15 Frequent Domestic Risks for Cats

15 Frequent Domestic Risks for Cats

We don’t often realize how many poisonous and hazardous items which are harmful for our pets there are in our households! Seven years ago the ASPCA’s (Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)) processed over 140,000 instances of pets’ exposure to harmful matters, a lot of which concerned common domestic substances. Besides the poisoning hazards some more risks that your pet can face include rubber tapes, frippery and even mini-blinds.

15 Most Frequent Domestic Risks for Cats:

1. Medicaments for people – For a very long time human medicaments have been the most numerous object on the APCC’s list of frequent risks. Only in 2009 the ASPCA handled 45,816 applications concerning cats’ poisonings with prescription and non-prescription medications like painkillers, medicines against cold, energizers and nutritional supplements. Cats often take pill ampoules from desks and night tables or swallow medicaments by chance fallen on the flooring, that’s why it’s important to keep drugs hidden away in some hard-to-reach places.

2. Insect repellents – In our desperate efforts to fight against the penetration into our homes unwelcome insects, we frequently unwittingly endanger our beloved pets. During 2009 alone, the toxicologists of ASPCA have detected 29,020 cases concerning insecticides. The most frequent mishaps included the improper use of remedies against flea and tick — like applying the improper topical therapy to the improper species. That is why it’s of great importance to discuss the flea and tick treatment program with your cat’s vet before you start it.

3. Human food such as grapes, sultana, avocado, gums and other things that contain xylitol can severely disable the pets, and in 2009 they have caused over 17,453 cases of poisoning. One of the worst wrongdoers – chocolate – has a lot of methylxanthines, that, if swallowed in big amounts, can provoke vomiting, diarrhea, breathlessness, heavy thirst, urination, hyperactive behavior, and in serious incidents, improper cardiac rhythm, tremors and cramps.

4. Herbs – frequent houseplants caused incidents in 2009 in 7,858 cases according to ASPCA. There are often species like rhododendron, azalea, sago palm, kalanchoe, schefflera and lilies in households and they are hazardous for our furry friends. Lilies are particularly poisonous for cats because even in small quantities they may cause dangerous to life kidney problems.

5. Medicaments for veterinary purposes – although veterinary drugs are meant for pets, they can be misused or incorrectly distributed by pet owners with the best intensions. The APCC handled 7,680 incidents concerning misuse of animal-related medicaments like non-steroidal antiphlogistic medicines, remedies against heartworm, antibiotics, vaccination and dietary supplements in 2009. Always discuss EVERY type of supplement with your veterinarian before giving it to your cat.

6. Rat and mouse poisons – the APCC got 6,639 phone calls concerning cats that had ingested rat and mouse poisons by accident during the previous year. Many types of bait which are used to draw rodents include inactive substances that are appealing to cats as well. According to the kind of rodenticide, eating can cause possible life-threatening troubles for cats, for example bleeding, cramps or kidney damage. Pets who eat poisonous rodents will also surrender the poison. This concerns the cat(s) and predatory birds of yours.

7. Detergents for households – everyone understands that household washing means can be poisonous both for adults and children, but we hardly take precautionary measures to protect their fury friends from common detergents like bleaches, cleaners and disinfectants. The APCC got 4,143 phone calls associated with household cleaners last year. These substances, when they are inhaled by our pets, can lead to severe gastrointestinal calamity and damage of the airway passages. In addition, pets that are licking the paws after walking upon the floor washed with household detergents are exposed to intoxication.

8. Paint chips including heavy metals – in 2009 substances like lead, zinc and mercury caused 3,304 incidents of pet intoxications. Pets undergo lead effects through many sources so it is especially hazardous. Besides lead can be found in consumer goods, paint chips, lino and lead dust is created when coatings in older houses are scratched or polished.

9. Gardening Means – they can keep your lawn green, but some kinds of fertilizers and gardening means may cause troubles for cats and dogs walking outdoors. The APCC received last year2,329 phone calls associated with fertilizer intoxication that can lead to serious gastric problems and even to gastrointestinal failure. Besides cocoa mulch may be toxic when large quantities are swallowed —it is often more of a trouble with dogs than with other pets.

10. Chemical Substances – The APCC found out about 2,175 incidents with pet’s contact with chemical hazards in 2009. According to the degree of increase, chemical dangers are found in ethylene glycol coolant, paint thinner, cleaners of drains and some means for pool/spa and make up a substantial hazard to cats. Materials in this type can lead to gastrointestinal failure, depression, breath difficulties and burns by chemicals.

11. Glitter, String and Tooth Floss – cats are fond of games with thread, and they are hunting on demon string wherever they see it. It is funny! But if your pet has swallowed some string or thread it can cause serious intestinal problems and may need an expensive operation.

12. Blinds – some cats, especially little playful kittens, can hang themselves between the parts of window blinds. Prevent climbing up the blinds by shooting water with a squirt pistol or noisy shaking a dozen or more coins in some can or a glass.

13. Water from the toilet with cleaning supplements – having an automatic cleanser tablets in your toilet is very comfortable but it can be life-threatening if your pet drinks this water. The best way out is not to use this technique of sanitation. However if you can’t, train everybody to keep the toilet seat down.

14. Rubber Tapes - some cats get crazy about rubber tapes, but being eaten can be deadly dangerous. Put them away from the cat’s way.

15. Bags of Plastic – pets can choke in plastic shopping bags or dry washed bags, so put them away of your cat’s reach.