- Be
aware of the plants you have in your house and in your yard, if your
cat is permitted outside (I-Love-Cats advocates cats being kept
indoors at all times). The ingestion of azalea, oleander, easter
lily, or yew plant material by a cat could be fatal.
- 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 properties; from those that could just irritate the
gastrointestinal tract to those that have a corrosive action and 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.
- Never
give your cat any medications unless under the directions of
veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be
deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength acetominophen
tablet (500mg) can kill a 7 pound cat.
- 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.
Only one half of a 200mg naproxen tablet could cause stomach ulcers
in cats.
- Never
leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one half ounce of baking
chocolate per pound body weight or less can cause clinical signs of
toxicity.
- Many
common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain
species, including felines. Miscellaneous items that are highly
toxic even in low quantities include pennies (high concentration of
zinc), mothballs (contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene - one
or two balls can be life threatening in most species), 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), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
- All
automotive products such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze should be
stored in areas away from cat access. As little as one teaspoon of
antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a 7lb cat.
- 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. 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.
- When
treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or
insecticides, 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.
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