101 Things That Can Harm Your Cat

[PushPurrCatPaws]

I haven't read this whole thread, just the original list on page one, so I don't know if tape is mentioned. Particularly, duct tape, which has little threads running through it. My last cat was attracted to scotch tape, which I consider a digestive danger. And my current kitten Milly has a thing for wanting to chew on duct tape, yikes.

 

[Margret]

What about hair ties? Is it possible for a cat to swallow that?

Unless we're talking about a really BIG hair tie, I'd bet on it. Anything small that can catch on those tongue barbs is a danger.

Margret

 

[Margret]

I haven't read this whole thread, just the original list on page one, so I don't know if tape is mentioned. Particularly, duct tape, which has little threads running through it. My last cat was attracted to scotch tape, which I consider a digestive danger. And my current kitten Milly has a thing for wanting to chew on duct tape, yikes.

Sounds worrisome to me.

Margret

 

[alex and marshy]

My cat loves ketchup and he never seems to react to it. he once ate a bead when I was beading but luckily that passed and I was so grateful.

 

[Margret]

My cat loves ketchup and he never seems to react to it. he once ate a bead when I was beading but luckily that passed and I was so grateful.

As long as you don't let him have too much, a bit of ketchup should be okay. Don't let him have anything with onion or garlic in it, though. They're poisonous to cats, and most cats will carefully avoid them.

Beads would only be harmful if they're broken or made of something toxic: lead-based paint, for instance.

Margret

 

[angels4mom]

I don't let my cats play with twistie ties, rubber bands, the foil seal on some containers or the plastic one on milk jugs. As well as anything on a cat toy they can chew off. I remove mouse tails, ears and eyes. My kitten is especially hard on toys.

 

[xdcat]

My Mimi loves her silicon teething toy which is designed for babies. No small parts and designed for gnawing. I figure there is usually better safety quality control for baby toys. But obviously avoid teething rings, necklaces, and others that could strangle.
Also keep in mind xylitol is in many products including natural toothpaste and nasal spray. Always read labels.
We also leave the shower door open as she has trapped herself jumping in from counter when we weren't home.

 

[xdcat]

Also coins are serious business. Our cat Beans had to have surgery after swallowing a dime. Only found out he had done so when he had to have x-ray, so who knows how long it was rattling in his stomach. The danger is that they cannot pass even a small coin safely through their delicate intestines. When the dime was removed it was quite corroded by stomach acid with sharp edges. He is ok now, but surgery and recovery was quite an ordeal. Plus, cost over $1000, he is worth it but we take no chances letting any small objects accessible.

 

[amandad]

Is there a way to "Sticky" or "Pin" this post? 

Also, thank you so much for this! It's very helpful! I will look through all the other posts when I have time to see if some of my questions have been answered already.

 

[jcat]

Is there a way to "Sticky" or "Pin" this post? 

Also, thank you so much for this! It's very helpful! I will look through all the other posts when I have time to see if some of my questions have been answered already.

amandad It's already been "stickied", but the sticky box is only visible if you're using the desktop version of the site.

101 things sticky.png

• jcat
• Nov 8, 2015

 

[star-18]

Bread ties are harmful..my cat chews them into little pieces, I realized she could get an obstruction..she also loves to chew paper, she doesnt eat it just chews it into small pieces..I keep both away from her..

 

[amandad]

I see. Thank you so much! I didn't see that when I was looking at the forum last night. Then again, I was very tired while on the forum. lol. 

 

[lynne webster]

