Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Top Household Hazards for Cats
Your cat is curious, sticking his nose into random spaces and places. Exploring may expose him to some not so obvious dangers in your home. It just takes a bit of time and know-how to “cat-proof” your house so your kitty stays healthy and safe.
Human Medicines
Some human over-the-counter and prescription medicines pose a serious threat to your cat, so keep them in a place he can’t get into.
Antidepressants
Cancer medicines
Cold medicines
Diet pills
Pain relievers (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen)
Vitamins and other supplements
You may have heard that some common medicines work for people and cats. Never medicate your cat without first talking to your vet, though -- it's easy to give your cat a fatal overdose.
Human Foods
Many cats crave people food, but this human fare can be poisonous to your feline:
Alcohol
Caffeine (coffee, soda, tea)
Chives
Chocolate
Garlic
Grapes
Onions
Raisins
Xylitol (found in sugarless gums, candies, toothpastes)
Yeast dough
Indoor and Outdoor Plants
Common houseplants -- as well as ones that you may bring into your home -- can be hazardous to your cat's health:
Aloe
Azaleas
Chrysanthemums
Lilies
Marijuana
Mistletoe
Poinsettia
Rhododendron
Tulips
Insecticides and Other Chemicals
Some chemicals taste especially good to cats. To prevent accidental pet poisoning, keep these and all chemicals locked away:
Antifreeze
Bleach
Detergents
De-icing salts (which pets may walk through, then lick from their pads)
Dog flea and tick medication (pills, collars, sprays, shampoos)
Fertilizers
Herbicides
Insect and rodent bait
More Household Hazards
These common household items can choke or strangle your cat. Some may even lead to intestinal blockages.
Chicken bones
Dental floss, yarn, string
Holiday decorations, including lights and tinsel
Toys with small or movable parts
If Your Cat’s Been Poisoned
Every moment matters if you think your cat has been exposed to something toxic.
Call your vet. Post your veterinarian's phone number in an obvious place, along with the number for the Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. They can help you know what to do next.
Collect samples. Take samples of vomit, stool, and the poison your cat consumed to the vet with your cat.
Watch for symptoms. Symptoms of poisoning in cats include:
Breathing problems
Confusion
Coughing
Depression
Diarrhea
Dilated pupils
Gastrointestinal irritation
Salivation
Seizures
Shivering
Skin irritation
Tremors
Vomiting
Weakness
Educate. After your cat recovers, call your poison control center or humane society to let them know what happened to your pet, so they can track problem poisons and help prevent other pet poisonings.
K.C. is still with us!
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