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Cat Care Site

Household Dangers

Below is a list of common dangers, found in many homes, which can be fatal to cats. Most fatal poisonings are caused by antifreeze, Panadol or Tylenol.

Antifreeze

Commonly used in car radiators to stop them freezing during the winter months, cats are attracted to antifreeze due to its sweet taste. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, convulsions and coma. Make sure antifreeze is kept out of reach of the cat. Store it in a tightly sealed container and wipe up any spills. Window washing solution may also contain antifreeze.

For more information on Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning, see the Poisons section.

Appliances

Open washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers are good hiding places for cats, especially curled up in the warm laundry. Either leave appliance doors firmly shut or make sure you check thoroughly before turning the appliance on. Cats often sleep in the laundry pile, so check the clothes before you put them into the washing machine.

Cat Toys

Some cat toys are designed for cats to interact with humans and cats should never be left alone with them. Toys on the end of elastic cords are designed for humans to dangle in front of the cat. If the cat is left alone with these types of toys, the elastic cord can spring back on the cat, strangling it, which if not discovered in time, will lead to death, and has in many cases. These toys are safe for cats to play with but they must be supervised. Never leave your cat alone with any toy that could prove dangerous.

Chocolate

Is toxic to cats even in small doses, less than one ounce per pound of bodyweight, can have drastic effects. Chocolate contains theobromine - a substance toxic to animals that can cause diarrhoea (diarrhea) or sudden death.

Curtains, Drapes And Blinds

Cats can easily become tangled or strangulated in cords hanging from curtains, drapes or blinds. Hide cords out of the cats reach if possible.

Electrical Cords

Electrical cords can be very dangerous if a kitten chews through them. Hide electrical cords out of reach of the kitten if possible or use a pet repellant spray. Teach your kitten not to chew electrical cords. Give the kitten a toy to play with every time it goes to bite the electrical cord. Electrical cords hanging down from appliances such as irons can be dangerous, especially when the kitten pulls on the cord of a hot iron.

Foods

Certain foods can be poisonous to cats. The list includes alcoholic beverages, avocado, chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, macadamia nuts, mouldy or spoiled foods, onions, onion powder, raisins, grapes, salt and yeast dough.

Hot Pots And Pans

Cats have a tendency to find somewhere warm to sleep. Hot pots and elements may provide this warmth, but will also cause burns. Make sure hot pots and pans are out of the cats reach. Element/burner covers may reduce the risk of the cat being burnt by a hot stovetop.

Household Chemicals And Cleaners

Cleaning agents, disinfectants or bleach can be dangerous if left where cats have access to them, so store them either in a cupboard or on a shelf out of the cat's reach, remembering that some cats like to climb. Cats are sensitive to many cleaning products. When you clean the bathroom or kitchen floor, let the surfaces dry before letting the cat back into the room. Use only soap and water to wash out the litter box and rinse it well.

Medicine

Only treat your cat with veterinary prescribed medicine. Never give your cat any human medication without first consulting your vet. Some medicines made for humans are not suitable for cats. Even small doses of aspirin can be toxic to cats. Panadol, Tylenol and other painkillers are also toxic. Keep all prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs out of reach of cats.

For more information on specific poisons, see the Poisons section.

Pesticides

Keep pets away from areas treated with pesticides. Store pesticide products out of reach of cats. Fly baits containing methomyl and slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde are especially dangerous.

For more information on specific poisons, see the Poisons section.

Plants

Several common houseplants and outdoor plants are poisonous to cats. If you have a poisonous plant, make sure it is well out of reach of the cat, and especially kittens, who like to chew on hanging leaves. For more information, see our list of Poisonous Plants.

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags and sheets of plastic can cause suffocation if the cat climbs into them and can not get back out. Cats may also become stuck in the handles of the bag and panic, leading to injury. Make sure plastic bags are not left lying around the house.

Rat Bait

Only put out rat bait where pets can't reach it. Store baits in spill-proof containers out of reach of cats.

For more information on specific poisons, see the Poisons section.

Rocking Chairs And Recliners

Tails and paws are easily crushed by rockers. Cats and kittens may hide under recliner chairs and be seriously injured when the chair is opened or closed. Check that your cat or kitten is not behind or under your chair before you sit down.

Rubbish Bins/Trash Cans

Many rubbish bins are not cat proof. Foraging little kitties like to find meat scraps hidden in the rubbish bin. Old meat bones, if swallowed, can splinter and swell up inside the cat. Empty cans with sharp edges will cut paws. Either put the rubbish bin in a cupboard, out of the cats reach or empty it regularly to reduce the danger.

Small Objects

Left lying around the home, small objects such as marbles, beads, buttons, nails, rubber bands, cotton/thread, string, ribbons, thumb tacks, pins, needles, and small toys can be carried in a cats mouth and pose a choking hazard. Make sure small objects are out of the cat's reach.

Snow

Cats who live in snowy climates should be kept inside during the winter months. Cats are easily buried during snow storms and if not found in time, will suffer hypothermia leading to death.

Swimming Pools

Keep swimming pools and spa pools (jacuzzis) well covered to ensure your cat or kitten doesn't go swimming. Young kittens may fall into the pool and not be able to get out. Pool chemicals can also be dangerous. Make sure chemicals are securely stored out of the cats reach.

Weedkillers

Weedkillers, such as Round-up, are dangerous for cats. Keep the cat off the sprayed area until the spray has fully dried. Fertilizers and insecticides should also be protected in this way.

References

Edney A, Taylor D, 101 Essential Tips: Caring For Your Cat, London: Dorling Kindersley, 1997

Page S, The Complete Cat Owners Manual, Australia: Readers Digest, 1997

Taylor D, The Ultimate Cat Book, Great Britain: Dorling Kindersley, 1989

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