Cat Safety In The Home

It is the cat owner’s responsibility to ensure that the home environment is safe. Potential hazards should be eliminated whenever possible. A safe home environment for cats is free of choking hazards, obstruction hazards, and poisons.

Some small objects are especially dangerous if ingested. Needles have been known to be swallowed by cats. In those cases, they can cause serious injury to a cat’s esophagus and internal organs. Pennies are potentially lethal if swallowed due to their zinc content. Tinsel is extremely dangerous to cats. It doesn’t help that it can attract a curious, playful cat. Chicken bones can cause injury and choking. Even if the bone is not given to the cat, an owner should make sure that the cat does not retrieve any bones from the garbage.

A responsible cat owner should try to keep small objects away from cats. Small children’s toys could be choking hazards for cats. Items such as paperclips could become lodged in the cat’s esophagus. Sharp objects could cause cuts or puncture wounds. Breakable objects should be kept away from a cat’s preferred areas to prevent the cat from breaking the object and getting cut on the pieces.

Some houseplants and plants common in flower arrangements are poisonous to cats. Some cats will eat grass and plants, so its important for a cat owner to avoid having poisonous plants in the home. Aloe vera, azalea, baby’s breath, Easter lilies, eucalyptus, English ivy, and lily of the valley are just a few of the many plants and flowers that are poisonous to cats. Before introducing a plant to the home, check with a veterinarian to make sure that it is not harmful for cats if ingested.

Chemicals in the home can be lethal to cats. The ingestion of mothballs, mouse bait, automatic dish soap, and insecticides can be fatal. Other items for human consumption can be dangerous for cats. Cigarettes, alcohol, and coffee grounds are dangerous for cats. Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be fatal even in small amounts. If a cat becomes injured or the cat owner suspects that poisoning has occurred, the cat owner should contact the veterinarian for cat first aid instructions and an appointment.