Habits to Practice for a Cat-Safe Home

Form the habit of thinking cat safety when purchasing toys and other products for your cats. Catnip mice are excellent toys for cats to practice predatory skills, but tiny glued-on ears, "jiggle" eyes, and string tails can spell disaster if chewed off and swallowed by kitty. Look for overall quality of construction first. I prefer seams sewn with strong thread to glue, and I make it a habit to remove the eyes, ears, and tail before giving the mice to my cats. These adornments are really for humans anyway. We buy them because they're cute, but the cats really don't give a hoot about lifelike features. A cat that can pretend that a down feather floating in the air is a tasty sparrow, surely won't care if his mouse doesn't have eyes or ears.

Learn to read the labels of deodorizers, flea prevention products, and other products with the potential of harm to cats. It isn't necessary to panic at the latest rumor, but be aware, and pass by those products you are doubtful about. If necessary, investigate further before purchasing. They will always be there on your next trip to the store.