Steering Clear of Hazards for Cats

March 2, 2023 by Your Cat Care of Vinings Team

Cat sitting and looking at a bowl of grapes.

Your cat relies on you to keep him safe. Thankfully, taking a little time to educate yourself and be sure that you are taking proper precautions isn’t terribly difficult. Hazards for cats are everywhere, but Cat Care of Vinings is here to help you steer clear.

Thinking Like a Cat

Cats are curious by nature, and that makes them vulnerable to exposure to harmful things. They jump, bat, climb, and lick their way into trouble.

Cats are also challenged because their actual metabolism is incapable of converting many compounds that are harmless to other species into compounds that can be properly utilized by the body or excreted. This makes them very vulnerable to toxins.

Thinking about areas your cat can access and what might pique their curiosity can help you to increase your pet safety awareness.

Top Hazards for Pets

Our top kitty dangers fall into a few common categories:

Toxic foods—Not everything is good for sharing. Onions and garlic make the top ten list for pet poisonings in cats. Foods like chocolate, grapes, or raisins can also cause trouble for the feline species.
Household items—Items around the house tend to be hazardous for our pets. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils, for example. Household cleaning products and chemicals are also potential problems, especially if kitty walks through them and then cleans their fur.
Medications—Cats don’t tolerate medications well. Human medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen can carry very serious consequences as can stimulants such as ADD/ADHD medications. Cats also can have serious reactions to medications for dogs such as flea and tick prevention.
House plants—Inquisitive cats like to nibble on plants, but toxic varieties can lead to pet poisonings. In particular, be aware of lilies in flower arrangements. Even just licking the pollen off of their fur can lead to kidney failure.

Pet Safety Tips

So how can you keep your cat safe? Poison prevention for cats doesn’t have to be hard. Take steps to do the following in your home:

Keeping potential toxic foods and substances well out of the reach of pets
Keep medications in a secure location that your cat cannot access
Research plants and be sure that they are cat friendly before bringing them into your home
Keep the belongings of guests in your home in a secure place such as a closet or bedroom
Avoid applying essential oils to your pet
Let cleaning products and other chemicals dry completely before allowing your pet into the area they have been used
Utilize pet-safe alternatives where possible
Keep tempting hazards like wax lamps and candles in a location that your kitty cannot get to
Secure electrical cords and blind pulls away from curious cats

The world can be a dangerous place for a cat without any fear, but with a little preparation, you can do your due diligence as a human and keep your pet safe. Please contact us with any questions about how to best care for your furry friend. We want to keep them safe and happy, too!

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Posted in: Pet Health & Wellness | Pet Safety | Pet Toxins

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I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)

The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.

These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.

Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!

Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…

At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.

CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+

Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.

Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…

The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.

The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…

…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.

I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats

The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.

This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.

…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…

I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.