Because it is a curious creature, your cat is likely to create an emergency situation. Even the best well-protected house cat is subject to dangers in the home. Although you can do your part by cat-proofing your home emergencies do arise. First aid measures are not a substitute for veterinary care. If an emergency arises, always call your vet. In some cases, however, you may have to administer first aid before you can take the cat to the vet.
If you live in high rise flat, there is a real danger of your cat falling and injuring or killing itself. Install grills on windows and balconies to prevent this. The size of the spaces in the grills should be such that your cat should not be able to squeeze through. Some steps that you can take to prevent an accident, include not hanging things that might attract your cat's attention, e.g. wind chimes, on or near the window ledge.
Cats, like a lot of youngsters, will eat almost anything. And they will play with anything that can move. Strings, yarn, dental floss, elastics and especially needles and thread are highly enticing, but if swallowed they can do serious, often fatal, damage. Store anything string-like and any items small enough to swallow in a drawer or somewhere that feline paws can't penetrate. Chewing an electrical cord can be fatal, and pulling on it may bring down an appliance — in the case of an iron, possibly a hot appliance. Hanging cords, such as those for curtains, blinds and lamps can be strangulation hazards. Bundle all cords or tie them off out of reach.
Your child must learn to respect the cat and treat him gently. Your influence as a role model is essential here. Supervise any interaction between your child and the cat until you are confident both are behaving properly.Your child should be sitting calmly for the initial meeting, any fast movements will send the cat into hiding. Bring the animal to the child and help your youngster pet him, stroking with the fur, not against it. Show your child how to play gently; no tail pulling.Teach your child how to hold the cat so that he is properly supported. And more importantly, your child should know when to let the cat go.
Most youngsters can learn to read body language: If the cat is wriggling or his tail is lashing and his ears are back, it's time to put him down. Kittens are delicate and can be injured by a child's overly tight hug. And don't allow a child to tease the cat, or to disturb him when he is eating, using the litter box or in a deep sleep.
Many toxic products are labeled with warnings. But the toxicity of other products may not be immediately apparent, and your cat doesn't necessarily have to eat or drink something to ingest it; when grooming, your cat will swallow anything on his paws or body. Furthermore, some toxins can be absorbed directly through the skin or gums and still cause serious problems. If you don't know that a product is safe, treat it as a potential poison. Store it in a tightly sealed container in a securely closed cabinet, preferably out of reach of your cat.
| Hassany Ummar |
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