Hazards
At home your cat relys on you to protect it from harm. In general, you should only feed your cats food and treats specially formulated for them. Some human food and drink can make animals sick, so keep them out of your cats' reach. Here are some examples:
Alcoholic beverages
Substances containing caffeine, such as coffee
Chocolate
Fatty foods, especially drippings and grease from cooking
Chicken and turkey bones
Grapes and raisins
Onions
Macadamia nuts
Salt and sugar
Yeast dough
All medications (aspirin is especially harmful to cats)
Many other things in or around your home can cause serious illness or even death in your cat. Some examples:
Antifreeze
Bait for rodents
Batteries (they can contain corrosive fluid)
Car care products, such as cleaners or oils
Fertilizer
Household cleaners
Ice-melting products
Nicotine products
Pesticides for insects
Plants that are toxic to pets
Pool or pond products
Poisonous snakes
Other potential dangers in your home include burning candles that may be knocked over, electrical cords that can be chewed, and loose cords or wires that animals may become tangled in. Take a look around your house and make it pet-safe.
For more information on what to do for a poisoned animal, what plants are poisonous, and how to poison-proof your home, visit the ASPCA website (www.aspca.org) and click on Animal Poison Control Center.
If you suspect your pet has been poisoned and you need immediate assistance, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The nonprofit hotline is staffed 24/7 by a team of veterinarians, including veterinary toxicologists; the consultation fee is $50. |
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