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Cat Health Is It Poisonous To Your Cat
Cats are curious by nature. Everyone has
heard “Curiosity killed the cat.” Well this can become a true a true
statement if you are not careful. The following are a few ways to make
sure your home is safe for your cat:
1. First of all, if your cat has a flea problem, before using any
product on the market for fleas contact your veterinarian and find out
what they recommend. Using products meant for other animals such as
dogs is not a good idea. That is why they make separate products. If
the flea infestation has spread past the cat to the house and you
either purchase a product to get rid of fleas or have someone come in
to spray, you should find somewhere else for your cat to stay until it
is safe to return. Breathing fumes from these products in a closed up
house can be very harmful.
2. It is recommended for your cat’s safety to keep them inside. If
you are a plant lover be careful of what plants your cat can come in
contact with. Several varieties of plants can be lethal to cats. Easter
lilies are one. Oleander is another. DO NOT allow cats to chew on the
leaves of these plants. If your cat does go outside, be aware that
azaleas are another plant that can be harmful to cats. That is one of
the reasons for recommending that your cat should stay inside where you
can monitor what he has access to.
3. Mouse Traps and Bait
When using these items, take particular care to place the items
where your cat does not have access, such areas may include in cabinets
and under sinks. However, if your cat has mastered the art of opening
the cabinet doors, you may consider the use of child safety locks for
the cabinet doors, thereby keeping the cat from gaining access.
4. If your cat doesn’t seem to be feeling well, call your
veterinarian or take him to see the vet. Never try to medicate the cat
yourself. Medicines for humans are not meant to be used on cats. One
such medicine is acetaminophen. One maximum strength tablet (500 mg)
can be fatal to a cat weighing 7 lbs.
5. Just as with the acetaminophen, other drugs can be fatal to your
cat. Keep all medicines in your bathroom medicine cabinet. This
includes all your prescription medicines and anything that your cat may
have access to. As previously said, cats are curious, and they will get
into things they shouldn’t. Medicines you take on a daily basis or over
the counter drugs that you keep in your home can all have toxic affects
on cats.
6. Chocolate
Theobromine is a diuretic as well as a heart stimulant, found in
chocolate. Humans have the ability to eliminate theobromine from their
systems quickly, however a cat cannot. For this reason chocolate can be
lethal to a cat.
7. While it is best for your cat to be inside, if he does go out
with or without you, keep all chemicals such as antifreeze away from
areas the cat has access to. Gasoline for your lawnmower, oil, or
windshield washer should all be kept in your garage or storage building
away from animals.
8. Lawn Products
Chemicals in lawn products are also toxic to a cat, such as
fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. A cat should not have access to
any area treated by chemicals until the chemicals are safely dry. Take
particular care to close all containers tightly and store them out of
reach.
9. Miscellaneous Items
Since a cat is so very curious and playful, they may be exposed
harmful items, such as pennies. A penny contains zinc, and is harmful
to your pet. The levels of iron are high in items such as foot and hand
warmers. Other items, which might cause sickness or death for a cat,
include alcoholic drinks, batteries, play dough, dryer sheets,
cigarettes and mothballs. Many more items can be lethal to your cat.
Keep anything away from your cat that you would keep away from a child.
10. Household Cleaners
These same rules apply to household cleaners as well. Cats should
not be in an area, which is undergoing cleaning procedures. Put away
your supplies before giving the cat access to any room where you have
been working. Chemicals found in household cleaners can burn the mouth
or stomach of a cat when ingested. Although, most cats in general would
not consume household cleaners, it is best to take these precautions.
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