Keep an eye on these few things in the home to watch out for around your pets.
- Electrical cords – Kittens are the most susceptible to chewing and the risk of electrocution or oral burns can be very high. Keep a close eye on young pets at all times and minimise any exposure to electrical cords.
- Chemicals – Chemicals are in every cleaning product, disinfectant, etc, and can be highly toxic; keep them shut away at all times and use a cat-safe disinfectant where possible.
- Coins – All coins, especially pennies, contain toxins such as zinc which are poisonous to animals if ingested.
- Plastic bags – Just as with babies and young children, keep plastic bags away from your cat at all times as the choking/suffocation risk is very high, as well as even getting caught in the handles.
- Batteries – These are extremely dangerous if ingested, so keep them well away from your pets.
- Carbon monoxide – Just as with humans, carbon monoxide is highly poisonous to your pet. Purchase a cheap carbon monoxide detector and monitor consistently.
- Medicines – Never let your pet get access to any medicines – just as with children, keep well out of reach.
- Prescribed medicines – Make sure any prescribed medicines for your cat are administered properly and to the right dosage. NEVER EXCEED STATED DOSAGE. If unsure, call your vet and check. Keep out of reach at all times so your pet doesn’t consume unwantedly.
- Paper shredders – Get a protective cover bar for your shredder to minimise risk, keep out of reach, and only turn on whilst your pet is not present. Use for paper only.
- Pine-oil cleaners – Most important for cats; pine-oil cleaners can cause serious liver damage from even the licking off a paw.
Either call your vet or take your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect your cat has been into contact with any of the above.
If you have just collected a kitten from a Cat Breeders Association registered cat breeder, then make sure you activate your 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collecting your kitten. Visit www.cat-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181 886.