Everyday Hazards for Cats and How to Avoid Them

In this guide

Cats are curious by nature, and that curiosity is exactly what puts them at risk around the house. Most hazards are easy to manage once you know what to look for, and a quick walk through your home with a cat's eye view can catch most of them.

Toxic foods

• Grapes and raisins, linked to acute kidney failure
• Chocolate, which contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to cats
• Onion, garlic and the wider allium family, which damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia
• Alcohol and raw yeast dough, both of which can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar or severe bloating
• Anything containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some sugar free products

Toxic plants

True lilies are especially dangerous, since even a small amount of pollen or a nibbled leaf can cause fatal kidney failure in cats. Other risky plants include tulip and daffodil bulbs, azaleas, oleander and philodendron. If you enjoy houseplants, it is worth checking each one against a cat safe plant list before bringing it home, since some common ornamentals are far more dangerous than their popularity suggests.

Household chemicals

• Bleach, ammonia based cleaners and phenyl based floor cleaners, all capable of causing burns or internal irritation
• Rodenticides and insecticides, which can be ingested directly or absorbed through paws after contact
• Antifreeze, which tastes sweet to cats and is highly toxic even in tiny amounts, relevant for households with cars or generators
• Mosquito repellent vaporisers and coils using allethrin, which cats process poorly due to a liver enzyme difference

Choking and blockage risks

• String, thread, rubber bands and hair ties, all of which are easy for a playful cat to swallow and can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage
• Small button batteries, which are especially hazardous if chewed or swallowed
• Sewing needles and thread together, a particularly dangerous combination since the thread can drag the needle through the intestines

Simple ways to reduce risk

• Store chemicals, medications and rodenticides in closed cabinets rather than under an open sink
• Keep small choking hazards off tables and counters, especially after sewing, crafting or unpacking deliveries
• Research any new plant before bringing it home if your cat has access to it
• Keep your vet's number and the nearest 24 hour emergency clinic saved in your phone, since acting quickly matters most with poisoning

None of this requires turning your home into a sterile space. A little awareness, and a five minute check of any new item before it enters your cat's world, prevents the vast majority of accidents.

Tags: cat safety, household hazards, cat poisoning, Indian pet care

Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.