Common Household Dangers to Cats: Living Room and Home Office

Indoor cats face fewer dangers than outdoor ones, but homes definitely have dangers of their own cat parents should be mindful of.  Some of these potential household dangers just might surprise you.

Small Office Supplies: Cats are curious by nature.  They like to play with things we might not think they'd enjoy, like rubber bands or paper clips.  However, cats can easily swallow small items commonly kept in a home office, such as thumb tacks, rubber bands, paper clips, and small erasers.  These objects may cause an intestinal obstruction, which requires surgery to fix.  Please keep all small office supplies in closed containers out of your cat's reach.

Electrical Cords: Even if you don't have a cord chomper, it's a good idea to invest in some cord covers or Bitter Apple to spray your cords with.  Cats who chew electrical cords risk electrocution, electrical burns in the mouth or on the tongue, seizures, cardiac arrest, and breathing difficulties.

Batteries: According to Vetstreet, batteries are toxic to both cats and dogs.  They may cause ulcers in the stomach, mouth, and esophagus.  Keep batteries in a desk drawer or a closet - somewhere your cat cannot access.

Toys: Believe it or not, cat toys can pose a hazard to your furry friend.  Toys with parts that can be chewed or torn off easily by your kitty pose a choking hazard.  Purchase toys that don't have parts that can be easily chewed or torn off them.

Additionally, it's best to keep all fishing pole type toys out of your cat's reach when you're not playing with her.  Cats love string, yarn, etc. and can chew through and swallow the string on fishing pole toys.

Protecting Your Cat from Easter Dangers

Easter is a fun and joyous time of year.  However, as with any other holiday, there are potential dangers to our furry friends.  These dangers include toxic plants and flowers, decorative Easter grass, and candy.  Please continue reading to learn about these potential dangers as well as how you can protect your cat from them this Easter.

Toxic Flowers and Plants: Many beautiful flowers begin to bloom in Spring.  However, many of these beautiful flowers are also very dangerous to your cat.  Please note that this is not a complete list of toxic flowers and plants.  You can visit the ASPCA's list of toxic and non-toxic plants for a more complete list.

Easter Lilies: I would highly suggest NOT bringing home Easter lilies if you have a cat as part of your family.  All "true lilies" are incredibly toxic to cats.  Ingesting even a few leaves or petals from a "true lily," drinking water from the lily's vase, or licking pollen off its fur can cause acute kidney failure in cats.  "True lilies" come from the Lilium or Hemerocallis species and include the Tiger, Easter, Western, Red, Japanese Show, Asiatic Hybrid, Day, Rubrum, Wood, and Stargazer lilies.  All parts of these lilies are toxic - stems, leaves, petals, and pollen.  

Clinical signs typically appear six to 12 hours after ingestion and may include decreased or excessive thirst, lack of appetite, vomiting, decreased or excessive urination, dehydration, lethargy, acute kidney failure, and death.  Symptoms will worsen as kidney failure develops.  Some cats may also experience seizures, disorientation, and staggering.  If you suspect your cat has ingested any type of "true lily," please take her to a veterinarian immediately.  The sooner a kitty is treated for lily toxicity, the better her chances of survival.  Treatment includes giving medication, such as activated charcoal that binds the poison in the stomach and intestines, giving intravenous fluids to help flush out the kidneys, inducing vomiting, and using blood tests to monitor kidney function.

Four Easter Dangers for Cats to Avoid

Easter is the perfect time for family and friends to get together and celebrate.  It's important, however, as pet parents, that we keep our furry friends in mind during holiday celebrations.  I've listed potential Easter hazards for cats below as well as some safe alternatives to help you keep your kitty safe during the holiday festivities.

Plants and Flowers: Many people enjoy decorating their homes with beautiful flowers or plants at the start of Spring.  However, there are several plants that pose danger to cats.  Please note that this is not a full list of toxic flowers and plants.  For a complete list of toxic plants, please visit the ASPA's list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

Easter Lily: All species of "true" lilies, including the Easter Lily, are incredibly dangerous for cats.  A cat who ingests any part of the Easter Lily may experience: vomiting, lack of appetite, decreased or excessive thirst and urination, dehydration, acute kidney failure, and possible death.  According to the Pet Health Network, even ingesting a few Easter Lily petals or leaves, licking the pollen of its fur or paw, or drinking an Easter Lily's water from its vase can cause acute kidney failure in cats.

Other "true" lilies include: Asiatic, Tiger, Day, Japanese show, Stargazer, Wood, Red, Western, and Rubrum lilies.  Due to the severe consequences of "true" lily toxicity, I would highly recommend not bringing any of these flowers to a home where cats reside.

