Health Tips For Your Indoor Cat You may think your cat leads a sheltered life, but it's a jungle in there. Common household items can spell trouble for your cat unless you take action first.
Chocolate
It's no treat for cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Also sweets, cakes and cookies can upset a young animal's gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious.
Bones
Never give turkey or chicken bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury. Instead, give your cat a treat intended specifically for cats. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or ask a salesperson at your pet supply store. As a precaution, keep your garbage can secure from cats' access.
Household Products
Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline and especially rat poison. Keep them locked up.
Poisonous Plants
These include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem cherry and plant bulbs. In addition, avoid these plants for holiday decorating unless they are kept out of your pet's reach: Christmas rose, mistletoe, poinsettia and star-of-Bethlehem.
Personal Care Items And Medications
Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and especially acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.
Plastic Bags
Don't leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive animals can suffocate.
Hot Stuff
Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots, stove elements and space heaters. Cats can jump to amazing heights. And always use a fireplace screen. Cats love warmth so much, they'll sit on stoves, radiators and furnaces! But excessive heat can dry out their skin, and some cats even get burned without realizing it. Keep hot areas covered or off limits to your cat if possible.
Small Stuff
If any or all of something will fit in your cat's mouth, it's dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and even pantyhose. Because what goes in must come out, often via surgery.
Windows
Cats love to look out windows. But if they get distracted by a bird or squirrel, they have been known to jump out, even from great heights. And contrary to popular belief, cats don't always land on their feet. Keep windows closed or securely screened to keep your cat safely inside.
Electrical Cords
Young, teething animals (and even some older ones) love to chew. Keep electrical wires out of reach or use a pet-repellent spray.
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