My beatiful girl, April, died three weeks ago from laryngeal cancer, which I believe was caused by inhaling toxins produced by a well-known carpet cleaner containing limonene. According to an article in "The Daily Mail" of 16th January (2016), tests done by Professor Alastair Lewis, of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of York, "when limonene is exposed to ozone- which is naturally present in the air-every two molecules of limonene could produce one molecule of formaldehyde, which is a known cause of cancer in humans, and is most closely linked with cancers of the nose and throat. At the very least, it can cause sore throats, coughs, stinging eyes and nosebleeds." I, to my eternal regret, was unaware of this, as I used the carpet cleaner on my hall and stairs.........Shortly after this, April`s nose started to run with a purulent discharge, which my vet diagnosed as sinusitis. Several courses of antibiotics and steroids followed, always with short-term effect, but none of us realised that it was rather rhinitis, caused, I am certain, by the carpet cleaner, which, according to Professor Lewis, accumulates in the carpet, and has a slow build up. April gradually started to lose weight, and eventually was admitted to the Glasgow Vet Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a high grade cancer of her throat. Despite receiving the best care in the world, she lost the fight three weeks ago, leaving us heartbroken amd consumed by guilt that we had, albeit unknowingly, had caused her death. When I spoke to Professor Lewis two days ago, he said that, while no studies had yet been carried out on animals, he felt that awareness should be raised about the levels of toxins produced by such cleaning products- toxins, which are more concentrated at floor level, and consequently at a much greater risk of being inhaled by small animals. Can I just add that my two other cats, who never ventured upstairs, have been completely asymptomatic- not a coincidence, I believe. So, please, please don`t use such products if you have little pets- April suffered terribly in the last weeks of her little life, so, please, spread the word to your animal-loving friends, while I blog, and harrass the Envoronmental Health people and anybody else I can think of, in order to raise awareness of this very serious issue.

 

[Margret]

My beatiful girl, April, died three weeks ago from laryngeal cancer, which I believe was caused by inhaling toxins produced by a well-known carpet cleaner containing limonene. According to an article in "The Daily Mail" of 16th January (2016), tests done by Professor Alastair Lewis, of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of York, "when limonene is exposed to ozone- which is naturally present in the air-every two molecules of limonene could produce one molecule of formaldehyde, which is a known cause of cancer in humans, and is most closely linked with cancers of the nose and throat. At the very least, it can cause sore throats, coughs, stinging eyes and nosebleeds." I, to my eternal regret, was unaware of this, as I used the carpet cleaner on my hall and stairs.........Shortly after this, April`s nose started to run with a purulent discharge, which my vet diagnosed as sinusitis. Several courses of antibiotics and steroids followed, always with short-term effect, but none of us realised that it was rather rhinitis, caused, I am certain, by the carpet cleaner, which, according to Professor Lewis, accumulates in the carpet, and has a slow build up. April gradually started to lose weight, and eventually was admitted to the Glasgow Vet Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a high grade cancer of her throat. Despite receiving the best care in the world, she lost the fight three weeks ago, leaving us heartbroken amd consumed by guilt that we had, albeit unknowingly, had caused her death. When I spoke to Professor Lewis two days ago, he said that, while no studies had yet been carried out on animals, he felt that awareness should be raised about the levels of toxins produced by such cleaning products- toxins, which are more concentrated at floor level, and consequently at a much greater risk of being inhaled by small animals. Can I just add that my two other cats, who never ventured upstairs, have been completely asymptomatic- not a coincidence, I believe. So, please, please don`t use such products if you have little pets- April suffered terribly in the last weeks of her little life, so, please, spread the word to your animal-loving friends, while I blog, and harrass the Envoronmental Health people and anybody else I can think of, in order to raise awareness of this very serious issue.

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for warning us about this.

Please forgive yourselves. You know April would; cats are very forgiving animals, and she knew that you would never deliberately hurt her.

Margret

 

[cuddlemum]

While I was at the vet the other day I was reading a brochure put out by the ASPCA called 101 things you didn't know could harm your pet. I don't know if there is a way to maybe make this a Sticky but there are a lot of things that are harmful that I wasn't aware of so I wanted to share it. Here it is.


101 Things You Didn't Know Could Harm Your Pet


Make your home a safer place for your pets by keeping them away from the following hazardous household items, plants, foods, objects, and trouble areas. If you think your pet has been exposed to a poisonous substance, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can help.


Call 1-888-426-4435, and consult with your veterinarian for follow-up care. It may save your petâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s life.



HAZARDS IN THE HOME


HOUSEHOLD ITEMS


1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)

2. Acetaminophen

3. Cold and flu medications

4. Antidepressants

5. Vitamins

6. Home insect products

7. Rat and mouse bait

8. Bleach

9. Diet pills

10. Disinfectants

11. Fabric softener

12. Lead

13. Lighter fluid

14. Mothballs

15. Anti-cancer drugs

16. Solvents (paint thinners, etc.)

17. Flea and tick products

18. Drain cleaners

19. Liquid potpourri

20. Slug and snail bait

21. Oven cleaner sprays

22. Lime/scale remover

23. Fly bait

24. Detergents

25. Tobacco products


PLANTS


Do you have any of these plants in or around your home? If so, make sure

theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re in places where your pets canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t reach them, or consider getting rid of them altogether.


