Keeping Your Cat Safe: Common Household Hazards
Did you know many common foods and household items are hazardous to your cat? In honor of Poison Prevention Awareness Month, we’ve compiled a few lists of items that should be stored safely out of your cat’s reach. Although not comprehensive, safely securing the food and household items below will help you keep your cat safe and happy.
Food Hazards:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Fatty foods – fried foods, sweet foods
- Chicken and turkey bones
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions, scallions, leeks and garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Salt and sugar
- Yeast dough
Common Household Hazards:
- Antifreeze
- Rodent poison
- Batteries
- Car care products
- Fertilizer
- Household cleaners
- Cigarettes and products that contain nicotine (e-cigarette liquids)
- Insecticides
- Chemicals for pools and ponds
- Certain plants such as Easter Lilies, Philodendrons and Poinsettias
- Some essential oils. Learn more here.
Bonus Tips to Keep your Cat Safe:
- Secure all dangling cords. Cats often like to play with and bite into hanging wires and cords, which can tangle, choke or even electrocute them.
- Secure all window screens. Cats like to climb window screens and if they aren’t secured, they can fall out or run away.
- Pack away breakables and remove tablecloths. Cats are curious creatures who are known to get into their share of mischief. Climbing onto tables and pulling down tablecloths are ways cats can destroy belongings and potentially harm themselves.
- Check your washer and dryer. Cats love to hide in dark and quiet places. Always check your dryer before you add your laundry to ensure that your cat is not hiding in your dryer.
If your cat ingests a dangerous substance, don’t hesitate to take action. Call the ASPCA’s poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435 (some fees may apply). ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center has more helpful information as well.
