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As curious creatures, cats love to explore their surroundings, but unfortunately, this can sometimes lead them into dangerous situations. Many common household items, from cleaning products to certain foods, can be toxic to cats. As responsible pet owners, it's important to be aware of these potential hazards and take steps to protect our feline friends.
Here’s a guide for Australian cat owners on household poisons to watch out for and how to keep your cats safe.
### **1. Common Household Cleaners**
Many of the cleaning products we use daily can be harmful to cats if ingested, inhaled, or even if they come into contact with their skin.
- **Bleach:** Highly toxic to cats. It can cause vomiting, drooling, and difficulty breathing if ingested. Even inhaling the fumes can irritate their lungs.
- **Disinfectants with phenols:** These are commonly found in household cleaners like Dettol and Pine-O-Cleen. Cats can’t break down phenols properly, and exposure can lead to liver damage.
- **Toilet bowl cleaners:** Often contain chemicals like hydrochloric acid or bleach, which are dangerous if your cat drinks from the toilet.
**How to Protect Your Cat:**
- Keep cleaning products stored securely and out of reach.
- Always rinse and dry surfaces that have been cleaned before letting your cat near them.
- Consider using pet-safe cleaning alternatives like vinegar or baking soda.
### **2. Human Foods That Are Toxic to Cats**
While cats are obligate carnivores, they might still show interest in some of your food. Unfortunately, several common human foods can be harmful, even in small amounts.
- **Onions and garlic:** These can cause damage to your cat’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Even small amounts of onion or garlic powder (such as in some gravies or sauces) can be toxic.
- **Chocolate:** Contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats. Symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhoea to seizures and heart problems.
- **Grapes and raisins:** Even a small amount can cause kidney failure in cats.
- **Alcohol and caffeine:** Even tiny amounts of alcohol or caffeinated beverages can be lethal to cats, affecting their central nervous system and leading to respiratory failure.
**How to Protect Your Cat:**
- Keep all human food securely stored and out of your cat’s reach.
- Be cautious when preparing food that contains ingredients toxic to cats, and never share these foods with your pet.
### **3. Toxic Plants**
Australia is home to a wide variety of plants, many of which can be dangerous if ingested by cats.
- **Lilies (especially Easter, Day, and Tiger lilies):** All parts of the plant, including pollen, are extremely toxic and can cause kidney failure in cats.
- **Aloe Vera:** While beneficial for humans, aloe vera can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy in cats.
- **Sago Palm:** These popular houseplants are highly toxic, causing liver failure if even a small amount is eaten.
**How to Protect Your Cat:**
- Familiarise yourself with any plants you have in your home or garden, and remove or relocate those that are harmful to cats.
- If you’re unsure about a plant’s toxicity, consult with your vet or check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.
### **4. Medications**
Never give your cat human medication, and be sure to store all medicines securely, as even a small amount of some drugs can be deadly.
- **Paracetamol (acetaminophen):** Just one tablet can cause liver damage and death in cats.
- **Ibuprofen and aspirin:** Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and other serious issues in cats.
- **Antidepressants and sleep aids:** These medications can cause severe symptoms, including tremors, seizures, and heart problems if ingested by cats.
**How to Protect Your Cat:**
- Store all medications in a secure place, away from pets.
- Never leave pills lying around, and be cautious when opening medicine containers.
### **5. Pest Control Products**
Many Australian homes use products to control pests, such as rodents, insects, and weeds. However, these can pose serious risks to cats if not used carefully.
- **Rodenticides (rat bait):** These products can cause internal bleeding, neurological damage, or kidney failure in cats if ingested.
- **Insecticides and flea treatments not designed for cats:** Some dog flea treatments contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats.
- **Herbicides:** These chemicals can be harmful if cats come into contact with freshly sprayed lawns or gardens.
**How to Protect Your Cat:**
- Use pest control products that are specifically labelled as safe for pets.
- When using herbicides or rodenticides, keep your cat indoors and away from treated areas until it’s safe.
### **6. Essential Oils**
Many people use essential oils for aromatherapy or as natural cleaning agents, but certain oils can be harmful or even deadly to cats.
- **Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil:** These oils can cause neurological symptoms, liver damage, and breathing difficulties in cats, even if just inhaled.
**How to Protect Your Cat:**
- Avoid using essential oils around your cat, especially in diffusers or on their skin.
- Store essential oils in a secure place and ensure your cat doesn’t come into contact with them.
### **What to Do If Your Cat Is Exposed to a Poison**
If you suspect your cat has ingested or been exposed to a toxic substance, it’s critical to act quickly:
1. **Remove your cat from the source of the toxin** and ensure they can’t access it again.
2. **Call your vet immediately** or the 24/7 Animal Poisons Centre in Australia on 1300 869 738 for advice.
3. **Do not try to induce vomiting** unless directed to by a vet, as this can sometimes cause more harm than good.
4. **Monitor your cat closely** for signs of poisoning, which may include vomiting, drooling, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or seizures.
### Final Thoughts
While our homes may seem safe, many common items can pose a threat to curious cats. By being aware of household poisons and taking preventive measures, you can help ensure your cat’s environment is as safe as possible. If in doubt, always consult with your vet to ensure the safety of your feline friend.
At Snuffles, we prioritise the health and well-being of all our cats. If you have any concerns about your cat’s health or potential exposure to toxins, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for expert advice.
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