The year-end holiday whirlwind is almost over, and daily life can settle down again. But it’s worth pausing to reflect. Many pet parents discover too late that the extra bustle, decorations, and visitors during the holidays can cause even well-mannered pets to act out. Shredded ribbon and wrapping paper may seem like a harmless mess, but they can actually be dangerous for your pet, too.
From candy to candles, the holidays introduce all kinds of potential hazards. However, pet-proofing your flat is not just a seasonal project — it’s something to keep in mind all year long.
Finding pet-friendly housing in London is a great first step, but that doesn’t automatically guarantee the interior of your flat is safe for your four-legged family member. And if a new puppy or kitten joined your household over the holidays, now is exactly the right time to turn your home into the safest, most welcoming haven possible.
American Humane offers a room-by-room checklist to help you pet-proof your home, and we’re confident the RSPCA would support their guidance. Here are a few key takeaways:
If your furry companion is on the smaller side, begin by inspecting every nook and cranny of your flat for tight spaces where a curious explorer might get stuck. Kittens, especially, can squeeze into surprisingly tiny gaps. Check for holes (including heating vents) and spaces behind or beneath appliances, then block or seal them so they’re off limits.
Curiosity isn’t just a feline trait, so chewing is another concern. Puppies and kittens are famous for chewing, but adult dogs and cats also explore with their mouths. Some pets also chew due to boredom or stress. While discovering a favorite pair of shoes thoroughly gnawed is frustrating, it’s far more serious if your pet chews something dangerous. Keep clothing and laundry in a closet with the door fully closed. Electrical cords, in particular, are hazardous yet very tempting. Bundle them together and secure them along baseboards or behind furniture to keep them out of reach.
Other items that are “fun” for pets but off-limits for safety include sewing supplies such as needles and thread, yarn and knitting needles, glue and craft materials, and any small objects that can fit in your pet’s mouth.
Many household cleaning products are toxic but may smell interesting to pets. Store them on high shelves or, better yet, in cabinets that close securely. For cats, closed cabinets are the safer choice, since their agility makes it easy for them to reach high places.
Along those same lines, if your cat likes to nap on top of the refrigerator or any other elevated perch, double-check that nothing sharp, breakable, or dangerous is stored there. You don’t want something to fall and injure your cat — or shatter on the floor.
If your flat includes a garage and you keep products such as antifreeze there, remember that even a tiny amount can be deadly if ingested. Store it securely and clean up any spills immediately.
Cats often have impressive dexterity, but both cats and dogs can be surprisingly good at opening cabinet doors. If closing the door isn’t enough to keep them out, speak with your landlord about installing child-proof latches. You can also use plug covers on electrical outlets that aren’t in use. Baby gates or pet-specific gates are helpful for blocking off certain rooms. If your dog is large enough to hop over these barriers, consider crate training for short periods when you need him safely confined. (Just keep in mind that a crate should not be used as an all-day, everyday solution.)
Pet-proofing your flat is essential, but so is providing safe, engaging alternatives for your dog or cat. London has plenty of excellent pet shops, so finding appropriate toys and enrichment shouldn’t be difficult. A sturdy cat tree with a scratching post, along with a variety of chew toys and interactive play options, will help keep your pet mentally stimulated and focused on positive activities instead of getting into mischief around your flat.
Once your flat is properly pet-proofed, you can move on to more enjoyable tasks — like getting out and exploring London’s many pet-friendly neighborhoods and parks. And keep this in mind: the more exercise your dog or cat gets, the more likely they are to be pleasantly tired at home. A well-exercised, content pet is far less likely to find trouble indoors.