A happy home for your cat

Of course you want your cat to feel as much at home as you do. How do you turn your home into a pleasant place for her?

What is a cat-friendly home?

A cat-friendly home is a clean home that takes into account the instincts and living needs of a cat. The cat must feel safe, but she also needs to be stimulated.

How do I make my home cat-friendly?

Turn your home into a real cat palace where your companion loves to be:

• Provide basic necessities such as food bowls and a suitable litter box.
• Don't leave food lying around.
• Open a window regularly and fit a fly screen.
• Put some cat toys in every room.
• Clean the litter box regularly.
• Give your cat her own quiet spot.
• Install a cat flap if you have an outdoor cat.

If you apply these things, your cat will never want to leave. She will have a safe, clean and stimulating home.

How do I make my home safe for my cat?

Keep cleaning products, personal care products, human food, tobacco and medicines away from your cat.

Your cat usually lands on her feet, but unstable furniture can be dangerous for her. Also watch out for open windows. Fit a fly screen so your cat cannot get out through the window. Be especially careful with tilt-and-turn windows: make sure they are never left half open in the tilted position. Your cat could otherwise get stuck in them.

Tip: When your kitten uses her claws

Your kitten loves climbing and clambering. She finds climbing posts wonderful, but don't think that will keep her off the sofa and out of the curtains. So tie up your curtains for the first few weeks. When your kitten sharpens her claws on the sofa, pick her up and place her next to the scratching post. Then scratch it yourself a few times and wait until she does the same. As soon as she scratches the post, reward her.