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Keeping cats safe during building works

Renovating, decorating or tackling DIY jobs at home? Discover how to keep cats safe and calm during building work.

Keeping cats safe during building works

Renovating, decorating or tackling DIY jobs at home? Discover how to keep cats safe and calm during building work.

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Building works can bring a lot of change to your home. Whether you're carrying out a full renovation, decorating a room or tackling a few DIY jobs, the noise, disruption and unfamiliar activity can be stressful for cats. By planning ahead and taking a few practical steps, you can help your cat feel safer and more secure before, during and after the work. 

a black-and-white cat

Why building works can be stressful for cats 

Cats are territorial animals who rely on familiar surroundings and predictable routines. Building work can disrupt both, making it harder for cats to feel safe and secure.  

Common causes of stress during building works include: 

  • reduced access to areas of the home, which can make cats feel that their territory has shrunk 
  • changes to daily routines and the unpredictability of the work 
  • builders and other unfamiliar people coming and going 
  • new smells from building materials and unfamiliar people 
  • loud or sudden noises from tools and equipment 

Even if a cat appears to recover quickly from a frightening event, stress hormones can remain in their bloodstream for some time. Prolonged exposure to stress can have longer-term effects on their health and behaviour. 

Signs your cat may be stressed by building work 

Cats are very good at hiding signs of stress and discomfort, so changes can sometimes be subtle.  

Signs to look out for include: 

  • hiding more than usual or becoming withdrawn 
  • becoming less tolerant of people 
  • reluctance or hesitation when using the litter tray, cat flap or sitting on your lap 
  • eating or drinking less 
  • overeating 
  • increased anxiety or fearfulness 
  • restlessness, pacing or circling 
  • looking disturbed while sleeping or pretending to sleep 
  • changes in grooming, such as a scruffy coat from grooming less or overgrooming fur 
  • spraying indoors or toileting outside the litter tray 
  • increased conflict between cats in multi-cat households 
Cat stress

Planning ahead before building work starts 

The best way to help your cat cope with building works is to plan ahead before the project begins. What will work best depends on your cat, the type of work being carried out and how disruptive it is likely to be.   

Consider where your cat will stay 

For major renovations involving significant noise, dust and disruption, it may be better for your cat to stay elsewhere temporarily. However, moving away from home can be stressful for some cats. Consider your cat's individual personality before deciding whether staying elsewhere or remaining at home is the best option. 

If you have a responsible friend or family member with a suitable home who is willing to look after your cat, this could be a good option. Make sure:  

  • they have no pets of their own or have a room they can keep your cat in away from other pets  
  • they will be able to keep your cat indoors and not let them outside  

If no friend or family member can help, you could book your cat into a boarding cattery for the duration of the building work. You’ll need to organise it well in advance and make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date before their cattery stay.  

How to choose a cattery 

Keeping your cat calm during construction 

If your cat will be staying at home, put plans in place before work begins. If builders will need access to areas your cat usually uses, start gradually moving essential items such as food and water bowls, litter trays and scratching posts to a quieter room that will not be affected by the work.  

A useful approach is to place additional essential items in the new area around a week beforehand, then gradually remove the originals over several days. This helps your cat adjust to the change more comfortably. 

Creating a safe space for your cat 

A quiet room away from noise and activity can give your cat somewhere to retreat when they feel overwhelmed.  

Provide plenty of opportunities to hide and rest above ground level. High spaces help cats feel safer because they can observe their surroundings from a distance.  

You could provide: 

  • cardboard boxes for hiding 
  • beds placed off the ground 
  • radiator beds or climbing towers 
  • a bed or box on a sturdy, elevated surface 

Allow your cat to enter and leave the room whenever they choose. Keeping them confined in one room could increase anxiety and make them feel trapped.  

Add calming support 

Some cats may benefit from additional support, such as a radio playing quietly in the background or a pheromone diffuser, such as FELIWAY®. Feeding toys may also help encourage positive experiences.  

Maintaining routine and territory 

Keeping your cat's daily life as familiar as possible can help reduce stress.  

Try to: 

  • keep essential items such as food and water bowls, litter trays and scratching posts in their usual locations whenever possible 
  • move essential items gradually if they need to be relocated 
  • feed your cat at the same times each day 
  • continue normal activities and routines as much as possible 

Keeping your cat safe from building hazards 

Building sites can pose several risks to curious cats. Keeping them away from work areas is one of the most important steps you can take.  

Common hazards to look out for 

Keep cats away from: 

  • cables and tools that may attract their attention 
  • gaps under lifted floorboards where they could become trapped 
  • loose nails and screws 
  • paintbrushes, paints and construction chemicals 
  • areas with high levels of dust, particularly if your cat has asthma or respiratory problems 

Make sure potentially harmful products are stored securely when not in use.

Extra care during painting and decorating 

Cats should be kept away from rooms being painted. They may walk through wet paint, get paint on their fur or paws, or try to lick surfaces and tools.  

Fumes from products such as paint, varnish, paint remover, rust remover and glue can be dangerous if inhaled. 

It's also important to be aware that cats may be attracted to painter's dust sheets or attempt to climb ladders, creating additional safety risks. 

Ensure anyone carrying out the work knows where your cat is and avoids disturbing them where possible. 

Signs of poisoning

When to contact a vet or behaviourist 

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a vet immediately.  

Some behavioural changes during or after building works may be expected, but if you notice signs of stress, seek advice from a qualified behaviourist or vet.  

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