Azalea: Azalea is another Spring-time flower that is toxic to cats.  Kitties who ingest Azalea may experience: excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, weakness, central nervous system depression, coma, cardiac collapse, and possibly death.

Daffodil: Daffodils are beautiful flowers, but they are also dangerous for our companions.  Ingestion of Daffodils in small amounts may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.  Ingested in large quantities, cats may experience: low blood pressure, convulsions, tremors, and arrhythmias.

Safe Alternatives: Fortunately there are many beautiful non-toxic flowers and plants you can decorate your home with.  Easter Daisies, Easter Orchids, Gerber Daisies, Petunias, Roses, and Bachelors Buttons are just a few of the safe flowers you can use to decorate your home.  The ASPCA has a complete list of non-toxic plants to cats.  Even though these plants are not toxic to cats, I recommend not allowing your kitty to eat them.  Keep plants and flowers out of your cat's reach when you are not around to supervise him.

If you believe your cat has ingested a toxic plant, please call your veterinarian or local animal hospital.  You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control at: 888-426-4435.  The ASPCA Poison Control charges a $65 consultation fee for their services.

Plastic Easter Grass: Although plastic Easter grass makes Easter baskets look pretty, it is dangerous for your cat.  Most cats have a difficult time resisting eating stringy things, like Easter grass, ribbon, yarn, and tinsel.  When ingested, Easter grass can cause an abdominal or intestinal obstruction, which requires surgical removal.

If you believe your companion has ingested a foreign body, please call your veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately.  Do NOT try to pull out any visible string, ribbon, etc. from your cat's body.  Doing this can cause serious damage to your cat's organs.

Initial signs that your cat has ingested a foreign body include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lack of appetite, straining to have a bowel movement, and abdominal pain.  According to VCA Animal Hospitals, your cat may also exhibit behavior changes, such as hissing or growling when you touch his stomach or pick him up.  He may also paw at his mouth or face if string, Easter grass, or ribbon got wrapped around the base of his tongue.


Safe Alternative: Instead of using Easter grass in children's baskets, cover the bottom of the basket with green fabric.  It's also best to keep Easter baskets out of your kitty's reach so that he isn't tempted to eat its contents.

Chocolate: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which are part of a group of chemicals called methylxanthines.  The compounds found in chocolate stimulate the cat's nervous system and heart.

According to the ASPCA, in general, the darker the chocolate is, the more toxic it is.  For instance, white chocolate contains the fewest methylxanthines and is the least toxic while dark baker's chocolate contains many more methylxanthines and is therefore much more toxic.  The symptoms your cat experiences after ingesting chocolate will depend on how much and what type of chocolate she ate.  Signs of chocolate toxicity can range from abdominal pain, vomiting, restlessness, and increased thirst to muscle tremors, high body temperature, irregular heart rhythms, severe agitation, seizures, and possible death.  If you think your companion has ingested chocolate, please call your veterinarian or animal hospital.

Xylitol: Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many candies, some baked goods, gum, and toothpaste.  According to WebMD, xylitol may lead your cat's body to produce more insulin, which will result in a drop in your kitty's blood sugar (hypoglycemia).  Liver failure may also occur after your companion ingests xylitol.  Initial signs that your cat has eaten xylitol include: vomiting, loss of coordination, and lethargy.  Seizures may also occur, and liver failure may show up within a few days of xylitol ingestion.

Easter is a joyous time that certainly calls for celebration.  Using these tips will help you keep your cat safe during the holiday.

What are your Easter plans?  How will you keep your cat safe during the holiday?

Sources:

Pet Health Network: Easter Lily Poisoning in Cats.

ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.

VCA Animal Hospitals: Ingestion of Foreign Bodies in Cats. 

ASPCA: Foods That Are Hazardous to Cats.

WebMD: Slideshow: Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat. 

Holiday Safety Tips for Cats: Dangerous Holiday Food and Plants

Last week, I discussed the holiday dangers that household decorations and gift wrapping pose to cats.  Now I'd like to discuss which holiday foods and plants are dangerous for kitties.

FOOD

Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to cats.  Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is used medicinally as a blood vessel dilator, heart stimulant, smooth muscle relaxer, and a diuretic, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.  According to their website, one or two dark chocolate or baking squares is enough to be fatal for an adult cat who ingests it, and as little as one ounce of milk chocolate can kill a kitten if ingested.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats include vomiting, hyperexcitability, nervousness, and diarrhea.  In severe cases, the only sign may be sudden death.  It's very important that you call your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline for advice if you think your cat has ingested chocolate.

Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic are not good for cats as they can cause gastrointestinal upset and red blood cell damage, according to the ASPCA.

Xylitol: Xylitol is a sweetener used in many products, such as baked goods and candy.  Xylitol can lead to the release of insulin in cats, which leads to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and can potentially lead to liver failure.  Initial signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, loss of coordination, and lethargy.  Seizures and recumbancy may also occur.  Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure may occur within a few days of ingestion.

Grapes and Raisins: According to the ASPCA, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pets who have ingested them.

PLANTS

Amaryllis: Amaryllis is also known as St. Joseph lily, Belladonna lily, Naked Lady, and Cape Belladonna.  When eaten, Amaryllis may cause hypersalivation, depression, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and tremors.

Mistletoe: Mistletoe or American Mistletoe is also toxic to cats.  When ingested, mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal distress, breathing difficulties, low heart rate (bradycardia), erratic behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular collapse.  Low blood pressure can also occur when cats eat this plant, but it is rarely seen. 

Poinsettia: Poinsettia may cause mouth and stomach irritation as well as vomiting for cats who ingest it. 

Please note that this list of food and plants is not all-inclusive.  There are many other human foods and plants kitties should not eat.  

If you know that your cat has ingested any of these foods or plants, please contact your veterinarian, local emergency veterinary clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline for advice on how to handle the situation.  There is a $65 consultation fee the ASPCA Poison Control Center hotline.  Their number is 888-426-4435.

Top 10 Cat and Dog Toxins of 2011

In 2011, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, located in Urbana, IL, received more than 165,900 phone calls regarding pets being exposed to toxic substances.  The 10 most common toxic substances pets were exposed to are as follows.

1. Prescription Human Medications: The Animal Poison Control Center reports it received nearly 25,000 calls regarding pets ingesting prescription human medications last year.  ADHD and heart medications were among the most commonly swallowed prescription drugs.

To prevent your pet from swallowing any prescription medication, take your pills in the bathroom or another room containing tile or non-carpeted floor.  This way you can hear it more easily if a pill happens to fall on the floor.  Being aware that a pill has fallen will give you a chance to search for and pick up the medication before your pet has a chance to ingest it.

2. Insecticides: Eleven percent of calls last year concerned pets being exposed to insecticides.  These products included those utilized in the home, on pets, and on the lawn.  The ASPCA reminds pet owners it is essential to read a product's directions before using it around a pet.  Only use products that are safe to use around pets in your home and on your lawn.  Finally, do not use a product specifically made for a dog on a cat or vice versa.

3. Over-the-Counter Human Medications: Over-the-counter human medications are also toxic to pets.  Common over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (found in Tylenol) or ibuprofen, often found in the home, can actually kill your cat or dog if he or she ingests them.  Always check with your veterinarian before you give any type of over-the-counter medication to your furry friend.

4. People/Human Food: As much as you might want to share your food with your furry friend, you must be careful what you feed your pet.  Several human foods can cause severe damage to your cat or dog if he or she eats them.  Chocolate, for instance, may cause diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and increased heart rate in pets who have ingested it, according to the ASPCA.

You may find a list of common toxic foods to cats in my earlier posts - Toxic Food to Cats Part 1 and Part 2.  Please note that these are NOT complete lists of all the foods toxic to cats.

5. Household Products: The household products ingested were not specified by the Animal Poison Control Center.  Be sure to keep all small items, such as rubber bands, staples, needles, thumb tacks, and so forth put up in containers where pets cannot access them.  These products may cause dangerous intestinal blockages or tares if ingested.  Likewise, keep all string, streamers, tinsel, yarn, thread, etc. out of your furry friend's reach.  These items can also have fatal consequences if ingested.  Finally, keep all chemical cleaners out of your pet's reach.

6. Veterinary Medications: Some chewable pet medications may taste good to your furry friend.  If he or she ingests more than he or she is supposed to at one time, it may result in poisoning.  Be sure to keep your pet's medication out of reach, such as in a secure medicine cabinet in the bathroom, so that he or she cannot gobble all of his or her pills at once.  If your furry friend eats more medication than your vet recommends per dose, call your veterinarian immediately.

7. Rodenticides: Use rodenticides with extreme caution around pets.  Bait to trap mice may be especially attractive to dogs as it is grain based.  According to the ASPCA, ingesting rodenticides may cause kidney failure, internal bleeding, and/or death.

8. Plants: Cats seem to find chewing on plants irresistible.  There are hundreds of plants toxic to cats and dogs.  For instance, lilies can lead to kidney failure and death for cats who ingest them, according to the ASPCA.  You may reference their list of toxic and non-toxic plants here.  You may also view my list of some safe plants to keep around cats if you enjoy having plants in your home.

