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How to Prevent Common Cat Dangers

Contributor
By Jessica Pestka
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)
Prevent Common Cat Dangers
Prevent Common Cat Dangers
stock_xchng - cat (stock photo by hagit) [id 982098]

Your home is filled with common items that can be dangerous to your curious cat. You may be surprised to learn that raisins, for instance, can poison your cat. The risk of accidental poisoning can be reduced, as can the danger to your cat from a variety of household and environmental hazards. A few easy steps can save your pet from harm.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Cupboard locks
  • Collar with identification tags
  1. Step 1

    Feed your cat treats and food made specifically for cats to prevent poisoning. Never give a cat alcohol, grapes, raisins, yeast dough, tomato leaves, chocolate, onions, garlic or chicken bones as these items can cause severe reactions in cats. Contrary to popular belief cats should not have milk since most of cats can not digest milk properly.

  2. Step 2

    Remove any potentially poisonous plants from any part of the home your cat has access to. A list of common poisonous plants can be found in the resources below.

  3. Step 3

    Make sure you have securely attached screens in all windows to prevent accidental falls or escapes.

  4. Step 4

    Assure that all string, yarn, ties, rubber bands and similar items are out of your cat’s reach as these items can cause serious damage to your cat's tongue and bowels.

  5. Step 5

    Keep cleaning agents, chemicals and medications out of your cats reach. Pay close attention to things that might appeal to your cat such as bug or mouse traps and anti-freeze. Invest in locks for the cupboard you store chemicals in if your cat is particularly curious.

  6. Step 6

    Prevent your cat from accessing your garage. Fluids leaked from a car and warm engines present a dangerous temptation to your pet.

  7. Step 7

    Move blind cords out of reach to prevent accidental strangulation.

  8. Step 8

    Place a collar with updated tags on your pet, particularly if your cat is allowed outdoors. If you allow your cat outdoors you may also want to consider an identification chip for your pet.

  9. Step 9

    Check your clothes drier prior to starting it to make sure your furry friend isn’t taking a secluded nap.

Tips & Warnings
  • Keep a list of your veterinarian, an animal hospital and a poison control hotline readily accessible in case of an emergency.
  • Purchase or assemble a first aid kit specific for your cat. Tips for assembling a kit can be found in the resources section below.l
  • Never induce vomiting in an animal unless specifically advised to do so by a professional animal care specialist.
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