Keep Your Cat Safe: Foods You Should Never Feed Them

Cat Poisonous Foods: What to Avoid

With the wide variety of cat food on the market, it can be difficult to know what should and shouldn’t be included in their diet. It is very important for cat owners to be aware of which foods contain compounds that can be poisonous or even deadly to cats. Knowing which toxic substances and substances to avoid will help keep your furry friend safe and healthy.

Some of the most common poisons for cats are chocolate, caffeine, grapes, and raisins, as well as alcohol. Almonds, avocados, macadamia nuts, and onions should also be avoided as they contain toxins which can cause upset stomachs, liver damage, and other serious problems. Many human medications can also be extremely dangerous to cats, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, so never give your cat any medication without consulting your veterinarian first.

Be aware of certain house plants, too, as many, such as lilies, can be poisonous for cats if ingested. Foods like raw fish, eggs, and uncooked meat can also contain bacteria which can make cats ill, so it’s best to check with your vet before feeding your pet these items. Milk can also be an issue for some cats, so be sure to watch what type you’re giving them if any at all.

If you think your cat has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian immediately. Knowing what your cat should and shouldn’t eat can save its life. Make sure to always store food and medications safely out of reach of pets, and discuss any dietary changes or concerns with your veterinarian.

Strategies for Preventing Cat Escape Outdoors

Preventing cats from escaping outdoors requires careful planning, regular maintenance and a certain degree of dedication. A few strategies can be implemented to ensure cats remain safe and secure when at home and out in the open.

Indoors: Firstly, it is important to ensure any windows or doors are pet-proofed with cat-proof screens or netting. Installing sturdy door-locks will also prevent cats from wandering outside when no one is looking. Have plenty of toys and stimulation available to deter curiosity from exploring elsewhere. Consider installing digital light sensors, motion alarms, and/or air vents that double as cat-flaps to monitor and surveys their whereabouts regularly.

Outdoors: Ensuring a fenced in yard is necessary for all cats, but especially those with the propensity for mischief and an urge for exploration. Cat fencing should measure at least five feet in height, be buried at least two feet deep into the soil and coated with an anti-climb material on top. Microchips and collars are vital in helping nearby shelters, rescues and lost and found networks in reuniting cats with their owners in the event they go on an unplanned out of home adventure. Finally, having monthly flea prevention and other necessary vaccinations administered by a trusted vet or clinic helps maintain overall health, thereby minimizing the drive to escape outside and beyond.

Kitchen Safety for Indoor Cats

Indoor cats have a different set of safety needs than their outdoor counterparts, and the kitchen is one of the most important places to enforce safety protocols. Common kitchen hazards for cats include sharp knives, toxic cleaning chemicals, overwhelming smells, and hot surfaces like stoves and ovens.

There are a few common sense measures that can be put in place to make sure your indoor cat is safe in the kitchen. Keeping all sharp utensils and tools in well secured drawers and containers is the first step. It’s also essential to keep all cleaning supplies stored in cupboards and out of reach, as these often contain ingredients that could be dangerous if ingested by a cat. Additionally, it’s important to pay close attention to the stove and always use vent fans when cooking. This can limit the amount of dangerous smoke that can enter the living space, which could otherwise harm your cat’s health. Lastly, be mindful of any foods you may be preparing that are toxic to cats, such as onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and chocolate. Keeping these well off the floor or counters will ensure your pet is kept far away from them.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create an environment that is both functional for cooking and for keeping your indoor cat safe.

The Dangers of Household Chemicals for Cats

Household chemicals can be extremely hazardous for cats. Many of these chemicals are highly toxic, and even small amounts can cause serious illness or death in felines. Common household products such as bleach, detergents, cleaning solutions and pesticides should never be used around cats as they may be harmful or fatal when ingested or inhaled. Even lower toxicity substances like sprays and aerosols, if not used properly, can be dangerous to cats and other pets. Products that contain potentially toxic ingredients should be clearly labeled and kept out of reach of all pets, especially cats, which have a tendency to lick any surfaces they find interesting. Fully supervised activities, such as cleaning products and their use, should always be considered safe when it comes to cats’ health.