In this article, we’re going to talk about how to keep your cat safe. Cats are very curious by nature, they’re constantly exploring their environment and investigating new sights smells and tastes, and many of them like marmalade will eat anything they can get their paws on. Here’s a list of household hazards for cats you should pay particular attention to.
Top common household hazards for cats
1. Human medications
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold meds, antidepressants, and dietary supplements are probably the most dangerous things we have for cats in our homes. Cats can grab pills from containers or quickly eat meds that are accidentally dropped on the floor. So it’s essential to keep them tucked away in cabinets or places they don’t have access to. If your cat a problem solvers and manage to open doors by themselves, install childproof latches.
2. Human foods
Creeps, reasons, garlic, avocado, and products containing xylitol like gum can seriously disable our fur babies. One of the worst offenders is chocolate, which if ingested can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. So please be sure to keep these foods out of reach.
3. Chemicals and poisons
It’s a no-brainer, if chemicals and poisons aren’t good for us they ain’t going to be good for cats either. This includes bleach, detergents, disinfectants, antifreeze, rodent poisons, and so on and so on. If these substances are ingested or inhaled by our pets they can cause serious potentially life-threatening problems and chemical burns.
Cats can get in some pretty weird spots. Which means anywhere that you use these products more than likely they can get in those areas too. So for example when I use disinfectant on the kitchen counters I always use paper towels to dry it up immediately before catwalk on the surface. And remember to keep that toilet seat down.
One of the most common incidents is when people apply the wrong topical flea and tick products to the wrong species. Always read labels correctly and before starting a flea and tick program speak with your veterinarian.
4. Dangerous objects
The bathroom contains many household hazards for cats: Rubber bands, hair ties, Q-Tips, yarn, and dental floss. While these may seem harmless enough to us, they can be deadly for our pets. If swallowed they can cause intestinal blockages and even death.
Plastic is also a big concern for us, marmalade loss to chew any plastic of any kind and plastic bag handles can even choke cats. So, we make sure we put our groceries away super fast and keep all plastics safely tucked away.
If you give your cat a paper bag to play with, make sure to cut the handles first and keep toys with strings out of reach in between play sessions.
5. Around the home
Other potential hazards around your home include:
Blind cords: These are another way cats could strangle themselves. Keep them quiet and out of reach.
Window screens: All cats like to watch the birds and squirrels outside. So make sure they’re securely fastened and in good repair.
Washers and dryers: These dark quiet spaces look very enticing to cats, look inside before filling them and keep them closed when not in use.
Electrical wires: Cats chew on wires if they’re bored, stressed, or have dental issues or they may just like the texture. If possible, hide the cords under rugs or strong tape. You can also cover them with tubing and coat them in something that’s safe but tastes horrible to cats such as bitter apple spray, then take their attention away from wires by playing with them more and providing them with a safe alternative like a chew toy with a little tuna juice rubbed on it
6. Household hazards for cats: Plants
Poisonous plants are among common household hazards for cats. Cat grass is fine, but there are so many plants out there that are poisonous to cats.
Lilies are especially toxic to cats and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.
7. Special occasions
National holidays, birthdays, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas are all fun times for us, but they can be especially hazardous for our pets.
Again, plants are a big concern, Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and Christmas trees and Christmas tree water are all toxic to cats.
Decorations like tinsel, ribbon, fake grass, balloons, candles, snow globes, and lights all need to be kept out of reach, they too can cause intestinal blockages, burns and snow globes contain toxic chemicals.
Even bones from turkeys can cause choking and lacerations. So never leave food unattended.
8. Household hazards for cats: Fireworks
Most pets hate fireworks, and I really don’t like people who insist on setting them off day and night for weeks on end. If your cats are scared of them, keep them occupied inside with playtime and treats. Use ambient noise from a radio or TV to mask the sound of the fireworks, and just be there for them and assure them it’s going to be okay.
And lastly, this is something I was only recently made aware of, your home itself can become a hazard. It’s a horrible thing to imagine that if your home was to catch fire while you are out, the fire department would have no idea to be checking your home for your pets as well, your cats will be terrified and hidden out of view.
So, it’s really important to use stickers that notify emergency responders that there are very family members inside your home in need of rescue.
And there are also smaller versions to keep in your wallet in case you’re involved in an accident away from home.
As saying I repeat myself is complacency kills, always check and recheck to make sure you have peace of mind. After all, it’s our job as cat guardians to keep our fur babies safe.