26. Common Plants

Aloe

Amaryllis

Andromeda Japonica

Asian Lily

Asparagus Fern

Australian Nut

Autumn Crocus

Azalea

Belladonna

Bird of Paradise

Bittersweet (American and

European)

Black Locust

Branching Ivy

Buckeye

Buddhist Pine

Caladium

Calla Lily

Castor Bean

Ceriman

Clematis

Cordatum

Corn Plant

Cycads

Cyclamen

Daffodil

Daylily

Devilâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s Ivy

Dieffenbachia

Dumbcane

Easter Lily

Elephant Ears

Emerald Fern

English Ivy

Eucalyptus

Ferns

Fiddle-leaf Philodendron

Gold Dust Dracaena

Florida Beauty

Foxglove

Glacier Ivy

Gladiolas

Golden Pothos

Heavenly Bamboo

Honeysuckle

Hurricane Plant

Hyacinth

Hydrangea

Iris

Jerusalem Cherry

Jimson Weed

Kalanchoe

Lantana

Lilies (all Lilium species)

Lily of the Valley

Lupine

Marble Queen

Morning Glory

Mother-in-Law

Mountain Laurel

Narcissus

Needlepoint Ivy

Nephthysis

Nightshade

Oleander

Panda

Peace Lily

Philodendron

Poison Hemlock

Precatory Bean (rosary pea)

Privet

Red Emerald

Rhododendron

Ribbon Plant

Sago Palm

Satin Pothos

Scheffl era

Striped Dracaena

Sweetheart Ivy

Tulip

Water Hemlock

Wisteria

Yew

Yucca


HARMFUL FOODS

You should never let your dogs or cats eat any of these foods.

Be sure to store them where your pets canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t find them.


27. Avocados

28. Chocolate (all forms)

29. Coffee (all forms)

30. Onions & onion powder

31. Garlic

32. Grapes

33. Raisins

34. Macadamia nuts

35. Alcoholic beverages

36. Moldy/spoiled foods

37. Salt

38. Fatty foods

39. Gum, candies, or other foods sweetened with Xylitol

40. Tea leaves

41. Raw yeast dough


OBJECTS


These household objects can cause puncture wounds, choking, or internal organ damage to your pets. Make sure they arenâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t left lying around.


42. Balls (Especifically balls that are small or have a smooth outer coating)

43. Batteries

44. Bread twist ties

45. Buttons

46. Coins

47. Cotton swabs

48. Glass

49. Hair pins

50. Jewelry

51. Nylons

52. Paper clips

53. Plastic wrap

54. Socks

55. Rubber-bands

56. Sharp objects (knives, razors, scissors, nails, needles, etc.)

57. String, yarn, or dental floss

58. Towels

59. Wax



TROUBLE AREAS


Dogs and cats are more likely to be injured in these areas of your home. Keep your pets away from these places or watch them closely when theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re near them if you can.


60. Balconies - Tall balconies without safety railings, or railings spaced too far apart, can lead to a dangerous fall.


61. Bathtubs or sinks - Small pets can drown in full bathtubs or sinks.


62. Doors and windows - Dogs and cats can run away if they find an open door or window. They can also get seriously injured if they run across a busy road. Windows should have screens to prevent cats or other pets from falling out.


63. Electrical cords - Your pets can be electrocuted if they bite or chew on electrical cords that are plugged in.


64. Fireplace - Your pets can be burned by the flame or get sick if they eat the ashes.


65. Toilets - Toilet water is not healthy for pets to drink; always remember to close the lid. Make sure you leave plenty of clean, fresh water for your pets if you must leave them home alone.


66. Washer and Dryer - Your pets can crawl into a washer or dryer without your knowledge; close the doors to these appliances when youâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re not using them.


OUTSIDE THE HOME


Make sure your pets are safe as they enjoy the outdoors by keeping them away from these potential dangers.


OUTSIDE

67. Algae* - Can be found in ponds or other bodies of water; certain forms can be toxic.


68. Antifreeze/Coolant* - Some types of antifreeze or coolant products contain ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.


69. Fire pit/Grill - Flames can result in serious burns and ashes can cause illness if ingested.


70. Fences or gates - Your pets can run away if they find openings in damaged fences or gates. They can also get hurt or strangled if they get stuck.


