Cats are more sensitive to their environment than dogs and people, so we have to be mindful and aware of some basic safety issues.
While we, our children, or our dogs might suffer some discomfort from ingesting certain toxic items, cats are more likely to die, because they lack the liver enzymes that would process those chemicals from their bodies.
Additionally, cats are a very curious bunch, and are thus more likely to find and get into certain products that the rest of us can learn to leave alone.
This includes a wide variety of cleaning items, plants, and some foods.
In addition to a higher sensitivity, cats also are experts at hiding any discomfort, and we may not even notice they don't feel well until is too late.
It is vital to their health and safety, then, that we take precautions to prevent poisonings and injuries, and to be observant of their health to note any changes that might warrant a veterinary visit.
These 10 tips can help make your home safe for your kitties: 1.
Prevent access to any place you store cleaning supplies, yard chemicals, automotive products, insecticides, and plumbing chemicals, such as drain openers.
These products are especially deadly to cats: antifreeze, powdered cleansers (Ajax, Comet, etc.
), insecticide baits, traps and sprays, weed killers, and anything containing pine oil.
2.
Keep cats away from, or do not even keep, certain houseplants, such as oleander, azalea and yew.
Look for a toxic plant list for a more complete list of dangerous plants.
There are many! If your cat is allowed outdoors, be certain to plant-proof your yard as well, growing only those that aren't deadly to cats.
3.
Don't leave small items laying around.
Think "toddler" and you will be able to protect your cats, too.
Cats are very curious and, just like a small child, can swallow things like coins, string, buttons, nails, screws, paper clips, etc.
Ingesting them usually requires emergency surgery to remove them before fatal damage has been done.
4.
Keep all medications stored in cat-proof cabinets, drawers, or containers.
Cats love to play with small items, especially anything that rolls in an interesting way, and makes noises, such as pills rattling around inside the little vials.
5.
Do not let cats have access to anything consumable that you may enjoy but could cause them severe illness or toxicity, such as chocolate, coffee (especially the grounds), alcohol and tobacco.
Keep them away from the trash, where they might also drag out and eat tasty wrappers.
6.
Again, if they go outdoors, be watchful of any prey they might hunt, as a neighbor (or you) could have set out poison traps for mice or rats.
Eating a poisoned mouse will poison the cat.
Humane traps are available to catch mice, for example, and may be a good solution if you want to remove such pests.
7.
Read labels on pet products.
Never give something designed for a dog to a cat.
They have different physiologies and do not process things the same at all.
A good example is flea or tick products, such as collars, powders or sprays.
Dogs can handle the ingredient, permethrin, a synthetic insecticide, but it can be fatal to cats.
8.
Limit your use of scented candles and tobacco smoking inside the house.
Some candles contain oils that can vaporize and then settle onto your cat's fur, where it will be licked off when they next groom themselves.
Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, which is also oily and settles onto their fur, to be licked off later.
Nicotine is definitely toxic, and many aromatherapy oils are as well, most notably, lavender.
9.
Keep important phone numbers near the telephone, in case you need to call one for an emergency.
The list should include your vet, the poison control center, and a friend in case you need help transporting your pet.
If there is a need to hold your cat, it's best to let someone else drive.
10.
A good rule of thumb is, if a product wasn't made or designed for a cat, don't let yours eat it or play with it.
March is poison prevention week, but it's important to be aware of these safety tips year round.