Cat Safety. Would you like to keep your cat safe? We have a list of things that are dangerous for your cat.
Ten Tips for a Poison-Safe Household
Cat safety and plants.
Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your yard. If your cat is permitted outside, make sure the following plants are not accessible to your cat as these could be fatal to cats:
- easter lily
Cat safety and household items.
When cleaning your house, never allow your cat access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored.
Cleaning agents have a variety of caustic properties, those that:
- irritate the gastrointestinal tract
- have a corrosive action
- can chemically burn the sensitive mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach
When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your cats. Most baits contain sweet smelling inert ingredients, which can be very attractive to your cat.
Many common household items have been shown to be lethal for cats. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low quantities:
- pennies (high concentration of zinc),
- mothballs (contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene)
- potpourri oils
- fabric softener sheets
- automatic dish detergents (contain cationic detergents which could cause corrosive lesions)
- batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also cause corrosive lesions)
- homemade play dough (contains high quantity of salt)
- winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron)
- coffee grounds
- alcoholic drinks
Never give your cat any medications unless under the directions of your veterinarian. Many medications that for humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. Keep all prescription and over the counter drugs out of reach of your cats. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages.
Never leave chocolates where a cat can get to it. Approximately one half ounce of baking chocolate per pound body weight or less can cause clinical signs of toxicity.
Cat safety and automotive products.
All automotive products can be deadly to cats and should be stored in areas away from your cat:
Cat safety and flea products.
Before buying or using flea products on your cat or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products she/he would recommend for your pet. Read ALL information before using a product on your cat or in your home. Always follow label instructions. When a product is labeled "for use in dogs only" this means that the product should NEVER be applied to cats.
Cat safety and sprays.
When using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all cats from the area for the time period specified on the container.
Cat safety and lawn care products.
When treating your lawn or garden with any of the products below, always keep your cats away from the area until the area dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturer of the products to be used. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no cat exposure.