Most people take precautions when it comes to children and household chemicals but did you know that there might be over 100 household items that could be potential dangerous for your cat. These products include common household items such as laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, dusting spray, bleach, all purpose cleaners, oil, medicines, antifreeze, mothballs, fertilizers, insecticides, oven cleaner and more.
There are many reasons for the old saying curiosity killed the cat. Cats are very curious creatures that can get themselves into a lot of trouble. Just like with children sometimes its common household things that can hurt our feline friends. There are no specific stats on cat poisonings but the majority of reported cat poisonings have happened in the home by either eating or drinking a chemical, mostly cleaning products.
Automatic dishwashing detergent and dryer sheets contain large amounts of synthetic detergents. Highly concentrated products can irritate the tissues in the nose and throat, can make your cat salivate excessively, vomit, create ulcers in their mouth or throat or cause diarrhea. Cleaning products like oven cleaner can cause fumes that can irritate your cat's eyes. Anytime cats get anything on them or their paws they lick it making it easy for them to ingest products that they come in contact with.
Another very deadly product that we have around the house is antifreeze. Unfortunately, cats are attracted to the taste of antifreeze. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a chemical compound that even in very small quantities can kill or make your cat very sick within a few hours. If you suspect that your cat has gotten into antifreeze get them to a Vet immediately. The sooner that they can get veterinary care the greater the chance of survival.
Remember anything can be toxic if enough is ingested. This creates a problem because cats seem to check everything out with their tongue. Treat all of your cleaning products, medicines, and grooming products as potential dangers for your cat. Try to isolate your cat when using chemical products. If you have a chemical spill remove your cat immediately, if you haven't already, and clean it up completely. Make sure that the area you cleaned is completely dry before you let your cat back into it. If your cat has any of the above symptoms, seems lethargic, depressed or won't eat, take them to the vet right away.
| Tina Seay is the author and webmaster of http://www.forthecatlover.com a website devoted to cat lovers everywhere, with cat articles, cat pictures and a nice selection of cat gift items. |
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