How To Keep Your Pet Away From Your Sensitive Belongings

Most of our electronic gadgets now contain toxic substances like lithium. Once ingested, it could be fatal. Cellphone batteries, some computer accessories and parts and disposable batteries have it. Even plastic can be fatal, tiny parts that are swallowed may cause intestinal blockage or choking. TV remote controls, cellphones, tapes, CDs and DVDs are the common items we have lying around the house and very accessible to our pets. Kids and adults should be informed, even taught to put them away after use in a place where pets can't get at them.

Let's face it; most homes just don't have enough space to be allotted as a pet-free zone. If you share your tiny condo unit, apartment or rented studio-type place with a pet or more, things can get quite complicated especially if you own a lot of appliances (and who doesn't nowadays?). But cheer up, because there are still ways to keep your pet away from your delicate belongings:

- Consider built-in cabinets, cases, coverings or furniture to encase your appliances. They can be kept closed when not in use, thus keeping it off-limits to inquisitive pets. Shelves with locks or drawers can also provide a safe storage space for items like disks, speakers, controls and other what-have-you so your pets can't reach them.

- Plan before you buy any electrical appliances. Where are you going to put it? Is it safe for my pet? Do I need to have some things altered before I buy it? Do I need a special case or cabinet for it? If you think it can be kept safe from your pet and your pet safe from it, go right ahead and buy the stuff.

- Be tidy, put away the things you're not using. Cover your appliances or remember to close cabinet doors after using it.

- Train your pet to keep away from your electronic things. With patience, this can be done and it may be the best since it won't cost you much.

- Cover exposed electrical wirings, cords and sockets. Your hardware store has all the materials you'll need and won't cost much.

- You as cat owners can prevent your cat from lounging on your computer or TV top by cleaning your gadgets with lemon-scented appliance cleansers. Cats hate the smell of lemon. Of course, covering up your gadgets will also help a lot. Dab some lemon juice on the corners of your computer covers to keep your felines away. Do this every other day. Dogs and puppies can be deterred with peppers or onions.

Maybe someday, appliance manufacturers will invent TVs that will shoo away a curious pet, or computers that would scare off your cat or dog. Maybe a hi-tech toy can be programmed to evade pets and kids, but until then, it's up to a pet owner to keep his home safe from his four-footed, feathered or furry companions.