Household Hazards for Cats
The most common household dangers to cats are poisons, including rat poison, mouse poison, and insecticides. Ingesting these products can lead to severe illness or death. So be sure to keep them out of your cat’s reach and away from food sources.
Like trash cans or countertops where your cat could get to them, check out this list of the top ten household hazards to cats below!
Cleaning Products
The things used for household cleaners contain chemicals that can harm cats if they inhale or ingest them. To be safe, keep all cleaning products out of reach of your cat. You may also want to consider using natural cleaning products that are safe for you and your pet.
Garbage Disposal Units
If you have a garbage disposal unit in your home, keep it covered when not in use. You may attract your cat to the noise it makes and could jump in, getting injured by the blades. Even if your unit is turned off, the blades can still pose a danger.
Vacuum Cleaners
A secret that cats love to play with vacuum cleaners. Unfortunately, the cords can be a choking hazard, and the rotating brush can injure your cat’s skin. If you must keep a vacuum cleaner in your home, unplug it and put it away when you’re not using it.
Toilet Bowls
A toilet bowl is one of the top household hazards for cats. If your cat ingests toilet bowl cleaner, it can cause severe burns to the mouth and throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect your cat has ingested toilet bowl cleaner, please immediately call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline.
Electric Blankets
Royal Canine Kitten Food and Royal Canin Mother and Baby Cat Food are specially formulated to provide your kitten or mother cat with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. However, electric blankets can severely threaten your cat’s health. If you are not using an electric blanket, ensure it is turned off and out of reach of your cat at all times.
Plants with Thorns or Spines
- Cacti and other plants with sharp spines can severely damage your cat if they take a nap on or near one.
- If you have any of these plants in your home, keep them out of reach of your feline friend.
- If you’re not sure whether a plant is safe for cats, err on the side of caution and keep it away from them.
- Common houseplants poisonous to cats include lilies, tulips, and azaleas.
- If you suspect your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- To be safe, only buy pet-friendly plants from the store and keep them out of reach of your cat.
Stairs and Slides
If you have a cat, you know that they love to explore. Unfortunately, this can often lead them into trouble. Stairs and slides are one of the top hazards for cats. If you have stairs in your home, keep an eye on your feline friend and provide them with a safe way to get down. If you have a slide, consider covering it or removing it altogether.
Window Sills
Cats love to sit in sunny windows and watch the world go by, but did you know that window sills can be dangerous for them? If your cat likes to perch on the windowsill, keep an eye on them. Here are some things to look out for
Indoor Aquariums
Though an indoor aquarium can provide your cat with hours of enjoyment, there are a few things you need to be aware of before setting one up in your home:
Ensure the aquarium is securely placed on a sturdy surface that won’t tip over if your cat bumps into it.
Use a pet-safe glass cleaner to clean the inside and outside of the aquarium.
Fill the aquarium with fresh, clean water.
Add some live plants or other decorations.