Everyday Dangers that will Kill your
Cat
Household
Things that will Kill your Cat
From an article entitled "Danger !" written
by Karla S. Rugh. D.V.M., Ph.D. as published in 'Cats USA,
2007'
The following list contains only some of the every-day household
items that will maime, injure or kill cats and kittens -
 Electrical cords -
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kitten teeth are sharp |
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one good bite on a cord that is plugged in and your
kitten can get electric shock, burns, neurological damage, heart and lung damage, any or all of which
can be fatal. |
Strings, threads, needles, cottons, pins, hair
clips, glider clips, rubber bands -
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if swallowed or chewed, they form wads that obstruct
your kitten's digestive tracts |
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Even a single strand of string or cotton can be
life-threatening |
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As it passes through the digestive tract, it can cut
into the intestines as they contract around it |
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Also, thin cords such as those found on draperies can
strangle a kitten |
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Kittens are drawn to them as a good
play-thing |
Poisons - the average household is full of
poisonous substances. For example -
House Plants
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(also see
below) can range from mildly toxic to deadly
|
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apricot fruit is not toxic,
but the leaves, twigs and kernel inside the pit contains deadly
cyanide.
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Chemical products -
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most chemicals including solvents,
paint thinners, gasoline, antifreeze and others are extremely toxic.
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Household cleaning supplies
-
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the unappealing smells and tastes of these highly
toxic products - detergent, bleach and other cleaners - may not keep your kitten
away.
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Lawn and garden products
-
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contact with fertilizers and herbicides can occur if
your kitten tears into a product container or licks its paws after walking through areas
where the products has been applied.
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Pesticides -
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products used to kill various types of pests - fleas,
ticks, mice, rats - can also kill your kitten.
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rodent
poisons are often incorporated into edible baits that can be dangerously - and sometimes
fatally - appealing.
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Our medications -
Foods - just because a food is safe for you to eat doesn't mean it's safe for your
kitten - see the list above for some of the examples of foods that are harmful to
cats.
Falls -
Motorized menances
-
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No doubt about it, cars, trucks, etc. are hazardous
to your kitten or cat's health. |
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Unless you have a specially designed cat play area
outside, your kitten is at risk every time it goes out-side. |
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Don't make the mistake of thinking the noise and
motion of cars on the street will scare your little friend away. |
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Under normal circumstances, it probably will, but in
an emergency - for instance, being chased by a large dog - your kitten will most likely dart into
traffic without hesitation. |
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And cars don't have to move to be dangerous. If your
kitten decides to curl up under the hood of your car, it could be seriously injured or killed when you
start up the engine! |
Don't assume a products' yukky smell or taste will keep your kitten
from sampling it - smell and tastes aren't always related to toxicity.
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