Protect Cats From
Household
Dangers
Pet-Proofing Your Home
Just as parents "childproof"
the home, so should pet owners "pet-proof" theirs.
Pets of the family, like infants and
small children, are naturally curious and love to
explore their environment with their paws, claws and
mouths. But they can’t know what is dangerous and what
is not... so it’s up to you to make your home a safe
haven. The following tips can help ensure that your pet
enjoys a long, happy and accident-free life in your
care.
Around the House
• Screen windows
to guard against falls.
• Don’t let
young pets out on balconies, upper porches or high
decks.
• Many house
plants, including dieffenbachia, elephant ear,
spider plants and more are poisonous if eaten.
Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging
baskets.
• Puppies love
to chew when they’re teething, so unplug, remove or
cover electrical cords.
• Don’t leave a
room unattended where a fire is lit or a space
heater is being used.
• Plastic bags
may be fun to play with, but they can suffocate.
• If your pet
can put something in his mouth, he probably will.
Don’t leave small, sharp, easily swallowed objects
lying around.
Dangers in the Garage
• Cats enjoy naps near a warm engine. Honk your horn before starting the engine to make sure your cats is not under or near the car.
• Pets like the
smell and taste of antifreeze and windshield washer.
Tightly cover their containers and wipe up any
spills.
• Paint,
gasoline and other dangerous chemicals should be
stored out of reach.
Kitchen, Laundry Room and Bathroom Dangers
• Never leave
burners or irons on unattended.
• Dangerous
household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia
should be stored out of your pet’s reach.
• Close washer
and dryer lids-your pet might climb in and become
trapped.
• Keep toilet
lids down - small pets can actually drown, if they
fall in.
• Medicines,
shampoo, suntan lotions and other personal care
items can kill your pet. Make sure he can’t get hold
of them.
Dangers in the Yard
• Some outdoor
plants, like ivy and oleander, can be poisonous to
pets.
• Keep pets away
from lawns and gardens treated with chemicals.
• Store garden
tools and chemicals securely. Keep garden sheds
locked.
• Cover swimming
pools and hot tubs - your pet might fall in and not
be able to get out.
Disasters To Avoid
• Many objects used as cat toys (yarn, string, rubber bands, aluminum foil) can be extremely harmful if swallowed.
• Cats love to sleep in warm, dark places. Close drawers, trunks, closets, dryer doors. Your cat might suffocate if trapped.
• Cats may look adorable with a ribbon tied around its neck, but remember it could be caught and choke you pet.
Holiday Season at Home
• Tinsel and
icicles, Christmas tree lights and glass ornaments
will be sure to tempt your pet’s curiosity - but all
could be lethal if chewed or swallowed.
• Poinsettia,
holly and mistletoe are poisonous to your pets.
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