DANGERS TO KITTENS & CATS
Caloola Moonlight Magic
Having a new kitten in your family is rather like having a baby or young child. You must be vigilant in keeping them from danger. There are so many everyday things in your home that can spell
disaster for an inquisitive kitten.
Most of us like to have flowers and plants inside to beautify our homes but did you know that many varieties of these such as Lillies can be deadly to cats?
You will find a comprehensive list of plants that are Toxic to Cats here. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list?
Plants and flowers are not the only things to worry about, some cats are very sensitive to the vapours from Essential Oils, you know, the ones you put in a vapouriser or oil burner. Two of the most dangerous oils are Eucalyptus oil and Lavender oil. These are ketone chemicals which are neurotoxins and these may cause seizures in cats. Other dangerous oils are:
Bergamot
Lemon
Grapefruit
Lime
Orange
Tangerine
Mandarin
Bay
Cinnamon
Citronella
Clove
Fir
Geranium
Oregano
Pennyroyal
Pine
Rue
Savoury
Spruce
Tea Tree
Thyme
The same can be said for some cat shampoos particularly if they contain Permethrin. Please do not use these shampoos. Not all natural things are good for cats.
A site which explains in more detail can be found at http://www.holisticat.com
Household cleaners and chemicals should always be kept out of reach of your kittens/cats as should things like rubber bands, toothpicks, twist ties, buttons, plastic bags, string, wool or yarn etc. and any other small object that they could be curious about. The list is endless and really it is just a matter of common sense.
Fly Spray can be toxic to cats especially if it drifts onto their food or water bowl and can cause your cat to become very unstable on its feet, staggering and falling over. The cat will need immediate urgent veterinary intervention to save its life. Unfortunately I know about this from first hand experience. Luckily I got the cat to the Vet in time.
Even everyday toiletries such as hair spray can irritate a cats eyes.
Keep all electrical cords out of reach to prevent electrocution if chewed.
Never use a clumping style kitty litter. If a kitten/cat swallows this it can clump and form a hard mass in the stomach which will be impossible to pass. This will mean an emergency trip to the Vet.
Oh, and don't forget the toilet lid. Keep it down!! The chemicals we use in our toilets would be very toxic to our feline friends. There is also a chance of the kitten falling in head first and drowning.
We have just been made aware of a tragic accident involving a friends kitten and a reclining chair so please keep your kitten away from these chairs and also rocking chairs.
If you go through your home and toddlerproof it, it should then be safe for your kitten but you still need to watch out for those adventurous kittens who may like to climb into the fridge, washing machine, clothes dryer or dishwasher etc to investigate! Always check before you close the dooor or start them up. Put a sign on the door for every member of the household to see. CHECK FOR CAT
"There is no more Intrepid Explorer than a Kitten"
Jules Champfleury
Christmas is another time to take care. Be careful not to let your kittens play with tinsel or small ornaments or objects they could swallow. Christmas is also a time when many animals are neglected, so be sure you really are ready to care for a cat before you go ahead with your purchase.
Teach your family to close doors and always check that the cat has not got out. You should make sure you know where your kitten is at all times and NEVER allow him or her outside unsupervised and do not allow your cat access to an open balcony or verandah. They can slip through railings or fall from a ledge in the blink of an eye. Outdoor cats are exposed to many dangers including being stolen, motor vehicles and dogs, even fights with other cats which may cause infectious disease or result in wounds and abcesses requiring Veterinary treatment. Some Owners build a safe enclosure outdoors so the cat can have time outdoors in complete safety.
Never leave a small child alone with your kitten. Children should handle kittens very gently and be taught the correct way to hold a kitten. This not only protects the kitten but also protects your child from a startled kitten that may bite or scratch out of fear when handled incorrectly.
It is not my intention to make you think keeping a cat is hard work, it is not, it is just a matter of us all being conscious about the dangers lurking in our homes that we just don't really usually consider.
This list obviously does not cover all dangers to cats but hopefully it may be helpful in preventing any avoidable accidents happening to your precious kitten or cat.
Written by Caloola Silvers 2006
First Published on CCBA Website 2006
Copyright Caloola Silvers 2006-2015
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are Copyright of Caloola Silvers and not
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