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Learn how to make a poison free home for cats.
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- 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.
Back To The Cat
Health Index
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