As you can imagine, this is an important topic for veterinarians and their patients. When adopting a new cat or kitten, remember to remove poisonous plants, toxins, string, plastic bags, and other dangerous items from the house before allowing your cat to roam.
Electrical cords: One of my cats chews cords. I have tried chile oil and no chew sprays but, honestly, we ended up installing switches on the outlets and now turn them off when leaving the room. The first cord she took out was the internet, that’s how we found out we had a problem! I also use baby protectors for the electric sockets as my cats like to stick their claws into the sockets.
Strings: Strings are one of the worst things cats can eat, and they love them! Remember to think about strings from carpet, towels, rubber bands, hair ties, and blind cords.
Strings can actually get caught in the intestines and cause a lot of damage.
Heights: Cats love windows. They love to watch the birds and the butterflies from an open window or balcony. Unfortunately, I have had patients fall out of 3rd or 4th story buildings! I recommend putting in a cat net for balconies if allowed by your landlord.
Dangerous spaces: Keep the toilet seats down, especially with kittens. The small kittens can fall into the toilet and not be able to get out!
Don’t allow your cat or kitten to access the dryer, washer, or utility areas.
Toxins:
There are hundreds of poisonous items for cats. I recommend using the ASPCA website for a full list.
Most poisonous plant: Lilies (Lilium species)
Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies can cause mouth and oral irritation
Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter, and Japanese lilies are extremely toxic! Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
Most confusing product: Flea and tick medications for dogs- these are toxic to cats!
Essential oils: Some essential oils are toxic to cats! Stay away from wintergreen, oil of sweet birch, citrus oil, pine oil, Ylang Ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil.
Rodent poisons: Remember if you poison the rodents, and then your cat eats the mouse or rat, your cat can absorb the poison.
Chemicals: Keep your cat away from toxins and chemicals including antifreeze. A small amount of antifreeze can kill your cat.
Medications and supplements: Don’t let your cat have access to medications or supplements. I have also seen cats who will eat the dog’s medications when inside of a pill pocket or meatball.
Best source to find out if something is toxic: ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 They also have a great website: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
Resources:
ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/