14 home security tips for cat owners

With National Cat Day coming up on the 8th August this year, naturally, we’ve been thinking about how we can ensure cat owners look out for their pet’s safety and wellbeing. Whether you want to facilitate a cat-proof home or improve your home security to prevent pet theft, we’ve got some tips to cat-proof your home to keep you, your home and your feline companion safe.

General home security tips for cat owners

1. Keep windows and balconies secure.

We’ve all heard of the phrase “curious cat”, and you may find your cat is tempted to try their luck at balancing themselves on a window pane, or worse, leaping out of a balcony! To keep those curiosities at bay, install screens or mesh to prevent your furry friend from escaping or accidentally falling off an opening out of your home. 

Leaving your cat home alone? In the event you want to keep your windows and other openings in check, our entry sensors are fitted with tiny magnets that detect when a door or window opens; if the magnet moves more than two inches from the sensor, an alarm will sound. 

2. Microchip and collar your cat

Even if you have an indoor cat, accidents happen - just leaving your door open for a second longer could tempt your cat to dart out. That’s why it’s important to have your cat microchipped (and if they’re microchipped already - you should keep it up-to-date). It’s also a good idea to add a collar with your contact information and the cat’s name in the event it does go for a curious wander.

3. Check your plants are cat-friendly

A lot of plants are toxic to cats and other animals - if they’re ingested, they can lead to some serious health issues. If you want to decorate your home with plants whilst keeping it cat-proof, be sure to check online if the plants you want are cat-friendly. If in doubt, you could buy a fake plant instead.

4. Keep danger spots away from your cat

Laundry rooms, garages, kitchens, or anywhere with sharp objects, human medicine or harsh chemicals should be secured from your cat. A great way of doing this is by installing child-proof locks on anything that can be opened, and storing away anything that could be a hazard out of your cat’s sight.

Want to ensure your cat is extra safe? Our smart wireless indoor cameras are perfect for keeping an eye on your home (and cat!) whilst you’re away. As they’re wireless, it means they can be placed in more spots around your home, including those that your furry friend loves to hide in.

5. Sort out your cable management

Cats and cables are a bad combination. With their playful nature, some cats may take to messing around with loose wires and mistake them for toys. To prevent any potential hazards from tripping, playing or chewing - we recommend getting a cable tidy to conceal any loose wires and extension cords that are otherwise left out.

6. Keep your house clean and tidy

Not only is it good for the mind and soul, but also for safety. Cats may feel tempted to play with small objects that could pose choking hazards, so keep items such as rubber bands, hair ties, and small toys out of their reach.

7. Regulate indoor temperatures

Cats can overheat and get cold just like us. So it might be a good idea to regulate your home’s temperature for their comfort as well as yours. Temperature sensors can be useful here in the event a pipe bursts unexpectedly and cause a sudden drop in temperature. You could also set an upper-temperature limit to protect things like pets, paintings and plants.

8. Install motion sensors

Our motion sensors can tell the difference between humans and animals - meaning in the unfortunate event there’s an intruder in your home, they’ll sound an alarm right away. Here are some tips from us to ensure your cat doesn’t trigger your home security system:

1. Place the motion sensor on an area on a wall where there is no furniture below it or near it if possible

2. Turn the motion sensor upside down with the test button facing towards the floor

3. Fix this to the wall at around 4-5ft high where your cat (hopefully!) won’t jump up at it and trigger a false alarm.

9. Install a smoke detector

Cat theft is one thing, but smoke detectors are great for keeping you, your home and your furry companions safe too. Our smoke detectors are designed to sense even the faintest wisp of smoke, often the first sign of a fire breaking out within your home. In the unfortunate event this happens, our sensitive smoke detectors will sound an alarm which can prompt you to escape from your home with your cat before things take a bad turn.

Even when we are not home, smoke detectors keep watch over our cats. If a fire starts, the loud noise from the smoke detector can alert neighbours, who can then call for help and rescue pets.

Garden safety tips for cat owners

1. Watch out for toxic plants again

We’re repeating this again for obvious reasons. If you have green fingers, be mindful of what you decide to plant in your garden, as you may unknowingly plant something that could be toxic to your cat! If you have cat-friendly plants in your garden already and want to keep pests at bay, opt for natural alternatives to pesticides, which again, could harm your furry companion.

2. Supervise outdoor playtime

Although allowing your cat outdoor time can be beneficial, it's essential to closely monitor their activities. Regularly check on them and remain vigilant about possible hazards and prying eyes. If you are unable to supervise your cat outdoors, consider one of our outdoor cameras so you can watch them from our mobile app, and record any cat theft attempts. You could even consider installing a secure outdoor enclosure or ‘catio’ to create a safe and controlled environment for them.

3. Check all hiding places

You’d be surprised how many small spaces your cat can crawl into! Do a thorough check of your garden to see where your cat could potentially hide - and be sure to check any machinery you use too, such as lawnmowers, or anywhere with heavy or sharp objects. You can also use one of our outdoor cameras in areas that you suspect your cat may be hiding into!

4. Facilitate shades areas

During the warmer months, you’ll want to have space in your garden where a cat can retreat from hot weather. Created shaded zones within your garden to help your cat stay cool on hot days. You may want to incorporate cat-friendly outdoor structures such as cat trees or enclosures, providing safe elevated areas for your feline companion to unwind and find comfort.

5. Store compost bins elsewhere

Cats will rummage through a bin the moment they catch the scent of leftover food. Some of these foods may be unsuitable for your cat if they ingest it, so cut the risk entirely and lock your compost bin in a secure location that can be fastened tightly.

Looking for the purrfect system? Shop our range of home security packages or build your home security system with SimpliSafe. If you have any queries or would like some further tips and tricks for using SimpliSafe home security with pets, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated customer support team.