside.

Living Spaces

1. Dangling wires put your puppy or kitty at risk for electric shock, not to mention pose a serious fire hazard. Secure wires with zip ties where necessary.
2. Board games often contain small pieces that can cause small animals to choke. Simply putting them in the box may not enough to protect them from a teething animal. Keep games out of reach, preferably in a cabinet that locks securely.
3. Crafts pose the same hazards as games. Those pretty threads and ribbons pose multiple threats to your animals. Sharp objects like needles and scissors can cause serious damage as well. Keep them in a container that shuts tightly.
4. Breakable items are not a good idea. They are bound to get knocked over by kittens who haven’t yet completely discovered how to balance themselves yet. Keep them where no animal can reach. Be careful to make sure that an animal cannot jump up to get to them either.
5. Check under couches and around furniture for small items you may miss during vacuum time. If you have small children, be especially careful to check for food like chocolate that may be toxic to dogs.
6. Keep heating and cooling vents covered.

Kitchens & Bathrooms

1. Dogs and cats can be poisoned by chemicals and medications in these areas. Use discretion, and if necessary buy cabinet and drawer latches used to keep babies away from danger. A good rule to follow is to keep the most dangerous chemicals as high off the ground as possible.
2. Cover all trashcans or keep them inside of cabinets that latch. Even if there’s nothing in there that will hurt your pet, you don’t want to come home to a mountain of stinky trash to clean.
3. Block off small spaces in cabinets, pantries, or other places where a small animal can hide. Cats are prone to hide in these small spaces and may become stuck.
4. Don’t leave human food where your pet can get to it. Even if the food isn’t dangerous, plastic wrappers can cause your pet to choke and suffocate.
5. Always close the toilet lid.

Garage

1. Keep the floor clean to avoid poisoning animals who lick when they’re curious. Make it a habit to regularly clean the garage floor or driveway after doing car maintenance like oil changes or fluid flushes.
2. Check under the hood of your car for animals trying to keep warm. Kittens may lay on warm engines.
3. Move all chemicals and car fluids to high shelves.
4. Clear all sharp and dangerous tools off the floor or countertops.

Bedrooms

1. Unplug cell phone and electronic chargers and keep out of your pet’s reach. Not only can your pet get hurt, you don’t want to come home with a dead phone to find you have no way to charge it.
2. Move your laundry and shoes to an area your animal can’t get to. Strings, buttons, sequins and other embellishments can may harm your pet.
3. Always check when leaving a room to be sure you haven’t closed your kitty or dog inside.

Other Areas

1. Check the dryer for sleeping kittens.
2. Use baby gates to cordon off areas where your pet is not allowed.

While this list may seem endless, a couple of small changes are all that’s necessary to protect your pet—and yourself—from unnecessary problems. These hazards are easy to avoid. Start when your pet is young, or even better, before you bring your new pet home.

Your pets are important. By keeping an eye out for things that curious kitties or playful puppies might find interesting, you will be well on your way to creating a safe and healthy environment for your fur baby.