Cats are curious creatures by nature. They love to explore and get into places that they are not supposed to get into. If you have a chimney in your home you are probably wondering this common question among cat owners. Can a cat climb up a chimney? The answer to this question is most definitely yes. Curious cats can’t help but to investigate fireplaces and chimneys alike.
Many cats just love to explore and climb whatever they can, sometimes without logic or reason. The main issue with a cat climbing up a chimney is safety. There are many cat owners that have had their cats climb up the chimney and got stuck, or were too afraid to come back down. Not too mention all the soot your cat would be covered in once they did make their way back out.
Aside from being sticky, filthy, and difficult to clean from the soot, there are also stories of cats being stuck in chimneys that needed to be extracted by the RSPCA. In other cases, the fire departments have also had to come rescue cats in chimneys by knocking a huge hole in the chimney to extract the cat.
As you can see, a cat climbing up a chimney can be both dangerous for your cat, and costly to your wallet. There are some precautions that need to be taken if you have an open fireplace and chimney that your cat can access. The first place to start is the fireplace.
How Do You Cat Proof a Chimney?
There are a few preventative measures you can take to ensure that your cat won’t be able to climb up the chimney.
The first preventative measure is to make sure your chimney has some sort of chimney blocker like a chimney balloon. This article goes more in depth about the different types of chimney blockers that you can use to help close off your chimney. With a chimney blocker installed, your cat will not be able to climb up the chimney so they will not be in danger of getting stuck. Although your cat won’t be able to ascend the chimney, they will still be able to get into the fireplace which can still lead to your cat getting dirty and tracking soot all over your house.
The second thing you can do to help cat proof your chimney is to install some form of fireplace gate or fence. A fireplace gate is an easy item to install. You simply unfold it and place it around the proximity of your fireplace. This effectively creates a barrier from your fireplace. This is also a great safety item if you have kids in your home.
Do Cats Like Fireplaces?
On a cold day, there is arguably nothing better than snuggling up to a nice warm fire with your feline companion. Do you ever find your cat snuggled up near or in your fireplace? Cats are generally attracted to fireplaces because they are warm, especially in the colder times of the year. Also, according to the experts, it is instinctive behavior for cats to seek out small confined spaces to hide in. This instinctive behavior helps them avoid being ambushes from behind and also to help them observe prey.
Depending on your cat’s curiosity level, fireplaces and other heating devices can pose as a significant danger. Fireplace safety is another topic you should worry about after you have made your chimney cat proof.
Here’s 5 simple tips to help keep you and your cat safe from the fireplace:
- Don’t Play Near the Fire – Even if your cat doesn’t overtly try to play in the fireplace, there are occasions where your cat may be at risk for serious burns. Paws, wagging tails, and thick fur coats are just some of the areas that can be burned due to playing near a fireplace. Avoid tossing treats and toys near an open fire to prevent any accidental incidents.
- Teach Your Cat Boundaries – It is very important to institute some rules or boundaries at or around the fireplace. Make it known to your cat that this area is not for play and to keep a safe distance.
- Always Keep a Close Watch on Your Cat – Cats can be quick, and in the blink of an eye can be in danger if left unattended near a live fire. It only takes a few seconds for your cat to be in a potentially fatal situation.
- Install a Fireplace Gate – Gating off your fireplace is a preventative measure that will help ensure that your cat doesn’t have the opportunity to hurt themselves. Using a gate is also a great way to also prevent your cat from accessing and climbing up the chimney.
- Open the Damper – The damper is used to contain heat when the fireplace is not being used, and to release the smoke when it is. Always make sure the damper is completely open to release all the smoke and carbon monoxide.
Final Thoughts
Cats can definitely climb up a chimney. Not only can they climb up it, but they can also get stuck and this a great safety concern if you have a an open chimney in your home. The fireplace is another dangerous area for a curious cat to have access to.
The best safety measures you can make in your home is installing a chimney blocker and a fireplace gate for maximum safety for both your family and your cat.