9. Lawn and Garden Products: According to the ASPCA, lawn and garden fertilizers may be made of bone meal, dried blood, and/or poultry manure, which attract pets.  If you utilize lawn and/or garden products, it is a good idea to only let your pets roam outdoors when you can supervise them.

10. Automotive Products: Antifreeze, brake fluid, and so forth can be fatal if ingested by your furry friend.  Thankfully, the number of automotive product poisonings has decreased as more people choose to keep their cats indoors, according to the ASPCA.

Taking some simple precautions and pet-proofing your home, lawn, and garden can go a long way in preventing your pet from accidentally ingesting a poisonous substance.

If you believe your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance, please call your veterinarian immediately or contact the Animal Poison Control Center 24 hours a day at: 888-426-4435.

Source:

ASPCA: Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2011

Dangers of the Great Outdoors to Cats

Many cat owners debate on whether they should allow their furry friends to go outside or whether they should keep their furry friends as indoor-only cats. Consider this: according to Traci M. Jones who wrote, "Perils in the Life of an Outdoor Cat," the average lifespan of a cat who spends all of his or her time outdoors is approximately a year and a half whereas the average lifespan for a cat who spends all of his or her time indoors is more than 15 years. There are several dangers to consider when deciding whether to allow your cat to spend time outdoors, and if so, when and where.

Heartworm: Cats, like dogs, can get heartworm when they spend time outdoors. This occurs when an infected insect bites a cat. If you allow your cat to spend any time outdoors, please be responsible and provide your furry friend with heartworm prevention. You can get heartworm prevention through your veterinarian.

Diseases: While there are vaccinations for some diseases, vaccinations have not been created against every disease your cat can get outdoors through other animals. Furthermore, according to Tracie M. Jones, while there are vaccinations against feline leukemia and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), they are not reliably effective.

Fleas, Tics, and Worms....Oh my! While fleas, tics, and worms do not pose life-threatening dangers to your cat, fleas, tics, and worms can make your cat - and you - very uncomfortable. When a cat gets fleas and brings them into your home, the fleas are just as likely to start biting you as they are your kitty. Additionally, getting rid of fleas is time-consuming and challenging! If you allow your cat to spend time outdoors, please be a responsible pet owner by putting regular flea and tic prevention on your kitty. You can purchase good quality flea and tic prevention, like Frontline or Advantage, from your veterinarian. Please do not utilize over-the-counter flea and tic prevention products such as Hartz as these products are often not safe for your furry friend.

In addition to fleas and tics, kitties can contract different types of parasites and worms while spending time outdoors. For instance, cats can contract ringworm by digging in dirt. Ringworm is very contagious to humans as well.

Toxic plants: There are hundreds of toxic plants to cats. If ingested, these plants can cause everything from vomiting to coma to death, depending on the plant ingested and how much was eaten. A few of the plants toxic to felines include: all types of lilies, cherries, daisies, spring parsley, tulips, irises, tomato plants, wisteria, and yews.

Cruel people: You might have a fence in your backyard, but this means nothing to your furry friend. To your furry friend, a fence is merely an obstacle to get over, not a barrier to keep him or her in your yard where he or she might be safe. If your cat jumps your fence into a neighbor's yard, your neighbor may or may not mind. If your neighbor doesn't want a furry visitor in his or her yard, though, your neighbor may not have any problem shooting, hitting, poisoning, or harming your fur baby in any other way.

Cats may not even be safe in your own backyard. I heard a very tragic story where a cat was taken from his own backyard and dunked in paint thinner! The cat ultimately lost his life due to the insanely cruel actions of another person.

Automobiles: In addition, if your cat escapes from your yard, he or she runs the risk of getting hit by an automobile. I used to live in the country where there are no speed limits on roads and it was not an uncommon occurrence to see a poor fur baby laying on the side of the road. It's horrible to think about, but the sad truth is, a lot of people never see cats (speed limit or not) until it's too late.

All of these dangers pose very real threats to our fur babies, but that doesn't mean you can't let your furry friend enjoy the great outdoors. If you choose to keep your cat strictly indoors, you can buy him or her nature DVDs that allow him or her to see the outdoors from the safety of your home. Window perches are another great way to allow your feline to enjoy the outdoors while inside. If you want to let your kitty go outside, my best advice would be to either build (or buy) him or her a secure outside enclosure or to put a harness and leash on your feline and take him outside with you so you can supervise his or her outdoor time.