71. Deck lattice - Your dogs or cats can get stuck in the openings under your deck and possibly be strangled.


72. De-icing salts - Some formulations may contain chemicals that are hazardous to pets if ingested in large amounts. Look for “pet-friendly†de-icing salts.


73. Compost (particularly if moldy)


74. Gasoline*


75. Oil*


76. Pesticides*


77. Cocoa bean shell mulch fertilizer*


78. Swimming pools and hot tubs - Never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools, even if they can swim.


79. Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are toxic to pets and should NEVER be given to them during the holidays or any other time.


*All contain chemicals that may cause serious illness depending on the circumstances of exposure.


HOLIDAY HAZARDS


Help your pets enjoy the holidays safely by keeping them away from potential problems on these special days.


VALENTINEâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]S DAY

80. Flowers and candy - Many types of flowers and plants found in bouquets are harmful to dogs and cats if they are ingested (see our list of hazardous plants). Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures, and, in severe cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal.


EASTER

81. Fake grass - This colorful “grass†may look appetizing to your pets, but it could cause them to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested.


82. Small toys and other plastic items - If swallowed, small toys and plastic Easter eggs can cause your pet to choke or even damage their intestinal tracts.


4th OF JULY

83. Fireworks - Fireworks can scare your pets making them run off, or cause serious

injuries if detonated near them. Many formulations are also toxic if ingested.


HALLOWEEN

84. Repeatedly opening doors to greet trick-or-treaters can increase the chances of your pets running out. Keep an eye on their whereabouts at all times. If feasible, keep cats in a secure area or closed room when opening doors.

85. Candles - Pets are naturally curious, and may be attracted to the bright lights of the flame in dark areas. Dogs and cats could either burn themselves by the flame or knock the candle over, starting a fire.

86. Xylitol - Candy or gum sweetened with Xylitol is toxic and should be kept away from your pet.


87. All forms of chocolate can be harmful to your pet, potentially resulting in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from the high fat content.


THANKSGIVING

88. Bones - Turkey, chicken, and other small animal bones are very different from the large bones you find at the pet store. These small bones splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if swallowed, so NEVER give them to your pet.


89. Hot containers - Your dog or cat will most likely become curious when they smell something cooking. Keep an eye on hot containers so that your pet does not tip them over and get burned.


CHRISTMAS

90. Holiday plants - Christmas rose, Holly, Lilies and Mistletoe are all toxic to dogs and cats.


91. Ribbons - It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your petâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s neck may cause them to choke.


92. Bubbling lights - Older forms of this attractive decoration may contain methylene chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical.


93. Fire salts - Contain chemicals that could be harmful to pets.


94. Angel hair (spun glass) - Can be irritating to eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.


95. Christmas tree water - Stagnant tree water or water containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.


96. Decoration hooks - Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.


97. Styrofoam - Can cause your pets to choke if swallowed.


98. Ornaments - These can look like toys to cats and dogs, but they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.


99. Tinsel - Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.


NEW YEARâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]S

100. Balloons and Confetti - These fun New Yearâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s party decorations can cause your pets to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested. Keep an eye on your pets when theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re around these items or move them to an area that is not decorated.


101. Loud noises - New Yearâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s is typically a noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises frighten pets and can cause them to run off. Keep your pets in a separate room, away from noisemakers, music, and other loud sounds that may startle them.

great list

 

[hatdance]

I saw a video of an endoscopic surgery where a dog had swallowed two socks. I guess cats might swallow all or part of one.

http://www.austinvet.net/endoscopic-sock-removal/

 

[PushPurrCatPaws]

I wanted to *bump* this thread for two reasons...

(1) It's a great thread and has lots of valuable information in it!

(2) I wanted to warn people who had cats who like to chew on various toys... be careful of the little attachment "hook" on GoCat "Mouse" & "Rat" toys (you use these toys with the wands that are also used for DaBird toys). These little cord-like, fibrous hooks can be chewed right off and swallowed. They are very sharp and pokey and could harm a cat's GI tract.

 

[Margret]

PushPurrCatPaws , a bump is a good idea.

May I suggest that you might also want to post a review of the GoCat toys?

Margret

 

[PushPurrCatPaws]

I am back visiting this thread again!

Milly took off with a nylon kitchen scrubbie in her mouth, thinking it was a superb TOY. I can easily see her gnawing on the thing and swallowing strings of nylon. Yikes!


I don't think anyone has brought up keeping your cat or kitten away from these kitchen scrubbies: