You might have heard the phrase “curiosity killed the cat.” And this is true because cats are curious creatures. Unfortunately, their curiosity might land them in trouble or even death. As a pet parent, you need to be aware of common household items that can be toxic to your cat. To that end, Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic of Pinson, AL, has a list of things you should keep out of reach of your pets.
Household Plants
Cats love eating greenery. Unfortunately, some of these plants can lead to disastrous results. Tulips, lilies, daffodils, and foxglove are not cat-friendly. Additionally, Japanese yew is very toxic to cats, and even one bite of the leaves or petals can be fatal.
Cleaning Detergents
Symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing may crop up when your cat ingests cleaning products. To avoid this, keep all cleaning products away from your curious cat.
Human Medications
Just like you are advised to keep all medicines away from children, the same applies to your cat. If your cat ingests human medication, it can lead to kidney failure or even death.
Onions and Garlic
These popular foods can have disastrous results for your cat if it ingests a large amount. Onions and garlic contain a chemical that can cause damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia.
Chocolate
Most chocolates contain theobromine, which can cause heart arrhythmia, and even seizures in cats. Chocolate also contains caffeine which isn’t good for your cat.
Milk
This might surprise you, but it’s true. Most cats are lactose intolerant. Although milk isn’t life-threatening for cats, it may cause diarrhea and stomach upset symptoms.
Alcohol
Alcohol not only leads to symptoms like confusion and staggering, but it may cause liver damage in cats. Watch out for foods that have alcohol has an ingredient, which can harm your cat.
Schedule an Appointment with an Emergency Vet in Pinson, AL
The first line of defense in keeping your cat safe is by keeping all poisonous substances out of reach. But in the unfortunate event that your cat ingests something harmful, please visit Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic in Pinson, AL, right away for emergency pet care. Call us at (205) 681-1700 to schedule an appointment.