You might have heard the proverb “Curiosity killed the cat” and it is absolutely true. Because, there is no denying to the fact that cats are a curious kind. But, unfortunately not all curiosity is healthy, and with the nosy exploration, kitties tend to put their lives at risk when they touch household items that are toxic for them. In the previous year alone in our country, there have been more than a 1,00,000 cases of pets being exposed to toxic substances, many of whom encompass everyday household products. Hence, it is very important to keep these common household hazards for cats away from the felines as much as possible. There are certain household items that can turn into toxins and poisons. Let us explore some of these common household cat dangers: Human Treatments Human treatments including prescription and over the counter pills like painkillers, cold treatments, antidepressants and dietary supplements are the number one reasons for cats to get sick. Cats more often than not, snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble them up accidentally, when they see them on the floor. Hence, if you are on any treatment, it is recommended to keep it away in hard-to-reach cabinets, where it is impossible for your furry friend to reach. Application of Wrong Treatment To Wrong Animal Species In order to keep our feline free from pesky parasites sometimes we ourselves put their lives at risk. One of the prime example of that is the misuse of flea and tick preventative treatments like application of wrong topical treatment to the wrong animal species. Hence, it is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian before commencing any flea and tick control program. People Food There are certain people food like grapes, avocado and raisins which can result in poisoning in cats. One of the worst offenders is chocolate that consists of large amount of methylxanthines, which when ingested in large amounts can result in diarrhea, excessive thirst, urination, hypersensitivity, vomiting, and urination and in extreme cases even tremors, seizures and abnormal heart rhythm. Plants There are certain plants like sago palm, lilies, schefflera, rhododendron, azalea, and kalanchoe which are found in homes, but can be extremely dangerous for cats. Lilies are particularly very lethal, and can result in life-threatening kidney failure, even if consumed in small quantities by the kitty. Heavy Metals Paint Chips If you have heavy metals like zinc, lead and mercury, an accidental exposure to these metals can be poisonous for your kitty. In fact, lead is very deadly and cats are exposed to it in the form of consumer products, linoleum, lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded, and paint chips. So, always ensure that your cat does not get exposed to these heavy metals. Garden Products Even though fertilizers and garden products are essential to keep your grass green in the garden, it can be a real problem for outdoor cats. Fertilizer exposure is one of the prime reasons due to which cats suffer from severe gastric upset and gastrointestinal obstruction. Chemical Hazards There are several household items like ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners, and pool/spa chemicals which can be very deadly for cats. These substances can result in depression, respiratory difficulties, chemical burns, and gastrointestinal upsets in cats. Rubber Bands There are certain cats that find it irresistible when they see rubber bands. But if they are swallowed by the kitty it can result in life-threatening consequences. Hence, always keep them away from the feline's reach. Plastic Bags Plastic grocery bags or dry cleaning bags are an easy way to have fun for the feline. But cats have the tendency of suffocating themselves with these things. So, always have them out of reach of your furry friend.
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AuthorI've been working in pet industry for almost 15 years. My expertise came from a lifelong interest in helping people to train their dogs & quick pet health advise. Archives
March 2024
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